David Dessen

David Dessen serves as Of Counsel at Stephen Bilkis & Associates. He earned his law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law in 1973 and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar shortly thereafter. Mr. Dessen is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia. In 1994, he returned to Temple University and earned a Master of Laws degree in Trial Advocacy. Additionally, he completed the RAC Certificate Program from the Medicare-Medicaid Payment Summit in 2012.

With over 40 years of experience specializing in estates and trusts, Mr. Dessen has built a strong reputation for vigorously and compassionately advocating for his clients and delivering innovative solutions to complex legal issues.

Mr. Dessen provides sophisticated estate planning and personal planning services to individuals and families, including the preparation of wills, trusts, and related documents. He carefully tailors estate plans to reflect his clients’ objectives, considering the implications related to estate, gift, and income taxes.

In addition to estate planning, Mr. Dessen represents fiduciaries regarding the legal, tax, and accounting responsibilities involved in administering estates and trusts. He supports personal representatives and trustees in managing fiduciary duties such as asset disposition and record maintenance, always aiming for efficiency and preserving asset value while minimizing tax liabilities.

Drawing upon his extensive background as a corporate litigator, Mr. Dessen also represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in contested estate and trust matters. His litigation practice includes probate court representation in disputes concerning will and trust validity, interpretation disagreements, and fiduciary accountability issues. Recognizing the sensitive nature of family dynamics and the importance of privacy, Mr. Dessen prioritizes resolving disputes without court intervention whenever feasible.

Mr. Dessen’s estate planning expertise extends into business planning, particularly for family-owned businesses. He assists business owners with succession planning, asset sales, and other strategic considerations related to business ownership and continuity.

Additionally, Mr. Dessen advises clients on personal planning strategies aimed at asset protection and wealth preservation, as well as planning for potential disability or incompetency. He ensures that his clients’ personal and financial wishes are honored in the event of a health crisis.

Recognized by his peers as a "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer," Mr. Dessen is actively involved with the American Prepaid Legal Services Institute, having previously served on its Board of Directors. He is a frequent lecturer nationwide, covering topics ranging from insurance matters to the provision of group legal services. Mr. Dessen also consults with attorneys and law firms servicing prepaid and group legal plans, as well as unions and organizations seeking to establish similar programs.

For inquiries or assistance regarding estate planning, trust and estate administration, estate disputes, business succession planning, or incapacity planning, contact the experienced estate attorneys serving Philadelphia at Stephen Bilkis & Associates. Call 833.725.2972 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.