David S. Finkelstein

David S. Finkelstein is a partner in the Trusts and Estates Department at Cravath. He focuses his practice on estate planning, charitable planning, tax matters, and other advice for high net worth individuals and families. He helps clients manage, preserve, and transfer their estates in a clear and effective way.

David earned his B.A., cum laude, from Harvard College in 1994. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law in 1998. He earned his LL.M. from New York University in 2000. His education supports his work in trusts, estates, and taxation.

David advises clients on estate planning connected to operating businesses. His work includes pre-IPO and similar planning. He also helps with planning for business preservation and culture. He advises on controlling owner succession. His practice supports clients who need clear planning for business ownership, estate goals, and future transitions.

David advises individual and corporate trustees on their roles and duties. He also supervises trust administration, investment policies, distribution policies, and beneficiary settlements. As part of his trust work, he serves as a Trustee of many trusts and on governing boards of multiple charitable foundations.

David was an Associate Editor of the Fordham Law Review during law school. He is admitted to practice in New York. His professional affiliations include the American Bar Association, International Bar Association, New York City Bar Association, and New York State Bar Association. He joined Cravath in 1998.

David S. Finkelstein was elected a partner in 2004. His practice reflects a strong focus on estate planning, trust administration, charitable planning, tax advice, and trustee guidance. He works with clients to support careful planning, asset preservation, estate transfer goals, and long-term trust and estate needs.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, International Bar Association
• Member, New York City Bar Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• New York University
  Master of Laws (LLM)
• Fordham University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Harvard College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges