Citywealth Leaders List, 60 second interview – Joshua Rubenstein, Katten
This week’s 60 seconds Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to Joshua Rubenstein, Partner and National Chair at Katten Muchin Rosenman.
Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
As Global Chair of Katten’s Private Wealth practice, I lead a team of nearly 50 high-performing attorneys focused on serving our clients by protecting the wealth and interests of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices worldwide. We offer integrated planning, administration and litigation counseling — a key differentiator in the trusts and estates space — designed to preserve wealth over generations. We approach planning and administration with an eye toward minimizing litigation risk, and handle litigation with a view toward identifying planning opportunities. And we manage the challenges arising from family dynamics and devise sophisticated strategies and solutions to resolve issues and disputes for our clients, with the utmost discretion.
What does a typical day look like for you?
On any given day, you’ll find me talking to clients, reviewing planning documents. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is or what time zone my clients are in, when they call, I pick up. I pride myself on being responsive. My calendar is packed with speaking engagements and conferences. It’s important to make time to share industry knowledge and connect with people at these events. I also spend significant time at the firm mentoring attorneys and nurturing talent. I am proud to see so many attorneys over the years grow, excel and advance in their careers at Katten and beyond.
Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.
Increasingly, I am fielding requests from US-based clients on how to protect themselves, their families and their assets from unpredictable, capricious government behavior, whether that be to move assets, to create non-US structures, and/or to move themselves.
What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?
In today’s world, change is constant, and nothing can really be set in stone. My clients have to assume that circumstances will change and that almost any decision could later be second-guessed or even challenged. My role is to help them plan with that reality in mind. Structures need to be more flexible than ever, and must include clearly defined mechanisms for making changes and spell out the process for doing so in advance. I also stress strong record-keeping and documentation, so that if decisions are ever reviewed, they can be understood in the context in which they were made.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
I am honored to lead Katten’s global Private Wealth practice and have been fortunate to receive awards for my work. But I think my proudest moment came from a personal recognition. My father was an accomplished, preeminent trusts and estates litigator, and early in my career, people referred to me as his son. One day, we were both in court when a clerk referred to him and said, “That’s Josh’s father.” It was a small moment but meaningful nonetheless.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
The ability to truly listen. Being a good listener builds trust and strengthens culture because it allows people to feel genuinely heard without interruption. Listening doesn’t mean you have to agree with what is being said, but it shows you respect the other person and their perspective. Once people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to be engaged, to consider any advice you give, and to accept difficult decisions.
Who do you most admire and why?
My grandfather was the judge of the Kings County Surrogate’s Court in Brooklyn, New York. My great-grandfather was the Kings County alderman in charge of estate taxes. Counting my father, I’m a fourth-generation private client attorney. They all have inspired me and helped shape me into the lawyer I am today.
Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
I just returned from meetings in the UK and Scotland, and I will be returning soon to the UK for more meetings. The UK seems to be my home away from home.
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
Hands down: I’d be a professional musician. Music is such a passion of mine. I play several instruments, with piano and guitar being my strongest. At professional conferences, it’s become something of a tradition — sometimes I’ll bring out my guitar and play, and other times we’ll convince the hotel pianist to call it a night so I can take over and play song requests. So, for now, you could say I moonlight as one.
How do you relax after a long day?
After a long hard day, I like to relax by catching up on the New York Times online puzzles!
Joshua Rubenstein’s Citywealth Leaders List profile
Katten’s Citywealth Leaders List profile
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Read more:
Citywealth 15 Years in Private Wealth Sector: A Journey – Citywealth
Citywealth Forum 2025 speaker spotlight: Joshua Rubenstein
Katten publishes Issue 11 of ESG Guidepost
Katten Welcomes John Collins to Its Team
Katten Muchin Rosenman: A Leader in Wealth Planning
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