Christopher Attar advises high-net-worth individuals, founders, business owners, and family offices on complex income and estate tax planning, wealth transfer, and business succession matters, including Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) planning.

Chris works with clients to develop and implement tax-efficient strategies for preserving and transferring wealth across generations. His practice includes the structuring of trusts and family investment entities, estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning, and the tax considerations associated with transferring ownership of closely held businesses. He also advises on the formation and structuring of family offices and provides ongoing tax counsel to families and their advisors.

Chris regularly advises founders and business owners in anticipation of significant liquidity events, including the sale of privately held businesses. He helps clients evaluate and implement strategies to maximize after-tax proceeds, addressing transaction structure, federal and state income tax considerations, and opportunities for estate and wealth transfer planning before a sale.

Chris has extensive experience advising founders and investors on Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) planning under Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code. He assists clients with structuring businesses to qualify for and maximize the QSBS gain exclusion, including strategies involving entity conversions, trusts, and planning in anticipation of liquidity events.

Before rejoining Bodman, Chris served as a lead tax attorney at General Motors, advising on strategic transactions, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and cross-border transactions. Earlier in his career, he practiced in Bodman’s Business and Tax Practice Groups, advising on mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions, and other tax planning matters. Chris began his career as a tax attorney at PwC advising on state income tax matters.

Honors, Awards, and Recognition

• DBusiness Magazine “Top Lawyers” 2027, Tax Law
• Michigan Rising Stars 2020, 2026, Tax

Civic, Cultural, and Community Activities

• Children’s Hospital of Michigan Board Member

Professional Affiliations

• State Bar of Michigan
  • Taxation Section Council Member

Publications

• “Using trusts to maximize the benefits of qualified small business stock in the US,” GGI FYI Trust & Estate Planning News, June 2026

Related News

• 08/19/202655 Bodman Attorneys Listed in Michigan Super Lawyers 2026
• 08/06/2025Christopher Attar and Catherine Kokotovich Rejoin Bodman PLC as Members
• 02/08/20182018 Tax Reform Update | Understanding the New "Qualified Business Income Deduction"
• 02/02/20182018 Tax Reform Update | Understanding the Changes Affecting Tax-Exempt Organizations
• 08/15/2017Bodman Volunteers Help Life Remodeled Beautify Detroit