David R. Stack, Estate Planning Attorney in New York
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts
PartneratMcLaughlin & Stern, LLP
New, NY
Practicing estate planning in New York since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you David R. Stack?
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Quick answer
David R. Stack is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts. David has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McLaughlin & Stern, LLP.
- Based in
- New York, NY
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Probate · Trusts
- Handles Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts matters from New York, NY.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About David R. Stack: David R. Stack is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts. David has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McLaughlin & Stern, LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters David takes on
David concentrates on estate planning, probate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Probate
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Trusts
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Estate Planning cases in New York
David takes estate planning matters in New York. 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.
Probate cases in New York
David takes probate matters in New York. 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.
Trusts cases in New York
David takes trusts matters in New York. 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 R. Stack — estate planning lawyer in New York
David R. Stack is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts. David has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McLaughlin & Stern, LLP.
David R. Stack received his B.A. from Yale University in 1979 and his J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School in 1984. He has been with McLaughlin & Stern since 1994.Mr. Stack is Co-Chairman of the firm’s trusts and estates department, dividing his time between the firm’s main office in New York City and the branch office in Millbrook, New York.Mr. Stack focuses his practice in the area of wills, trusts, estates and charitable planning. In that capacity he works with individuals as well as multi-generation families. His work includes estate litigation as well as dispute resolution, especially with respect to estate and trust issues. He also advises an array of private foundations, public charities and other non-profit organizations on their structure, operations and planned giving programs.Mr. Stack regularly lectures on estate and gift tax planning to accountants, lawyers and non-profit organization personnel. In addition, he serves on the Boards of a variety of not-for-profit organizations, including private foundations, museums, churches and schools.profit organization personnel. In addition, he serves on the Boards of a variety of not-for-profit organizations, including private foundations, museums, churches and schools.Memberships-Association of the Bar of the City of New York-New York State Bar Association-Dutchess County Bar Association
How David handles estate planning matters
David R. Stack received his B.A. from Yale University in 1979 and his J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School in 1984. He has been with McLaughlin & Stern since 1994.Mr. Stack is Co-Chairman of the firm’s trusts and estates department, dividing his time between the firm’s main office in New York City and the branch office in Millbrook, New York.Mr. Stack focuses his practice in the area…
The kind of cases David takes
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, probate, and trusts matters across New York.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Virginia School of Law
J.D. · 1984
Yale University
B.A. · 1979
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
U.S. Tax Court
1998 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
New York
1985 · ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in University of Virginia School of Law and B.A. in Yale University.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in University of Virginia School of Law and B.A. in Yale University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
David R. Stack's office in New York
David's primary office is at 260 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10016. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David R. Stack
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 R. Stack — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning 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 estate planning attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning 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 estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning 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 estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David R. Stack
How much does it cost to hire David for a estate planning 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 estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in New York typically take?
Simple estate planning 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 New York?
David is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 estate planning 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
Estate Planning attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
David handles estate planning matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
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