Attorney Thomas J. Drew (Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Probate Court, Wills, Trust)

This detailed introduction presents Attorney Thomas J. Drew, a seasoned legal professional whose office is located at 55 Post Rd W, Westport, CT 06880, USA. Operating within the "Lawyers Near Me" platform category, Attorney Drew offers specialized legal services with a particular focus on estate planning, estate administration, probate court matters, wills, and trusts. This comprehensive overview is based on publicly available information about his professional background, areas of practice, and client feedback, providing an objective insight for local users in Westport, CT, and beyond.

Attorney Thomas J. Drew's office in Westport, CT, is strategically located to serve clients across Fairfield County and other areas of Connecticut. The address at 55 Post Rd W, 2nd Floor, signifies a professional setting designed for confidential and productive client consultations. Attorney Drew's practice philosophy is centered on providing genuinely helpful guidance, advice, and legal services that yield true value to his clients. He believes in leaving a client's situation in a "redeemed state" because of his service, emphasizing the importance of performing only genuinely needed and desired services to maximize added value. His professional standard is to deliver legal services at the highest level of quality, accepting client relationships only where he can provide effective and efficient assistance. He is also open to referring clients to trusted colleagues for legal services outside his primary areas of expertise, such as personal injury, marital relations, civil or criminal litigation, immigration, or bankruptcy, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring clients receive the best possible legal support.

The firm's contact details, (203) 221-4799 for both phone and mobile, ensure easy accessibility for clients. Office hours are generally Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, indicating a structured and professional operational environment.

Attorney Thomas J. Drew is a multi-faceted legal professional with a unique background as both an attorney and a non-practicing Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This dual expertise provides him with a distinct advantage, particularly in matters involving financial and tax implications. His primary areas of practice include:

• Estate Planning & Administration: This is a cornerstone of his practice. He provides cost-effective estate planning services aimed at protecting assets and ensuring clients' wishes are met upon their death or through lifetime asset transfers. His approach focuses on minimizing taxes, probate involvement, and unnecessary costs. Services include the drafting of:

  • Wills
  • Revocable Living Trusts
  • Life Insurance Trusts and other trusts
  • Living Wills
  • Powers of Attorney and other legal instruments.

  For estate administration, which often involves Probate Court, he offers clear guidance and personalized strategies to ease the burden on families, helping them navigate the process efficiently and with peace of mind. He is sensitive to the stress involved in this process and carefully plans to minimize potential risks and conflicts, listening carefully to unique family circumstances.

• Elder Law: Attorney Drew assists older adults and their families with critical financial and healthcare planning. This includes developing Medicaid strategies and safeguarding assets from the high costs of long-term care. Services in this area involve:

  • Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and conservatorships
  • Preparation and filing of Medicaid applications
  • Legal representation throughout the Medicaid application process
  • Assisting with legal documents, property transfers, and care arrangements to provide stability and peace of mind for elderly clients.

• Business Formation & Transactional Matters: Leveraging his background in finance, accounting, and business management, Attorney Drew provides strategic guidance for businesses. He assists with forming various business entities, such as LLCs, Corporations, and Partnerships, and goes beyond mere entity setup to provide advice aimed at advancing long-term success. He also represents clients in business sales, acquisitions, or investments, offering insights to navigate risks and maximize value. Additional services include drafting Shareholder Agreements and advising on Succession Planning, among other crucial business planning and documentation.

• Tax Collection: His background as a former Revenue Agent with the IRS in Washington, D.C., and experience with Price Waterhouse's tax department, provides him with unique insight into tax-related matters, particularly in collection issues. While not explicitly detailed as a standalone service in the prompt, his biographical information highlights this expertise.

Attorney Thomas J. Drew's practice is distinguished by several key features and a strong professional background:

• Dual Expertise (Attorney & Non-Practicing CPA): His unique combination of legal education (J.D. from The American University, Washington College of Law) and accounting background (B.S. in Accounting from Central Connecticut State College) provides a comprehensive understanding of both the legal and financial aspects of his clients' situations. This is particularly valuable in estate planning and business transactions.

• Extensive Professional Experience: Beyond private practice, Attorney Drew's early career included roles at Price Waterhouse and as a Revenue Agent with the IRS. He has also served three terms (2005-2010) as an elected State Representative in the 132nd Connecticut General Assembly District in Fairfield, Connecticut, and was twice elected to the Fairfield Representative Town Meeting. This diverse experience provides him with a broad perspective on legal, financial, and governmental processes.

• Frequent Public Speaker: He is a frequent public speaker regarding estate and business planning, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to educating the public on these important topics.

• Award-Winning Legislator: As a State Representative, he received the "Regional Impact Legislator Award" in 2010 from the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and the 2007 "Friends of Public Transportation" award from the Connecticut Association for Community Transportation, highlighting his positive impact in public service.

• Client-Centric and Empathetic Approach: His practice philosophy emphasizes genuinely helpful guidance, a focus on client value, and sensitivity to the stressful nature of legal processes, particularly in estate administration. He aims to make complex situations manageable and seeks to minimize conflict.

• Community Involvement: His extensive community involvement includes serving as Chairman of the Town of Fairfield, CT Ethics Commission, board member of GBAPP (formerly Greater Bridgeport Adolescent Prevention Program), and substitute religious school teacher. These activities reflect a deep commitment to his community.

The strength of Attorney Thomas J. Drew's practice is effectively summarized by the provided client testimonial:

• "Trusted family advisor for decades, relatable and expert."

This powerful endorsement speaks to several key aspects of his professional standing. The phrase "Trusted family advisor for decades" signifies a long-standing relationship built on trust and consistent positive experiences, indicating not just legal competence but also a deep understanding of family dynamics and long-term planning. "Relatable" suggests that clients find him approachable and easy to communicate with, making complex legal concepts understandable. Finally, "expert" confirms his profound knowledge and skill in his practice areas. This combination of trust, relatability, and expertise makes him a highly recommended choice for individuals and families navigating sensitive and complex legal matters. His background as a CPA further enhances his "expert" status, particularly for clients with intricate financial situations. For local users in Westport, CT, and surrounding areas searching for "Lawyers Near Me" specializing in estate planning, elder law, or business transactions, Attorney Thomas J. Drew offers a compelling blend of experience, specialized knowledge, and a client-focused, empathetic approach.