Biography
Bernard J. Toussaint has been advising clients for over 30 years in the areas of commercial real estate, corporate law, complex business matters and commercial loan transactions. He also counsels clients on their estate planning needs and handles decedents’ estates and trust administration.Bernie’s commercial real estate practice includes sales and acquisitions of office, retail, warehouse and industrial properties, apartment buildings and land. He has extensive experience negotiating and preparing leases for commercial property from both a landlord’s and tenant’s perspective. He has handled the legal aspects of condominium development, sale and leaseback arrangements and construction and design contracts. Bernie advises business clients on a broad range of transactional matters including entity formation, business mergers, acquisitions and sales, joint ventures, shareholder agreements, LLC operating agreements, business financing through secured borrowing, letters of credit and private equity. He also counsels his clients on their employment matters including employment agreements, confidentiality agreements and dispute resolution.
Bernie brings to bear his many years of experience in the practice of law to deliver workable, practical solutions to his clients’ estate planning needs. He is dedicated to ensuring that his clients’ estate plans reflect precisely their goals and aspirations for their loved ones. Toward that end, Bernie’s estate planning practice includes preparation of wills, living trusts, powers of attorney for property and health care, irrevocable trusts and business succession planning. He also handles decedents’ estates through the probate process and trust administration.
Practices
Commercial Litigation and Business Disputes
Real Estate Litigation and Transactional Services
Wills, Trusts and Estates
Memberships & Affiliations
- Illinois State Bar Association
- DuPage Estate Planning Council
Awards
- Selected for inclusion in Leading Lawyers, 2024-2025
Publications
- Note, The Double Jeopardy Clause Expanded: Harsher Sentences on Retrial Prohibited in Bifurcated Capital Offense Hearings – Bullington v. Missouri, 31 DePaul L. Rev. 623 (1982).
News
January 10, 2025
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Recognized as Leading Lawyers and Emerging Lawyers for 2025
Fifty-three Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 edition of Leading Lawyers, published by Law Bulletin Media. This honor highlights their outstanding skill and leadership in the legal field. Attorneys selected were nominated by their peers as among the top in Illinois. Leading Lawyers recognizes the most qualified and trusted attorneys within their respective practice areas and geographical regions.
Chicago, March 31, 2020
CARES Act - Quick Help for Small Businesses
We encourage our clients in all industries to consider these questions as the economic ramifications of COVID-19 continue to be felt by all.
