$ 255-435 per hour
Thomas Michael Fafinski
also known as Tom Fafinski
About Thomas
Biography
Thomas M. Fafinski is co-founder of Virtus Law PLLC, a 7 attorney firm in Minnesota which simulates a general counsel’s office for hundreds of privately-held technology businesses and moderate to high wealth estate planning. He graduated 13thin his class at William Mitchell College of Law, cum laude, in January of 1991 and is also a cum laude graduate of the College of St. Thomas where he secured a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance.
Tom founded Fafinski & Wallrich, PA, which grew to a medium sized law firm of 10 attorneys. When approached for a second time to merge practices with a large downtown law firm, Fafinski’s group remained independent. Eventually, this group was purchased by an investor attorney from a large law firm and he continued as an employee for roughly 5 years. Tom had the opportunity to start Virtus Law PLLC with his partner, Nathan Nelson, in 2010. While practicing under 3 banners over 24 years, Fafinski has continually served those with an interest in privately-held businesses and real estate investors in a general counsel capacity.
Tom has been an adjunct faculty role of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities teaching business law and real estate issues. Tom has also been featured in roughly one dozen continuing education courses directed toward estate planning for real estate investors sponsored and promoted by Kaplan. Tom has been featured in roughly 30 hours of continuing legal education courses on a national estate planning stage. He is involved in local round table business leader peer group and orchestrates several national estate and trust law firm think tank groups. He has been published or featured in William Mitchell College of Law Magazine, Dakota County Tribune, StarTribune and various association newsletters and has been a guest speaker for several local radio programs.
Tom is also real estate investor, although not involved in daily operations [his spouse is]. Tom he is active with the investment decisions associated with his real estate portfolio.
He is admitted in State and Federal Court for Minnesota. Tom enjoys spending time with his family, learning, reading, Mustangs of the ‘60s, all kinds of sports and is a die-hard Bruce Springsteen fan.
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Minnesota for 34 years
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Virtus Law, PLLC
7040 Lakeland Av N, Suite 100, Virtus Professional Center, Brooklyn Park, MN, 55428
Virtus Law, PLLC
600 Main Street S, Suite 120, Cambridge, MN, 55008
Virtus Law PLLC
2785 White Bear Avenue N, Suite 101, Maplewood, MN, 55109
Virtus Law, PLLC
4916 Lincoln Dr, Edina, MN, 55436
Virtus Law, PLLC
1171 Northland Drive, Mendota Heights, MN, 55120
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Thomas Michael Fafinski's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Bill | June 28, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent attorney and Staff
Tom and his staff handed my estate plan and also did our Company policy and procedure plan. Very competent, I would highly recommend calling Tom for any of your needs.
Posted by Alan | June 24, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
excellent business partner
Although this particular business venture did not pan out, I learned that Tom is very good as a lawyer, and as a business partner. His communication skills and strategies are excellent. Very approachable.
Posted by Earron | June 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Standup Attorney
It's quite often that you hear that "attorneys are snakes" or "attorneys are thieves" etc (I can say this because I hear the same about my profession.) And I can say this simply is not the case with Tom and his firm. Each interaction has been educational and smooth. They have performed at the level t...
Posted by anonymous | June 8, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Inept
Was hired to do work that was never delivered. He never spoke to me after I paid. He made his associates do all the work (that was never completed).
Thomas Fafinski
Replied last June 9, 2017It is true that the vast majority of the projects we undertake are completed by associate attorneys. The combination of my design, collaboration with our technicians and delivery to our clients is intended to ensure advanced planning concepts at an affordable rate. Our model of representation mimics the custom home building process. For example, if you were to design the perfect home, you would engage an architect. The architect designs the home/solution to meet your needs. The architect then turns it over to a builder, who builds the house to the exact specifications laid out in the blueprint. The architect inspects during the building process and examines progress to make sure it is consistent with the blueprints created – normally unbeknownst to the homeowner. While the architect could probably build the house, it would be totally unaffordable to have the architect swing the hammer, pull the electric lines, install the plumbing, etc. In addition, the builder and skilled trades may suggest modifications to make the solution better, suggestions perhaps overlooked by the architect. We have adopted the same custom build model. I design a solution to be implemented affordably by associates who work for us at a mere fraction of my hourly rate. I, and sometimes my partner (who has an advanced degree in taxation known as an LL.M, having graduated with a perfect 4.0 and automatic admission to a program to secure the highest legal degree available, a JSD) inspect during the building process to make sure it is being constructed as designed. I recognize that there was a failure with this client (who we have not been able to identify) if our process was not understood by them. I try to remember to explain how this winning formula ensures participation by a senior attorney with nearly 30 years of experience but at a rate that pales in comparison to the alternative of having me design, research, build, revise, modify and deliver the entire solution. Whether this person is aware of it or not, either my highly rated tax partner or I were involved in the implementation behind the scenes, as an architect would inspect building progress. This is the first negative feedback to my recollection that we have encountered on our proven process, one which I have utilized for almost 20 years. Since I do not know who this client is, I cannot address the “never completed” comment.
Posted by Kerby | January 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Virtus is a Step Above the Rest!
I've worked with Tom and the team at Virtus Law for several years and I have nothing but good things to say about the team of lawyers and the staff. I have had them help me with some very basic items as well as a number of deeply complex items and nothing gets by them. They are thoughtful, engaging a...
Thomas Michael Fafinski's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Tom is an experienced estate planning attorney who will work for you and with you to ensure that your estate plan addresses your needs, meets your goals, and is consistent with your values."
"Tom is a top notch lawyer. He is knowledgable and experienced, particularly in business, asset protection and estates. I recommend Tom and his firm for your legal needs."
"Tom sets the bar pretty high for attorney excellence. I've consulted with him on a number of business and estate planning matters and have nothing but the utmost respect for him and his practice. I recommend him without hesitation!"
"Tom is an incredible thought leader in the estate planning community and is a great asset to anyone seeking his services. I highly recommend Tom !!"
"Tom Fafinski is a first-rate attorney and exceptional mentor. I have had the privilege of working with Tom for a few years and during that time I have come to see how compassionate and dedicated he is to his clients. Not too many people share Tom's ability to explain complex estate planning techniques with such ease. He understands the needs of families and has the knowledge and experience to help them protect, preserve and transfer wealth. As an estate planning attorney myself, I have attended educational programs presented by experts nationwide. Tom's presentations are always among the best and I enjoy learning from him. His dedication and enthusiasm for the subject matter are readily apparent. Tom has a way of explaining complex and interrelated topics so that they make sense. He is a lawyer’s lawyer, with a tremendous grasp of how to use trusts and business entities to accomplish a number of goals efficiently and privately. Anyone would be lucky to have an attorney of his caliber."
"Tom is an excellent attorney. He is thoughtful and concerned about his clients. He is cutting edge on technology and is great with people skills. You will not be disappointed"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Tom is the consummate professional. He is a visionary by nature but also possesses the technical skills to carry out the many ideas he has to meet the needs of his clients. As a result, his clients receive the very best results, both in the estate planning and business realms, that he and his highly skilled team can provide. The client is the true winner when working with Tom and his team."
"Tom is a very knowledgeable attorney who focuses on the right solutions for his clients. There is no "one size fits all" in Tom's toolbox. Tom is one of those attorneys that just gets it. He puts in the time to make sure he is on the cutting edge of the newest techniques and methods in estate planning."
"Tom is a wonderful resource for any business person. He will both support you and challenge your assumptions to help you make the best decisions possible for your, unique, situation. Tom's work in various industries and with different corporate cultures makes him a true asset for any company. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have worked with Tom at the national level dealing with advanced estate planning methods, techniques and trends. I am truly impressed with the wealth of his knowledge and always look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with him. Tom is a thought leader at the national level and has worked to help lawyers across the country to learn about his enlightened approach to client issues."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tom is easy going, insightful and able to identify practical solutions to client problems that many lawyers overlook. His interpersonal skills are superb when it comes to advocating for a client."
"I know Tom because I am in an attorney peer group with him. In this group, we are all open and transparent about what we are doing, financially and other ways. In this environment, you get to know what the person is really like because you really are behind the curtain so to speak. And seeing Tom in that context provides me the insight to say that he is, without question, a thought leader in the legal profession with a growing national reputation. I'm proud to have a relationship with him and proud to endorse him."
"I know Tom through a national group of business and estate planning attorneys, and I learned a lot from him about his creative and client-centered approach to practicing law."
"Tom focuses on creative solutions that generate a return for the client."
