If you have read most of my posts you’ll have noticed they are usually related to articles I’ve shared that I think will be of interest and use to my clients, colleagues, and friends. Today’s post is different … today I want to share some information about myself because I believe my clients, and prospective clients, have a right to know about me. I am honored when clients choose me to help them with their estate planning needs, or probate when necessary. Allowing me to serve them demonstrates a deep level of trust. That trust is placed not only in my abilities to serve them well, but in me as an individual. So I am taking today’s posting opportunity to share a few things that I think help to validate that trust in my professionalism, my character, and my services.
First, you may or may not know I am currently serving as 2021-2022 President of the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA), an honor of which I am very proud. If you would like to know more about my background, my reasons for concentrating on estate planning and probate, and what my personal goals are during my presidential term please watch the short video produced by the OSBA. While my duties as president have kept me busy, I can honestly say that I’ve continued to serve my clients at the highest level possible.
In addition to sharing the news about my role with the Ohio Bar Association, I was recently recognized by one of the nation’s leading attorney referral organizations, Super Lawyers. Here is a link to my profile https://profiles.superlawyers.com/ohio/cincinnati/lawyer/david-h-lefton/266fcc78-e089-47d4-85da-7b697e4a75fa.html To give you some background, this nationwide organization selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel.
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 they want to avoid probate while minimizing estate taxes and significant administrative expenses. And looking forward, I know they’ll want matters settled as quickly as possible to benefit their heirs. I want all that for them too.
I know that when I am seeking professional services of any kind, be it a new doctor, dentist, or accountant, I do what I believe most people do. I ask friends, colleagues, and relatives for a referral to those with whom they have had a good experience. Secondly, I often check credentials where I can, be it with the AMA, ADA, or BBB. Finding an estate planning attorney should be no different. Experience is mission-critical but so are things like how clients are treated, level of professionalism, knowledge, and character are all key factors.
It is my hope that if you are a current client this information is both interesting and reassuring to you. You have made a good decision when it comes to selecting the right estate planning attorney. And hopefully, you would, without hesitation, recommend me to your friends, colleagues, and relatives. If you are currently looking for an experienced estate planning lawyer, I hope this information helps guide you in your selection.
For more information about estate planning, probate, or trust administration in Cincinnati (and throughout the rest of Southwest Ohio) and to review free resources regarding estate planning, probate, or trust administration, visit my website https://davidlefton.com/
If you have questions regarding this article or a particular legal matter, feel free to contact me at 513-399-PLAN (7526). David H. Lefton is an Estate Planning and Probate Attorney. He is a partner in the law firm of Barron, Peck, Bennie & Schlemmer.