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fred.gif • Frederick J. Tansill

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Areas of Practice:

 

    Estate Planning, Marital Agreements, Estate and Trust Administration, Fiduciary Counsel, Tax Planning, Closely-Held Business, Asset Protection, International Estate and Trust Matters, Expert Testimony

Fred Tansill's practice of more than 40 years in the Washington, D.C. area focuses on tax-oriented estate planning, particularly for professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs and owners of closely-held businesses, as well as probate, trust and estate disputes and counsel to bank trust departments and other fiduciaries. He is frequently involved in business counsel and tax planning for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations. His practice includes estate planning and probate for residents of Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland.

Fred has recognized expertise in international estate planning and strategies for preserving family assets from potential claims of future creditors, sophisticated charitable planning and ownership and management succession in closely-held businesses.

He is frequently called upon to speak to Bar and industry groups on estate, tax, asset protection, international trust, charitable giving and closely-held business matters and on legal ethics.

For eleven years Fred practiced as a partner in McGuire, Woods, Battle & Boothe, Virginia's largest law firm, and as a shareholder in Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson & Hand ("Bob Dole's Firm," now DLA Piper), one of Washington's largest law firms. In November 1997 Fred started his own firm in Tysons Corner/McLean.

 

Georgetown University
LL.M., Taxation, 1982
J.D., 1974
Brown University
B.A., with Honors, 1970

 

• Significant Accomplishments

  • Co-Chair, Estates, Trusts and Probate Law Section of the District of Columbia Bar (1997 - 1999)
  • Chair, Board of Governors of the Trusts and Estates Section of the Virginia State Bar (1991-1992)
  • President, Northern Virginia Community Foundation (1999 - 2000)
  • President, Northern Virginia Estate Planning Council (1990 - 1991)
  • One of about 100 Northern Virginia Lawyers listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 1995, representing 25 years of his special recognition in this publication
  • Our firm is ranked in the 2015,  2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 "Best Law Firms" lists by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as Tier 1 in Virginia and Washington, DC for Trusts and Estates Law
  • Listed in Washingtonian magazine in 2016 and numerous previous years as one of "Best Lawyers in Washington" under the Trusts and Estates category
  • Listed in Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, 2006 - present, AV-rated (top) for 25 years
  • Listed in Virginia Super Lawyers, 2006 - present
  • Listed in Washington Super Lawyers, 2007 - present
  • Listed in Northern Virginia Magazine as a Top Financial Professional in 2015.
  • Listed in The Washington Post Magazine and Richmond Magazine as a Top Lawyer of Washington D.C. in 2015
  • Listed in The Wall Street Journal in December 2015 as a top rated lawyer in Washington D.C.
  • Listed in the December 2007 issue of Washingtonian magazine as one of the lawyers to see for protecting your heirs
  • Listed in the June 2005 issue of Washingtonian magazine as one of the lawyers to see if you need a Prenuptial Agreement
  • Listed in the December 2002 issue of Virginia Business and since as one of the "Legal Elite" in the Taxes/Estates/Trusts category
  • Interviewed on CBS Evening News about President Trump’s trust arrangements, and quoted in The Washington Post and The New York Times and several other media outlets on the same topic
  • Frequently quoted on estate and trust and tax matters in The Washington Post. Quoted in Better Homes and Gardens, Parents' Magazine, Family Circle, and in December 2003 The Wall Street Journal
  • Co-Chaired in 1993-1994 a Joint Task Force of the Virginia State Bar and the Virginia Bar Association which, after study and analysis, recommended certain changes in Virginia law, probate procedure and legal ethics rules relating to lawyers serving as fiduciaries. Recommendations of that Task Force have been adopted by the Virginia State Bar

 

• Professional Memberships

 

  • American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)
  • District of Columbia Bar
  • Virginia State Bar
  • Fairfax County Bar
  • United States Tax Court Bar
  • Society of Trust and Estate Professionals ("STEP"–an international organization of wealth and tax planners)
  • Washington, D.C. Estate Planning Council

 

• Publications

 

 

