Overview
Jennifer Hallos is a Principal attorney at McCarthy Lebit. Her practice focuses on estate planning, business succession planning, and taxation.
Jennifer has extensive experience in her field, reviewing estate plans; drafting wills, trusts, etc.; estate and trust administration; tax research and consulting; and managing tax controversy at the federal, state, and local levels.
She is passionate about helping her clients through problem-solving and creative solutions. Her main goals for her clients are to alleviate worry, protect assets, and minimize tax exposure while maintaining simplicity. She finds her job especially rewarding when she is able to give clients peace of mind by solving their problems.
Jennifer attended Kent State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting, summa cum laude. She subsequently earned her Master of Taxation degree from the University of Akron and her Juris Doctor from the University of Akron School of Law, where she was the recipient of the Board of Trustees’ Scholarship. Jennifer also previously taught tax and accounting classes as an adjunct professor at Hiram College.
When she's not practicing law, she enjoys yoga, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Paul, their three children, Olivia, Hudson, and Landon, and their dogs.
Why McCarthy Lebit?
More Than A Firm. A Champion of Your Potential.
When Jennifer Hallos made the decision to join McCarthy Lebit, she was at a pivotal point in her career. She was weighing a significant professional move while navigating the demands of life with a young child at home. She needed a firm that understood both sides of that equation.
“I chose McCarthy Lebit because they place value on each attorney’s unique experience, and they understood that I couldn’t compromise on what matters most. Making a career move at such an important time was not an easy decision, but the support I’ve experienced here has affirmed my decision. I’ve been able to successfully build a practice that has grown beyond what I thought was possible, and that growth started with the belief the firm placed in me from day one," shared Jennifer.
For Jennifer, McCarthy Lebit represents more than just a career move, it’s proof that ambition and personal priorities don't have to work against each other. Here, attorneys have the support to build meaningful practices on their own terms.
Awards
- The Best Lawyers in America®, 2022-2026
- Ohio Business Magazine, "Ohio Leading Lawyers," 2024-2025
- Crain's Cleveland Business, "Notable Women in Law," 2024
Affiliations
- University of Akron Master of Tax Governance Board, Member
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Member
- Ohio State Bar Association, Member
- Tax Club of Cleveland
- Estate Planning Council of Cleveland
- Women in Finance, Co-Founder & Director
- Piece by Peace, Director
- Hiram College, Former Adjunct Professor
Articles
- "Charitable Deductions Impacted by the OBBB," McCarthy Lebit's The More Report, April 2026
- "Secure Your Legacy With a Solid Succession Plan," McCarthy Lebit's The More Report, December 2025
- "Seek Legal Counsel When Preparing Will, Estate Plan," Cleveland Jewish News, September 2025
- "Why Every Small Business Needs a Trust," McCarthy Lebit's The More Report, August 2025
- "Secure Your Legacy with a Solid Succession Plan,” Crain’s Cleveland Business Wealth Management Guide, July 2025
- "Estate Planning for Professionals," Currents Magazine, November 2024
- "Estate Planning for Professionals," McCarthy Lebit's The More Report, October 2024
- "Navigating the Transition to Adulthood: A Legal Guide for Parents," McCarthy Lebit's The More Report, June 2024
- "Risks of DIY Estate Planning," McCarthy Lebit's The More Report, February 2024
- "Preparing for Certainties in Life (Death & Taxes): Part 3 - When to Update Your Estate Plan," McCarthy Lebit's The More Report, January 2022
- "Preparing for Certainties in Life (Death & Taxes): Part 2 - Reaping the Benefits of Asset Planning During Life and After Death," McCarthy Lebit's The More Report, December 2021
- "Preparing for Certainties in Life (Death & Taxes): Part 1 - Breaking Down the Estate Planning Process," McCarthy Lebit's The More Report, December 2021
- "Does My College-Aged Child Really Need An Estate Plan?," McCarthy Lebit's The More Report, August 2021
- "Dangers of Release of Claims Provision in Deferred Compensation Plans," Jennifer R. Hallos & Gary A. Zwick, Vol.5 No. CMBA Law Journal 11, 2013
Presentations
- Trust & Estate Seminar, Key Private Bank, February 2024
- "Ohio Law Update," 47th Annual Estate Planning Institute, October 2020
Client Testimonials
"Many of the advisors in our firm have partnered with Jen to support our clients’ estate and financial planning needs. She has been an exceptional resource, helping ensure our clients stay on track to achieve their goals. Jen’s depth of knowledge is truly impressive, but what sets her apart is her ability to clearly communicate complex concepts in a way clients can easily understand. Her genuine care, diligence, and commitment to both our clients and our team are second to none. We are consistently impressed by the quality of her work and the meaningful value she delivers."
"My mother was in hospice at the time I met Jen. During a meeting with her, she rested her hand on mine and assured me that she would be by our sides to help manage her passing. Jen kindly told me to go be with my mom. That exchange touched my sad heart. Her kindness and compassion confirmed to me that she was the trust and estate attorney l would work with going forward."
"Jen Hallos represented my mother, she represents me, and she also represents my son. It is now a three generation attorney/client relationship. It’s important to me to have my son represented by an attorney of Jen’s integrity and compassion. Jen assured my son that she will be there for him as he goes through life. As a parent, that is comforting to know that she will be by his side."
"At a VERY tough point in my life I reached out to Jen Hallos to help me protect me and my family from financial ruin. Jen and her team were ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL! I would HIGHLY recommend them for any of your legal needs. In another instance, a member of my family was in a position no one should ever have to be in, Jen referred us to a fellow team member and that situation was handled professionally, quickly, and with complete satisfaction. If you need legal assistance, there simply is no better firm than Jen and her team! Every single person I have recommended to Jen and her firm has been well taken care of! I consider Jen a member of my "team" that helped me through difficult times, and my family and I will be forever grateful!"
"I am so impressed by Jen Hallos that I wanted to take a moment to publicly express what a wonderful job she did assisting us with our estate plan. Her knowledge is exceptional, and she answered all of our questions promptly and counseled us on our best options moving forward in retirement. We are completely at ease after everything Jen has done for us and set us on our path to retirement and the future of our family. I suggest that if you are looking to get your plan in order, to reach out to Jen Hallos. She will not disappoint you."
Practice Area(s)
Education
Admissions
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
United States Tax Court
- Certified Public Accountant, Inactive
More From This Professional
Read recent thought leadership contributed by this professional.