Atty. Thomas H. Bergh

Atty. Thomas H. Bergh

Tom has over 30 years of experience in helping clients efficiently and effectively define their estate planning goals and to arrange their affairs accordingly. His expertise includes facilitating the direction of a client-centered and directed strategy and then drafting clear and understandable legal documents to implement it, thereby protecting client wealth, closely-held businesses, and families from taxes, post-mortem chaos and expense, and unnecessary complexity.

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Profile Summary

About Thomas H. Bergh at a glance

Thomas H. Bergh is a trusts attorney based in Birmingham, Michigan, practicing at Varnum Llp. Admitted to practice in Michigan, State Bar of Michigan. Educated at Wayne State University (LL.M, 1985) and Wayne State University (J.D., 1980). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Serands clients in Birmingham, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Tom has over 30 years of experience in helping clients efficiently and effectively define their estate planning goals and to arrange their affairs accordingly
  • His expertise includes facilitating the direction of a client-centered and directed strategy and then drafting clear and understandable legal documents to implement it, thereby protecting client wealth, closely-held businesses, and families from taxes, post-mortem chaos and expense, and unnecessary complexity
  • He has expertise and experience in dealing with the IRS in administrative hearings and litigation, developing creative tailored solutions for business succession planning, charitable trusts and private foundations, and IRA distribution planning
  • Tom is a frequent speaker and author on estate planning, employee benefits, charitable planning, and is the past chair of the Financial and Estate Planning Council of Metropolitan Detroit

Practice Areas Explained

Thomas H. Bergh's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas H. Bergh handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Trusts

Thomas H. Bergh is one of 104,171 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Michigan →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Michigan

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 Birmingham 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 andnue, 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.

Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Birmingham or all attorneys in Michigan.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Thomas H. Bergh

Where is Thomas H. Bergh's law office located?
Thomas H. Bergh's law practice is located in Birmingham, Michigan. The firm is Varnum Llp. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Thomas H. Bergh handle?
Thomas H. Bergh focuses on trusts. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Michigan.
Where did Thomas H. Bergh go to law school?
Thomas H. Bergh earned their education at (LL.M, 1985); (J.D., 1980).
How can I contact Thomas H. Bergh for a consultation?
You can contact Thomas H. Bergh directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Thomas H. Bergh received?
Thomas H. Bergh's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates; Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates; Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:; Best Lawyers in America — Estate Planning; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:.

Education

LL.M
Wayne State University
- 1985
J.D.
Wayne State University
- 1980

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Estate Planning
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell Rated, AV Preeminent™
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Selected as a Top Rated Lawyer™ in Tax Law, 2013
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (Troy)
- 2023
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (Detroit)
- 2012

Bar Admissions

Michigan, State Bar of Michigan

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