"I have had Tom across the table from me. He is tough, but fair minded, very knowledgeable and intent on reaching an amicable solution in a difficult situation. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Tom Fafinski in the areas of Business and Commercial Law. He has a large wealth of experience in assisting clients with corporate formation, maximizing their corporate tax deductions and minimizing the partners/members/shareholders personal liability. Tom's corporate strategies for his clients are ground-breaking in both their execution and implementation. Being a business owner himself, he has first-hand knowledge of how to maximize tax savings and best structure a business to fit one's particular needs."
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Experience
Honors
2015
Very High Rating in Both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, The American Registry
2004
Minnesota Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2003
Minnesota Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2002
Minnesota Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2001
Minnesota Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2000
Minnesota Law and Politics Magazine, Minnesota Super Lawyer
1999
Minnesota Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
N/A
National Leadership Award, Business Advisory Council
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Attorney, Virtus Law
2014 - 2015
Instructor, Kaplan Professional School
2002 - 2010
Attorney, BenePartum Law Group PA
1991 - 2002
Attorney, Fafinski & Wallrich, P.A.
Associations
2015 - Present
Junior Achievement of the Upper MidwestBoard of Directors
2015 - Present
Dakota County Technical CollegeAdvisory Board
2008 - Present
Allied ExecutivesPeer Group Director
Minnesota State Bar Association
Minnesota Real Estate Investor's Association
Manufacturer's Alliance
MN Multi Housing Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Darlson Manno Limited Partnership v. Diversified Capital Mortgage
Favorable
In re HARSTAD v. Egan & Sons
Affirmed
Rosemount, Inc. v. Blessi Evans, et. al.
Apex IT v. Rhema Bible College
Education
N/A
William Mitchell College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
College of St. Thomas
Speaking Engagements
2020
SECURE Act - Development Friday
SECURE Act
2020
Pandemic Planning for Financial Advisors
Pandemic Planning for Financial Advisors
2019
WealthCounsel Symposium
Power of Peer Groups
2018
Wealthcounsel symposium
Peer Groups for Law Firms
2015
WealthCounsel Symposium 2015
Mini-Metric Mastermind
2015
Navigate 2015
Keeping the Stars
2015
Minnesota Home Talk
Estate Planning
2014
2014 Planning for the Generations Symposium
Business Essentials
2013
Cover Your Assets
Banking
2012
The Proper Use of Land Trust
The Proper Use of Land Trust
2012
New Age Estate Planning - A Holistic View
New Age Estate Planning - A Holistic View
2012
MNREIA December 2012 All Member Meeting
Government Regulation in Business
2011
Physician's Guide to Legal Planning
Physician's Guide to Legal Planning
2011
Independent's Day
Partnerships Using Other People's Money
2011
Advanced Planner's Monthly Meeting
Estate Planning for Real Estate Investors
2010
Planning Business Success on Purpose
Planning Business Success on Purpose
2010
Monthly investor meeting
Asset Protection and Estate Planning
2010
DCTC course
Real Estate Finance
2010
DCTC
Cashflow Analysis
2010
DCTC
Real Estate Law III
2007
Monthly RE investor meeting
Real Estate Q & A
2007
Allied Executive Quarterly Workshop
Asset Protection Planning for Privately Owned Businesses
2006
Monthly RE investor meeting
Real Estate Q & A
2006
DCTC
Business Law
2005
Monthly RE investor meeting
Real Estate Q & A
2005
MAR Monthly Workshop
Planning Business on Purpose
2003
Monthly RE investor meeting
Real Estate Q & A
1999
Landscaper's Seminar
Business Organizations
Publications
2012
Minnesota Business Magazine
Avoid Surprise Estate Planning
2011
Dakota County Tribune
Using your IRA to invest in Real Estate
2011
Dakota County Tribune
Where the Current Economic Outlook and Legal Strategies Intersect.
2011
dakota county tribune
Business 101: What if my new business partner is my old partner’s creditor, or worse, an ex-spouse?
2011
dakota county tribune
Look at your estate plan now: Six Reasons you Shouldnt Wait
2011
MAG Newsletter
Four Generations of Succession
2011
MAG Newsletter
Business Succession Part 1: One Solution Does Not Fit All.
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I own my car and the previous owner wants it back saying that I owe him money. can he take it?
09 Mar 2014
Q&A
I'm unintentionally involved in money laundering. How can I prove my innocence?
22 Feb 2014
Q&A
I am a licensed nail technician MN renting a space in a hair salon. Do I need to set up a business & pay sales tax separate.
24 Feb 2014