Chambers HNW 2026

“David's availability and client service were unmatched.”

Chambers HNW 2024

“Outstanding lawyer with exceptional depth of knowledge and commercial awareness.”

Lexology Index 2024

“David is the go-to lawyer for domestic and international estate planning and estate litigation proceedings.”

Chambers HNW 2025

“David Wallace Wilson is simply exceptional in his field. He consistently provides the highest level of support and advice that is consistently accurate and practical.”

The Legal 500 2025

“David Wilson - simply the best lawyer in Switzerland in his area.”

Chambers Global 2015

“A high-calibre and dynamic lawyer.”

Lexology Index 2014

“Unrivalled according to peers.”

Chambers HNW 2023

“He is worth every cent. He is very quick-witted, practical, and I value his advice and insight a lot.”

 
David Wallace Wilson
Geneva

David Wallace Wilson, M.C.J.

Partner, Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP)

+41 22 707 8000

VCard PDF Send link

Anna Pothain

Assistant


anna.pothain@swlegal.ch

David Wallace Wilson is a partner in Schellenberg Wittmer's Geneva office, where he heads the Private Wealth group. His main areas of practice include domestic and international estate planning as well as trust and estate litigation. Recognised as a leading private client lawyer, David also acted as expert for the Swiss government and served as expert witness in notable UK/offshore disputes.

 

Experience

  • Advising private clients on wealth structuring and succession planning, including marital agreements, wills, inheritance pacts, trusts and foundations

  • Extensive experience in complex capacity, undue influence, deputy/guardianship, trust and estate disputes

  • Serving as executor and protector especially in administering large international estates

  • Assisting trustees and intermediaries with compliance and regulatory issues (AML, CRS, FATCA, sanctions etc.)

  • Expert witness in court (e.g. Swiss inheritance law, trustee’s fees)

Career

Professional Experience
2009
Partner at Schellenberg Wittmer
2003
Associate at Schellenberg Wittmer
Education and Admission
2013
STEP Advanced Certificate in Mediation
2003
Bar Admission in Switzerland
2003
STEP Qualified Practitioner
2002
Bar Admission in New York
2001
Master of Law in Comparative Jurisprudence (M.C.J.), New York University
1998
Master of Law, University of Geneva
Additional Professional Activities
  • Chairman of STEP Geneva (2014-2020, officer 2004-2013)

  • Board Member, Swiss Association of Trust Companies (since 2018)

  • Expert on Swiss trust law, Swiss Federal Office of Justice (2018 - 2022)

  • Founder of Trusts.ch, the leading website on trusts in Switzerland

  • Extensive speaking engagements and topical publications

 

Stay up to date!

*Required fields

Newsletters & Newsflashes

Monthly selected key topics from our practice areas, sectors and industries, plus newsflashes on recent developments.

Publications

Monthly email with the latest updates and summaries of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court's case law in arbitration matters.
Regular insights into Swiss and international trends and legal developments in the construction industry.
Regular insights and updates on key developments in the rapidly changing landscape of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance disputes.
Concise analysis of key trends in the fast-moving world of corporate governance for board members of Swiss companies.
A regular look from a unique M&A perspective at legal changes, economic developments and societal trends in Switzerland.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.