David A Handler
About
Provided by David A Handler
Practice Areas
David A. Handler is a partner in the Trusts and Estates Practice Group of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. He concentrates his practice on trust and estate planning and administration, representing owners of closely-held businesses, family offices, principals of private equity and venture capital funds, individuals and families of significant wealth, and establishing and administering private foundations and other charitable organizations.
David is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), and a member of the NAEPC Estate Planning Hall of Fame as an Accredited Estate Planner (Distinguished). He is the creator or co-creator of the “HEET trust,” the “RPM Trust” and the “Guaranteed GRAT,” among other innovations. David is also a member of the professional advisory committees of several nonprofit organizations, including the Chicago Community Trust, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Goodman Theatre, WTTW11/98.7WFMT (Chicago public broadcasting stations) and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.
Chambers Review
High Net Worth
David Handler is hugely well regarded by other trust and estate attorneys. One source says: "He is so talented. He is very knowledgeable, strategic and delightful to work with." Another interviewee notes: "David is superb. He has a phenomenal reputation. He is super creative and innovative in his approach to matters." A market commentator says: "David is a terrific lawyer; he's an absolute first-rate practitioner. He is very good with clients and has a tremendous amount of knowledge."
David Handler "is outstanding," says a source, adding: "He is at the top of my list of trust and estate attorneys. He is wonderful with clients, very knowledgeable and also extremely pragmatic," states a market commentator. Handler is respected for his work and expertise in the field.
David Handler is acknowledged as one of the leading trust and estate practitioners nationwide. He has a wealth of experience advising family offices, principals of private equity and venture capital funds, and privately owned enterprises on an impressive range of complex structuring matters. "David is a real thought leader in this area," says a fellow attorney.