Harry V. Ruffalo, JD
Senior Advisor
Spencer Legacy Group
National Office Advisor
Alvarez & Marsal Taxand, LLC
Chicago
Harry Ruffalo is an astute advisor in the inter-workings of professional service firms. His knowledge spans decades of executive management experience and recognized advocacy for excellence in client service delivery. He has written and taught on the positive impact that professional service firms and advisors can provide to high net worth families. His depth of expertise in understanding complicated family challenges has helped families to successfully grow and achieve their desired family legacy. Harry is fluent in understanding the interplay and relationship between ‘hard skills” and “soft skills” in support of family success.
Over the course of his innovative career, Harry has been a practicing tax lawyer, a law school professor, a professional services firm executive, and industry leader who has identified and brought into focus key approaches to business and client satisfaction.
Harry Ruffalo is recognized for his leadership and management of what was at one time the largest law firm in the world. Over the course of his more than 30 year career in international tax services, he established and managed successful tax practices, and focused on client satisfaction. As Global Managing Partner for Tax at Arthur Andersen (1989-1997) he was responsible for building 14 new businesses, including those at the the state and local tax level. Previously, he served as the head of the firm’s tax practice in Chicago (1984-1989). Prior to joining Alvarez and Marsal, he was the senior partner for training at Arthur Andersen.
Mr. Ruffalo is a member of the University of Wisconsin Foundation Board, the Dean’s Advisory Board for the School of International Studies and the Dean’s Advisory Board for the School of Law. He was an adjunct professor with the University of Wisconsin, School of Law, where he taught a course entitled, “The Business of Practicing Law.” In addition, Mr. Ruffalo is the author of A Student’s Introduction to the Business of Practicing Law.