Verrill Mourns the Passing of Esteemed Trusts and Estates Attorney Michael L. Fay
It is with deep sorrow that Verrill announces attorney Michael L. Fay passed away unexpectedly on March 18, 2024. Fay was a valued member of the firm since he joined its Boston office as Counsel in 2015 and an integral member of the firm’s Private Clients & Fiduciary Services Group.
“Michael was a caring and skilled lawyer, colleague, and friend who brought joy to those around him each day. His concern for his clients was matched by his appreciation for all his colleagues. He will be sincerely missed by all at the firm and his loss will be felt throughout the greater community,” noted Scott Anderson, Verrill Managing Partner. “We extend our deepest condolences to Michael’s family.”
Fay was an esteemed lawyer with more than 40 years representing clients in trusts and estates matters. Through his practice, he emphasized values, the importance of family, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation. He achieved many recognitions for his practice over the years, including by Boston Magazine as a Top Lawyer in 2021 and 2023, and by Worth magazine as one of the nation’s “Top 100 Attorneys.” Revered by many in the trusts and estates world, he was quoted in numerous high-profile publications, including Time, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and on National Public Radio. Fay was also a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and a member of its Charitable Planning Committee.
Fay was not only dedicated to his legal practice, but was also a proud Dartmouth College alumnus, serving as Executive Committee Member of the Dartmouth College Alumni Council, Secretary of both the Dartmouth Educational Association and the Dartmouth Alumni Association of Eastern Massachusetts, and as Overseer of Dartmouth’s Catholic Student Center. He also served as Chairman of the Board, Professional Advisors Committee of The Boston Foundation.
Prior to joining Verrill, Fay was a partner at Choate, Hall & Stewart. Before his time at Choate, he practiced for more than 30 years at Hale & Dorr, and later Wilmer Hale, in Boston, where he served as Chair of the Trusts & Estates Department. Fay earned his law degree from Harvard Law School and is a Rotary Foundation Fellow of Oxford University.
