Tom Bird

Background

About Tom Bird

As a trusted advisor and outside general counsel to closely held businesses, I empower business owners to achieve success through strategic guidance and collaborative problem-solving. Listening actively to understand my clients' specific challenges and strategic needs enables me to focus on their big picture rather than isolated transactions. This mindset helps me select the right Fredrikson attorneys skilled in relevant areas to serve on the client’s legal team, including compensation and benefits, employment and labor, bank and finance, trust and estates, real estate, and litigation. I enjoy leading expert team members to provide my clients with the best legal advice. I am passionate about presenting information from multiple sources and helping business owners consider the alternatives and arrive at a strategy that best aligns with their specific circumstances, objectives, personality and risk tolerance. With a deep understanding of pertinent legal structures gained decades of experience, I guide clients through business formation, advising on optimal legal structures. My strategic advice in business planning and succession planning has enabled clients to transition their businesses seamlessly and tax-efficiently. I put my expertise in tax strategy to use in designing business succession and estate plans that save income and estate taxes while aligning with clients' personal needs. I help clients develop strategies to maintain or dispose of business interests effectively, ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining business continuity. Throughout, I prioritize the healthy functioning of family members or other owners, knowing that dissension among principals is harmful to the business. In family businesses, I support parents in selecting a successor and structuring fair compensation among family members. My passion for business law stems from my own entrepreneurial journey. Before joining Fredrikson, I was the president of my own law firm, advising closely held business owners on a range of legal and financial matters. This experience, combined with my tenure as Director of Business Succession and Estate Planning at a Fortune 500 company, equips me to provide holistic and strategic legal counsel.