Each aspect of David’s practice complements the other. His end-to-end, conference room-to-courtroom perspectives form the cornerstones of his holistic approach to the critical and often difficult issues faced by individuals and families when planning for the future or navigating the unfamiliar legal and financial complexities involved after a loved one passes away. David matches his immersive understanding of the law with an equally deep appreciation of what his clients need from their counsel — clarity, compassion and the confidence of knowing that he is steadfast in his efforts to protect their interests and advance their goals.
Leader of the firm’s Estate & Trust Administration & Litigation practice, David works closely and collaboratively with his clients when crafting comprehensive estate plans that incorporate and account for their unique circumstances, concerns and objectives. From structured guardianship provisions for disabled persons to updating wills and trusts to living wills and POAs for healthcare and property, David delivers meticulous estate plan documents while also ensuring that his clients understand the hows and whys of their plans.
After a loved one passes away, or when a family needs help protecting the interests of an individual with disabilities or incapacity issues, David provides a steady hand and clear guidance on the full spectrum of estate, trust and guardianship administration matters. He is acutely aware that his clients are coming to him in the worst of times — the death of a loved one, a contested will, a guardianship dispute. In every engagement, David focuses squarely on administering estates, trusts and guardianships in a way that not only follows the law and fulfills the decedent or client’s wishes but also alleviates the stress, pressure and burdens that trustees and executors often experience in their roles.
When disputes arise, administrators, executors, trustees, guardians, beneficiaries and families have an accomplished courtroom advocate in David. He has amassed an impressive record of favorable results at the trial and appellate levels in a wide range of estate, trust, probate and guardianship disputes. While he will never hesitate to forcefully assert his clients’ rights or protect their interests, David is also acutely aware of the costs and disruption involved in protracted litigation, and seeks negotiated resolutions whenever possible or advisable.
David has also shared his knowledge of probate and estate planning matters with corporate clients and financial advisors, covering topics ranging from the fundamentals of estate planning to considerations for parents of twins and the LGBTQ+ community. Regularly recognized by his peers for his professional accomplishments, David also speaks to community groups on estate planning, probate, estate and trust and guardianship disability issues.
Active in firm activities, David has chaired Chuhak & Tecson’s Finance Committee and has previously served on the Business Development, Litigation, Management and Recruitment Committees in addition to serving on the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Council. He is equally involved in his community, having served on the Board of Building Appeals for the Village of Deerfield. David is also a member of the Probate Practice Committee/Trust Law Committee of the Chicago Bar Association and a former member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Section of the American Bar Association.
