David A. "Dave" Swift, Trusts Attorney in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, OH
Trusted trusts attorney serving Columbus.
Practices in
Are you David A. "Dave" Swift?
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Quick answer
David A. "Dave" Swift is an attorney based in Columbus, OHIO. The practice focuses on Trusts.
- Based in
- Columbus, OHIO
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Trusts
- Handles Trusts matters from Columbus, OHIO.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates, Columbus (OH) (2018).
About David A. "Dave" Swift: David A. "Dave" Swift is an attorney based in Columbus, OHIO. The practice focuses on Trusts.
Areas of practice
Legal matters David takes on
David concentrates on trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Trusts cases in Columbus, Ohio
David takes trusts matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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
Meet David A. "Dave" Swift — trusts lawyer in Columbus
David A. "Dave" Swift is an attorney based in Columbus, OHIO. The practice focuses on Trusts.
Dave Swift is an of-counsel at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP and a Family Wealth & Estate Planning Group member. He practices estate planning, estate and trust administration and also engages in the representation of tax-exempt organizations. Dave represents individuals, business owners and families concerning estate planning, tax planning and business succession planning.
How David handles trusts matters
Dave Swift is an of-counsel at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP and a Family Wealth & Estate Planning Group member. He practices estate planning, estate and trust administration and also engages in the representation of tax-exempt organizations. Dave represents individuals, business owners and families concerning estate planning, tax planning and business succession planning.
The kind of cases David takes
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for trusts matters in Columbus and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
The Ohio State University
J.D. · 1978
David studied at J.D. in The Ohio State University.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in The Ohio State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
David has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates, Columbus (OH)
2018
Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates, Columbus (OH)
2016
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates, Columbus (OH) (2018). Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates, Columbus (OH) (2016). Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026).
Locations
David A. "Dave" Swift's office in Columbus
David's primary office is at 950 Goodale Boulevard, Suite 200, Columbus, Ohio, 43212. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David A. "Dave" Swift
David has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire David A. "Dave" Swift — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new trusts 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 trusts attorney in Columbus, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many trusts 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 trusts practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every trusts 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 trusts practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David A. "Dave" Swift
How much does it cost to hire David for a trusts 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 trusts attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do trusts cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple trusts 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 Columbus?
David is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio 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 trusts 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
Trusts attorneys serving Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati in Ohio
David handles trusts matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified trusts attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated trusts attorneys in Ohio
If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these trusts attorneys in Columbus handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





