W. Donald Sparks, II

Practice Areas

Trusts & Estates

Tax

Career

Don Sparks is considered “the dean of the Delaware trust bar” (Chambers HNW).

Don represents banks, trust companies, and high net worth individuals in sophisticated estate planning and fiduciary matters. Don specializes in trusts and estates, focusing primarily on estate administration and planning, tax-exempt organizations, and fiduciary litigation. A client reports, “We go to him for the highest level of skill, highest level of responsiveness, and the highest level of experience” (Chambers HNW).

Don has held leadership roles in the Delaware bar as well as in a variety of professional organizations. He has frequently appeared as a speaker and has written numerous articles concerning estates, trusts, and related topics.

Significant fiduciary litigation involving trust construction, will interpretation, and breach of fiduciary duty claims

Representation of banks and trust companies on fiduciary matters

Representation of high net worth individuals in sophisticated estate planning matters

IRS audit and controversy work

Representation of tax-exempt public charities and private foundations

Professional Memberships

Estate Planning Council of Delaware, Inc., Past Chair

Delaware State Bar Association, Tax Section, Past Chair

Delaware State Bar Association, Estates and Trusts Section, Past Chair

Education

Awards