Meet David
David is VP of Wealth Strategy at Mercer Advisors, leading our Wealth Strategy team, which provides tax, trusts, and estate guidance to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families. He advises clients on preserving multigenerational family wealth and charitable strategies. Before joining in 2024, he held key roles at Franklin Templeton, Charles Schwab, and PwC, offering tax, estate, and wealth planning solutions to founders, executives, and family offices.
David earned a Master of Laws in taxation at Boston University, a J.D. from University of the Pacific, and a B.A. at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a certified specialist in both taxation law and estate planning by the State Bar of California. David sits on the Trusts and Estates Executive Committee of the California Lawyer’s Association. He is also a lecturer for UCLA and Columbia University, where he teaches estate planning to attorneys and graduate students.
His working style
David leads with purpose and genuine curiosity, taking the time to listen deeply and understand the nuances of your family’s priorities before offering guidance. His approach is deliberate and thoughtful to provide a steady hand to the decisions your family faces. He’s committed to making complex concepts feel as simple as possible, translating intricate issues into practical choices you can feel confident about. Above all, he shows up as a trusted partner who anticipates challenges and supports your family with the care and discretion you deserve.
David in real life
What keeps you busy outside of work?
Caddying for my sons on the golf course, trying new restaurants and wineries in Napa Valley, and going to film festivals.
Any words you try to live by?
Lead with compassion.
Why do you like working at Mercer Advisors?
Every day I get a chance to spend time with friends that I respect and admire.
Meet David’s Teammates
Will Rockett
Sr. Director of Investment Strategy
What David Says
Will and I stay in close coordination so a client’s portfolio can support the intentions behind their estate plan. Each trust is distinct, and tailoring an investment strategy to its specific role allows us to strengthen the client’s broader financial situation.
What David Says
As the estate planner, I work closely with Pat to help ensure every client’s plan is both intentional and tax‑efficient. My role is to understand the client’s goals, family dynamics, and long‑term vision, then design trusts, entities, and governance structures that reflect those priorities. Pat brings deep expertise and helps us evaluate how each planning decision can affect the client from a tax standpoint, both today and in the years ahead.
Jennifer Baick
VP, Financial Planning Group
What David Says
I rely on Jennifer’s experience as head of our financial planning team to bring each client’s long‑term vision to life. I focus on understanding a family’s goals and designing the structures that support them, while Jennifer helps ensure the financial plan aligns with those intentions in a practical, day‑to‑day way. We stay closely connected so that every trust, tax, and portfolio decision works together. That collaboration allows us to give clients a plan that reflects their values and functions smoothly across generations.
Articles by David
Minimizing Taxes on Investment Gains: A Guide for High-Net-Worth Investors
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