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Milwaukee Estate Planning Attorney David Watson

About

David Watson

David Watson dedicates his practice to preserving and protecting the assets of his clients via strategic estate planning. At Marquette University Law School, where David graduated cum laude, he concentrated his education in estate planning and real estate while working regularly with professors in the field. Before practicing estate law, Watson worked for several major health insurance companies managing healthcare provider contracts, quality control issues, vendor management, workers’ compensation, labor and employment issues, and more. David also holds a Bachelor’s of Business in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

After over a decade working for large insurance companies, I wanted to venture out and create a law firm both located and serving the north shore community I live in. I absolutely love connecting with members of the community and forging ongoing relationships. The biggest inspiration in my job is being able to give an individual or couple peace of mind knowing that their wishes for family, friends, and business will be carried out as desired.

My firm is dedicated to preserving and protecting the assets of its clients. Specifically, it provides legal services with a specific emphasis on estate planning, probate, and residential real estate. I have first-hand experience in faulty planning and know the importance of proper documentation and execution. Years ago, my mother’s will directed that her residence and several of her non-probate assets including life insurance, 401K, and bank accounts, be divided amongst her three sons. However, the residence was held in a joint tenancy with another person and the non-probate assets listed someone else as the sole beneficiary. Due to the lack of professional guidance, my mother erroneously thought the will alone would be the deciding document expressing her final wishes. Sadly, the simple error of neglecting to change beneficiary designations lead to her wishes going unrealized. This experience is what inspired me to help my clients with proper planning to ensure that their current desires and end of life wishes are properly executed.

Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®

Bar Admissions

  • Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin

Education

  • Marquette University Law School, Juris Doctor, Cum Laude
  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, BBA-Finance

Memberships

  • Milwaukee Bar Association
  • American Bar Association, Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law
  • President’s Society-Marquette University
  • Marquette Leadership Council
  • Member of the Giving Advisory Team, Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation
  • Ambassador Committee President, Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce
11Chamber of Commerce - Mequon-Thiensville

Community Involvement

Generous with his time, David serves as Chair of the Ambassador Committee for the Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce where he welcomes and mentors new members, attends local public events, and helps promote the benefits of membership.

David is also a frequent lecturer at the North Shore School for Seniors teaching the fundamentals of estate planning. Passionate about his call to help all plan for the future and build a legacy, David shares the purpose of estate planning in a supportive atmosphere to help ease the burden of financial planning, healthcare decisions, and more.

A Marquette University alum, David is also proud to have served as co-chair for the Marquette University College of Nursing Committee and the NightinGala Benefit Auction. The event benefits the College of Nursing’s clinical outreach efforts offering much-needed access to healthcare for Milwaukee’s most vulnerable communities.

Awards

  • Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®
  • 2024 Super Lawyer Rising Star
  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in M: Milwaukee's Lifestyle Magazine — October 2023.
  • 2023 Super Lawyer Rising Star
  • 2022 Super Lawyer Rising Star
  • 2021 Super Lawyer Rising Star
  • 2020 Super Lawyer Rising Star
  • 2018 Marquette College of Nursing Friends of the College