David T. Lewis

For residents and business owners across North Carolina, especially within the thriving community of Charlotte, navigating complex legal matters related to personal wealth, family legacies, and business transitions can be daunting. These areas often involve intricate legal frameworks, significant financial implications, and deeply personal considerations. This article provides a comprehensive and informative overview of David T. Lewis, a highly respected attorney based in Charlotte, NC, who specializes in trusts, estates, and related litigation. We aim to shed light on his expertise, the services he offers, and why he stands out as a crucial resource for those seeking robust legal guidance in wealth management and generational planning.

David T. Lewis is a distinguished partner at Johnston, Allison & Hord, P.A., a law firm with a rich history of serving the Charlotte area since 1912. With over 25 years of dedicated experience, David has established himself as one of the Carolinas' most seasoned trusts and estates attorneys. His practice is uniquely focused on two primary areas: proactive planning and estate administration, alongside tenacious fiduciary and probate litigation. He is renowned for his strategic, intensely personal approach, meticulously working with generations of families to safeguard their assets, plan for seamless business succession, and navigate the often-complex landscape of taxation and charitable giving. His commitment extends to representing fiduciaries, executors, or beneficiaries in disputes, always aiming to uphold the true intent of the testator or grantor and prevent unjust outcomes. This blend of planning foresight and litigation acumen makes him an invaluable asset for individuals, wealthy business owners, and executives in North Carolina.

Accessibility is a crucial factor when seeking legal counsel, and David T. Lewis’s office is conveniently situated to serve the North Carolina community. His practice is located at 1065 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA. This prominent address in Charlotte ensures that clients from across Mecklenburg County and the broader region can easily reach his office. The central location in Charlotte provides straightforward access, whether clients are commuting from nearby neighborhoods or from more distant parts of the state. The firm's long-standing presence in this vibrant city also speaks to its deep roots and intricate understanding of North Carolina's legal and economic environment, which is particularly beneficial for complex estate and business matters governed by state-specific regulations. Clients visiting the office will typically find ample parking and a welcoming professional environment, making their experience as smooth as possible during what can often be a sensitive time.

David T. Lewis offers a comprehensive suite of services, primarily focused on trusts, estates, and wealth management, catering to both individuals and businesses. His expertise is critical for anyone looking to plan for the future, manage assets, or resolve disputes related to inheritances and fiduciary duties.

• Trusts & Estates Planning and Administration: This is a cornerstone of his practice. David works with individuals and families to develop sophisticated estate plans, including drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. He specializes in designing plans to minimize transfer tax burdens and protect wealth across multiple generations. This also includes guiding clients through the often-complex process of estate administration after a loved one has passed.

• Fiduciary and Probate Litigation: When disputes arise concerning wills, trusts, or the actions of fiduciaries (like executors or trustees), David represents clients in probate and fiduciary litigation. This includes will contests (caveats), trust modifications, and seeking the appointment of guardians, always with an aim to preserve the testator's or grantor's intentions and prevent unjust results.

• Business Succession and Transition Planning: For business owners, ensuring a smooth transition of their company is vital. David assists in creating and implementing plans for transferring businesses to the next generation of family members or facilitating tax-efficient sales to unrelated purchasers. This involves drafting critical documents like buy-sell agreements and shareholder agreements.

• Asset Protection Planning: David advises wealthy individuals and families on strategies to protect their assets from potential creditors, lawsuits, or other risks, ensuring the long-term security of their wealth.

• Tax Planning: With a background that includes an LLM in Taxation from the University of Alabama, David offers advanced transfer and income tax planning strategies to high-net-worth individuals and families, helping them manage their financial obligations efficiently and legally.

• Charitable Planning & Exempt Organizations: He assists clients in leveraging their wealth to create charitable impact, including advice on establishing and managing charitable foundations and other tax-exempt organizations.

