About David Allan
David Allan Nelson earned his J.D. from Marquette University Law School in 1999. He left school at a time when the legal landscape was changing and began a private practice career that has now spanned more than two decades. That long arc from graduate to seasoned practitioner shapes how he approaches the work.
After law school Nelson built his career in private practice. He has worked at firms where litigation, negotiation and client counseling were central to the day-to-day work. Over the years he has handled a steady caseload and advised clients on a variety of matters. The record of steady practice reflects a lawyer comfortable in court and in conferences alike.
Nelson’s experience stretches across routine and complex matters. He has represented individuals and businesses, prepared filings, negotiated agreements and appeared in hearings. His day-to-day practice has required attention to procedural detail and to the practical consequences of legal decisions. Colleagues describe him as pragmatic when assessing options and clear when explaining them to clients.
In recent years Nelson has been affiliated with Hetzel & Nelson LLC. At the firm he continues to take on matters that require careful preparation and sustained advocacy. He works with other attorneys at the firm on cases and client engagements, often coordinating efforts to ensure continuity from intake to resolution. His role has included mentoring junior lawyers and helping manage client expectations through each phase of a matter.
Outside the firm room, Nelson’s background at Marquette and long time in practice inform how he evaluates cases. He brings a methodical approach to fact gathering and to building a record that supports his clients’ positions. He balances courtroom readiness with negotiation strategies, choosing paths that reflect the facts and the client’s objectives.
In the current legal market Nelson remains active in private practice. He continues to serve clients through Hetzel & Nelson LLC and handles the firm’s client matters in a hands-on manner. His current practice centers on the matters he and his colleagues at Hetzel & Nelson LLC manage for their clients.
