About David
Estate Planning & Probate Attorney and Partner in the law firm of Barron Peck Bennie & Schlemmer
I devote the vast majority of my law practice to estate planning, probate, and trust administration. This focused commitment allows me to deliver the highest level of service possible. I help clients protect, and ultimately distribute, their hard-earned assets through estate planning.
Over 30 Years of Experience
I have practiced law for more than 30 years, helping my clients protect their financial futures, protect their assets and provide for their heirs. Having worked with hundreds of clients, I understand you want to avoid probate while minimizing estate taxes and significant administrative expenses. And looking forward, I know you’ll want matters settled as quickly as possible to benefit your heirs. I want all that for you too.
I concentrate on estate planning, probate and trust administration. This focus has allowed me to develop significant experience in this practice area. The following are all tools and legal instruments I use to help my clients:
Revocable Living Trusts
General Power of Attorney
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Living Wills
Last Will and Testament
Transfer on Death Designations
“David is a kind and honorable lawyer whom has always shown me genuine concern and care.”
My Approach
During our first meeting we’ll talk about YOUR goals and concerns. Then, throughout the entire process, I’ll make sure you understand the legal steps and requirements. I want you to feel confident you are making good decisions based on sound legal advice.
I treat my clients as I wish to be treated. From your first appointment, you’ll meet with me, not an assistant or paralegal. I will respond promptly to your emails and calls. You will always be treated courteously, professionally and ethically by my staff and me.
Becoming a Client
Personal Profile
Professional Honors & Credentials
Partner in the law firm of Barron Peck Bennie & Schlemmer.
David has been named an Ohio Super Lawyer1 in Estate Planning and has earned the highest ethical standards and professional ability rating given to lawyers by well-respected Martindale-Hubbell Directory 2 helping individuals and their families achieve their estate planning goals. David is further listed as a Top Attorney in Estate Planning and Probate by AVVO3
In 2020, being recognized by his peers, David was elected to serve as the President of the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA). That position commenced on July 1, 2021. In addition to serving his clients full-time, David’s presidential responsibilities included, but were not limited to, presiding over meetings and the work of the governing body of the OSBA as well as actively promoting the mission, vision and long-term goals of the Association.
David is also engaged in activities with the American Bar Association where he rose through the ranks to serve as national chair of the Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division in 2016/17.
Professional Highlights
State of Ohio
- July 2021 became President of the Ohio State Bar Association for a one-year term
- 2020 elected as next President of the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA)
- District 1 Representative on the OSBA Board of Governors representing Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, Clinton and Warren Counties (2017-2020)
- OSBA District 1 Representative on the OSBA Council of Delegates (2007-2020)
- Twice Chaired the Ohio State Bar Association Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Section (2004 – 2007 and 2010 – 2012) Note: One of a few lawyers in the history of the OSBA to serve as chair for two non-successive terms
- Trust, Probate and Estate Planning Council District 1 representative (2001 – 2010) Positions Held – Funeral and Burial Instructions Committee Member (2004-2007)
- Authored contributions to the 13th edition of the OSBA’s popular book, The Law and You
- Chaired the OSBA Economics of Law Survey, which under his direction won the American Bar Association (ABA) Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division (GPSolo), Bar Project of the Year Award. (2004)
- District 1 Representative on the OSBA Council of Delegates (2007-2020). The Council of Delegate meetings where considers legislative proposals from OSBA committees and sections. Only after the adoption of a proposal by the Council of Delegates does it become part of the OSBA legislative program and, thus, an OSBA-endorsed and sponsored bill.
National
- Chair of the American Bar Association GPSolo Division 2017. This division is the national voice for solo and small firm lawyers which comprise approximately two-thirds of the nation’s one million-plus lawyers. The division’s committees produce publications, continuing legal education and other resources so solo and small firm attorneys have the best and latest resources available to them.
- Ohio Delegate to the American Bar Association House of Delegates (2020 to present)
- ABA Commission on Continuing Legal Education (2007-2011)
- Recipient of ABA GPSolo’s “Service to Others” Award in 2010 in recognition of his involvement in the Bar and his community.
Personal & Community Involvement
David is married, has 2 children and devotes his personal time to his family and over the years has used his abilities to improve the lives of people throughout the region. Highlights of his local community involvement include:
- Member of the Board of Trustees of the Cincinnati Arts Association, which oversees the programming and management of the Tri-state’s finest performing arts venues – the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Music Hall. (2011-2017)
- Member of the Development Committee for the Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati. (2014-2016)
- Co-Chair for the Planned Giving Council of the FreeStore FoodBank of Greater Cincinnati, working with other lawyers and financial executives to promote charitable giving in support of the FreeStore. (2011-2013)
- Actively helped lead the youth programs of the Greater Sycamore Soccer Association (GSSA) in the Sycamore School District having served as President, a Board Member and coach in the GSSA’s Recreational and Select Programs. (2004-2012)
Education
University of Dayton School of Law, Dayton, Ohio
Juris Doctor Degree, 1987
Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois
Bachelor of Science Degree, 1984
Major: Business Administration
Seven Hills High School, Cincinnati, Ohio (1980)
Contact
Phone
Address
3074 Madison Rd. #2A, Cincinnati, OH 45209