David J. Backer

David J. Backer is a distinguished attorney specializing in trust and estate planning. He leads the Trust and Estate Planning Practice Group at Drummond Woodsum, where he assists individuals, families, and closely-held businesses with complex estate planning, succession management, tax planning, and wealth preservation. His expertise in Maine probate and trust law has established him as a leading authority with a national reputation for mastering intricate tax and estate planning strategies.

David’s impressive educational background includes a J.D. from Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington, earned in 1977. He also holds a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with high honors in 1974. David has been dedicated to delivering thoughtful and personalized legal counsel throughout his career. He collaborates closely with clients, creating tailored estate plans aligning with their needs and objectives.

David’s legal services encompass drafting wills, trusts, financial powers of attorney, pre-and post-marital agreements, real estate gifting documents, advance health care directives, and beneficiary designations for retirement plans and life insurance policies.

Beyond individual client services, David plays a vital role in shaping probate and trust law in Maine. As Chair of Maine’s Probate and Trust Law Advisory Commission since its inception in 2010, he has been instrumental in recommending legislative improvements to the state’s probate and trust laws.

David’s professional excellence has been widely recognized. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America for Trusts and Estates every year since 2007. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and has been honored by the Chambers High Net Worth Guide as a Band 1 private wealth lawyer since 2017. His dedication to his practice and client’s needs makes him a top choice for expert trust and estate planning guidance.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Drummond Woodsum
• Member, Maine State Bar Association
• Chair, Maine’s Probate and Trust Law Advisory Committee
• Founding Member, WealthCounsel, a national collaborative of trust and estate planning attorneys
• Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel

Licensed State

• Maine
• Indiana

Education

• Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Texas at Austin
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges