Atty. David M. Lenz

Atty. David M. Lenz

David Lenz joined the Firm in 2006, became a Partner in 2013, and was elected to serve as Managing Partner in 2020. His practice focuses primarily on planning for and administering wealth transfer for individuals and families, in addition to counseling charitable organizations.

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Profile Summary

About David M. Lenz at a glance

David M. Lenz is a trusts attorney based in Cleveland, Ohio, practicing at Schneider Bell. Admitted to practice in Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association. Educated at The Ohio State University (J.D., 2006) and The Ohio State University (B.A., 2003). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Serands clients in Cleveland, OH and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • David Lenz joined the Firm in 2006, became a Partner in 2013, and was elected to serve as Managing Partner in 2020
  • His practice focuses primarily on planning for and administering wealth transfer for individuals and families, in addition to counseling charitable organizations
  • David considers each client’s unique estate planning needs, creating comprehensive plans and helping families communicate their purpose and goals to the next generation
  • This often includes complex charitable, retirement, and tax planning strategies, as well as oft-overlooked items such as digital assets and pets
  • Further, David also counsels charitable institutions to help them have a greater impact in the community
  • This can encompass applying for tax-exempt status for start-up nonprofit organizations, planned giving consultation for established public charities, and governance and compliance management for private family foundations
  • David translates his expertise into leadership within the legal community
  • He is a Fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel (ACTEC), certified by the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) as a specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law, and was a part of the OSBA subcommittee that helped create Ohio’s law on executors’ access to decedents’ digital assets in 2017
  • Additionally, he has volunteered with the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (CMBA) as the chair of multiple groups
  • He is a frequent speaker and author on charitable planning and on estate planning with digital assets
  • David has also led in various roles in his faith community, having served as President of Advent Lutheran Church in Mentor and spent nine years on the regional Synod Council for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), including six years as Secretary of the Synod, and served a six-year term on the ELCA’s national Church Council
  • He currently serves as Chair of the Synod’s Constitution Review Committee
  • David lives in Mayfield Village with his wife and daughters, and he can often be found distance running on the trails of North Chagrin Reservation and Mayfield

Practice Areas Explained

David M. Lenz's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David M. Lenz handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Trusts

David M. Lenz is one of 104,172 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Ohio →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Ohio

Practicing law in Ohio. Legal matters in Ohio are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Cleveland are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Ohio state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Ohio brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Ohio courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Ohio attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Cleveland or all attorneys in Ohio.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about David M. Lenz

Where is David M. Lenz's law office located?
David M. Lenz's law practice is located in Cleveland, Ohio. The firm is Schneider Bell. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does David M. Lenz handle?
David M. Lenz focuses on trusts. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Ohio.
Where did David M. Lenz go to law school?
David M. Lenz earned their education at (J.D., 2006); (B.A., 2003).
How can I contact David M. Lenz for a consultation?
You can contact David M. Lenz directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has David M. Lenz received?
David M. Lenz's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates; Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:; Best Lawyers in America — Certified Specialists Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law - Ohio State Bar Association; Best Lawyers in America — Selected to the Ohio Super Lawyers list: 2022-present.

Education

J.D.
The Ohio State University
- 2006
B.A.
The Ohio State University
- 2003

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Certified Specialists Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law - Ohio State Bar Association
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Selected to the Ohio Super Lawyers list: 2022-present
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Selected to the Ohio Rising Stars list: 2014-2021
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Crains Cleveland Business 40 Under 40 Class of 2020
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Estate Planning Council of Cleveland Exceptional Service Award, 2018
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association

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