Photo of Michael T. Clear

Michael is the Chair of our Private Client Services Department where he leads our group of over 30 lawyers and allied professionals.  As a Partner in the firm’s Private Client Services Department, Michael regularly counsels clients on the far-reaching financial implications of estate planning, estate and trust administration, probate litigation, and business succession planning. Yet he is also a trained counselor with insight into the family dynamics these matters can effect. Known for his empathy and good humor, he helps clients take prudent action in the face of indecision, hopefully resolving contested issues before litigation. He is also a member of wiggin(x).

Navigating the tax landscape during estate administration is like solving a complex puzzle with each piece representing opportunity and risk. One challenge is determining where key expenses can be deducted – on the estate tax return (Form 706) and/or the estate’s income tax return (Form 1041). Making this decision impacts the estate’s overall tax liability

On this episode, hosts Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear welcome corporate Partner R.J. Kornhaas to discuss the intricacies of investing in privately held businesses and business succession planning. They delve into essential considerations, such as the types of investments—including convertible notes and preferred stock—and emphasize the importance of having legal counsel review documents to safeguard

In this powerhouse episode, hosts Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear step up to the plate with Thomas Archer, a certified financial planner and owner of the Thomas J. Archer Companies, to discuss the nuances of estate planning and business succession for high net-worth individuals, including professional athletes and business owners.  Archer, not one to sit

What is a Family Office?

A family office is a private wealth management entity that may provide a variety of services to a wealthy family, such as investment management, financial planning, estate planning, and philanthropy. Family offices can be set up as a standalone entity or as a division of a larger company.  The beauty

In a typical M&A transaction, the interests of the executives and management team can significantly diverge from the other parties to the transaction making it essential to retain independent counsel, separate from the buyer and the seller. In this episode, Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear are joined by Partners Christian Chandler and James Greifzu

Jacob Koenig, Managing Director and Partner of Woodbridge International, sits down with Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear to discuss his firm’s unique approach to selling companies, including their focus on marketing and their ability to reach an extensive network of well-vetted potential buyers. The conversation touches on current market conditions and the importance of

On this episode, Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear continue their conversation with Wiggin and Dana Partner Jack Sousa, on entrepreneurship, equity, and entity structuring. They dive deep into the entrepreneur’s guide to equity, employee stock options, and the strategic importance of early legal advice, with particularly valuable insights on estate planning synergy and

In the latest podcast episode, host Michael Clear introduces the “Future Focused: Private Wealth Insights” blog, a platform designed to help optimize and protect your financial future. Explore domestic and international estate planning strategies, tax optimization, and more, with regularly updated content to keep you informed about the latest trends and developments. Visit www.privatewealthinsights.com to

In an ever-evolving landscape, it’s crucial to audit an estate plan and ensure it keeps pace with your life. On this episode, Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear dive into the importance of revisiting your estate plan, examining the impact of changes in asset levels, evolving inter-personal relationships, relocating to a new state, and changes

Discover the intersection between founding ventures and estate planning on today’s episode of Future Focused. Wiggin and Dana Partner Jack Sousa, a founder of wiggin(x) and co-chair of our Emerging Company and Venture Capital Group sits down with Partners Erin Nicholls and Michael Clear and offers invaluable insights into the client experience on Wiggin(x)