David B. Solomon

Partner

Corporate

David is a partner in the firm’s Corporate Group and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. David has extensive experience in structuring and consummating mergers and acquisition transactions and in representing banks, mezzanine lenders and private equity firms when they make investments in companies.

David adds value as a transactional lawyer through organization and collaboration with other members of a deal team to get the deal done efficiently. Instead of simply raising legal issues without considering a client's business objectives, he focuses on being a problem-solver by proposing creative solutions to issues that allow deals to move forward. He also regularly spends time reviewing market data and networking with other service providers, critical to be able to help his clients assess whether they are getting a good deal.

David also represents many middle-market companies in a "general counsel" capacity by handling various business law issues. He spends time developing personal relationships with each of his clients, knowing the insight gained from those conversations is crucial to serving as a better advisor to the company. As a result, David's clients can rely on his advice and judgment because he has taken the time to meet with the owners and executives of the company to understand their business.

Upon joining Levenfeld Pearlstein in 2009, David founded and currently serves as the head of the firm's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) practice, which serves clients who are involved in various types of transactions involving ESOPs. In addition to working on ESOP transactions and advising ESOP companies, he lectures frequently on ESOPs and has published articles in various publications about how ESOPs are an effective business succession strategy. David is also a member of the board of directors of two ESOP-owned companies and was a former member of the board of directors of the National Center For Employee Ownership (NCEO) and formerly served as the Executive Vice President of the Illinois Chapter of the ESOP Association.

ESOP Resources:

Webinar Recap: The Pros and Cons of Accounting ESOPs. Click here to listen.
Tackling ESOP Myths: Smart Business Dealmakers Interviews David Solomon. Click here to listen.
Cannabis Meets ESOP — A Game-Changer. Click here to learn more.
7 Questions About Employee Ownership. Click here to learn more.
Valentine’s Vows: How Making a Commitment to Employee Ownership Can Foster Loyalty and Motivation. Click here to learn more.
The “Business Succession” Decision: Is an ESOP A Viable Option? Click here to learn more.
The Benefits of ESOPs and Employee Ownership. Click here to learn more.
Why Do Business Owners Sell Their Company Using an ESOP and Other Frequently Asked Questions About ESOPs. Click here to learn more.
Why ESOPs Work for Professional Services Firms. Click here to learn more.
ESOP Experts Discuss Why There Aren’t More ESOPs. Click here to learn more.
2023 ESOP Industry Insider Series. Click here to listen to a conversation with an ESOP Industry Expert

Contact

Email Me

Phone Number

+1 312 476 7526

Additional Information

Education & Admissions

Education

DePaul University College of Law, J.D.
University of Michigan, B.B.A., with distinction

Bar Admissions

Illinois

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
U.S. Supreme Court

Memberships

Member of the Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
Member of Board of Directors of Lipman Hearne, Inc. and The Schebler Co.
Member of Vistage International
Former Board of Directors of National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
Former Executive Vice President - Illinois Chapter of the ESOP Association
Former Member of Corporate Leadership Committee of Chicago Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Former President of Jewish Council for Youth Services (JCYS)

Awards

Crain's 2021 Notable Gen X Leader in Law
2016 JCYS Gala Honoree

Q&A

What’s one thing someone would be surprised to know about you?
That I can draw analogies to any situation from an episode of Seinfeld. I have seen them all!
What is your favorite quote?
“Never confuse activity with achievement.”
What’s the best piece of advice you have received?
My father always used to tell me that there is always someone smarter than you but you can overcome that every time by outworking them. That is why I put forth 100% effort into anything I do, personally and professionally.