David Schertler is an American white-collar criminal defense attorney and trial lawyer. He is known for representing executives, public officials, corporations, and other clients in some of the most complex criminal and civil cases in the United States. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation for handling high-profile investigations involving fraud, corruption, antitrust, securities violations, and other major legal matters.
Before entering private practice, David Schertler served at the United States Department of Justice and later became an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. He also led the Homicide Section, where he prosecuted serious criminal cases and gained extensive courtroom experience. His public service laid the foundation for a successful legal career that has lasted for decades.
Today, David Schertler is a founding partner at Schertler Onorato Mead Sears & Manning. He continues to represent clients in significant white-collar criminal defense cases and government investigations. His work has earned him recognition from leading legal organizations, including Chambers USA and Best Lawyers, making him one of the most respected criminal defense attorneys in the United States.
David Schertler Early Life and Background
David Schertler was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Although his exact date of birth has not been made public, he spent his childhood in a city known for its rich culture, diverse communities, and strong educational opportunities. Growing up in Chicago helped shape his character and prepared him for a career in law and public service.
Very little is publicly known about David Schertler’s parents, siblings, or family background because he has chosen to keep his personal life private. Unlike many public figures, he has focused public attention on his legal career rather than his upbringing. This has allowed him to maintain a high level of privacy throughout his professional life.
From an early age, David Schertler developed an interest in learning, critical thinking, and solving complex problems. These qualities later influenced his decision to study law and pursue a career in the legal profession. His determination and commitment to excellence became evident as he advanced through his education and eventually established himself as one of America’s leading white-collar criminal defense attorneys.
David Schertler Education
David Schertler pursued his higher education at Amherst College, one of the leading liberal arts colleges in the United States. During his time there, he developed strong analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills. His undergraduate education provided a solid academic foundation that prepared him for a career in the legal profession.
After graduating from Amherst College, David Schertler attended the University of Virginia School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. His legal education equipped him with the knowledge and qualifications needed to practice law in the United States. The rigorous training he received also strengthened his understanding of criminal law, litigation, and legal advocacy.
David Schertler’s qualifications played an important role in shaping his successful legal career. His education gave him the skills and confidence to join the United States Department of Justice before later serving as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. The knowledge and experience he gained through his academic journey continue to support his work as one of America’s respected white-collar criminal defense attorneys.
David Schertler Career
David Schertler began his legal career through the Honors Program at the United States Department of Justice. He served as a trial attorney in the Antitrust Division, where he worked on complex cases involving competition law and federal investigations. This early experience gave him valuable courtroom skills and a strong understanding of the American legal system.
In 1984, David Schertler joined the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia as an Assistant United States Attorney. During his years as a federal prosecutor, he handled a wide range of criminal cases, including homicide, violent crime, public corruption, and financial crimes. His ability to manage difficult cases earned him respect among his colleagues and within the legal profession.
From 1992 to 1996, David Schertler served as Chief of the Homicide Section in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In this leadership role, he supervised prosecutors, directed major homicide investigations, and tried serious criminal cases in court. His performance during this period established him as one of the most experienced trial lawyers in Washington, D.C.
In 1996, David Schertler co-founded the law firm Schertler Onorato Mead Sears & Manning. As a founding partner, he shifted his focus to criminal defense and complex civil litigation. He has represented corporate executives, business leaders, public officials, law firms, healthcare organizations, and private individuals facing federal and state investigations. His qualifications and decades of courtroom experience have made him a trusted advocate in high-profile legal matters.
Throughout his private practice, David Schertler has handled cases involving white-collar crime, securities fraud, antitrust violations, tax investigations, public corruption, bribery, healthcare fraud, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and government enforcement actions. He has represented clients connected to nationally known investigations involving companies such as Enron, WorldCom, and KPMG. His work has earned recognition from Chambers USA, Best Lawyers, and other leading legal organizations, confirming his reputation as one of the top white-collar criminal defense attorneys in the United States.
David Schertler Personal Life and Family
David Schertler is known for keeping his personal life private despite his long and successful legal career. He has rarely spoken publicly about his family, relationships, or life outside the courtroom. Instead, he has maintained a professional image that focuses on his work as a trial lawyer and white-collar criminal defense attorney.
