Daniel Brinson Finch

Daniel is a highly experienced attorney whose practice is distinguished by a deep and specialized focus on estate administration. For more than two decades, he has guided families and corporate clients through the complexities of probate, estate, and trust administration, particularly during times of loss and transition. Daniel’s comprehensive understanding of estate law ensures that his clients receive thorough support with every aspect of estate settlement, from managing probate proceedings and trust administration to resolving the tax issues that frequently arise in these sensitive contexts.

From 2003 to 2008, Daniel served as an attorney public administrator in Wake County, where he was repeatedly appointed by the Clerk of Superior Court to act as Administrator of decedents’ estates and as Guardian of the Estate for individuals deemed incompetent. This public service provided Daniel with invaluable, hands-on experience in all facets of estate and guardianship administration, as well as a unique appreciation for the responsibilities and challenges faced by the Clerk’s office. As a result, Daniel is often the first call for families facing the loss of a loved one, providing steady and compassionate guidance through the legal and practical challenges of estate administration.

In addition to his estate administration work, Daniel represents both individuals and corporations in matters involving the IRS and the North Carolina Department of Revenue, including deficiency notices, audits, and other tax controversies related to estates and trusts. His extensive experience in estate and trust administration also informs his approach to estate planning, allowing him to craft plans that are not only legally sound but also practical and tailored to the real-world needs of his clients.

Daniel was born in Oxford, North Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Business Administration, from North Carolina State University in 1997. He went on to earn both his Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law and his MBA from Campbell University School of Business in 2001. Since graduating, Daniel has practiced law with Pinna, Johnston & Burwell, P.A., serving clients across the state. His professional excellence has been recognized by his peers, as evidenced by his selection as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2012 and his repeated recognition as one of Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite in Tax and Estate Planning in 2021, 2022, and 2025.