Bentley J. Bender

Bentley J. Bender is an attorney with Riezman Berger whose practice includes tax and estate planning, trust litigation, bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, commercial litigation, and business transactions. Bender works with clients on estate and tax issues that can involve planning, administration, disputes, and significant financial consequences. His broader litigation and business background supports an estate planning practice that can address related concerns involving trusts, creditors, business interests, and contested matters.

Bender earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors from Tulane University, studying political science and psychology. He received his Juris Doctorate from Washington University School of Law in 2004, where he earned academic distinctions including the Phillip Gallop Award, a CALI Award for Academic Excellence, and Dean’s List recognition. He later completed a Master of Laws in Taxation at Washington University in 2007, strengthening his preparation for tax-sensitive estate and business planning matters.

Bender’s work spans planning and litigation. He advises on tax and estate planning while handling trust disputes, creditor issues, bankruptcy matters, commercial litigation, and business transactions. The combination gives him experience with matters that can move from advance planning into contested proceedings when disagreements arise. His taxation training is particularly relevant when estate structures, trust administration, business ownership, or other planning choices carry significant tax implications that require careful legal analysis.

Bentley J. Bender is admitted in Missouri and Illinois and participates in several professional organizations, including the American Bar Association and Missouri Bar Association. His practice brings together estate planning, tax knowledge, trust litigation, and commercial experience, allowing him to address closely related legal and financial issues within one professional background. Clients with planning or dispute concerns benefit from a practice that considers the legal structure, tax consequences, and potential litigation risks surrounding important assets and obligations.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal, Riezman Berger, P.C.
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, The Missouri Bar
• Member, Louisiana State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Jackson County Bar Association
• Member, Bankruptcy Association of Southern Illinois
• Member, Mensa

Licensed State

• Illinois
• Missouri
• Louisiana

Education

• Washington University School of Law
  Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation
• Washington University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Tulane University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges