Summary

Bill is a trusted advisor helping individuals and businesses nationwide plan for the present and future. Specializing in business, tax law and trust and estate matters, Bill offers comprehensive guidance across a broad spectrum of business concerns. Acting as a strategic business advisor, he leverages his expertise to address clients’ needs effectively. With a focus on succession planning, exit strategies, and tax optimization, Bill enables organizations to secure their legacies while minimizing expenses. He also provides representation for financial institutions on information return penalties. Bill’s tax specialization complements his experience in guiding clients through mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions.

In the trust and estate arena, he brings peace of mind to clients by protecting their families and ensuring their intentions are carried out. Known for his practical solutions and big-picture perspective, Bill helps clients navigate potential pitfalls and capitalize on opportunities. Clients appreciate his honesty, directness, and creativity in planning for the future.

With meticulous attention to detail, Bill ensures agreements and plans are thoroughly drafted to achieve the best outcomes. A true “people person” with high ethical standards, Bill values long-term relationships and enjoys advising clients on paths that benefit them now and in the future.

Awards

  • Recipient, Best Lawyers in America, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Tax Law (2022) and Trusts and Estates (2022, 2023)

  • Recipient, Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Star, (2014- 2018)

  • Recipient, Top Lawyer in Tax Law (2018-Present) and Trusts and Estates (2018-2023), DBusiness

  • Recipient, Class of Up & Coming Lawyers by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, (2016)

All Service Areas

Education

  • Michigan State University College of Law
    • J.D., magna cum laude
  • Michigan State University
    • B.A.

Admissions

  • State - Michigan
  • Federal - U.S. Tax Court
  • Federal - U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

Notable Matters

  • Advises private equity and strategic buyers on acquisitions including structures.
  • Counsels many closely held businesses on the buy and sell side of acquisitions including structuring the deal to handling due diligence, closing and post-closing matters.
  • Assists businesses with tax issues in a variety of transactions, including choice of entity issues, issuance of incentive ownership to employees, capital formation and cross-border transactions.
  • Tax controversy and audit consultations for individuals and businesses.
  • Provides counseling for software as a service contracts (SaaS).
  • Lead attorney in a shareholder redemption transaction leading to a buyout of fellow shareholders for an industrial services company.

Speeches and Publications

  • “Personal Property Tax Reform” Co-author, Michigan Tax Lawyer, Fall 2013
  • “The IRS’s Voluntary Classification Settlement Program May Help Michigan Businesses,” Co-author, Michigan Tax Lawyer, Spring 2012

Professional Affiliations

  • American Bar Association
  • State Bar of Michigan
    • Taxation Section Governing Council
      • Tax Conference Chair, 2017
      • Treasurer, 2017-2018
      • Secretary, 2018-2019
      • Vice-Chair, 2019-2020
      • Chair, 2020-2021
  • AICPA
    • Tax Division’s Corporations and Shareholders Technical Resource Panel, 2010-13
    • Joint Trial Board Member, Current
  • MICPA
    • Vice-Chair, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee

    Community Involvement

    • Leadership Oakland LOXXXII Cornerstone Program Class
    • Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Member – Board of Trustees, 2019-Present