David M. Frees III

PRO

David M. Frees III

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 40 years

Estate planning Lawyer at Phoenixville, PA
Practice Areas: Estate Planning, Probate, Trusts, Wills & Living Wills

120 Gay Street, Phoenixville, PA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About David

Biography

David Frees - Wills,Trusts, Asset Protection & Estate Planning Representing Executors and Trustees

When you need help with an estate or trust and want it done right and cost effectively.

Creating the estate and asset protection planning that you want but thought that you couldn't have

Use trusts to protect your heirs from lawsuits and divorce claims

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Estate Planning 40%

Including wills, Sophisticated Planing for Multiple Generations and Succession Planning For Businesses, Trusts, Wills and Asset Protection Planning

40 years | 4,000 cases

40%
Probate 30%

Representing Executors, Trustees Guardians and Administrators

38 years | 500 cases

30%
Trusts 15%

Life Insurance Trusts, GRATS, CRUTs and Revocable Living Trusts, trusts under wills

15%
Wills and Living Wills 15%

wills and living wills as part of an estate plan

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 350-400 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Distinguished Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2017 2016 2015

Licenses

Licensed in New Jersey for 39 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 1986

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 40 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 1985

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Unruh Turner Burke and Frees

120 Gay Street, Phoenixville, PA, 19460-3538

utbf.com/lwyr_hm.html

Unruh Turner Burke and Frees

43 Leopard Road Paoli Executive II Suite 203, Paoli, PA, 19301

utbf.com/lwyr_hm.html

Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees

17 W. Gay St., West Chester, PA, 19381-0515

utbf.com/lwyr_hm.html

Online Presence

Other places you can find David online.

David M. Frees III's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

38 Client Reviews

5 star (38)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Richard | April 25, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Review of David M. Frees, Esq. as of 04/25/2021.

My will and power of attorney and similar documents were updated. Everything went very smoothly. Mr. Frees made a schedule and met it; he explained all the entries in my new will in a detailed Zoom meeting. The documents are all extremely well done--at least insofar as a non-lawyer can judge. All pos...sible contingencies were addressed, and he coordinated with my trust company to ensure that they are on board.

Posted by Denise and MItch | April 25, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Pleasurable interactions

Very easy to interact with - down to earth with good sense of humor. Well-versed in Special Needs Trusts.

Posted by Fred | February 3, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Outstanding Estate attorney

Have been a client of Dave Frees for a very, very long time. If I didn't think he could do the job, the relationship would never have been. Dave is certainly competent, professional, courteous, & understanding.

David Frees

Replied last February 14, 2021

Thank you for your kind words. We try to deliver what each client wants for each and every client. Be well. Dave

Posted by Richard | July 2, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Revocable Trust

When my wife died last year, I felt I needed to update our Revocable Trust. I asked David to review and recommend appropriate changes since I sold some real estate, and the bank accounts and retirement funds needed to be changed. I was very comfortable with David's recommendations that were specific ...to my needs. He showed that he was extremely knowledgeable and well versed in Estate planning, probate and modifying my already existing Trust. He's a good guy, and I highly recommend David Freese.

Posted by anonymous | April 5, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Estate Lawyer

David simplified our pre-existing Estate Plan in light of current tax laws. He is professional, knowledgeable, approachable, humorous and very intelligent. We were very pleased with the final work product.

See All Client Reviews

David M. Frees III's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Robert M Romain headshot
Robert Romain

Estate planning lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Dave for over 20 years and have had the pleasure to collaborate with him on many cases. Additionally we have worked together for the last 3 years on the administration of a very large estate. He is literally the "Go-To" attorney on any estate planning or estate administration matters. He has my highest and unqualified endorsement."

Vaughan R De Kirby headshot
Vaughan De Kirby

Trusts lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have been practicing law for 27 years and I know a great lawyer when I work with one. And there is no doubt that David Frees belongs in this category. He is an outstandingly knowledgeable and qualified Estate Planning attorney, but perhaps more importantly, with his communication expertise he brings estate planning to a whole new level. If you are about to plan your estate you must have an attorney that truly listens to you and understands the communication of your desires and values. David Frees will work closely with you to see that your core values and desires are part of your estate plan. You will leave his office knowing that you have provided for your family with the help of an attorney dedicated to meeting your unique needs."

Ilana Sable headshot
Ilana Sable

Estate planning lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"When you are facing a sensitive (and often complex), estate planning matter, you want the best help possible. David is a trusted advisor and an authority in the areas of probate, wills, trusts and tax planning. I endorse him for his work ethic, depth of knowledge, and history of great service to his clients."

