Thomas Pillari, Esq.

Probate & Estate Planning • Business & Family Succession Planning • Business Organizations & Tax

Mr. Pillari is the Chairperson of the Probate & Estate Planning Department, serves on the Firm’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Pillari served as a Judge Advocate for the United States Air Force. With over 36 years of experience in counseling individuals and owners of businesses, Mr. Pillari’s practice is focused upon the coordination of personal estate planning and business succession planning, with emphasis upon the preparation of appropriate estate planning documents and business entities to achieve the client’s tax and non-tax objectives. Mr. Pillari is actively involved in the community and serves on many non-profit Boards.

Mr. Pillari is a member of various professional bar associations and has been a featured speaker to attorneys, as well as to the public, on estate planning and related topics. Mr. Pillari is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, has been selected as an Ohio Super Lawyer and is a Certified Specialist by the Ohio State Bar Association in Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Law. Martindale-Hubbell has awarded Mr. Pillari an AV rating for preeminent legal ability and having the highest ethical standards.

Practice Focus:
Tax-Exempt Organizations

Bar Admissions:
1972 State of Massachusetts (INACTIVE)
1973 State of Ohio
1973 State of Florida
1994 State of Pennsylvania (INACTIVE)

Education:
1969  U.S.A.F. Academy (B.S. in Engineering Management)
1972  University of Chicago (J.D.)
1997  University of Miami (LL.M. in Estate Planning)

Professional & Civic Affiliations:
Ohio State Bar Association (Board of Governors – Trust, Probate & Estate Planning Section)
Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)
Certified Specialist by Ohio State Bar Association in Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Law