Lindsey Markus

Chicago attorney Lindsey Paige Markus has set the standard for charitable giving in her family, according to her brother, Rodrick J. Markus, who nominated "his favorite sister" for Double Chai. "Lindsey's active involvement in JUF and other philanthropic organizations has enlisted the support and participation of our entire family in organized charitable giving," he said. "I am always proud to attend events with her - and appreciate what she has taught our generation and the example she is setting for future generations."

Lindsey recently endowed a Lion of Judah gift - "a huge commitment at an age well before most people even start considering," said friend Jen Leemis, who also nominated Lindsey. "At every chance she can she is looking to make sure her clients and friends are considering long term planning - with a place for JUF in those plans."

Lindsey is a founding member of her law firm's Women Helping Women initiative that brings women in business together to network and give back to the community. She has sat on a number of boards and committees, including the JUF YLD Board, JUF YLD Executive Board, JUF Professional Advisory Committee, JUF Legacies and Endowments Committee, JUF Young Women's Committee, Advocate (network of 12 hospitals in the Chicago area) Charitable Foundation Gift Planning Advisory committee, Between Friends (organization dedicated to stopping the cycle of domestic violence) Bubble Ball Committee and the Holocaust Museum Committee.

Name:
Lindsey Markus

Age:
35

Pays the bills:
Principal at Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. – Attorney concentrating in estate planning and wealth protection

On the side:
Capable cook, world traveler, avid theater buff, student of meditation, bodacious boxer, and love spending time with my fabulous friends and phenomenal family!

Relationship status:
Single

Describe yourself in 10 words or less:
Generous. Charitable. Compassionate. Logical. Poised. Intelligent. Cultured. Creative. Warm. Loving.

Celebrity doppelganger:
Catherine Deneuve and Carrie Underwood

How do you Jew in Chicago?
Former JUF YLD Board member/executive board member, JUF Legacies and Endowments Committee, JUF Professional Advisory Committee, co-chair of JUF annual Standard Club Dinner, The Standard Club, FIDF, Holocaust Museum, Brandeis Alumni Association and North Shore Congregation Synagogue Beth El.

Passions:
Educating the community on ways to incorporate philanthropy into their estate plans and everyday lives. Making a Lion of Judah Endowment was a beautiful and rewarding experience.

How do you give back?
Time. Speaking. Money.

Fill in the blank: If time and money were limitless, I would:
devote myself to altering the cycle of poverty.

Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:
Flourish and set a standard for other communities throughout the world to follow as we build tolerance and eliminate poverty.

Me in 10 years:
An equity partner with a thriving practice and an open door policy, a leader in the Jewish community, married with four healthy children, living in a loving home filled with small treasures from world travels and the delightful aroma of a large Shabbat dinner.