Mequon, Wisconsin
Service Areas:
Education:
- J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School
- B.A., University of Notre Dame
- CFP®
Admissions:
- Wisconsin
- Illinois
"Taking care of who you care about." This guiding principle has shaped Michael G. May's approach to estate and business planning for over 30 years. Mike believes that the essence of his work lies in providing sound advice and ensuring clients are in the driver's seat, with him as a trusted advisor.
Mike's extensive experience spans a diverse range of clients, including business owners, high-net-worth individuals, “C-Suite” executives, blended families, widows, newlyweds, divorcees, new parents, childless couples, unmarried couples, and families with treasured assets like vacation homes. His dual qualifications as a lawyer and Certified Financial Planner™ enable him to bridge the gap between legal services and financial planning, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated advice.
Mike collaborates closely with clients' accountants, investment advisors, and other professionals to achieve desired outcomes. His proactive approach helps identify and correct issues such as improperly funded trusts or overlooked investment ownership consequences.
A prolific writer and sought-after speaker, Mike has contributed numerous articles to peer-reviewed journals and other publications. His ability to demystify complex subjects has earned him a loyal following among peers and clients. He has also played a pivotal role in establishing charitable funds, foundations, and trusts, and was honored as the 2018 Professional Advisor of the Year by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.
Mike considers it a privilege to assist clients during the challenging times following the loss of a loved one. His services include representing executors in probate and tax matters and preparing trust and estate tax returns. DeWitt's deep bench of experienced professionals adds significant value to this process.
Before joining DeWitt, Mike operated his own law firm with offices in suburban Milwaukee and Chicago. Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys skiing, golf, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Affiliations
- Wheaton-Franciscan St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, Board of Directors (2009-2011)
Awards & Recognitions
- 2018 Professional Advisor of the Year - Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Presentations
Mike has presented at numerous continuing education seminars sponsored by estate planning councils, bar associations, colleges, and foundations, including the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wheaton-Franciscan St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, Waukesha County Estate Planning Council, Chicago Estate Planning Council, North Carolina Bar Association, Wisconsin Bar Association, Milwaukee Bar Association, Raleigh-Durham Estate Planning Council, Orange County California Bar Association, Arkansas Children's Hospital Foundation, Marquette University, and Morningside College. He has also presented at programs sponsored by Northwestern Mutual, Catholic Family Life Insurance Company, Financial Planning Association of Southeast Wisconsin, Mass Mutual Financial Group, Cornerstone Financial Group, NAIFA-Milwaukee, and State Farm.
Publications
- Beyond the Will in Estate Planning (Greater Milwaukee Foundation, 2016)
- Legacy Planning with Charitable Lead Trusts (Aurora Health Care Foundation Newsletter, 2012)
- Buyout Traps for Privately Held Businesses (Milwaukee BizTimes, 2011)
- Compensating Key Employees of Small and Mid-Size Businesses (Wisconsin Lawyer, 2009)
- Multi-Generational Estate Planning, The Practical Tax Lawyer (American Legal Institute-American Bar Association, 2007)
- Life Insurance Planning With Qualified Plans: What's Left After 2004 Guidance, BNA/Tax Management website (www.bnatax.com) - co-author
- Life Insurance Planning With Qualified Plans and IRAs, Journal of Estates, Gifts & Trusts, Vol. 29 (BNA, 2004) - co-author
- Advanced Planning Bulletin, Northwestern Mutual, Editor-in-Chief (1999-2004)
- Funding Charitable Lead Trusts with S Corporation Stock, Journal of Estates, Gifts & Trusts, Vol. 27 (BNA, 2002) - co-author
- Lifetime Charitable Giving (Northwestern Mutual, 1997, 2001) - co-author
- Guide to Stock Options (Northwestern Mutual, 1998)
- Guide to Section 457 Plans (Northwestern Mutual, 1997, 2002) - co-author
- Choosing the Trustee of a Charitable Remainder Trust, Estate Planning, Vol. 24 (RIA, 1997)
- Drafting Charitable Remainder Trusts, Wisconsin Lawyer (1995)
Service Area Subspecialties
- Wills, Trusts and Estates
- Multi-Generation Wealth Transfers
- Estate Administration
- Business Succession
- Asset Protection
- Executive Benefits
- Charitable Giving
- Insurance Product Taxation