David R Gray Jr.

David R Gray, Jr., is the founder and owner of The Law Offices of David R. Gray, Jr., Ltd., which is a firm that specializes in areas of the law pertaining to all aspects of real estate. A member in good standing with the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association, David’s expertise in legal matters relating to real estate is so well respected throughout the Chicago area that he was tasked with co-authoring multiple chapters of the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education Real Estate Taxation Handbook. A graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law, David also holds the position of General Counsel for Wheeler Financial, Inc., a Chicago-based private investment firm.

What are some things that you love?

I love that my professional career has put me in a position to assist both businesses and people as they navigate an increasingly complex legal system. Outside of my work within the legal field, I enjoy playing music whenever the Chicago weather is not exactly conducive for a round of golf.

What’s your favorite film?

I thought Lincoln was a stunningly brilliant film, and I felt Daniel Day-Lewis delivered a typically outstanding performance. I’ve always really enjoyed North by Northwest, a classic Hitchcock film.

Describe your typical day.

I have varied responsibilities to attend to with Wheeler Financial as well as with my own law firm, so it changes from day to day. While my responsibilities vary, each day typically begins very early with a thorough review of that day’s agenda along with an overview of my responsibilities for the days and weeks to come. Once I feel confident that I am appropriately prepared for everything that lies ahead of me, I will usually take a brisk walk before I begin to take meetings with clients or head to the courthouse. My best days always seem to start with a workout.

What’s one thing you’ve learned since you started your career?

There is no amount of intelligence that can replace a detail-oriented and exacting approach to all facets of the law. After all, the most intelligent lawyers respect the intellect of their adversaries and prepare for every possible scenario to ensure they deliver the outcome their clients deserve. The details are indeed the difference which makes the difference.

What’s one piece of advice you can share with others?

Regardless of your field of endeavor, it is absolutely imperative to demonstrate your respect for the profession by putting the time and the effort into doing the so-called “dirty work.” A sharp, intelligent individual may get by while doing relatively minimal work, but they also have to realize that they are passing on an opportunity for greatness by doing so.