David M. Ness
CounselPhone: (952) 995-9500
David's Assistant:
Download David M. Ness's biography (70K PDF)
Mr. Ness specializes in the areas of estate planning, probate & trust administration, estate and gift tax controversy, tax-exempt organizations and corporate law. He works with individuals and organizations in all aspects of estate planning, charitable planned giving and estate administration. In addition to representing individuals, charitable organizations and corporate clients, Mr. Ness represents the countries of Norway and Sweden in estate and trust administration cases arising in the Midwest. He also has extensive experience representing tax-exempt organizations, including his role as outside General Counsel to Sons of Norway and Degree of Honor Protective Association, both fraternal insurance organizations headquartered in the Twin Cities.
Mr. Ness was named a “Super Lawyers Rising Star” by Minnesota Law and Politics and featured in “Who’s Who in Estate Planning and Probate Law” by Minnesota Law and Politics. He is a frequent speaker on topics such as estate planning, taxation and business succession. He is also a contributor to radio and television programs such as “The Law Show” on WCCO 830, the Cities 97 Morning Show and KARE 11 Sunrise.
Education:
Gustavus Adolphus College (BA 1991)
Thomas M. Cooley Law School (JD 1998)
State Bar Admissions:
State of Minnesota (1998)
Professional Memberships and Associations:
Member, American Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section and Tax Section.
Member, Minnesota State Bar Association, Probate and Trust Law Section
Member, Hennepin County Bar Association
Member and Past President, Association of Fraternal Benefit Counsels
Member, Board of Directors of the American Heart Association
Member, Various Fraternal trade and legislative committees
Member, Planned Giving Advisory Task Force of the American Heart Association
Member, Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce
Practice Areas:
Estate Planning
Probate and Trust Administration
Estate and Gift Tax Controversy
Business Planning and Succession
Tax-exempt Organizations
Corporate Insurance Law
Practice Philosophy:
“I believe that successful legal representation begins with a close professional relationship with the client and an accurate determination of the client’s goals and objectives. The next step is to accomplish those measures with practical solutions in the most efficient manner.”
The Rest of the Story:
Dave and his wife, Vicki, live in the western suburbs with their three young and very busy children. Dave is an avid golfer and also enjoys spending time with family at the cabin.
