J. Thomas MacFarlane

J. Thomas MacFarlane

recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2003
Awarded Practice Areas
Litigation - Trusts and Estates Tax Law Trusts and Estates
*Named the "Lawyer of the Year" in this practice area in the 2026 edition in Troy.
Awarded Practice Areas
Litigation - Trusts and Estates Tax Law Trusts and Estates
*Named the "Lawyer of the Year" in this practice area in the 2026 edition in Troy.
J. Thomas MacFarlane
J. Thomas MacFarlane
Troy, MI
Works at
Dickinson Wright PLLC

174 Best Lawyers awards

Dickinson Wright PLLC logo

Biography

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.

Works at
Dickinson Wright PLLC

174 Best Lawyers awards

Dickinson Wright PLLC logo

Locations

Education

  • Wake Forest University, J.D., graduated 1987
  • Wake Forest University, MBA, graduated 1987
  • Alma College, BA, graduated 1983

Bar Admissions

  • Michigan, 1987

Affiliations

  • Detroit Athletic Club Foundation - Secretary
  • Michigan Science Center - Secretary
  • Rose Hill Center - Director
  • Science and Engineering Fair of Metropolitan Detroit - Secretary

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2026 - Litigation - Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2026 - Tax Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Litigation - Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2020 - Litigation - Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2019 - Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Litigation - Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2013 - Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Troy (2026)
  • Tax Law, Troy (2026)
  • Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Troy (2024)
  • Trusts and Estates, Troy (2021)
  • Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Troy (2020)
  • Trusts and Estates, Troy (2019)
  • Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Troy (2017)
  • Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Detroit (2013)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Litigation - Trusts and Estates
  • Tax Law
  • Trusts and Estates
Special Focus:
  • Estate Planning
  • Fiduciary Duties
  • Gift Planning
  • Litigation
  • Nonprofit Organizations and Charitable Giving
  • Planning for Closely Held Businesses
  • Probate
  • Succession Planning
  • Tax

Case History

Cases
  • Estate Tax Audit (unreported)
Matter resolved favorably for family
  • Estate Planning Matters
Substantial estate tax savings realized by many clients.
  • Estate and Trust Litigation (unreported)
Matter resolved favorably for client.

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