PRACTICE AREA: Corporate & Business Transactions
A founding member of Wickens Herzer Panza, Mr. Herzer has brought function, spirit, integrity, and commitment to this Firm. Once the Firm's President and CEO (1971-2011), a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors and the Chairperson of the Corporate and Business Transactions Department, Dave has since stepped down from his management responsibilities to focus exclusively on client legal matters.
Mr. Herzer provides counsel to attorneys and clients of the Firm in all areas of corporate law and business tax law, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, and business succession planning. Mr. Herzer serves on the boards of several area corporations and civic organizations. He is highly regarded in Lorain County and surrounding communities: Inside Business magazine recognized Mr. Herzer as a Leading Lawyer for 2008, and Leadership Lorain County recognized him for his outstanding service and volunteerism as an honoree for the 2009 Award for Excellence in Leadership.
Martindale-Hubbell has awarded Mr. Herzer an AV rating for preeminent legal ability and having the highest ethical standards.
Contact:
p: 440.695.8065
f: 440.695.8098
DHerzer@WickensLaw.com
Tell us a little bit about your history and how you came to be at Wickens Herzer Panza.
I came to WHP after graduating from Harvard Law School in 1970 - I wanted to return to my "roots" in Lorain County. I took over when Bill Wickens retired in 1972 and founded the Firm as we now know it with the hiring of Rich Panza in 1973.
What one quote resonates with you, either personally or professionally (or both)?
“Once the game is over, the King and the pawn go back in the same box.”
― Italian Proverb
Why do/should people want to and choose to work with you?
I have always tried to be respectful and collaborative with others. My underlying promise is this: EVERYONE has something valuable to offer (we just have to find it) and every matter requires a TEAM effort.
What's the biggest challenge in your job?
Adjusting to my "quasi-retirement", part-time employment status.
What is your passion? What are you passionate about? What makes you tick?
Health – working out on a daily basis…mental, physical and spiritual fitness. Helping others achieve their maximum potential and achieve fulfillment in life.
Tell me about your most recent big "win."
Reaching my last birthday!!
Tell me something unique about yourself.
I contracted polio at age 3; at age 4, my parents were told that I probably would never walk again. However, I went on to play both football and baseball at the high school and collegiate levels.
What else should we know about you?
I’m an avid Cleveland Guardians fan and a collegiate athlete in football and baseball.
1970 – Harvard University (J.D.)
1967 – Yale University (B.A., magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Epsilon)
State of Ohio
State of Florida
U.S. Tax Court
U.S. Supreme Court
State of Colorado (inactive)
State of New York (inactive)
Lorain County Community College Foundation (Trustee and past Chairperson)
Western Reserve Land Conservancy (Trustee and past Officer)
Yale Alumni Association of Cleveland (Trustee and past President)
National Yale Alumni Fund (Trustee)
Harvard Law School Dean’s Leadership Committee
Lorain County Bar Association
Florida Bar Association
Director/Trustee on over 100 other corporate boards (for-profit and non-profit)
Martindale-Hubbell AV rated
Our team of attorneys and paralegals understands what it means to be a trusted advisor. Sure, we provide legal counsel but we do so much more. We provide a business partnership, support, advice and protection to our clients who become our family. Get to know us better and decide for yourself.