As of 2026, there are no verified public records identifying David Schertler’s wife, fiancée, children, parents, or siblings. He has not publicly disclosed the names of his immediate family members, and there is no confirmed information about his current marital or relationship status. Because of his commitment to privacy, most publicly available information centers on his legal achievements rather than his personal life.
Outside of his legal practice, David Schertler is respected for his professionalism, leadership, and decades of experience in the legal profession. He has built a reputation through his work in high-profile criminal defense and complex litigation while maintaining a clear separation between his public career and private family life. This approach has allowed him to enjoy a successful career without placing his personal relationships in the public spotlight.
David Schertler Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
David Schertler’s exact date of birth has not been publicly disclosed. As a result, his precise age is not publicly available as of 2026. He has chosen to keep many details about his personal background private, and there are no verified records confirming his birth date or age.
David Schertler is an American by nationality. He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, United States. His religion has not been publicly disclosed, and he has not made public statements about his faith or religious beliefs. Therefore, there is no verified information confirming his religious affiliation.
David Schertler’s exact height has not been publicly disclosed. Based on his public appearances, he has an average build and maintains a professional appearance that reflects his role as a senior attorney. He is often seen in formal business suits during court proceedings, legal events, and professional engagements, presenting a polished and confident image.
Legacy
David Schertler has built a lasting legacy as one of America’s respected white-collar criminal defense attorneys and trial lawyers. Through decades of legal practice, he has represented executives, corporations, public officials, and private individuals in complex criminal investigations and high-profile litigation. His commitment to justice, ethical advocacy, and skilled courtroom representation has earned him the respect of clients and fellow legal professionals.
His years of public service at the United States Department of Justice and as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia helped shape his influence in the legal field. As Chief of the Homicide Section, he supervised major prosecutions and mentored other prosecutors. Later, as a founding partner of Schertler Onorato Mead Sears & Manning, he continued to handle significant white-collar criminal defense cases that have contributed to the development of modern legal practice.
David Schertler’s career continues to inspire aspiring lawyers who hope to build successful careers in litigation and criminal defense. His professional achievements, leadership, and recognition from organizations such as Chambers USA, Best Lawyers, and the American College of Trial Lawyers reflect the impact he has made on the American legal profession. His legacy is defined by decades of excellence, integrity, and dedication to the practice of law.
Conclusion
David Schertler has earned a distinguished reputation through decades of dedicated service in the American legal profession. From his early years as a federal prosecutor to becoming a leading white-collar criminal defense attorney and founding partner of Schertler Onorato Mead Sears & Manning, he has consistently demonstrated excellence, professionalism, and integrity. Although he keeps his personal life private, his achievements in the courtroom, leadership within the legal community, and recognition from respected legal organizations have secured his place among the most accomplished trial lawyers in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About David Schertler
Who is David Schertler?
David Schertler is an American white-collar criminal defense attorney and trial lawyer. He is a founding partner of Schertler Onorato Mead Sears & Manning and is known for representing clients in complex criminal investigations, government enforcement actions, and high-profile litigation.
What is David Schertler known for?
David Schertler is best known for defending executives, corporations, public officials, and individuals in white-collar criminal cases. He has handled matters involving securities fraud, antitrust violations, public corruption, tax investigations, healthcare fraud, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
Where is David Schertler from?
David Schertler was raised in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
What is David Schertler’s nationality?
David Schertler is an American.
What are David Schertler’s educational qualifications?
David Schertler graduated from Amherst College before earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.
How old is David Schertler?
David Schertler’s exact date of birth has not been publicly disclosed. As a result, his age is not publicly known.
Is David Schertler married?
As of 2026, David Schertler has not publicly disclosed his marital status. There is no verified public information confirming whether he is married, engaged, or single.
What law firm does David Schertler work for?
David Schertler is a founding partner of Schertler Onorato Mead Sears & Manning, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm that focuses on criminal defense, civil litigation, and government investigations.
What awards has David Schertler received?
David Schertler has been recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, and the American College of Trial Lawyers for his work in white-collar criminal defense and trial advocacy.