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J. Thomas MacFarlane

Member
fax +1 248.988.1833

Thomas MacFarlane helps individual clients plan for the efficient transition of their wealth and business owners plan for the succession of their businesses. Tom also represents beneficiaries and fiduciaries in probate disputes involving estates and trusts.

Tom represents clients in all aspects of corporate law and counsels individuals, partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations on a variety of tax and business planning issues. He represents clients in tax audits and tax disputes before the courts and state and federal administrative agencies.

Education

J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 1987
M.B.A., Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, North Carolina, 1987
B.A., cum laude, Alma College, Alma, Michigan, 1983

Recognitions

DBusiness Top Lawyer (2025)

Named a Leading Lawyer in Birmingham by Leading Lawyers℠ (2013-2024)

Named among The Best Lawyers in America® for Litigation – Trusts and Estates by Best Lawyers (2011-2025)

Named among The Best Lawyers in America® for Trusts and Estates by Best Lawyers (2003-2025)

Named Birmingham, Michigan’s 2024 Litigation – Trusts & Estates “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers

Selected to the Michigan Super Lawyers list for Business Litigation (2021)

Memberships

American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Fellow

Financial and Estate Planning Council of Metropolitan Detroit, Member

Attorneys for Family-Held Enterprises, Member

State Bar of Michigan, Probate and Estate Planning Section, Taxation Section

Michigan Leading Lawyers Advisory Board, Charter Member

Michigan Science Center, Board of Directors

Rose Hill Center, Board of Directors

Judson Center Foundation, Board of Directors

Doris and Wendel Rogers Foundation, Board of Directors

Science and Engineering Fair of Metropolitan Detroit, Board of Directors

Detroit Athletic Club, Former Director

Detroit Athletic Club Foundation, Former Director

Detroit Executives Association, Former Director

Detroit Rotary Club, Former Director

State Bar Licenses

Michigan

Publications

The Clark Hill approach is equally pragmatic and growth-minded, which is why we understand our clients’ toughest business challenges. Our multidisciplinary, global team of advisors focuses on smart legal solutions, delivered simply.

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