In Memoriam: Thomas E. Dew
We pay tribute to Thomas E. Dew, a well-known and respected Ann Arbor attorney who passed away in August of last year. With more than 50 years in the legal profession, Tom left a lasting legacy of client dedication and service.
I first met Tom while I was a law student in his estate planning practicum class. Tom was a wellspring of knowledge, and I appreciated not only his legal acumen but also his practical advice. Many of us at the Mitzel Law Group had the privilege of working with Tom at a previous law firm and knew him well. After we moved on from that firm, Tom established his own solo practice and later served as “of counsel” to another Ann Arbor firm. Despite going our own ways, over the years we stayed in touch including collaborating on various client matters or catching up at local bar association events.
Shortly before his passing, Tom shared with me that he was planning to retire and wanted to ensure his clients were well cared for. He believed our firm would be best suited to continue serving them with the same level of dedication he had provided to his clients for all these years. I was (and remain) humbled by his confidence in us, and we began planning the transition.
As we often experience, life does not always go as planned (something that estate planning attorneys are acutely aware of) and Tom passed away before we could complete the transition. Following his death, however, and with the assistance of a court-appointed administrator and Tom’s former legal assistant, Kellie Salvato (now a valued member of our team), we successfully transitioned his clients to our firm.
To Tom’s clients, we extend a warm welcome. We are committed to honoring Tom’s legacy by delivering the same personalized service you have come to expect. Our team is here to support you through this transition.
Tom’s life exemplified professionalism and service. His impact endures in the clients we now serve and in the standard of excellence we strive to uphold. May Thomas rest in peace.
Richard R. Zmijewski is an attorney with the Mitzel Law Group PLC serving clients in the Ann Arbor community and greater Detroit Metro. His practice centers on estate planning including revocable living trusts, durable powers of attorney, patient advocate designations, planning for succession of family and closely owned businesses, and also with probate and trust administration matters.
