The History of McPherson Law Offices

Malcolm C. McPherson

Malcolm C. McPherson is a highly respected attorney with deep roots in the Freeport community and a distinguished career spanning several decades. A graduate of Freeport High School, Malcolm pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law. His dedication to service extends beyond the legal field, having proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army.

Throughout his career, Malcolm has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the legal profession. He has served as President of the Stephenson County Bar Association and was appointed as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois, reflecting his outstanding legal acumen and dedication to public service.

Malcolm specializes in Estate Planning and Administration, Wills, Trusts, and Agricultural Real Estate, offering clients a wealth of experience in managing and preserving their assets. His expertise is particularly notable in the area of estate tax, where he has extensive experience navigating both Illinois and federal estate tax laws. Malcolm’s deep understanding of these complex tax issues allows him to craft sophisticated strategies aimed at minimizing tax liabilities and maximizing the wealth passed on to future generations.

As a member of the Stephenson County Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association, Malcolm remains actively involved in the legal community, continuously honing his skills and staying at the forefront of developments in his areas of practice. His reputation for integrity, professionalism, and personalized service has made him a cornerstone of McPherson Law Offices and a trusted advisor to clients throughout the region.

Outside of his legal practice, Malcolm enjoys a well-rounded life filled with family, gardening, golf, and travel. His passion for these activities mirrors the same dedication and attention to detail that he brings to his work, making him not only a skilled attorney but also a valued member of the community.

Heather A. McPherson

Heather McPherson is a highly accomplished attorney with a distinguished career dedicated to estate planning, estate and trust administration, and wealth preservation. Her deep expertise and commitment to excellence have earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor for clients and other attorneys seeking sophisticated legal strategies to protect their assets and ensure their legacies endure.

Heather graduated with a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School in 2001, following her undergraduate studies at Beloit College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Management with a minor in Legal Studies. A native of Freeport, Illinois, and a graduate of Freeport High School, Heather’s strong ties to her community have shaped her professional journey.

Since joining McPherson Law Offices in 2001, Heather has become a cornerstone of the firm, specializing in complex estate planning, probate estate and trust administration, and real estate transactions, with a particular emphasis on agricultural properties. Her practice also includes navigating the intricacies of both Illinois and federal estate tax laws, ensuring that her clients’ estates are managed efficiently and with the least possible tax burden.

Heather is admitted to practice law in Illinois, Florida, and Wisconsin, and before the United States Tax Court and the United States Supreme Court. She is an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Florida Bar Association, and the Wisconsin State Bar Association. Her regional practice is marked by her meticulous attention to detail and a client-centered approach, which has consistently resulted in successful outcomes for those she represents.

Heather's leadership extends beyond her legal practice. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for ISBA Mutual Insurance Company and has held the position of Treasurer for the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) and Secretary. Elected to the ISBA Board of Governors, Heather has been instrumental in shaping policy through her work on various standing committees, including Investments, Budget and Audit, and Personnel.

Her influence in the legal community is further demonstrated by her roles with the Illinois Bar Foundation, where she serves as Champions Secretary, and her leadership within the Freeport Health Network, where she currently chairs the Board of Directors. Heather’s dedication to the profession is evident in her long-standing service to the Illinois Lawyers’ Political Action Committee (LAWPAC), where she served as Chairperson, and her involvement with the Illinois State Bar Association’s Trusts & Estates Section Council.

Heather has demonstrated a deep commitment to upholding the ethical standards of the legal profession through her service with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) of the Supreme Court of Illinois. Since 2008, Heather has served on the ARDC’s Hearing Board, where she has played a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. As a Hearing Board Panel Chair since 2014, she leads a three-judge panel that hears cases of attorney misconduct, making critical findings of fact and recommending appropriate disciplinary actions to the Illinois Supreme Court. Her involvement includes conducting prehearing conferences and ruling on pretrial motions, ensuring that the disciplinary process is thorough, fair, and just. Heather’s dedication to this role underscores her commitment to the highest standards of legal ethics and professionalism.

Heather has also been a vital voice in continuing legal education, contributing as a speaker and author on topics ranging from estate planning to elder law. Her published works in legal journals and newsletters, along with her frequent speaking engagements at statewide conferences, reflect her commitment to educating her peers and advancing the practice of law.

In addition to her professional achievements, Heather is deeply involved in her community. She has served on numerous boards, including the Freeport Health Network Foundation, Parkview Home, and the Freeport Art Museum.

Heather McPherson’s blend of legal expertise, leadership, and community commitment positions her as a leading attorney in the region and a strong candidate for future leadership roles within the Illinois State Bar Association. Her dedication to her clients, her profession, and her community makes her a respected and influential figure in the legal landscape.