• Elder Law & Special Needs Planning: While not his primary focus, his work in trusts and estates often touches upon aspects of elder law, such as appointing guardians to protect elderly clients, and special needs planning to ensure beneficiaries with special needs are provided for.

David T. Lewis’s career is marked by significant accomplishments and professional distinctions, solidifying his reputation as a leading trusts and estates attorney in North Carolina. These highlights underscore his deep expertise and commitment to the field.

• Extensive Experience: With over 25 years of experience exclusively practicing trusts and estates law, David brings a profound depth of knowledge to every client matter.

• Highly Recognized: He has consistently been recognized by prestigious legal publications. This includes being named in The Best Lawyers in America® for Trusts and Estates Law (2007-2025), Tax Law (2007-2025), and Litigation - Trusts and Estates Law (2021, 2023-2025). He was also recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation-Trusts and Estates in 2022.

• Super Lawyers® Selection: David has been repeatedly selected to Super Lawyers® North Carolina from 2006-2007 and 2012-2025. Notably, he has been listed among the Top 100 Attorneys in North Carolina multiple times (2015, 2018, 2019, 2025), indicating high peer recognition and professional achievement.

• Chambers & Partners Recognition: He is recognized by Chambers & Partners® High Net Worth Guide for Private Wealth Law (2018-2023), further validating his standing among high-net-worth clients.

• Fellow of ACTEC: David is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), a prestigious invitation-only organization of leading trusts and estates lawyers in the U.S. This distinction highlights his expertise and reputation among his peers.

• Leadership Roles: He has held significant leadership positions within the North Carolina Bar Association, including serving as Chair of the Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Section (2021-2022) and North Carolina State Chair for ACTEC (2016-2021).

• Academic Background: His Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation from the University of Alabama, along with his Juris Doctor from Samford University, Cumberland School of Law, provides a strong academic foundation for his specialized practice.

• Personalized Approach: Clients appreciate his "intensely personal approach," ensuring that legal solutions are precisely tailored to their unique circumstances and long-term goals.

While law firms do not typically offer flash sales or discounts in the way a retail business might, the value proposition for engaging with David T. Lewis and Johnston, Allison & Hord, P.A. lies in the unparalleled expertise and long-term security provided. For North Carolina residents, especially those with complex financial situations, family businesses, or significant assets, the "promotion" is the peace of mind that comes from working with one of the most recognized and experienced attorneys in trusts and estates law in the Carolinas. This level of specialization and depth of knowledge often leads to more efficient and effective planning, potentially saving significant amounts in taxes, avoiding future litigation, and ensuring that generational wealth transfers smoothly according to the client's wishes. Prospective clients are encouraged to utilize initial consultations to assess their needs and understand how David Lewis's tailored strategies can benefit their specific situation, representing a valuable first step in securing their financial and familial legacy.

To connect with David T. Lewis and discuss your estate planning, wealth management, or fiduciary litigation needs, North Carolina residents can reach out using the following contact information:

Address: 1065 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA

Phone: (704) 998-2208

Calling the direct office number is the most efficient way to initiate contact, schedule a consultation, and begin the process of addressing your legal concerns. The professional staff will assist you in connecting with the appropriate resources.

For North Carolina residents seeking sophisticated and reliable legal counsel in matters of estate planning, trusts, probate, and business succession, David T. Lewis is an exceptionally suitable choice. His practice, rooted in Charlotte, serves as a vital resource for individuals and families aiming to manage and transfer wealth effectively across generations. With a career spanning over two decades, marked by numerous prestigious accolades and a deep specialization in tax, trusts, and estates law, David offers a level of expertise that is truly invaluable. His personalized approach ensures that complex legal strategies are tailored to each client's unique circumstances, providing comprehensive solutions for asset protection, tax efficiency, and dispute resolution. Choosing David T. Lewis means partnering with a recognized leader in his field, dedicated to preserving your legacy and navigating the intricate legal landscape of wealth management within North Carolina.