David M. Klein concentrates his practice in estate planning and administration, elder law and real estate. For more than 40 years, David has been guiding clients through the myriad of laws and government regulations to create an estate plan that protects their assets, minimizes taxes and takes maximum advantage of government programs. David assists clients in drafting wills and trusts to health care directives and guardianships. Additionally, David will assist clients with Surrogate Court proceedings when necessary, and will handle all aspects of probate and trust administration.

David brings significant experience and integrity to his practice. As past President of the Rockland County Bar Association, David is a recipient of the prestigious “Joseph Balsamo Award,” given to an attorney who has earned the respect of the bar and public for personal and professional contributions. In 2009, David was awarded the “The Sterns Award” for significant contributions to the Bar Association and the people of Rockland County. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), the New York State Bar Association (formerly a delegate to the New York State Bar Association, the Elder Law and Trust and Estate Sections of the State Association), and the Rockland County Bar Association (a member of the Real Estate and Trust and Estate Committees of that association). David was one of the founders of Meals On Wheels of Rockland County. He currently is a member of the Ethics Committee of the United Hospice of Rockland County and former Consulting Attorney for the Rockland County Office of the Aging. David is a frequent speaker to bar association groups and community groups on estate planning, administration and elder law. 

Professional Affiliations

  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
  • New York State Bar Association
    • Delegate, Elder Law and Trust and Estate Sections
  • Rockland County Bar Association
    • Member, Real Estate and Trust and Estate Committees

Honors & Awards

  • “Best Elder Lawyers”, Hudson Valley Magazine, 2021 – 2022
  • “Joseph Balsamo Award”, Rockland County Bar Association

  • “The Sterns Award”, Rockland County Bar Association and the people of Rockland County

  • Achievement in Human Rights, Spring Valley Chapter, NAACP

Cited Cases

In Matter of Shah, 95 N.Y.2d 148 (Court Evaluator in trial court)

In Re Estate of Ward,  84 Misc.2d 196

Matter of James K, 47 A.D.2d 946

People v. Wheeler, 91 A.D.2d 647

Sandel v. Sandel, 96 A.D. 2d 584

In Matter of Christina B, 96 A.D.2d 840

Katz v. Katz, 111 A.D. 2d 220

Phillips v. Jacobesn, 117 A.D.2d 785

Katz v. Simon, 216 A.D.2d 270

Harris et. al v. Stony Clove Lake Acres, Inc  221 A.D.2d 833

Warren v. Rabinowitz, 228 A.D.2d 492

In Matter of Thomas, 102 A.D.3d 868

Rubackin v. Rubackin, 107 A.D.3d 872

Prior Experience

  • Partner, Klein & Klein, PC

Civic & Charitable Activities

  • Meals On Wheels of Rockland County, Founder
  • United Hospice of Rockland County, Ethics Committee
  • Rockland County Office of the Aging, Former Consulting Attorney

Education

  • University of Buffalo Law School, J.D., 1972
    • Winner, Honorable Charles S. Desmond Moot Court Competition
  • Albany University, B.A., 1969

Admissions

  • New York