David C. Blum, Tax Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
focused on Tax and Tax Litigation
Chicago, IL
Trusted tax attorney serving Chicago.
Practices in
Are you David C. Blum?
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Quick answer
David C. Blum is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Tax and Tax Litigation.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Tax · Tax Litigation
- Handles Tax and Tax Litigation matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Litigation and Controversy - Tax (Chicago) (2026).
About David C. Blum: David C. Blum is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Tax and Tax Litigation.
Areas of practice
Legal matters David takes on
David concentrates on tax and tax litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Tax cases in Chicago, Illinois
David takes tax matters in Chicago, Illinois. 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.
Tax Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
David takes tax litigation matters in Chicago, Illinois. 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 C. Blum — tax lawyer in Chicago
David C. Blum is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Tax and Tax Litigation.
Ranked by Chambers USA for both taxation and tax controversy, The Legal 500, and Best Lawyers in America, David Blum provides transactional, tax planning, and tax litigation counsel to local and multinational businesses throughout the United States. His practice serves a variety of sectors, including telecommunications, automotive retail, equipment leasing, financial services, senior care, logistics, hospitality, and retail, among others. According to a client quoted in Chambers, “David is intelligent, client-focused and cares about the big picture in addition to the details.”
David’s comprehensive multistate taxation practice includes nexus issues, income apportionment, sales and use tax, franchise tax, False Claims Act (qui tam), transfer taxes, and state registration and reporting requirements. In addition, he has significant experience in creating and implementing tax-efficient corporate and partnership structures for all types of U.S. and cross border transactions, including business start-ups, private equity, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, dispositions, restructurings, intellectual property, and corporate finance matters.
A former state tax auditor, David has years of experience representing U.S. and multinational companies before the Internal Revenue Service and state and local taxing agencies throughout the country. He frequently defends large and complex audits at all stages of the audit and appeal process. He represents taxpayers in U.S. Tax Court, IRS Appeals Division, state court, state and city Administrative Hearings, and state and local taxing agencies across the country.
David frequently writes and speaks on a variety of topics. He has written articles for national publications and has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Forbes, CNBC, MSN, Crain’s, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Tax Analyst, Law360, and State Tax Notes.
How David handles tax matters
Ranked by Chambers USA for both taxation and tax controversy, The Legal 500 , and Best Lawyers in America , David Blum provides transactional, tax planning, and tax litigation counsel to local and multinational businesses throughout the United States. His practice serves a variety of sectors, including telecommunications, automotive retail, equipment leasing, financial services, senior care,…
Who David represents
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for tax and tax litigation matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Illinois Chicago
J.D. · 1997
David studied at J.D. in University of Illinois Chicago.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in University of Illinois Chicago. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Illinois 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 — Litigation and Controversy - Tax (Chicago)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation and Controversy - Tax (Chicago) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation and Controversy - Tax (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026).
Locations
David C. Blum's office in Chicago
David's primary office is at 71 South Wacker Drive, 47th Floor, Chicago, Illinois, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David C. Blum
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 C. Blum — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new tax 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 tax attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many tax 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 tax practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every tax 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 tax practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David C. Blum
How much does it cost to hire David for a tax 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 tax attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do tax cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple tax 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 Chicago?
David is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois 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 tax 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
Tax attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
David handles tax matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified tax attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated tax attorneys in Illinois
If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these tax attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
