David W. Birnbaum is a lifelong Philadelphian, with strong ties throughout the City and its surrounding suburbs. David is a member of Central High School’s 265th graduating class, and twice over a Temple Owl. David graduated cum laude, with a B.A. in History and a Minor in Ancient Mediterranean studies. He then continued at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law, from which he graduated with his juris doctor.

David is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Howland Hess Birnbaum, David practiced independently and at small firms in the area. David joined the office in 2017, bringing his experience with personal injury and insurance subrogation to the firm. In 2020, David became a named partner and began expanding his focus to his legal passion, estate planning and administration; focusing on preparing wills, living wills, powers of attorney, trusts, probate documents, and inheritance tax returns. Helping families navigate these most difficult situations brings him great personal and professional satisfaction.

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David’s lifelong love of Philadelphia is reflected through his pro bono and volunteer work. David represents local community theater Old Academy Players and serves as a Vice President for the Board of Managers for the Associated Alumni of Central High School. David has also proudly served as a volunteer mediator for the City of Philadelphia’s Eviction Diversion program since its inception, and regularly serves as an arbitrator for the First Judicial District. David previously served as a committee person and treasurer for the 30th Ward Democrats.

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David is an active member of the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Brandeis Law Society. He has distinguished himself within the profession as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, which is a peer nominated award given to outstanding attorneys under 40 years old, and in 2024 he became a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which is reserved for attorneys who have achieved a settlement or verdict of one million dollars or more.

David is the grandson of our late partner, Robert G. Hess, and the nephew of current senior partner, Bruce D. Hess, making him the firm’s first third generation partner. David currently resides in South Philadelphia with his high school sweetheart and wife, Marisa, another Philadelphia native. David and Marisa enjoy cooking and exploring food scenes locally and abroad, hiking, and racing both runs and swims in their spare time.