David Alexander Shaw Mills

David is proud to represent the fourth generation of Mills to practice at the firm since its founding in 1884. He is a great-grandson of Alexander Mills, K.C., one of the founders of the firm, grandson of Ralph S. Mills, Q.C., and a son of J. Paul Mills, K.C. David served his articles with Mills & Mills LLP, joined the firm following his call to the Bar and became a Partner in 2006.

As an estate lawyer, David provides a comprehensive range of services in the planning and administration of estates as well as with respect to the litigation of estate disputes .

David works with clients, together with their financial and tax advisors, to implement comprehensive estate planning strategies. For many clients, a complete estate plan can be limited to carefully drafted Wills and Powers of Attorney . For others, more complex planning – involving tools such as multiple Wills, life insurance trusts, disability trusts, education trusts, alter ego trusts, joint spousal trusts, family trusts, and planning strategies for blended families – is required.

When disputes arise, David engages his clients in a cost-effective and results-driven dispute resolution process. This involves a thorough analysis of his clients’ rights and interests and an assessment of the risks and benefits of each strategic option. Working with the firm’s team of litigators, the optimal strategy – which may include alternative dispute resolution techniques or traditional court action – is then designed and vigorously pursued.

David regularly acts as an Estate Trustee and is proud to serve the needs of estate beneficiaries and their counsel by acting as a court-appointed Estate Trustee During Litigation.

David also acts as a mediator in estate disputes. David is passionate about the power of mediation to bring resolution to complex, painful, and costly litigation.