David L.J.M. Skidmore
Top rated Estate & Trust Litigation attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Practice areas: Estate & Trust Litigation, Estate Planning & Probate; view more
Licensed in Michigan since: 1998
Education: The University of Michigan Law School
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2013 - 2026 
Selected to Rising Stars: 2008 Call today:
888-615-0492
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
150 Ottawa Ave NWSuite 1500
Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Visit website
Renowned as a premier trial attorney and mediator, David Skidmore specializes in probate, trust, estate, fiduciary and real property disputes and litigation. Leveraging his creative and strategic acumen, he navigates intricate and emotionally charged probate matters, forging enduring solutions for his clients. His clientele encompasses a diverse range, from individual or charitable beneficiaries of estates or trusts to lay persons serving as fiduciaries, who may require guidance in understanding their legal obligations. Professional fiduciaries also benefit from David's expertise.
With a litigation background spanning more than half of Michigan's 83 counties, David brings invaluable geographical insight, recognizing the nuanced practices among probate courts statewide. He adopts an assertive approach when necessary, yet remains attuned to his clients' need for empathy and emotional support. Thriving on complexity, both factual and legal, David harnesses all available discovery tools to uncover the truth behind each case. His commitment to delivering comprehensive legal counsel ensures that clients receive tailored strategies and steadfast advocacy in their probate endeavors.
David received his Bachelor of Arts with high honors from Michigan State University in 1992. He earned his Juris Doctor from University of Michigan in 1998 and was the recipient of the Clarence Darrow Scholar Award and the Rockwell T. Gust Oral Advocacy Award. He is a fellow and committee member of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and has devoted his time and talent to many community affiliations, including Opera Grand Rapids, West Michigan Savoyards, Michigan State Alumni Band, Broadway Grand Rapids, City Life Church and more.
He is the co-chair of Warner’s Probate Litigation Practice Group.
Practice areas
Estate & Trust Litigation, Estate Planning & ProbateFocus areas
Estate Planning, Guardianships & Conservatorships, Probate & Estate Administration, Trusts, Will Contests
- 80% Estate & Trust Litigation
- 20% Estate Planning & Probate
First Admitted: 1998, Michigan
Professional Webpage: https://www.wnj.com/people/david-l-skidmore/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Western Michigan Estate Planning Council, Director, 2013-2016
- State Bar of Michigan, Member, Probate and Estate Planning Council, 2012-Present
- State Bar of Michigan, Chair, Amicus Curiae Committee
- State Bar of Michigan, Character & Fitness Committee, 2005-2007
- Grand Rapids Bar Association
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Fellow (2013-Present), Fiduciary Litigation Committee Member, 2024
- Kent County Circuit Court, Qualified Civil Mediator
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 1999
- Michigan, 1998
- State Bar of Michigan, Member, Real Property Law Section
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Fellow, 2013-Present
- Kent County Circuit Court, Case Evaluator
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 1998
- American Bar Association, Member, Probate and Fiduciary Litigation Committee
- State Bar of Michigan, Character & Fitness Committee, 2011-2014
- Michigan Bankers Association Trust Counsel Committee, Member, 2015-Present
Pro bono / Community Service
- Member, Widowed Persons Service Board of Directors, 2011-2014
- Broadway Grand Rapids, Member, Board of Directors, 2013-Present
- Widowed Persons Service Board of Directors, Chairperson, 2013-2014
- Central High School, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Mock Trial Team, 2006-2007
- Central High School, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Volunteer Coach
- Widowed Persons Service Board of Directors, Secretary, 2012
- Leadership Grand Rapids Class of 2010
- Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Board of Directors, Cast Member, Peter Pan, 2010
- Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Board of Directors, Member, 2006-2008
- Widowed Persons Service Board of Directors, Member, 2011-Present
- Hillman Advocacy Program, Member, Steering Committee, 2010-2013
- Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Vice President, 2007-2008
Educational Background
- Michigan State University, B.A., High Honors, 1992
- Cannon Trust School, 2010
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Disability Planning: Where Do Conservators and Guardians Fit In?, 12/22/2016
- There Is No Such Thing as "The Attorney for the Trust", 12/1/2014
- “Observations on Undue Influence,” Michigan Probate & Estate Planning Journal (Vol. 36, No. 1), Winter 2016
- 15 Years of MCL 700.2503 and "Writings Intended as Wills", 6/1/2015
- Moderator, “View from the Probate Court Bench” (ICLE On-Demand Seminar), January 4, 2017
- Post-EPIC Case Law Evaluating The Reasonableness Of Fiduciary Fees, 6/1/2014
- “Discovery in Probate Court Litigation,” Michigan Bar Journal (Vol. 93, No. 5), May 2014
- Seeking Divorce During A Spouse's Disability, 4/1/2014
- Putting Adult Children on Bank Accounts is Risky, 4/9/2014
- "Intestacy and Determination of Heirs," Michigan Probate Litigation: A Guide to Contested Matters, 2nd Edition, September 2013
- Whose Privilege Is It, Anyway? the Fiduciary Exception to Attorney-Client Privilege, 9/1/2013
- “Michigan Rule of Evidence 803(3) and Decedent’s Statements of Then-Existing Intent,” Michigan Probate & Estate Planning Journal (Vol. 33, No. 1), Winter 2013
- Giving Effect To Every Word: An Impossible Task For An Ambiguous Legal Instrument, 6/1/2013
- “Show Me the Money! The Intricacies of Joint Bank Account Litigation in Michigan” (co-authored with Laura E. Morris), The Litigation Newsletter (SBM Litigation Section), Summer 2013
- Supreme Court Rules on Patented Seed Case, 5/15/2013
- Estate Planning Focus - Summer 2007, 6/19/2007
- Estate Planning Focus - Spring 2010, 5/10/2010
- Estate Planning Focus - Fall 2006, 10/20/2006
- Wills & Trusts Litigation: 3 New Cases in a Nutshell, 4/20/2011
- "15 Pointers, Practice Tips, and Reminders Regarding Easements: Highlights of 2010 Michigan Appellate Decisions," Michigan Real Property Review (Vol. 38, No. 2), Summer 2011
- What Businesses Should Know About -- Identity Theft, 2/19/2005
- Michigan Law & Practice Encyclopedia, 1/1/2004
- "Wills and Estate Administration," Michigan Law and Practice Encyclopedia, Vol. 34, 2nd Ed., 2004
- Loath To Supplement the Language: 2010 Michigan Appellate Decisions Concerning Extrinsic Evidence of Testator’s or Settlor’s Intent, 12/1/2011
- Admissibility of Extrinsic Evidence in Will and Trust Proceedings, 12/1/2012
- "Legal and Ethical Issues Raised by an Attorney Acquiring a Lien or Mortgage Against A Client's Real Property," Michigan Real Property Review, Fall 2012/Winter 2013
- “Before the Party’s Over: The Arguments For and Against Pre-Death Will Contests” (co-authored with Laura E. Morris), Probate & Property (Vol. 27, No. 2), March/April 2013
- Estate Planning Focus - Fall 2003,
- Serving as an Amateur Fiduciary is Risky – Legally and Financially, 11/5/2015
- The Probate Exception to Federal Diversity Jurisdiction, 4/1/2016
- "Property Ownership," Michigan Estate Planning Handbook, 3rd Edition, June 2016
- Finish Your Estate Plan: Ensuring Consistency with Your Property Ownership and Your Plan, 7/21/2016
- Not All Mental Capacity is Created Equal, 11/16/2016
- Agents Beware: Risks of Serving as a Power of Attorney, 11/16/2016
- Halting Elder Abuse: Know Your Options, 11/16/2016
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Member, Leadership Grand Rapids Class of 2010
Honors
- Named by Michigan Super Lawyers magazine as Rising Star, 2008
- Named as Clarence Darrow Scholar, University of Michigan Law School, 1995
- Ranked Band 1, Private Wealth Law, Michigan, Chambers High Net Worth Guide, 2016
- Best Lawyers in America, Litigation-Trusts & Estates, 2015-Present
- Received Rockwell T. Gust Oral Advocacy Award, University of Michigan Law School, 1998
- AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
- Named to Michigan Super Lawyers, 2013-Present
- Phi Beta Kappa, Michigan State University, 1992
- Named the Best Lawyers’ Grand Rapids Litigation - Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year, 2016
Industry Groups
- Banking
- Fiduciary Services
Office location for David L.J.M. Skidmore
150 Ottawa Ave NW
Suite 1500
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 888-615-0492
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2013 - 2026
- Rising Stars: 2008
