
David Duncan, Criminal Defense Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts
Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratZalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP
Boston, MA
Practicing criminal defense in Boston since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 8
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you David Duncan?
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Quick answer
David Duncan is a partner based in Boston, MA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. David has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Boston, MA
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation matters from Boston, MA.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About David Duncan: David Duncan is a partner based in Boston, MA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. David has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
David's practice areas in Boston
David concentrates on criminal defense, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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General
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Litigation
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Criminal Defense cases in Boston, Massachusetts
David takes criminal defense matters in Boston, Massachusetts. 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.
General cases in Boston, Massachusetts
David takes general matters in Boston, Massachusetts. 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.
Litigation cases in Boston, Massachusetts
David takes litigation matters in Boston, Massachusetts. 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
David Duncan, criminal defense attorney serving Boston
David Duncan is a partner based in Boston, MA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. David has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. David works from Boston, Massachusetts and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Article Editor, Univ. of Pennsylvania Law Review. Graduate Program in Linguistics, MIT, 1974-1978. Law Clerk to the Hon. Edward R. Becker, Third Circuit Court of Appeals, 1982-1983. Listed in: Best Lawyers in America; Boston Magazine as Super Lawyer.
How David handles criminal defense matters
Article Editor, Univ. of Pennsylvania Law Review. Graduate Program in Linguistics, MIT, 1974-1978. Law Clerk to the Hon. Edward R. Becker, Third Circuit Court of Appeals, 1982-1983. Listed in: Best Lawyers in America; Boston Magazine as Super Lawyer.
Who David represents
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and litigation matters in Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area.
Credentials
Credentials — where David studied and practices
University of Pennsylvania
J.D. · 1982
Columbia University
B.A. · 1973
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
2012 · ACTIVE
Florida
2006 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1996 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
South Carolina
1980 · ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in University of Pennsylvania and B.A. in Columbia University.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in University of Pennsylvania and B.A. in Columbia University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Massachusetts is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
David's legal honors and published work
David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
David Duncan's office in Boston
David's primary office is at 65A Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA, 02110. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David Duncan — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Boston.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Duncan claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire David Duncan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense 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 criminal defense attorney in Boston, Massachusetts
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense 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 criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David Duncan
How much does it cost to hire David for a criminal defense 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 criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Massachusetts typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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 Boston?
David is licensed in Massachusetts. Matters governed by Massachusetts 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 criminal defense 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
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Boston, Cambridge and Worcester in Massachusetts
David handles criminal defense matters throughout Massachusetts. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Massachusetts
If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Boston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





