$ 125-375 per hour
David W. Combs Fanning
About David
Biography
I was born into a thinking, working class family. My father, a great trial lawyer, is the smartest man I have ever known. My grandfather was the kindest man to ever walk the planet. He is a 30YR General Motors Union Man who never called in sick a day in his life. I thank them bought for teaching me to understand hard work.
I attended University of Texas and graduated Cum Laude in 2000. I stayed at the university and received a masters in early American studies. I went on to SMU law school and have been practicing since 2004. In my career I am proudest of three things. First, that while always practicing in family and criminal law I have never had a single bar complaint of any kind. I attribute this to always being available to clients and prepared at all times. Second, I went three years from 2010-2013 without a single adverse decision in a family law matter. That included two male custody jury trials and over twenty (20) live hearings on custody or support. Finally, while practicing on over fifty (50) courts and twenty (20) counties I have never been sanctioned or contempted on a single issue. I believe respect for courts and their personnel adds directly to my ability to help clients. In my entire career I have never been one minute late for any court appearance. Because of hard work and trial experience I am always able to help the people of central Texas. Being an honest lawyer matters.
My grandmother taught me to read early and I will forever be grateful to her for my love of language and words. To this day, I am a heavy reader and enjoy history and politics. While I love a good book and playing online games on my xbox1, I find it hard to stay indoors. I am an avid bass fisherman and a part time drag racer, many times winning Angler of the Year and qualifying number 1 in a true 10.5 drag race. I think life experience creates a sepcial ability to help others in real life situations.
Of all my accomplishments, the one of which I'm proudest happened in 2005 when Alicia Fanning became my wife. She is my best friend and a source of strength and inspiration.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
25%-40%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 21 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
Sutton Milam & Fanning, PLLC
1521 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX, 76701
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David W. Combs Fanning's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
49 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (49)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (23)
Recommendation (21)
Professionalism (14)
Advocacy (13)
Responsiveness (12)
Communication Style (9)
Practice Area Knowledge (9)
General Knowledge (7)
Character & Conduct (6)
Staff & Support (6)
Cost of Services (3)
Trustworthiness (3)
Compassion (1)
Free Consultations (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 6 - 10 of 23 reviews | Case Results
Posted by Brittany | January 27, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Adoption
10/10 recommend
10/10 highly recommend Milam & Fanning law firm! My husband & I went through a termination and adoption process recently & what we thought would take forever to go through only took a few months! They put all worries to rest...they answered every question we had in a very quick and timely manner! The...
Posted by Adam | November 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Custody Battle
David helped me through a very rough custody battle. It could have gotten ugly, well, uglier than it already was. David took care of the whole ordeal. He presented me with options at every turn. He made me check my own motives and wasn’t afraid to relate his personal experiences and aspects of person...
Posted by Joshua | October 26, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Dependable
I hired David fanning after searching for an attorney and reading his reviews online I am very pleased with the outcome of my case I now have custody of my daughter I’m very grateful for the hard work from both David and his associate Jennings Kennedy
Posted by Kelsey | August 05, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Divorce and Custody
I would recommend David Fanning to anyone. He was great about getting back to me with any of my questions or concerns in a timely manner. He is very knowledgeable and confident and that made me feel more comfortable, given the situation. I am very happy with how my case turned out and I’d definitely ...
Posted by Ashlee | July 20, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
Top notch attorney
Not a better law firm in town. My family have used the firm with great success. Recently I met with David Fanning on an estate matter.As always the staff was helpful and pleasant. Ashley and Laura work quickly and most importantly do not act like you’re a bother. Very honest and always has his cli...
David W. Combs Fanning's Lawyer Endorsements
"David Fanning has been one of the best mentors I could have possibly had to start my law career. His unique and powerful style of advocacy is incredibly effective and often results in a positive result for clients. Even more important than his skill as an attorney is his character as a person. A lesson he always stresses is to try the case the right way. When dealing with courts, other attorneys, and clients, he is always honest. If I become a fraction of the lawyer that David Fanning is, I will have done very well for myself."
"David is a great lawyer and someone I am proud to call my mentor. If there is a question I can't solve, I am fortunate to have David's knowledge and experience a quick phone call away. He is a talented and innovative problem solver whose focus is always his client's interests. I can't think of a better and more trustworthy lawyer in Central Texas."
"Not only do I endorse David on Avvo, but I joined forces with him in October 2014 to create Sutton, Milam & Fanning. David is perhaps the most well rounded attorney I've ever met. In addition to family law, I would also recommend David for criminal law, personal injury and just about anything else with which you need help. So many lawyers out there take their clients' situation and manipulate it so that if fits their "schtick". Not David. He only asks himself one question... "what does my client need?" There is NEVER a template with David. The best metaphor I can think of is that it's like having a suit tailor-made for you while everyone else is just buying off the rack. This client based approach has resulted in a legion of enthusiastic former clients that are willing to through walls for him. I don't think they yet have an official name. I suggest "Davidites." Become a Davidite...hire David Fanning to represent you if you need an attorney in Waco. You'll thank me."
"David is among the best litigation attorneys in Central Texas. He is uncommonly driven to fight hard for his clients and resolve cases quickly."
John Wiersgalla
Criminal defense lawyer
Jason Milam
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
Central Texas Best Lawyers, Killeen Herald
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Partner, Sutton Milam & Fanning, PLLC
2006 - 2007
Prosecuting Attorney, City of Riesel
2003 - 2014
Managing Partner, W.E.Fanning
Associations
2010 - Present
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2005 - Present
McLennan County Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Cen-Tex v. J.W.S.
Take nothing judgment in favor of our client.
In Re: A.C.A.
Met the increased burden of "immediate harm" under Texas Family Code 156.102 (b) 1 - Father granted relief requested.
Education
2004
Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2001
University of Texas
MA - Masters
Speaking Engagements
2010
Liberal Arts Conf. on Families
Family Law before Trial
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers