Thomas J. Wilson

Thomas J. Wilson is a Raleigh business, estate planning, and tax lawyer who advises clients on business planning, asset preservation, trusts, estates, and taxation. As a co-founder and managing partner, he helps individuals, families, and business owners address complex financial and legal decisions. His work includes sophisticated insurance, retirement, tax, and estate planning matters involving long-term business and family objectives.

Wilson earned his J.D., cum laude, from Campbell University, where he received a full scholarship and served on the Law Review. He later earned an LL.M. in Taxation from Emory University. He received B.A. and B.S. degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Johnston Scholar. His education provides a strong foundation in business, tax, estate, and financial planning.

Wilson worked in the life insurance industry for five years before entering law school, advancing from sales to associate general agent for a regional office. He later worked in his family’s business and structured its marketing and sales. These experiences strengthened his understanding of family business ownership, succession concerns, insurance planning, retirement issues, and the financial challenges surrounding major business transitions.

Thomas J. Wilson is licensed in North Carolina, Florida, and Colorado and is admitted before the U.S. Tax Court and U.S. Supreme Court. He belongs to the North Carolina Bar Association and Wake County Bar Association. His community service has included the Wake County Salvation Army Advisory Board, North Carolina Special Olympics, and Duke Heart Center Advisory Board. His background combines legal, tax, business, insurance, and financial planning experience.

Law Office Affiliations

• Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Wilson Ratledge PLLC
• Member, North Carolina Bar Association
• Member, Wake County Bar Association, Estate Planning, Fiduciary & Tax sections
• Member, The Florida Bar
• Member, Colorado Bar Association

Licensed State

• North Carolina
• Florida
• Colorado

Education

• Emory University
  LLM in Taxation
• Campbell University
  Juris Doctor (JD) Cum Laude
• University of North Carolina
  Bachelor of Arts
• University of North Carolina
  Bachelor of Science

Awards & Badges