Sara DeMorrett
(David's Assistant)
sara.demorrett@fmjlaw.com
Andrea Lethert
(David's Assistant)
andrea.lethert@fmjlaw.com
David Ness practices in the areas of estate planning, probate & trust administration, estate and gift tax controversy, tax-exempt organizations, and corporate law. David is the Chair of FMJ’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group, and he works with individuals and organizations in all aspects of estate planning, charitable planned giving, succession planning, and estate administration. In addition to representing individuals, charitable organizations, and corporate clients, David represents multiple nations in estate and trust administration cases arising in the Midwest. He also has extensive experience representing tax-exempt organizations, including serving as Outside General Counsel for several fraternal insurance organizations.
David was named to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in 2006, and he has been named to the Super Lawyers list every year since 2019. David is also named to the Best Lawyers in America® list, and he has been featured in “Who’s Who in Estate Planning and Probate Law” by Minnesota Law and Politics. David was selected as a 2025 Notable Partner in Law, and he is a frequent speaker on topics such as estate planning, taxation, and business succession. In addition, he is a contributor to radio and television programs such as “The Law Show” on WCCO 830, News Talk AM 1130, the Cities 97 Morning Show, and KARE 11 Sunrise.
Gustavus Adolphus College (BA 1991)
Thomas M. Cooley Law School (JD 1998)
State of Minnesota (1998)
“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.”
Dave and his wife Vicki live in the western suburbs and have three adult children. Dave is an avid pickleball player and golfer. He enjoys spending time with family at the cabin.