Daniel MacQueen Hanifin headshot
Daniel Hanifin

Estate planning lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I know David very well as i was a former employee at his firm. I have since opened my own firm. I have worked with David and also referred clients to David. His charisma and knowledge are second to none!! I highly recommend David to anyone in need of a first class Estate attorney!!"

Charles Dale Roulet headshot
Charles Roulet

Estate planning lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Dave is a terrific attorney. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of estate planning, probate, and wealth transfer assistance in Pennsylvania. Dave is a real asset to his community and to the legal community as well."

Kenneth E Berger headshot
Kenneth Berger

Estate planning lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Other

"I watched Dave speak at a conference in DC, and was immediately impressed by his ingenuity, depth, and commitment to the profession. He is the real deal."

Michele Susan Lewane headshot
Michele Lewane

Estate planning lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Sep 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brent Adams headshot
Brent Adams

Estate planning lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Friend

"I highly recommend David Frees, a most effective trial lawyer. He has the respect of his peers and is widely recognized as one of the top trial lawyers in his area of expertise. He has very specialized knowledge and will put his skill and experience to work for you."

James Robert Parrish headshot
James Parrish

Unknown lawyer | May 31

Relationship: Other

"If you need estate planning assistance this is THE person to talk to. I endorse David M. Frees, III."

James Russell Brown headshot
James Brown

Estate planning lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Dave is really an exceptional trust, estate planning, and probate lawyer. He understands how important it is to have a guide through the process of protecting assets and their heirs. I wouldn't trust anyone else to help me with my estate planning needs."

John Paul Harris III headshot
John Harris

Estate planning lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Other

"A true expert in his field. He is a skilled communicator and frequent lecturer. He has written several books. I own two of his books. If you want an estate planner who is a skilled enough communicator to insure that your exact wishes for your heirs are carried out exactly as you want them to be carried out, then Dave Frees is your man. I am pleased to endorse Dave Frees."

Benjamin Weaver Glass III headshot
Benjamin Glass

Estate planning lawyer | Dec 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known David for just over two years. We have worked on matters together. I my opinion David Frees is one of the premier estate planning attorneys around. David is the guy I refer my wealthy clients to if they have a question or need concerning their estate planning."

Douglas L. Kaune headshot
Douglas Kaune

Estate planning lawyer | Sep 22

Relationship: Co-worker

"David and I have worked together for nearly 15 years. In my experience working with David I have been able to see him interact with hundreds of clients. He is able to communicate both the complex and abstract in a way that is easily understood by the clients. His knowledge and understanding of the practical and legal concepts relating to estate planning, estate administration, asset and creditor protection is unparalleled in my opinion. You would be well served by working with David to accomplish your planning goals."

John Bisnar headshot
John Bisnar

Probate lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"David Frees is one of the most experienced will and trust attorneys in Pennsylvania. What I really admire about David is that he is a very intense listener. He not only listens to what people have to say, but has tremendous skills in comprehending their needs. I cannot stress enough how important and valuable this skill is in the estate planning business. David has authored numerous publications on the subject of estate planning. But what I believe is special about David Frees is he takes all that knowledge, listens to what his clients want and combines them effectively to produce expertly crafted estate plans that are customized to match his clients’ needs. If you need an experienced Pennsylvania will and trust attorney who focuses on estate planning, trusts and estate administration with a thorough knowledge of finances and investments, David Frees is your man. He will guide you efficiently and successfully through what can be a complex legal process."

Christopher Michael Davis headshot
Christopher Davis

Estate planning lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Friend

"I am a lawyer practicing in Washington state. Although I have not worked on a legal matter with Dave Frees, I have heard him speak to hundreds of attorneys and other professionals in the areas of estate planning and effective communication. Dave is incredibly knowledgeable in the area of estate planning and tax liability, so much so that my wife and I have sought out his counsel in these areas. Dave is very much devoted to serving his clients and making sure their assets are protected. If you are in need of estate planning assistance or tax liability issues, then Dave Frees is your guy."

