Attorney
A Different Kind of Law Practice
In 2008, David Edwards ventured out on his own to start a different kind of law practice, one that allowed him to work with his clients, not just for them. In order for this shift in philosophy to work, his clients needed to know more about effective estate planning and how it impacts them and their loved ones. So, David started creating educational workshops, an extensive blog, informative videos, and a website full of helpful resources — all in an effort to educate his clients about estate planning.
Both of David’s parents were school teachers, so creating a law firm with an educational foundation came very naturally to him. He loves guiding his clients into a better understanding of the decisions that will affect their futures. And he has created something truly unique — a type of law firm that was unheard of in Central Illinois. Even today, it is one of a kind in the area. Edwards Group LLC is focused on partnering with families to create estate plans that work flawlessly, protect their legacy, and move them confidently into the future.
An Experienced Attorney
Before venturing out on his own, David worked at another firm for ten years, becoming an experienced courtroom litigator, focusing on estate planning and probate, VA benefits, business and non-profit organizations, tax issue, and civil appeals, including representing clients before the Illinois Supreme Court.
As a practicing attorney, he’s been admitted to the Northern, Central, and Southern U.S. District Courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
He is also a member of the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, the Academy of VA Pension Planners, ElderCounsel, WealthCounsel, the National Care Planning Council, and the Life Care Planning Law Firms Association.
Top of His Class
Since before he can remember, David always knew he wanted to be an Illini. So, after high school he headed to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In the fall of 1988, he started in the College of Commerce, first as an economics major and later as a finance major, where he studied investments, insurance, and real estate. It turned out to be a perfect degree for what he does now — helping clients cover broad financial issues as part of an effective estate plan. He graduated with highest honors with a Bachelor of Science in 1992.
As he headed to the University of Illinois College of Law, David wasn’t 100% sure that was where he needed to be. But once he began his studies, something just clicked. In fact, out of about 70 students, he had the highest grade in Contracts I, and he repeated that achievement again in Contracts II.
Continuing on in law school, he served as Associate Editor of the University of Illinois Law Review, and then graduated “Order of the Coif,” an award given to the top 5% of each graduating law school class. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with his J.D. in 1995.
Highly Rated and Recognized
Martindale-Hubbell
As one of the oldest attorney information services in the United States, Martindale-Hubbell has provided ratings for attorneys for many years. Currently in 2018, David Edwards is listed as Distinguished with a High Ethical Standing.
Super Lawyer Magazine
Super Lawyer magazine reviews attorneys and designates the top 2.5% of attorneys under the age of 40 as “rising stars.” David received this honor in 2008, 2009, and 2010. The honor stopped in 2011 after David turned 40!
Springfield Business Journal
In 2006, David was proud to receive the Springfield Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” award.
Proudly Serving Central Illinois
Throughout his career, David has actively balanced his professional pursuits with civic involvement. He’s proud to have served these organizations:
Rutledge Youth Foundation, Board of Directors
Youth Philanthropists Steering Committee for the Sangamon County Community Foundation (now known as the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln)
Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County, Finance Committee and Board of Directors
Brother James Court, Advisory Council
Illinois Baptist State Association, Board of Directors
Hope Church, Finance Team, Life Group Leader and Worship Band Musician
Relevant Practical Ministry for Men, Board of Directors
Committed to Family
In reading our newsletters, or visiting our offices, you’ll quickly see that David’s top priority is his family. He and his wife, Michelle, have been married since 2003. They have two children, Bailey and Cole.
Born and raised in Central Illinois (Taylorville to be exact), David is still surrounded by his extended family who taught him about hard work, loyalty, and honesty. You can see the importance of people like his Grandad Art Bitzer through the stories he has shared in prior blog posts.
David’s commitment to family continues to grow as he and his team strive to treat each and every client as if they were family. Attorney Matthew Kink said of David, “David goes beyond just legal advice. He truly functions as a counselor, and he treats his clients just as he’d treat his own parents or grandparents.” Elder Care Advisor, Melissa Coulter says of the firm, “The whole team cares so much about our clients. They truly take care of them like family.”