David W. Wilhelmsen, Associate at our Phoenix, and Albuquerque law offices
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David W. Wilhelmsen

Associate
Biography

David Wilhelmsen practices commercial finance and real estate law. He guides clients through the loan documentation and due diligence process, with the overarching goal of minimizing risk and ensuring proper securitization. David also helps clients navigate the unique issues associated with lending in Indian Country and has developed strong working relationships with members of the National Indian Gaming Commission, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other regulatory entities. David is licensed in both Arizona and New Mexico. He researched and wrote an American Bar Association resolution on legal history and arguments for upholding free speech on college campuses. He is a native Spanish speaker and is fluent in that language.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

  • Arizona
  • New Mexico


Court Admissions

  • Supreme Court of Arizona
  • Supreme Court of New Mexico


Education

  • Notre Dame Law School (J.D., cum laude)
    • Dean’s List
    • President, Federalist Society
    • Executive Articles Editor, Journal of Legislation
    • Dean’s Award, Land Use Planning
  • Hillsdale College (B.A., Political Science and Spanish, summa cum laude)
    • Dean’s List
    • Student Body President
    • Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity, Chaplain

Languages

Spanish

Experience

Awards & Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch, Real Estate (2025)
  • Southwest Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars Edition, Securities & Corporate Finance (2023-2024)

Representative Experience

  • $60,000,000 loan secured by multi-family housing projects in the Northeast
  • Nearly $30,000,000 loan financing the construction of a luxury hotel in Florida
  • Nearly $30,000,000 construction loan secured by a mixed-use residential and commercial development in Nevada
  • $100,000,000+ loan to finance over 90 convenience stores and restaurants across the United States
  • Over $20,000,000 loan secured by medical offices in the Southwest

Previous Professional Experience

  • Goldwater Institute, Law Clerk (2015)
  • U.S. Senator Mike Lee, Intern (2014)
  • U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, Intern (2013)
  • Yavapai County Superior Court, Intern to the Honorable Robert L. Mackey (2012)
  • Consejo Nacional de la Magistratura (CNM), Intern to the Honorable Luis Maezono (2012)

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • The Federalist Society (2018-present)
  • Valley Partnership (2018-present)
  • Notre Dame Club of Phoenix (2017-present)

Community Involvement

  • MIKID, Board of Directors
  • Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix
  • Snell & Wilmer Volunteer Lawyer’s Program, Firm Coordinator
  • Snell & Wilmer Pro Bono Committee, Member
  • Homeless Legal Assistance Project
  • Valley of the Sun United Way

Representative Presentations and Publications