Jay G. Fischer headshot
Jay Fischer

Estate planning lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is a very knowledgeable, professional and competent lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Gerald Michael Oginski headshot
Gerald Oginski

Personal injury lawyer

John Paul Harris III headshot
John Harris

Personal injury lawyer

Ross A. Unruh headshot
Ross Unruh

Land use and zoning lawyer

Benjamin Weaver Glass III headshot
Benjamin Glass

Personal injury lawyer

Kevin Holleran headshot
Kevin Holleran

Estate planning lawyer

Douglas L. Kaune headshot
Douglas Kaune

Elder law lawyer

Vaughan R De Kirby headshot
Vaughan De Kirby

Immigration lawyer

John Bisnar headshot
John Bisnar

Personal injury lawyer

Christopher Michael Davis headshot
Christopher Davis

Personal injury lawyer

Mark L. Tunnell headshot
Mark Tunnell

General practice lawyer

Robert M Romain headshot
Robert Romain

Real estate lawyer

Jay G. Fischer headshot
Jay Fischer

Probate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2010

Superlawyer - Trusts and Estates, Superlawyers

2009

Stanford Registry of Who's Who, Stanford Who's Who

2008

Best Trusts and Estates Attorney of The Main Line, Main Line Today Magazine

2007

Best Conference Speaker, Mickey Mongan - Conclave

2007

The Door Opener Award, Chester County Community Foundation

2005

Member Society of Trust and Estates Professionals, STEP

2004

Door Opener Award, Freedom Valley YMCA

2000

Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International

1999

Gundaker Foundation Fellow, Gundaker Foundation Rotary International

Work Experience

2007 - Present

Board of Directors, Phoenixville Federal Bank And Trust

1995 - Present

Chairman: Estate Planning and Wealth Preservation Section, Unruh Turner Burke and Frees

1995 - Present

General Counsel - Outside firm, Phoenixville Federal Bank and Trust

2003 - 2007

Advisory Board, First Financial Bank Corp

Associations

2005 - Present

Society of Trusts and Estate Professionals

Member _ United States

2005 - Present

Society of Trust and Estates Professionals

Member

2001 - Present

Citizens' Advocacy

Advocate

1995 - Present

Chester County Estate Planning Council

Member

1986 - Present

Chester County Bar Association

Member

1985 - Present

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Member

1985 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2001 - 2007

Chester County Community Foundation

Chairman and Board Member

2001 - 2004

Phoenixville Hospital Board of Directors

Board Member

1998 - 2003

Rotary Foundation Endowment

Counsel and Advisor

1987 - 1998

Rotary Club

President

Sample of Legal Cases

In Re: Estate of Olga Prosock

Litigation involving interpretation of will

See More Legal Cases

Education

1985

University of Pennsylvania Law School

Juris Doctorate

1982

Dickinson College

BA

Speaking Engagements

2010

GLM

Ethical Legal Marketing

2009

YMCA Staff and Executive Training

Enhanced Communications Skills

2009

Top Practices and Lawyer Marketing

Enhancing Your Communications Skills for Lawyers

2009

Pennsylvania Bar Institute

Estate Planning For Families With Children

2009

Lawyers And The Internet - 30/60/90 Days

Lawyer Websites, Publishing and Social Media

2009

GKIC Conference

Enhanced Communications Skills

2008

PBI Estate Planning Institute

Estate Planning For The Parents Of Minor Children

2008

Ben Glass Legal Mastermid & Super Conference

Asset Protection Planning for The Professional

2008

Ben Blass Legal Mastermind

Enhanced Communications Skills for Lawyers (TM)

2008

Asset and Wealth Protection

Asset Protection and Wealth Preservation

2007

PACB - Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers

Bank Marketing and Core Deposits

2007

Estate Administration

Estate admininstration

2007

Estate Administration

Estate Administration for Lawyers

2007

Enhanced Communications and Marketing

Business Building Skills and Customer Service

2006

Opening The Door To Charitable Giving

Charitable Giving

2006

Chester County Community Foundation Annual Meeting

Philanthropy

2006

Asset Protection - Sage International

Asset Protection

2004

The Legal Ethics of Charitable Giving

Legal Ethics

Publications

2009

The Ten Most Common Mistakes Executors Make - And How To Avoid Them The Ten Most Common Miskes Executors Make

2009

2009

Protecting Your Heirs Protecting Your Heirs From Divorce and Law Suits

2009

Pennsylvania Estate Planners Why Can't I Give More Every Year?

2008

Dream Inc. Success Secrets

2008

The Greatest Success Secret - Philadelphia edition The Art of Success

2008

Success Technologies www.successtechnologies.com Stock Market Mayhem and Gifting Opportunities

2008

Executor Duties In Pennsylvania The Pennsylvania Executor Duties and Job Responsibilities

2007

Eistein's Business The Language of Abundance

2003

The Language of Parenting: Building Great Family Relationships Book: The Language of Parenting

Activity

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution