Our Attorneys

Richard L. Ferris
J.D., LL.M. (Taxation),
CLU, ChFC, MSFS
Manager, Estate & Business Planning and Probate and Trust Administration Practice Groups

Richard L. Ferris ("Dick"), Partner and Shareholder, established Ferris & Associates in 1993. Dick began his legal career in 1972 with the Ohio Attorney General's Office, Tax Section. He then served as General Agent, In-House Counsel and Director of a market-leading insurance company's Estate and Business Analysis Department for more than twenty years.

Dick earned his Bachelors Degree from University of Dayton, his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Ohio Northern University School of Law, and his Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from Boston University School of Law. He also earned his CLU, ChFC, and Master of Science in Financial Services credentials from the American College. Dick does not hold or maintain any insurance or financial licenses.

A licensed Continuing Education speaker and frequent author, Dick has lectured and written extensively on Estate and Tax Planning subjects during his 30+ year career in this field of law. He is published in the Virginia State Bar Journal and has co-authored three books on Estate and Trust Planning: “LEGACY,” “GENERATIONS” and “LOVE, MONEY, CONTROL.”

Dick is a member of many professional organizations including the Peninsula Estate Planning Council, the Society of Financial Service Professionals, and the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys. He is a member of the Virginia, Ohio and District of Columbia Bars. Also, he is admitted to practice before the U.S. Tax Court.

Carrie Rae Wiser
J.D., LL.M. (Taxation)
Associate Attorney, Estate and Business Planning Practice Group

CARRIE RAE WISER, began her legal career in the Estate, Trust & Probate Administration Practice Group at Ferris & Associates in 2006 and joined the Estate Planning Practice Group of the firm in 2011. Carrie Rae brings over five years of practice experience, knowledge and seasoned tax expertise in assisting clients in achieving their tax and non-tax goals of a comprehensive estate plan.

Carrie Rae received her dual Bachelors Degree (English and Communications) from Bluefield College, graduating Cum Laude. She received her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Regent University School of Law, and her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from the University Of Baltimore School Of Law.

Already an accomplished writer and a licensed Continuing Education instructor, Carrie Rae enjoys educating clients and other professionals about the finer points of effective, efficient and tax-sensitive estate planning issues. Carrie Rae is a member of the Virginia State Bar.

K. Suzanne Thoman
J.D.
Associate Attorney, Estate and Business Planning Practice Group

K. SUZANNE THOMAN joined the Estate Planning Practice Group of Ferris & Associates in September 2009 and focuses her practice on Trust & Estate Planning, Guardianships & Conservatorships, Business Planning and Trust Reformation. She is an experienced attorney in these practice areas as well as Trust & Estate Administration, Fiduciary Litigation and certified Guardian ad litem.

Suzanne is a speaker for the Virginia Bar’s Continuing Legal Education Program and a licensed continuing education instructor. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She received her law degree from the Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach.

Suzanne is a member of the American Bar Association and holds a license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is also admitted to practice before the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

C. Jordan Ball III
Associate Attorney, Probate, Estate & Trust Administration Practice Group

The death of a loved one demands sound legal and tax expertise, as few families are prepared for the financial decisions and important deadlines that occur at such a time. Ferris & Associates understands the need by clients and others for this seasoned advise after the immediate loss of a loved one. ATTORNEY JORDAN BALL brings to the firm’s Probate, Estate & Trust Administration Practice Group over 10 years of professional experience in his areas of practice.

Jordan’s practice will include Probate & Trust Administration, preparation of Estate Tax Returns (Form 706), after death estate & income tax saving options, inherited IRA and spousal rollovers, inheritance protection for beneficiaries, Guardianships/Conservatorships proceedings and Fiduciary Litigation.

Jordan earned his law degree at Georgetown University Law Center and his Master of Tax Laws (LL.M) from New York University School of Law. He is a member of the New York and Virginia State Bars, and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Tax Court and U.S. Supreme Court.

Over his years of practice, Jordan has authored many articles on estate planning and after death administration topics, including publication in the Virginia State Bar Trusts & Estates. He is a frequent speaker before civic, social and professional groups and is available for consultations in his areas of practice.