State Years

New Jersey - NJ 37 years

Pennsylvania - PA 37 years
Licensed for 37 years

State NJ

Acquired 1986

Status
Active No misconduct found
Licensed for 37 years

State PA

Acquired 1985

Status
Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

David M. Frees III

Estate planning Attorney at Phoenixville, PA

About
Contact
Reviews
Cost
Resume

One of the finest wealth transfer attorneys in the Philadelphia area

Outstanding knowledge, advice and a warm and caring person.

I have relied on David's legal advice to make critical decisions on handling family wealth and making appropriate decisions for my family's future. David is an expert in the areas of wills, trusts and estates. But beyond his specific knowledge, he's an outstanding problem-solver, who helped me sort through some complex planning issues. Additionally, he is superior to every other attorney -- in fact, every other professional -- I've ever used. He inspires trust, and works effectively to form the kind of rapport needed to get the kind of information you're typically providing to someone dealing with your will, trusts and estate planning issues. He is thorough, and he guided me through some challenging decisions. He is so effective at discussion available solutions and weighing the pros and cons, that when I finally made decisions, I was able to put those issues to rest without the kind of second-guessing or reconsideration that can occur if you don't have expert help. David is not just an outstanding attorney (recognized in the "Best of" issue of our regional magazine), he's an amazing human being as well. Those are difficult to find in any field.

About David

Learn David’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Estate planning

40%

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

37 years, 4,000 cases
Probate

30%

Representing Executors, Trustees Guardians and Administrators

35 years, 500 cases
Trusts

15%

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

15%

wills and living wills as part of an estate plan

DAVID FREES - WILLS,TRUSTS, ASSET PROTECTION & ESTATE PLANNING REPRESENTING EXECUTORS AND TRUSTEES

Hello and thank you for taking the time to visit my AVVO profile. If youare interested in preserving family wealth and wisdom, then please continue on to review some of the materials that we have put together for you. Many of the checklists, articles, and materials that we have for our clients and prospective clients cover such topics as:willsasset protectiontrusts to protect children and grandchildren from divorce and litigationethical wills to pass on financial wisdom and family values

---

David Frees Chairs the Estate Planning and Wealth Preservation section of Unruh, Turner, Burke and Frees.

He is a published author, and a regular speaker on the topics of estate administration, asset protection, Trusts and Estate Planning, Protecting Heirs from Creditors and Divorce and many related topics.

Are you interested in:

Protecting Your Assets from Litigation?

Protecting Your Heirs from Divorce and Creditors' Claims?

Passing On Your Financial Wealth and Wisdom?

Establishing a Healthy and Productive Communication across Generations?

David Frees has written articles, guides, books and materials on all of these topics.

Frees also speaks regularly on Enhanced Communications(TM) to law firms and professional practices, corporations, businesses, universities, and non profit organizations.

Frees has appeared on over 100 radio and television programs including NPR and PBS.

Contact David Frees at

Awards

Client's Choice

2017 2016 2015

Top Contributor

2012

Photos and videos

Contact David

Unruh Turner Burke and Frees

(610) 569-0550 Office

120 Gay Street

Phoenixville, PA, 19460-3538

utbf.com/lwyr_hm.html

Message Get Directions

Unruh Turner Burke and Frees

(610) 569-0550 Office

43 Leopard Road Paoli Executive II Suite 203

Paoli, PA, 19301

Message Get Directions

Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees

(610) 569-0550 Unknown

17 W. Gay St.

West Chester, PA, 19381-0515

Message Get Directions

Hide locations

Reviews

Write A Review

5.0 / 5.0

38 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by anonymous | January 13, 2009

One of the finest wealth transfer attorneys in the Philadelphia area

Our Trust Department has utilized David's expertise for several years to assist our clients with their overall estate plans. He delivers excellent wealth transfer solutions and is able to explain them to our clients in an easy to undertand format. I highly recommend David Frees, III for your estate and wealth transfer needs.

Read less

Posted by anonymous | August 18, 2008

Outstanding knowledge, advice and a warm and caring person.

Read less

Posted by Richard | April 25, 2021

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 possible contingencies were addressed, and he coordinated with my trust company to ensure that they are on board.

Read less

Posted by Denise and MItch | April 25, 2021

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

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.

Response from David Frees 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

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.

Read less

Posted by anonymous | April 5, 2019

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.

Posted by Bill | April 4, 2019

Client

David is the best! Detailed, thorough, thoughtful. He mapped out all the issues for us so that we could make good decisions. Documents were well prepared, organized and timely.

Posted by Linda | October 24, 2018

Great person and lawyer!

Dave Frees was a tremendous help to us in preparing our long overdue will and estate planning. His down to earth demeanor made him so accessible and easy to work with our planning. He explained everything to us and our children in terms we all could understand. The whole process was really quite enjoyable!

Posted by Don | October 11, 2018

Talking about dying wasn't so bad.

Dave took an unpleasant subject (us dying) and helped us look at the good things we can do for others. His knowledge is second to none but his manner is that of a trusted friend. The most painful thing was making the call to talk about the inevitable. He made it most pleasant from that point on. Once the process was completed, I felt like a burden was lifted from both of us. Still don't like the dying part, but at least the planning is complete.

Read less

Posted by Liz | January 31, 2018

Truly Exceptional

David is truly an exceptional advisor. He walked us through the entire process and explained things so clearly (even those confusing law terms!) so that we could make the best decisions for us. I would recommend him to anyone. My husband and I (recently married) hired him for drafting our wills. David made the entire process easy, informative, and worry free. He answered every question we had and made us confident we made the right choices for us. We are so glad we used UTBF and will continue to do so throughout our lives.

Read less

Posted by Amy | December 23, 2017

Professional, Smart yet still Funny Lawyer!

Dave is extremely thorough and personal when setting up Estate Planning. My parents' and I all used him for our Estate Planning needs, after using someone else with less experience in potentially complex estate issues. Dave keeps language on the client's side very down to earth and easy to understand. In fact he makes complex issues into laughing matters, if you are so inclined (as I am. Dave has a fabulous sense of unique humor.) Dave is also kind and empathetic. He has been with my family for many years and has provided a listening ear when needed, free of charge-- unlike some lawyers who bill for every single phone contact. Dave is worth every bit of his fee. You get what you pay for, and Dave is worth every bit!

Read less

Posted by Kelly | December 18, 2017

Client

We have worked with Dave over the past 16 plus years keeping our wills and trusts updated. Dave really cares and is able to explain the new laws and what might be applicable to us. He is very professional and trust worthy.

Posted by anonymous | December 14, 2017

Review of David Frees

Both the initial consultation and detail review of my wife and my Will and Trust with Mr. Frees was held in an atmosphere that made it easy to communicate and develop the game plan. Mr Frees is very well informed regarding the Pennsylvania and Federal laws governing wills and trusts.

Posted by Edward & Andrea my wife | November 12, 2017

Assisting with our Wills.....Edward & Andrea DeWane

i found several years ago, while settling mylate Grand Mothers then husbands estate, Alex DesRosiers. David Frees' professionalism and compassion, very uplifting and in our needs today, we decided too wanted that extra touch and advice so well presented by David. We were pleasantly impressed to all the added attention David shared with us in reference to more detailed and other needed avenues with estate planning. We are now adjoined to the your firm. Thank you David for all you did and shared with us. We plan on a long relationship. We look forward to future advice and friendship. Ed and Andrea.....

Read less

Posted by Leonard | October 11, 2017

Estate planning

Mr Frees was a master at explaining the estate planning process to us and guiding us through it. He and his office staff were all very helpful and efficient. All of our questions were fully and understandably answered. We will remain his client in the future and we would not hesitate to refer friends to him for their estate planning needs

Read less

Posted by Ron | October 5, 2017

Estate Planning

Dave has been my Estate planning attorney for many years and most of my family members have used him for the same function. Dave is very good at putting a complex process in terms for anyone to understand, My wife and I have great comfort knowing we can rely on him to answer our questions.

Posted by anonymous | July 14, 2017

Thoughtful, thorough counselor

If you are looking for a thoughtful, thorough and practical estate planning attorney, Davis Frees is the choice. I have seen other attorneys in his line of work in action, and he is the best I have seen.

Posted by anonymous | June 20, 2017

Fantastic guidance and great rapport!

David was an excellent resource who clearly had the expertise and experience that we needed for our trust planning. After procrastinating too long, we finally reached out to David and he made the process so easy. We were confident in his guidance and now have better peace of mind.

Posted by Bob | June 8, 2017

Very Helpful

David guided us through the complications of estate planning. He made it much clearer as to our choices and we feel we set up the correct plan for us after his guidance.

