About John
John Pfarr has been a steady presence in Rhode Island's legal community for many years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University in 1963 and then took a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, receiving his J.D. in 1969. Those academic steps laid a foundation for a long career in estate and trust work.
After law school, Pfarr entered private practice and eventually became a partner at Pfarr & Rethore, A Professional Law Corporation. He has spent much of his career handling matters that touch family wealth, succession and the legal needs that follow a lifetime of asset accumulation. Colleagues describe his work as practical and detail-oriented, the kind of practice that often involves drafting documents and guiding executors through probate.
His professional memberships trace the contours of that practice. He is a current member of the Rhode Island Bar Association and serves on its Probate and Trust Committee. He also holds membership in Wealthcounsel, the Advisors Forum and the Planned Giving Council of Rhode Island. Outside those groups, he is a Fellow of the Esperti Peterson Institute, an affiliation that connects lawyers who work on complex estate planning and tax matters.
Much of Pfarr’s day-to-day work involves estate planning, trust administration and probate proceedings. He advises individuals and families on structuring wills and trusts and on the mechanics of administering estates. He also collaborates with financial advisors and nonprofit counsel on planned giving and charitable arrangements, areas reflected in his membership in philanthropic planning organizations.
Clients who come to Pfarr often need clear, calm guidance through legal paperwork and court processes. He spends time explaining options, preparing the necessary documents and helping executors and trustees meet their duties. The role requires both legal knowledge and an ability to coordinate with accountants, investment advisers and charities when matters are complex.
At Pfarr & Rethore, he continues to practice law and to serve clients on estate, trust and probate matters. His current practice concentrates on estate planning, trust administration, probate and planned giving.
