Atty. J. Thomas MacFarlane
J. Thomas MacFarlane works extensively with individuals on estate planning, tax planning and probate matters and with businesses on succession planning and corporate restructuring.
Litigation - Trusts and Estates & More Attorney · Serving Troy, MI · 39+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About J. Thomas MacFarlane at a Glance
J. Thomas MacFarlane is a trusts and tax attorney based in Troy, Michigan, practicing at Dickinson Wright PLLC. They have 39+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1987. Admitted to practice in Michigan (1987). Educated at Wake Forest University (MBA, 1987) and Wake Forest University (J.D., 1987). Recognitions include Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (Troy) (2026), Lawyer of the Year — Tax Law (Troy) (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (2026). Serves clients in Troy, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About J. Thomas MacFarlane
- J. Thomas MacFarlane works extensively with individuals on estate planning, tax planning and probate matters and with businesses on succession planning and corporate restructuring
- Thomas counsels clients on the various wealth preservation strategies which are available to high net worth individuals
- He is also frequently asked to represent beneficiaries or fiduciaries in complex estate contests and trust disputes
- Tom has represented clients in all aspects of corporate law and has counseled individuals, partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations on a variety of tax and business planning issues
- He has represented clients in tax audits and tax disputes before the courts and before state and federal administrative agencies
- Tom frequently lectures on estate planning and business planning topics
- He has published numerous articles on estate planning, tax planning and business planning Tom serves as the leader of Clark Hill's Personal Legal Services Group
- He is active in numerous business and community organizations
- He currently serves as a Director of the Detroit Athletic Club, the Detroit Athletic Club Foundation, the Michigan Science Center, Rose Hill Center, and the Science and Engineering Fair of Metropolitan Detroit
- Tom is a past President of both the Rotary Club of Detroit and the Detroit Executives Association
Practice Areas Explained
J. Thomas MacFarlane's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases J. Thomas MacFarlane handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Troy.
Trusts in Troy
J. Thomas MacFarlane is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Michigan →
Tax Law in Troy
Tax attorneys handle IRS audits, tax debt, international tax, estate planning, and tax court litigation.
J. Thomas MacFarlane is one of 84,606 tax attorneys indexed nationally. Browse tax attorneys in Michigan →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Troy
Practicing law in Michigan. Legal matters in Michigan are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Troy are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Michigan state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Michigan brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Michigan courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Troy Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Troy-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Troy or all attorneys in Michigan.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Troy Choose J. Thomas MacFarlane
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish J. Thomas MacFarlane's practice in the field of trusts and tax.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
J. Thomas MacFarlane brings 39+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering trusts and tax, J. Thomas MacFarlane can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Troy
A Troy-based practice means J. Thomas MacFarlane attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues J. Thomas MacFarlane Handles in Troy
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters J. Thomas MacFarlane has experience with under Michigan law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact J. Thomas MacFarlane directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find J. Thomas MacFarlane Online
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J. Thomas MacFarlane's Practice Areas & Specializations
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