NEW YORK – A Chicago lawyer pleaded guilty Thursday to helping wealthy clients dodge tens of millions of dollars in taxes in what prosecutors have called the largest tax fraud prosecution in history.

Donna Guerin, 52, entered the plea in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to defraud the United States and tax evasion, charges that carry a total of up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing for the Elmhurst resident was set for Jan. 11. She agreed to forfeit $1.6 million.

Guerin, a former partner at the now defunct Jenkens & Gilchrist law firm, said she helped draft opinion letters to make it seem like wealthy clients were investing in legitimate business ventures when they were not.