Providing Estate Litigation Services in New York City
David
Luther is the principal attorney and
founder of our law
firm. His extensive
legal background makes him uniquely
qualified in trust and estate litigation,
the exclusive focus of our practice.
Trust and estate litigation demands resilience and expertise. It presents complex legal challenges. As a combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps, David Luther embraces challenges and is committed to tackling even the most difficult cases.
Trust and estate litigation is a pursuit of justice. It often involves individuals seeking to take what is not rightfully theirs. Earlier in his career, David served as Deputy Bureau Chief of the Frauds Bureau at the New York County District Attorney’s Office and later as Chief Assistant to the Special Prosecutor in the New York State Attorney General’s Office. His expertise in uncovering financial crimes and breaches of trust strengthens our firm’s ability to protect clients’ interests.
A skilled trust and estate litigation attorney must possess extensive litigation experience, in-depth knowledge of trust and estate law, and familiarity with New York Surrogate’s Courts. Many attorneys possess some of these qualities, but few excel in all areas. David Luther does. He has successfully litigated numerous cases in both state and federal courts, gaining invaluable experience in government service and private practice before establishing his own firm. With over two decades of experience in trust and estate litigation, his practice is almost exclusively dedicated to resolving disputes in this field, particularly within the New York Metro Area.
Successful litigation requires a strong legal team. David Luther leads an exceptional group of attorneys. Denise Quarles brings 30 years of experience in litigation, financial and medical regulation, and judicial assignments in the New York Supreme and Surrogate’s Courts. Jill Teitel has 20 years of litigation experience, including roles with the NYC Corporation Counsel and as a Court Attorney Referee in King’s County Surrogate’s Court. Illana Leiser, a Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Financial Planner, applies her financial expertise to estate litigation. Our newest team member, Philip M. Nostrand (Lt. Col, U.S.A.F., Ret.), transitioned from a distinguished military career in U.S. Space Command to law, earning his degree in 2011. We are honored to have his strategic insight on our team.
Above all, a trust and estate litigator must have compassion. Clients often come to us while mourning the loss of a loved one, only to face legal battles over their rightful inheritance. David Luther genuinely cares about his clients. His dedication extends beyond litigation—he has volunteered in civil rights advocacy, served as lead counsel in a major pro bono class action for neglected children, and taken on cases that initially seemed insurmountable. His unwavering commitment to justice ensures that our clients receive the representation they deserve.
Our Practice:
Our approach to New York trust and estate litigation and will contests combines the high-quality representation of a large firm with the personalized attention and cost-conscious service of a smaller practice. We are committed to delivering "Concierge-Level Service" because we recognize the grief, stress, conflict, fear, and uncertainty our clients face. They need an attorney who is both a formidable courtroom advocate and a compassionate legal ally. This unique combination defines our trust and estate litigation practice. When appropriate and upon client request, we take a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with psychologists, family business succession experts, and other professionals to resolve estate disputes before they escalate into costly, prolonged litigation.
We are dedicated to providing the caliber of legal representation expected from a large firm while maintaining the personal touch and flexibility of a boutique practice. Our commitment is to offer hands-on, high-quality legal assistance. We leverage our extensive experience to craft creative, tailored solutions—whether through litigation, mediation, or arbitration. Our client-centered, cost-conscious approach ensures that we provide valuable legal services while prioritizing our clients’ best interests. We strive to resolve legal matters effectively and efficiently, delivering results that align with our clients' needs and expectations.