Joshua Rubenstein

Partner and National Chair, Private Wealth Department,  Katten Muchin Rosenman
Location: New York, North America, USA,
Expertise: Tax, Private Client Litigation, Contentious Trusts, Charities, Estate Planning, Art Advisory,
oshua S. Rubenstein – Citywealth Leaders List (Katten) picture

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Latest Article

When taxes rise, wealth moves: a new era for UK and US succession planning

As UK inheritance tax rules expand and US policy evolves, advisers are reassessing how internationally mobile families should approach wealth, residence and succession planning.

Read more

Latest Review

Peer review:
Josh is a global giant of international trust litigation and estate planning. He needs no introduction but for what it's worth I consider him to be the global leader in the field.
Robin Rathmell - Kobre & Kim
12 Feb 2021

Profile

Joshua Rubenstein is a leading New York-based UHNW estate planning attorney with more than three decades of experience advising wealthy individuals, families, and family offices on complex succession and tax matters. Recognised globally as one of the foremost experts in private client law, he works with entrepreneurs, international families, and trustees to create robust estate and trust structures that preserve wealth across generations.

His practice focuses on cross-border estate planning, U.S. and international taxation, charitable giving, and dispute resolution involving trusts and estates. Joshua is particularly known for handling high-profile cases that involve multi-jurisdictional assets, sophisticated tax strategies, and sensitive family dynamics. He provides pragmatic yet innovative solutions tailored to ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients whose needs extend beyond standard estate planning.

In addition to his advisory work, Joshua is a frequent speaker at global conferences and has published extensively on trust and estate topics. He has been quoted in leading financial and legal publications and regularly contributes thought leadership on emerging issues such as global mobility, family governance, and the evolving role of philanthropy in wealth management. His reputation for clarity, discretion, and technical expertise has earned him recognition in multiple international rankings and awards.

Joshua’s clients include prominent families, multinational business owners, private investors, and family offices seeking sophisticated strategies to safeguard and transition wealth. His ability to navigate the interplay of tax, law, and family considerations sets him apart as a trusted advisor in this specialist field.

Whether addressing complex U.S. estate tax issues, advising on charitable foundations, or structuring international trusts, Joshua brings both deep technical knowledge and a practical understanding of family dynamics. Based in New York, he continues to be a sought-after authority for UHNW clients and their advisors worldwide.

Read Joshua Rubenstein speaker thoughts at the Citywealth Forum

Three words that describe me: Private Wealth decathlete

Latest intelligence and articles from Katten Muchin Rosenman

New York‘s wealthy start planning early in election year: New York‘s private wealth industry is flourishing as overseas billionaires continue to relocate to the city and domestic clients start looking at their structures in anticipation of the Presidential election in November.

Read on

Citywealth recognises Joshua S. Rubenstein as a leading authority in private wealth and estate planning law. With decades of experience advising ultra-high-net-worth families, he is known for precision, pragmatism and trust. As Partner and National Chair of Katten’s Private Wealth Department in New York, Joshua unites planning, administration and litigation under one practice. His global outlook, calm leadership and technical expertise continue to set the benchmark for international estate and trust law.

Citywealth recognises Joshua S. Rubenstein as one of the world’s leading authorities in private wealth and estate planning law. Based in New York, and with decades of experience advising ultra-high-net-worth families, he is known for his precision, pragmatism and trust. As Partner and National Chair of Katten’s Private Wealth Department, Joshua unites planning, administration and litigation under one practice. His global outlook, calm leadership and technical expertise continue to set the benchmark for international estate and trust law.

Contact

50 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10020-1605

Reviews

Peer review:
Josh is a global giant of international trust litigation and estate planning. He needs no introduction but for what it's worth I consider him to be the global leader in the field.
Robin Rathmell - Kobre & Kim
12 Feb 2021
Peer review:
He is the very best in Estate Planning.
Ellen S. Baker - Baker Aurora LLC
14 Jan 2020
Peer review:
I consider Josh to be a premier advisor for international private client matters. He is highly regarded by ACTEC Fellows as a go -to counsellor. I would not hesitate to entrust my own affairs to Josh.
Andrew H Weinstein - Holland & Knight
14 Jan 2020
Peer review:
Josh is consummate professional. He is comfortable dealing with the myriad of issues that a private wealth advisor must help a client negotiate. He is creative and is laser focused on the critical issues that need to be addressed as well as the risk/rewards of alternative approaches. The Josh that you talk to is the Josh you see on stage; there is no pretension. He is genuinely interest in assisting peers. He is self- assured but not pompous. He is a valued colleague who values working with others.
Gabe M. Wolosky - Prager Metis CPAs LLC
11 Apr 2019
Private Client review:
I am a lawyer in the family office of a wealthy family. Twice I have asked Joshua to represent one of our family members in a complicated trust matter. In all instances his work product was excellent, the family members involved were very happy with the representation and the other professionals in this office found him not only highly professional but also easy to work with.
Bruce Crockwe - The Hillman Company
11 Apr 2019
Institutional Client review:
Josh has given his time for the benefit of a significant number of not-for-profit organizations, large and not so large. The quality of his presentations is first rate plus.
Thomas M Gray - Western Connecticut Health Network
11 Apr 2019
Private Client review:
Josh Rubinstein is top of the hill and a credit to his profession
Gordon Dalzell - Factotum executive services ltd
03 Apr 2019
Peer review:
Joshua's knowledge of the law is staggering. But that is not all. He is able to relate that specific legal knowledge to the whole body of the Western cannon. He also has fabulous people skills. All in all, Joshua is an incredible lawyer.
Ephraim Rubenstein - Rubenstein Fine Arts
01 Apr 2019
Private Client review:
My experience with Josh and my clients has always been great. I would recommend Josh to any client!
Sandy Lesser - Oppenheimer & Co Inc
01 Apr 2019
Peer review:
Josh is very knowledgeable and personable. He is always looking to be at the forefront of the latest strategies and information about changes that will impact his clients. He has a way of keep each client feeling like they are his most important client.
Ella Newman - PH Robb Legacy Alliance
11 Mar 2019
Peer review:
JOSHUA IS A PREMIER INTERNATIONAL TRUSTS & ESTATES LAWYER. HE IS PEER RESPECTED AND APPRECIATED BY HIS CLIENTS. HIS GUIDANCE IS ALWAYS EXCELLENT AND IS BACKED BY SUBSTANCE.
Andrew Weinstein - Holland Knight
08 Mar 2019
Peer review:
Superlative . A true expert in the private client field . His years of experience and his first rate knowledge make him the go to attorney in the US for all private client matters . At the very peak of the profession .
Andrew Young - Balmor Family Office Advisory , Dubai
08 Mar 2019

Case Studies

Resolving estate, trust, family and tax disputes
  • Estate, personal and tax planning
  • Estate, trust and entity administration
  • Resolving estate, trust, family and tax disputes in state, federal and foreign courts
  • Cross-border trust and estate issues
  • Meet Rubenstein at the Citywealth Forum in London
  • Read Rubenstein’s latest thoughts on UHNW migration from the Citywealth Weekly
  • Joshua S. Rubenstein has successfully resolved high-value estate and trust disputes involving complex international assets and multi-generational families.

Articles

When taxes rise, wealth moves: a new era for UK and US succession planning

As UK inheritance tax rules expand and US policy evolves, advisers are reassessing how internationally mobile families should approach wealth, residence and succession planning.

Read more
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.

Read more
Private Jets: When Tax Policy Moves the Market

From Trump’s bonus depreciation to Canada’s abandoned luxury tax, policy is shaping private aviation.

Read more
Private wealth, family offices and the next phase of digital assets

Cayman update: As Cayman consolidates its role as a global centre for private wealth, family offices are navigating a changing landscape shaped by governance reform, ESG realism and the cautious integration of digital assets.

Read more
US Wealth Migration to Italy Surges: Flat Tax Regime rise, Trust Challenges and Forced Heirship Risks in 2026

Italy has attracted growing numbers of high-net-worth individuals and families relocating from abroad, including a significant and ongoing proportion from the United States.

Read more
The new politics of art. Who gains and who loses when artworks become statements

Is politically charged art an asset or a liability for artists, collectors and institutions?

Read more
Swiss Private Wealth Update: Inheritance Tax Referendum, Trust M&A and PTC Planning

Switzerland is grappling with a controversial inheritance tax initiative at the same time as its trust and wealth industries consolidate and international competition for mobile UHNW capital intensifies.

Read more
How sudden loss exposes estate planning gaps

Recent events, from the death of Charlie Kirk, which leaves questions over foundation succession, to the investigations surrounding Mike Lynch’s fatal yacht accident, and the sudden passing of actor Matthew Perry, underline the unpredictable nature of loss.

Read more
Private Client Law and Accounting 2025: The Best and Worst Rules for Wealth, Tax and Estate Planning

As the UK faces a potentially tax-heavy Autumn Budget and the US prepares for sweeping sunset changes to estate tax laws, top lawyers and accountants share which rules they praise, which they condemn, and what reforms could reshape private client work in 2025.

Read more
Elder Law 2025: a global challenge for an ageing, wealthier world

The world is getting older and richer. There are now more than 800 million people aged over 65 globally, a figure expected to surpass 1.5 billion by 2050, according to the United Nations.

Read more
Trust governance at scale: why ultra-wealthy families are turning to PTCs

A case that reignited debate on trust control and governance

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Citywealth Forum 2026 – Speaker: Joshua S. Rubenstein – Chair, Katten Muchin Rosenman

Meet Joshua Rubenstein, Chair at Katten Muchin Rosenman, providing integrated wealth management services for high-net-worth individuals.

Read more
Citywealth Forum 2025 speaker spotlight: Joshua Rubenstein

Partner & National Chair of Private Wealth at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, New York.

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Supercars, Storage and Strategy: Inside the high-octane world of investment-grade automotive wealth

As collectible cars gain ground as serious investment-grade assets, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) are increasingly turning to advanced wealth structures to manage and preserve their automotive portfolios.

Read more
Wealth in Transition. US Trends for 2022

With financial analysts trying to predict what 2022 will look like globally, Citywealth placed a magnifying glass on the United States, talking about its wealth trends.

Read more

Awards

2021 Magic Circle Awards
Lawyer of the Year
2024 Powerwomen Awards
SILVER - International Mentor of the Year

Commendations

Top 25 Wills & Estate Advisors 2024
Top 100 International Private Client Litigation Lawyers 2022, 2023
Top 20 Men in Private Wealth Management 2020
Top 15 Leadership Dream Team USA 2022
Citywealth's Top 100 trust litigators and polymaths
IWD 2019 Transatlantic Selection
Spring 2017 Top Star Rated: Top 50 editor's choice