David Masterson

Associate
masterson@freelandlaw.com
Tel. 415.541.0200

Education

• University of San Francisco School of Law, L.L.M. in Taxation, expected 2027

• University of San Francisco School of Law, J.D., 2024

• Indiana University, M.A., TESOL and Applied Linguistics, 2012

• United States Naval Academy, B.S., Political Science, Minor in Russian, 2002

Bar Admissions

• California

Practice Areas

• Estate Planning

• Trust Administration

• Estate and Gift Tax

• Private Client Tax

Prior Experience

Associate, Andersen, San Francisco, CA

David’s practice focuses on estate planning, trust administration, and related federal and state tax matters. He works with individuals, families, trusts, and closely held businesses to develop practical strategies addressing their estate, gift, income tax, and wealth-transfer objectives.

Before joining the firm, David practiced in a large private client services group, where he advised high-net-worth individuals and families on complex individual, fiduciary, partnership, and gift tax matters. He also represented taxpayers in California income tax controversies through the Tax Appeals Assistance Program, including matters before the Franchise Tax Board and Office of Tax Appeals.

Prior to entering legal practice, David was a professor and administrator for university programs and served overseas as a U.S. Department of State English Language Fellow and Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine. His background informs a client-centered approach grounded in clear communication, careful analysis, and practical problem-solving. He speaks conversational Russian and has intermediate proficiency in Ukrainian.