The Death of a Texas Lion: Tax Law Legend Vester Hughes Dies at 88

© 2017 The Texas Lawbook.

By Natalie Posgate

(Jan. 30) – Legendary tax lawyer and Hughes & Luce co-founder Vester T. Hughes, Jr. passed away over the weekend, according to some of his colleagues and friends. He was 88 years old.
 
A Lion of the Texas Bar, Hughes was known for a multitude of achievements, including his work on re-writing the tax code for federal estate and gift tax law, arguing important cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and appellate courts and advising some of Dallas’ most prominent leaders on their estates. He was also known as a trusted source to top senators and congressmen as they formed their views on tax policy.

Hughes helped rewrite the tax code for federal estate and gift tax law. He was a founder of Hughes & Luce, one of the most prominent law firms in Texas history. At one time, he reportedly handled estate planning for a few of the five wealthiest Americans.