Atty. David M. Allen

Atty. David M. Allen

David Allen helps high-net-worth individuals and families with all their legal needs. With an approach that seamlessly integrates estate planning, tax minimization and concierge lawyering, David's advice allows his clients to spend less time managing advisors and more time focusing on their passions, their businesses and their families.

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Profile Summary

About David M. Allen at a glance

David M. Allen is a trusts attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Katten. Educated at The University of Michigan Law School (J.D., 2006). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026). Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • David Allen helps high-net-worth individuals and families with all their legal needs
  • With an approach that seamlessly integrates estate planning, tax minimization and concierge lawyering, David's advice allows his clients to spend less time managing advisors and more time focusing on their passions, their businesses and their families
  • From restructuring valuable art collections to coordinating legal services for multibillion-dollar family businesses and family offices, David is often the first and only phone call his clients need to make
  • His clients live around the world and include private business owners, corporate executives, hedge fund managers and private equity principals
  • Former professor at John Marshall Law School, David taught a course on estate and gift tax law, and he is a frequent speaker on estate and tax planning related topics, including pre-business sale tax and estate planning, international trust and estate planning, income taxation of trusts, ethical tax planning, trust decanting and estate planning with digital assets
  • David is also vice chair of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Chicago Branch

Practice Areas Explained

David M. Allen's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David M. Allen handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Trusts

David M. Allen is one of 104,171 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Illinois →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Illinois

Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about David M. Allen

Where is David M. Allen's law office located?
David M. Allen's law practice is located in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is Katten. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does David M. Allen handle?
David M. Allen focuses on trusts. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Illinois.
Where did David M. Allen go to law school?
David M. Allen earned their education at (J.D., 2006).
How can I contact David M. Allen for a consultation?
You can contact David M. Allen directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has David M. Allen received?
David M. Allen's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
The University of Michigan Law School
- 2006

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
- 2026

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