$ 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
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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 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Karen | April 13, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Very Complex family case
My case was very complex since my hearing was supposed to be just when covid 19 was hitting Texas. From the moment I met and spoke with David over the phone I felt relief. Something I never felt with any lawyer and I’ve had a few (for my divorce and now a custody battle). David is extremely knowledge...
Posted by Jeremy | February 09, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Adoption
Couldn’t have done better
My wife and I decided to adopt my nephew. We consulted many lawyers and firms. When we consulted with Mr. Fanning, and the law firm of Milam & Fanning, we new they were the ones. Mr. Fanning and all the staff we worked with were very knowledgeable and professional. They listened and took great care o...
Posted by anonymous | October 11, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Absolutely the Best
David is amazing. A straight-shooter, knows his stuff, prepares you from all angles, and is nothing but professional and prepared. I truly couldn't be more grateful to him for his time, professionalism, and effort. My case felt just as important to him and to his team, as it was to me and he is truly...
Posted by anonymous | May 19, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family
Family Law
Family Law. Mr. Fanning was very informative about my rights within the law. Had patience with my questions and kept me up to date on proceedings and time lines.
Posted by Michael | February 01, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Divorce
David was extremely knowledgeable about my case and was able to inform me of details I was unable to notice. He was thoughtful and efficient with his explanations of the legalities and paperwork. He handled my case in a very timely manner. I would highly recommend his services.
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