Thomas J. Nichols

Thomas J. Nichols is a seasoned legal professional with more than four decades of experience representing businesses across various industries. He has built a respected reputation for advising on business structuring and tax matters and has contributed to key state and federal legislative developments involving business and tax statutes.

Thomas began his academic journey at Marquette University, earning his B.A. in 1976. He continued at Marquette University Law School, receiving his J.D. in 1979 while serving as Student Articles Editor for the Marquette Law Review. In 1983, he became a Certified Public Accountant, further expanding his financial and legal expertise.

Thomas focuses his practice on tax law and business entity law, guiding clients through complex issues involving S corporations, C corporations, partnerships, and other business structures. He also advises on estate tax, self-employment tax, and income tax matters, ensuring compliance while optimizing outcomes for clients in various sectors.

Thomas has actively shaped policy and legal standards through his testimony before U.S. Congress and participation in high-level panels. He is widely known for his knowledge of pass-through tax entities and cross-species business mergers, and he frequently publishes and speaks on these subjects.

Thomas has earned multiple distinctions throughout his career, including the Elijah Watts Sells Award and recognition from The Best Lawyers in America® and Wisconsin Super Lawyers®. His leadership roles span numerous professional organizations, including chairing multiple tax and business law committees at both the state and national levels.

Thomas J. Nichols continues to serve the legal and business communities with insight, clarity, and a forward-thinking approach. His contributions have supported businesses from start-up stages to complex transactions, and his guidance has helped shape better legal outcomes for clients navigating today’s business challenges.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols S.C.
• Member, American Bar Association, Section of Taxation, Committee on S Corporations (1986 – Present)
• Chair, American Bar Association, Section of Taxation (2008-2010)
• Member, American Bar Association, Section of Taxation, Committee on Partnerships (2001 – Present)
• Director, State Bar of Wisconsin, Business Law Section (2002 – 2005, 2007 – 2011)
• Chairman, State Bar of Wisconsin, Partnerships Committee (2011 – Present)
• Member, State Bar of Wisconsin (1979 – Present)
• Member, State Bar of Wisconsin, Legislative Committee (1997 – 2002)
• Member, State Bar of Wisconsin, Business Law Committee (1995 – 1996)
• Director, State Bar of Wisconsin, Taxation Committee (2019 – Present)
• Member, Milwaukee Bar Association
• Member, American Health Lawyers Association

Licensed State

• Wisconsin

Education

• Marquette University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Marquette University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges