David S. De Jong

Principal

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Chair of Stein Sperling’s nationally regarded tax law group, David De Jong is a recognized and highly sought industry authority with more than 45 years of experience. Raised in Montgomery County, David always intended to practice law in his “home town”. He has been instrumental in maintaining Stein Sperling’s collegial, small-firm feel while helping its tax department grow into a regional powerhouse.

David has a gift for putting himself in his clients’ shoes to gain a deep understanding of their tax-related concerns. He works hand-in-hand with them, providing first-rate representation and solutions customized to individual circumstances. David’s confidence and experience give his clients peace of mind that their tax matters – big and small – are in the right hands. David brings a high level of expertise, creativity, sound judgment and personal attention to helping solve his clients’ tax, estate and business matters.

Coauthor for 16 years of J.K. Lasser’s book, Year-Round Tax Strategies, David has been quoted frequently in a variety of publications including the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. He has testified as an expert witness more than 50 times in tax, estate, business valuation and income matters and is an often requested speaker before industry groups throughout the country. Trained in collaborative law and mediation, David is available to assist divorcing and other disputing parties in resolution of those differences.

David is an integral part of many professional groups including the American Academy of Attorney-CPAs, of which he served as National President and received a prominent award for lifetime service to the organization. The Bar Association of Montgomery County recognized David as an Honorary Life Bar Leader for his many years of committed service. He is an adjunct professor at Washington & Lee University where he teaches an annual two-week intensive course in business transactions.

University of Maryland (B.A., 1972)
Washington & Lee University (J.D., 1975)
Georgetown University (LL.M., Taxation, 1979)

Outside of the office, David captains a competitive trivia team that has won or come second in seven state championships. He is also an avid sports fan, fisherman and world traveler.

Admissions & Certifications
Maryland
District of Columbia
Virginia
U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. Tax Court
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court

Memberships & Activities
Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland

Member and Past Chair, Tax Section

Maryland State Bar Association, Tax Section

Past Member of Tax Section Council

District of Columbia Bar, Tax Section
Virginia State Bar, Tax Section
American Bar Association, Tax Section
American Academy of Attorney-Certified Public Accountants

Board Member, Past National President

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Tax Section
American University Kogod School of Business, Adjunct Professor of Taxation (1983-2002)

Corporate Taxation
Employee Benefit Plans
State and Local Taxation
Real Estate Transactions

Association of Practicing Certified Public Accountants
Estate Planning Council of Suburban Maryland

Member and Past President

Greater Washington Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Tax Section
Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants
Maryland Society of Accountants and Tax Professionals
Metropolitan Center for the Visual Arts

Past Board Member and Past Treasurer

Montgomery College, Instructor of Introduction to Taxation (1983)
Montgomery County, Maryland, Bar Foundation

Past Board Member

Montgomery/Prince George’s County Tax Study Group
National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts

Ethics Oversight Board, Past Chair and Maryland-D.C. Chapter, Past President

National Association of Estate Planners and Councils
Southeastern University, Adjunct Professor of Corporate Taxation (1979-1985)

Partnership Taxation
Employee Benefit Plans
Real Estate Transactions
Estate and Gift Taxation
Estate Planning Workshop
Income Taxation of Estates and Trusts
Exempt Organizations

University of Maryland, Instructor (1981, 1986-1987)

Management Accounting
Budgeting and Financial Systems
Introduction to Taxation

Washington and Lee University (2012 – present)

Adjunct Professor of Law
Business Transactions

Honors & Awards
Best Lawyers (2015-2025)
Maryland Super Lawyer (2007-2024)

Top 100 Attorney in Maryland (2013-2024)
Top 50 Attorney in Maryland (2009-2010)

Washington D.C. Super Lawyer (2007-2024)

Top 100 Attorney in Washington D.C. (2009-2010, 2012-2017, 2019-2024)

Bar Association of Montgomery County, President’s Citation for Distinguished Service (2008)
Montgomery County, Maryland Bar Foundation, Honorary Lifetime Bar Leader (2008)

Bethesda Magazine

Top Attorney (2019, 2021, 2023)

Washingtonian

Top Estate Planners (1994, 2009)
Top Tax Lawyers (2011-2020)

The Daily Record, Leadership in Law Award (2020)
Corporate Taxation; Top Tax Lawyers (2011-2022)
American Association of Attorney-Certified Public Accountants