David J. Backer

David Backer, Leader of the firm’s Trust and Estate Planning Practice Group, concentrates his practice on counseling individuals, families, and closely-held businesses on an array of sophisticated estate planning, succession management, tax planning, and wealth preservation matters. David is recognized as a leading authority in Maine probate and trust law, and has garnered a national-level reputation for his understanding of complex tax and estate planning concepts and techniques.

David thoughtfully collaborates with clients at every stage of life: unmarried individuals, young couples expecting their first child, domestic partners, retirees, business owners, and widows and widowers. In order to help clients realize their goals, David drafts highly customized estate plans that include wills, trusts, financial powers of attorney, pre-and post-marital agreements, real estate gifting, advance health care directives, and beneficiary designations on retirement plans and life insurance policies. Throughout the process, David identifies opportunities to save tax dollars and administrative costs and fees.

In addition, David advises personal representatives and trustees on issues of estate and trust administration.

Elected by his peers, David is a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He has been distinguished as a Band 1 private wealth lawyer by the Chambers High Net Worth Guide every year since 2017. Recent client commentary in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide states, “I would absolutely recommend David Backer, he is at the top of my list for referrals in a conflict situation,” comments an interviewee, adding: “He is always someone I would call for a second opinion on a really technical issue. He has a great eye for detail, he is very easy to work with and has a great manner with clients.” Another interviewee highlights Backer’s attention to detail, noting: “He is a master of detail. He loves the intellect involved in seeing how the law fits together and the technical aspects of putting an estate plan together.” One interviewee remarks: “If you ever have a question about the Maine Uniform Probate Code, he is the person to go to.” He has also been included in Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates, every year since 2007.

David serves as Chair of Maine’s Probate and Trust Law Advisory Commission, providing recommendations to the Maine Legislature for improvements in the state’s probate and trust laws. He has served as Chair of the Commission since its creation in 2010. For the past 20 years, he has authored the Estate Planning Year in Review, and he is a frequent speaker and writer on a wide range of trust, estate, and tax planning topics.

In his free time, David can be found outdoors: open water ocean swimming in the summer and Nordic skate skiing in the winter. He also enjoys hiking, cycling, swimming, and sailing. David also serves as President of the Board of Directors of the TD Beach to Beacon 10K, Maine’s premier road racing event.