We sat down with Michigan estate planning attorney Craig R. Fiederlein to discuss how his career has evolved over the years to be more proactive and help clients achieve peace of mind.
AALM: What experiences and interests drew you to estate planning?
CF: I was drawn to estate planning because it allowed me to combine finance and accounting with something more personal: helping people plan for the future, protect their families, and avoid costly disputes. After handling extensive litigation, I saw how easily families can end up fighting over money. A well-designed and fully funded estate plan prevents that heartache and gives clients peace of mind. My passion is helping my clients organize their assets and businesses with an efficient estate plan to avoid any potential costs and disputes after their death.
AALM: Tell us about your decision to launch your firm with fellow attorney Rick Hetherington.
CF: Rick and I wanted to build a law firm that reflected our shared values—client-focused, efficient, and practical. Rick has assisted me with my litigation real estate and business practice as he started as an intern at our former firm, Christenson & Fiederlein, PC. Due to his background as a retired police officer, he concentrates his practice on criminal defense and family law. Austin Church, our trusted associate, assists us with our combined practice areas.
We believe people deserve attorneys who not only understand the law but care about helping them achieve their long-term goals.
AALM: How has the firm and your practice evolved since launching?
CF: Over the years, CF Legal has grown into a trusted practice with three attorneys and a strong support team. My own practice has evolved from a focus on litigation to a more proactive approach: preventing disputes before they happen. Estate planning has become the centerpiece of my career. Along the way, Rick and I have handled cases all the way to the Supreme Court of Michigan in fighting for our clients in real estate and probate matters—an experience that shaped my approach and deepened my understanding of how legal outcomes affect real people.
AALM: Looking back, what cases stand out to you the most? Can you tell us about the cases you brought to the Michigan Supreme Court and the impact they had on clients?
CF: The Michigan Supreme Court cases stand out because they combined technical legal issues with very real human consequences. In those cases, I advocated for property and estate rights that had ripple effects far beyond my clients. While it was gratifying to succeed at that level, what meant the most was knowing that the outcomes directly improved my clients’ lives, providing clarity and closure when they needed it most.
One of my favorite cases was a trust litigation dispute where I was able to set aside a trust that had been changed under undue influence. A woman had taken advantage of an elderly man in an attempt to redirect his estate. By successfully challenging the trust, we were able to restore fairness and ensure his true intentions were honored. That case reinforced for me why estate planning and litigation matter so deeply—because at the heart of every case is someone’s legacy and the protection of families from exploitation.
AALM: What trends are you seeing in estate planning and real estate law? What challenges do you see coming ahead?
CF: In estate planning, I’m seeing more people realize the importance of planning early, particularly with the rising costs of long-term care. Asset protection and Medicaid planning are becoming critical components of modern estate plans.
In real estate, I attempt to educate my clients on the importance of using their attorney in all real estate transactions. Whether we are buying a business, purchasing commercial or residential real estate and/or selling a farm.
AALM: You are very active in the local legal community. Tell us about your experience as the president of the Genesee County Bar Association and your decade of service on the board.
CF: Serving as president and board member of the Genesee County Bar Association was an honor. It gave me the opportunity to strengthen connections within our legal community, promote access to justice, and mentor younger attorneys. With my business background, I focused on trying to improve the bar association and worked collectively with the board to move to an electronic newsletter, networking events to foster young attorneys to become more involved in the bar and their community and community support. We also work together with the judiciary to facilitate a good relationship with the attorneys and judges to keep cases flowing efficiently through the courts.
Beyond the bar association, I’ve also been active in the broader community. I served as a board member of the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce and the Genesee Landlords Association and I’ve been involved in several local organizations and charities dedicated to promoting Genesee County and supporting its residents. These roles allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life and give back to the community that has supported me throughout my career.
AALM: Looking back on your career, is there anything you would change?
CF: Looking back, I don’t think I would change anything. I was originally from New York, and if I had practiced there, I initially may have made more money. My love for my wife, who is from Michigan, and my love of Michigan—especially spending time Up North—more than make up for the distance from my New York family. I believe living in Michigan has afforded me the ability to have a more balanced lifestyle. As a partner in a law firm, I have flexibility in my life that allows me to represent my clients while spending time with my family. A perfect work/life balance.
AALM: What goals are you still hoping to accomplish in your professional career?
CF: My next goal is to create a firm—CF Legal—that will last long after I cease being a lawyer, ensuring that my clients continue to receive quality representation for years to come. I want the firm to stand as a trusted institution in our community, with future generations of attorneys carrying forward the values we’ve built.
AALM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
CF: At the end of the day, my career has been about helping people. I’ve focused on providing clients with clarity, peace of mind, and protection for the future. I’m grateful for the trust my clients have placed in me, for the colleagues who’ve supported me, and for the opportunity to continue building a practice that makes a difference.
For more information, visit cflegal.net.
