David Gary Bernthal, Estate Planning Attorney in Urbana, Illinois
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Probate
Of CounselatWebber & Thies, P.C.
Urbana, IL
Practicing estate planning in Urbana since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
David Gary Bernthal is an of counsel based in Urbana, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Probate. David has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Webber & Thies, P.C..
- Based in
- Urbana, IL
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Litigation · Probate
- Handles Estate Planning, Litigation, and Probate matters from Urbana, IL.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About David Gary Bernthal: David Gary Bernthal is an of counsel based in Urbana, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Probate. David has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Webber & Thies, P.C..
Areas of practice
David's practice areas in Urbana
David concentrates on estate planning, litigation, probate, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Litigation
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Estate Planning cases in Urbana, Illinois
David takes estate planning matters in Urbana, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Urbana, Illinois
David takes litigation matters in Urbana, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Urbana, Illinois
David takes probate matters in Urbana, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Urbana, Illinois
David takes real estate matters in Urbana, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
David Gary Bernthal, estate planning attorney serving Urbana
David Gary Bernthal is an of counsel based in Urbana, IL. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Probate. David has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Webber & Thies, P.C.. David works from Urbana, Illinois and takes on estate planning matters across the region.
David Bernthal concentrates his practice in the area of general litigation. He joined the firm in 2016 after twenty-nine years on the bench, most recently as United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of Illinois, a position from which he retired in 2016. As a judge, Mr. Bernthal oversaw thousands of cases in areas such as commercial litigation, civil rights, employment disputes and intellectual property.
How David handles estate planning matters
David Bernthal concentrates his practice in the area of general litigation. He joined the firm in 2016 after twenty-nine years on the bench, most recently as United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of Illinois, a position from which he retired in 2016. As a judge, Mr. Bernthal oversaw thousands of cases in areas such as commercial litigation, civil rights, employment disputes and…
Who David represents
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, litigation, and probate matters in Urbana and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where David studied and practices
University of Illinois
J.D. · 1976
University of Illinois
B.A. · 1972
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1976 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1976 · ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in University of Illinois and B.A. in University of Illinois.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in University of Illinois and B.A. in University of Illinois. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
David's professional memberships and bar associations
A member of the Champaign County and Illinois State Bar Associations as well as the Federal Magistrate Judges Association, Mr
membership
Bernthal has served as a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association and is a past member of the editorial board of the Federal Courts Law Review
membership
Mr
membership
Bernthal has spoken at numerous bar association sponsored events, and has been a member of the Adjunct Faculty of the University of Illinois College of Law
membership
Locations
David Gary Bernthal's office in Urbana
David's primary office is at 202 Lincoln Square, Urbana, IL, 61801. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David Gary Bernthal
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire David Gary Bernthal — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Urbana, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David Gary Bernthal
How much does it cost to hire David for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Urbana?
David is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new estate planning clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Urbana, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois
David handles estate planning matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
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