View all reviews

View less reviews

Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.8 (Superb)

Work Experience

Board of Directors
Phoenixville Federal Bank And Trust
2007 - Present

Chairman: Estate Planning and Wealth Preservation Section
Unruh Turner Burke and Frees
1995 - Present

General Counsel - Outside firm
Phoenixville Federal Bank and Trust
1995 - Present

Advisory Board
First Financial Bank Corp
2003 - 2007

View all work experience

Education

University of Pennsylvania Law School
Juris Doctorate
1985

Dickinson College
BA
1982

Legal Cases

In Re: Estate of Olga Prosock
Litigation involving interpretation of will

Associations

Society of Trusts and Estate Professionals
Member _ United States
2005 - Present

Society of Trust and Estates Professionals
Member
2005 - Present

Citizens' Advocacy
Advocate
2001 - Present

Chester County Estate Planning Council
Member
1995 - Present

Chester County Bar Association
Member
1986 - Present

Pennsylvania Bar Association
Member
1985 - Present

American Bar Association
Member
1985 - Present

Chester County Community Foundation
Chairman and Board Member
2001 - 2007

Phoenixville Hospital Board of Directors
Board Member
2001 - 2004

Rotary Foundation Endowment
Counsel and Advisor
1998 - 2003

Rotary Club
President
1987 - 1998

View all associations

Honors and Awards

Superlawyer - Trusts and Estates
Superlawyers
2010

Stanford Registry of Who's Who
Stanford Who's Who
2009

Best Trusts and Estates Attorney of The Main Line
Main Line Today Magazine
2008

Best Conference Speaker
Mickey Mongan - Conclave
2007

The Door Opener Award
Chester County Community Foundation
2007

Member Society of Trust and Estates Professionals
STEP
2005

Door Opener Award
Freedom Valley YMCA
2004

Paul Harris Fellow
Rotary International
2000

Gundaker Foundation Fellow
Gundaker Foundation Rotary International
1999

View all awards

Publications

The Ten Most Common Mistakes Executors Make - And How To Avoid Them
The Ten Most Common Miskes Executors Make
2009

Pennsylvania Estate planning
Installment Sales To Children and Grandchildren
2009

Pennsylvania Estate Planners
Why Can't I Give More Every Year?
2009

Enhanced Estate Planning
Enhanced Estate Planning: What You Need To Know To Leave The Legacy You Desire
2009

Protecting Your Heirs
Protecting Your Heirs From Divorce and Law Suits
2009

Executor Duties In Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Executor Duties and Job Responsibilities
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

Eistein's Business
The Language of Abundance
2007

The Language of Parenting: Building Great Family Relationships
Book: The Language of Parenting
2003

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

GLM
Ethical Legal Marketing
2010

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
2009

Top Practices and Lawyer Marketing
Enhancing Your Communications Skills for Lawyers
2009

YMCA Staff and Executive Training
Enhanced Communications Skills
2009

Ben Blass Legal Mastermind
Enhanced Communications Skills for Lawyers (TM)
2008

Asset and Wealth Protection
Asset Protection and Wealth Preservation
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

Estate Administration
Estate admininstration
2007

Enhanced Communications and Marketing
Business Building Skills and Customer Service
2007

Estate Administration
Estate Administration for Lawyers
2007

PACB - Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers
Bank Marketing and Core Deposits
2007

Chester County Community Foundation Annual Meeting
Philanthropy
2006

Opening The Door To Charitable Giving
Charitable Giving
2006

Asset Protection - Sage International
Asset Protection
2006

The Legal Ethics of Charitable Giving
Legal Ethics
2004

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (17)

Given (12)

Endorse David

Robert Romain

Estate planning Attorney | 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 De Kirby

Trusts Attorney | 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

Estate planning Attorney | 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 Hanifin

Estate planning Attorney | 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 Roulet

Estate planning Attorney | 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 Berger

Estate planning Attorney | 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 Lewane

Estate planning Attorney | Feb 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christian Lassen

Unknown Attorney | Sep 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brent Adams

Estate planning Attorney | 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 Parrish

Unknown Attorney | May 31
Relationship: Other

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

James Brown

Estate planning Attorney | 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 Harris

Estate planning Attorney | 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 Glass

Estate planning Attorney | 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 Kaune

Estate planning Attorney | 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

Probate Attorney | 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 Davis

Estate planning Attorney | 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."