  • “Protecting Real Estate from Creditors,” Estate Planning - RIA (October 2006)
  • "Guarding Your Assets - Be Positive About Trusts," Legal Times (April 2003)
  • "A Jurisdictional Comparison of Potential Situses For Asset Protection Trusts," Journal of Asset Protection (January/February 2000)
  • "Are Revocable Trusts Oversold and Overused? Practical Nontax and Tax Considerations in the Use of Revocable Inter Vivos Trusts," Tax Management Estates, Gifts and Trusts Journal (Part I - November - December 1998; Part II - March 1999)
  • "1996 U.S. Tax Changes Affecting International Trusts and Expatriation" (with Leigh Basha) Newsletter of the Wills, Trusts, and Estate Section, Virginia State Bar (Spring 1997)
  • "No U.S. Connections Allowed with an Offshore Trust? Wrong! Use Onshore Contacts," Journal of Asset Protection (May/June 1996)
  • "A Passion For Excellence: Evolving Professional Standards in Estate Planning Practice," Virginia Lawyer (January 1994)

 

• Speeches and Lectures

 

  • “Asset Protection - Hot Topics,” 16th Annual Sophisticated Trusts and Estates Law Institute (November 2018)
  • “Asset Protection Planning: Domestic and Offshore Planning Strategies for the Protection of Family Assets from Claims of Creditors and Other Predators,” Fairfax Bar Association Wills, Trusts & Estates Section (September 2017)
  • "U.S. and Offshore Asset Protection Strategies; Common Report Standards (CRS) vs. FATCA; Update on Proposed Trump Tax Reform; Overview: Current U.S. Estate, Gift, and Income Tax on NRAS," EFG Conference (May 2017)
  • “Asset Protection Planning: Domestic and Offshore Planning Strategies for the Protection of Family Assets from Claims of Creditors and Other Predators,” Baker Tilly Estate Planning Conference (June 2015)
  • “The Revocable Asset Preservation Trust: New Planning Horizons from Oklahoma,” Oklahoma Bar Association (March 2015)
  • "Recent Developments in Offshore and Domestic Asset Protection Planning," Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (April 2014)
  • "Asset Protection Trusts (APTs): Non-Tax Issues,” ALI-ABA Annual Seminar on International Trust and Estate Planning, Boston (August 2013)
  • "Critical Issues In Planning Your Estate After the December 2012 Tax Law Changes,” Georgetown University (June 2013)
  • "Planning for Forever,” Georgetown University, an estate planning seminar for alumni/ae sponsored by the Office of Planned Giving (March 2012)
  • "Asset Protection Trusts (APTs): Non-Tax Issues,” ALI-ABA Annual Seminar on International Trust and Estate Planning, San Francisco (August 2011)
  • "Year-End Charitable Planning,” McLean Estate Planning Council, McLean, VA (December 2010)
  • "Asset Protection Trusts (APTs): Non-Tax Issues," ALI-ABA Annual Seminar on International Trust and Estate Planning, Chicago (August 2010)
  • "Asset Protection Planning: Planning for the Protection of Family Assets from Claims of Creditors and Other Predators." ALI-ABA Program on Estate Planning In Depth, Madison, Wisconsin (June 2010)
  • "Asset Protection Trusts (APTs): Non-Tax Issues," ALI-ABA Annual Seminar on International Trust and Estate Planning, Boston (October 2009)
  • "Planning for Uncertain Times," The National Gift Planning Council (December 2008)
  • "Offshore Asset Protection Trusts, Non-Tax Issues," ALI-ABA Annual Seminar on International Estate Planning, Santa Fe (July 31 – August 1, 2008)
  • "Uses of Family Limited Liability Entities in Estate, Financial, Tax and Asset Protection Planning, Including Recent Developments and Other Asset Protection Vehicles," National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, Quarterly Workshop: Advanced Estate Planning (July 2008)
  • "Planning for Asset Protection," 44th Annual Advanced ALI-ABA Summer Program at the University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison (June 2008)
  • "U.S. Income and Transfer Tax Planning for U.S. Citizens, Resident and Non-Resident Aliens and Non-Citizens, International Estate Planning and the Use of Foreign Trusts," Virginia Society of CPAs 2007 Tax & Financial Planning Expo, The National Conference Center, Lansdowne, VA (November 2007)
  • "Offshore Asset Protection Trusts, Non-Tax Issues," ALI-ABA Annual Seminar on International Estate Planning, Chicago (August 2007)
  • "Planning for Forever," Georgetown University, an estate planning seminar for alumni/ae sponsored by the Office of Planned Giving (June 2007)
  • "Offshore Asset Protection Trusts, Non-Tax Issues," ALI-ABA Annual Seminar on International Estate Planning, Boston (October 2006)
  • "Asset Protection Planning, Domestic and Offshore, Including Ethical and Malpractice Considerations," National Business Institute (NBI) Seminar (September 2006)
  • "U.S. Income and Transfer Tax Planning For U.S. Citizens, Resident Aliens and Non-Citizens, International Estate Planning and the Use of Foreign Trusts," an estate planning seminar sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank (June 2006)
  • "Planning for Forever," Georgetown University, an estate planning seminar for alumni/ae sponsored by the Office of Planned Giving (June 2006)
  • "American Bar Association, Community Outreach Program," Overview of Estate Planning (February 2006)
  • "Offshore Asset Protection Trusts, Non-Tax Issues," ALI-ABA Annual Seminar on International Estate Planning, Seattle (August 2005)
  • "Planning for Forever," Georgetown University, an estate planning seminar for alumni/ae sponsored by the Office of Planned Giving (June 2005)
  • "Asset Protection Planning," Third Annual Financial Planning Forum, Financial Planning Association of Central Virginia and the Virginia Society of CPAs, Richmond, Virginia (June 2005)
  • "Getting to Win-Win: Doing Well for the Donor's Family and the Donor's Advisors While Doing Good for Your Charity," National Capitol Gift Planning Council (May 2005)
  • "Planning for Forever," Georgetown University, an estate planning seminar for alumni/ae sponsored by the Office of Planned Giving (October 2004)
  • "Offshore Asset Protection Trusts, Non-Tax Issues," ALI-ABA Annual Seminar on International Estate Planning, Toronto (August 2004)
  • "Planning for Forever," Georgetown University, an estate planning seminar for alumni/ae sponsored by the Office of Planned Giving (June 2004)
  • "Asset Protection Planning," Virginia Society of CPAs, Richmond, Virginia (June 2004)
  • "Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts (CRATs) and Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (CRUTs)," D.C. Bar (May 2004)
  • Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, Northern Virginia Chapter, "Recent Developments re Family Limited Partnerships and Discounted Estate Tax and Gift Tax Appraisals of Limited Partnership Interests" (May 2004)
  • "Planning Strategies for the Preservation of Family Assets from Claims of Creditors and Other Predators," Virginia State Bar Annual Trusts and Estates Conference (November 2003)
  • "Planning for Forever," an estate planning seminar sponsored by Georgetown University Law School (October 2003)
  • "Asset Protection Strategies," Information Management Network, Conference on High-Net-Worth Real Estate Investing, New York City (September 2003)
  • "Offshore Asset Protection Trusts: Non-Tax Issues," ALI-ABA, San Diego (August 2003)
  • "Planning for Forever," an estate planning seminar for alumni/ae sponsored by the Office of Planned Giving, Georgetown University (May 2003)
  • "Offshore Asset Protection Trusts: Non-Tax Issues," ALI-ABA Annual Seminar on International Estate Planning, Boston (October 2002)
  • "Offshore Asset Protection Trusts: Non-Tax Issues," ALI-ABA Annual Seminar on International Estate Planning, Chicago (October 2001)
  • "Planning Strategies for the Protection of Family Assets from Claims of Creditors and Other Predators," Virginia CLE, Presented live and on videotape to 600-plus lawyers around the state (November 2000)
  • "Offshore Asset Protection Trusts," A Seminar Sponsored by the Virginia Beach Community Foundation for Professional Advisors (September 2000)
  • "Offshore Asset Protection Trusts: Non-Tax Issues," ALI-ABA, San Francisco (August 2000)
  • Various Topics at a Seminar Sponsored by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc. For Professional Partners For Community Philanthropy, Salisbury, Maryland (June 2000)
  • "Probate and Post-Mortem Tax Planning for the Non-Specialist Lawyer and CPA," Fairfax Bar Association (January 2000)
  • "Offshore Asset Protection Trusts With A Jurisdictional Comparison to Delaware," Baltimore Estate Planning Council (September 1999)
  • "Anatomy of Offshore Asset Protection Trusts: A Jurisdictional Comparison of Potential Situses for Asset Protection Trusts," ABA Annual Meeting, Atlanta (August 1999)
  • "Charitable Planning Using Community Foundations, An Overview," D.C. Bar (June 1999)
  • "Estate Planning for the Senior Corporate Executive in a Public Corporation: Life Insurance and Retirement Plans," Wills, Trusts and Estate Section, Fairfax County Bar (January 1999)
  • "Offshore Asset Protection Trusts," ALI-ABA Annual Advanced International Estate Planning Seminar, New Orleans (September 1998)
  • "Newest Twists In Perpetual Asset Protection Trusts: Delaware and Alaska As Offshore Jurisdictions," D.C. Bar (April 1998)
  • "The Use of Buy-Sell Agreements in Estate Planning and Business Succession Planning," D.C. Bar Winter Convention (February 1998)
  • "Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 -- Changes in Estate, Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax and Other Changes Affecting Estates and Trusts," Annual Tax Update Program, Fairfax Bar Association and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the AICPA (January 1998)
  • "New Delaware and Alaska Trust Legislation," ACTEC Regional Meeting, Asheville, N.C. (September 1997)
  • "Asset Protection Strategies," Alexandria Bar Association (April 1997)
  • "Living with Living Trusts," Winter Meeting, Virginia Bar Association (January 1997) and D.C. Bar (April 1997)
  • "Estate Planning for Residential Real Estate," D.C. Bar 1997 Winter Convention (February 1997)
  • "Tax, Asset Protection and Estate Planning for Individuals in the Offshore Arena," Dauphin County (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) Bar Association (November 1996) and Virginia State Bar (June 1996)
  • "United States Income and Transfer Tax Planning for Non-Citizens, International Estate Planning, and the Use of Foreign Trusts," Fairfax Bar Association and Virginia Society of CPAs (January 1996)
  • "Lawyers Serving as Fiduciaries -- Ethical Rules," A Virginia Bar Association Summer Meeting, The Greenbrier (July 1995)
  • "Business Succession Planning for the Closely-Held Company," D.C. Bar (February 1995)
  • "Solving the Puzzle: GRITS, GRATS, GRUTS, QPRTS," 1994 AICPA Conference on Tax Strategies for High Income Individuals, Nashville and Las Vegas (May 1994)
  • "Property Preservation Planning -- Estate Planning, Debtors Rights Planning," Virginia Advanced Estate Planning and Administration Seminar (April 1993)
  • "Primer: Risks of Malpractice and Ethical Issues in Estate Planning and Estate and Trust Administration," Virginia State Bar in Acapulco (November 1992)

 

• Board Memberships and Affiliations

 

  • Member of the Asset Protection Committee for ACTEC in 2019-2020
  • Board Member, McLean Orchestra (2006 to 2008)
  • Board of Directors of Atlantic Trust Company, a federally chartered, D.C.-based trust bank (1993 to 2001)
  • Board of Directors, Northern Virginia Community Foundation, Executive Committee (1992 to 2001, President/General Counsel)
  • Board of Governors of the Virginia State Bar's Section on Trusts and Estates (1988 to 1996)
  • Steering Committee of the Estates, Trusts and Probate Law Section of the District of Columbia Bar (1995 to 2000)
  • Executive Council of the Wills, Trusts and Estates Section of the Virginia Bar Association (1990 to 1997) and its Legislative Committee (1994 to 2000)
  • Fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel ("ACTEC," formerly known as The American College of Probate Counsel) (since 1991)
  • Founding Member of the Board of Governors of The Tower Club in Tysons Corner (1988 to 1998)
  • President of the Northern Virginia Estate Planning Council (1990 to 1991)
  • Executive Council of the Virginia Bar Association's Section of Taxation (1988 to 1990)
  • Chairman of the Fairfax County Bar's Tax Section (1987 to 1988)
  • Chairman of the Fairfax County Bar's Wills, Estates and Trusts Section (1986)

 

• Honors and Awards

 

  • D.C. Bar Frederick B. Abramson Award as Co-Chair of Bar Section (Wills, Trusts and Probate Law) With Outstanding Community Service Record.
  • Crystal Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to the Northern Virginia Community Foundation in 1996.
  • Founder's Award from the Whitman-Walker Clinic for helping to establish its pro bono legal program in Northern Virginia.

 

• Pro Bono Projects

 

Mr. Tansill has been involved with the Northern Virginia Community Foundation as a member of the Board's Executive Committee since 1992 and served as president in 1999-2000. He previously served as general counsel (1992 to 1997), and first vice president (1998-1999) of the Foundation. He has been involved in volunteer leadership positions with the American Heart Association, Boy Scouts of America, American Cancer Society, Junior League, and McLean Orchestra.

 

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