Daniel H. Ruttenberg: A Premier Estate Planning Attorney
Description:
Biography of Daniel H. Ruttenberg: A Premier Estate Planning Attorney at SmolenPlevy
Introduction
Daniel H. Ruttenberg, JD, CPA, LLM, is a principal at SmolenPlevy, a highly respected law firm in Vienna, Virginia, known for its expertise in estate planning, business law, and family law. With over 25 years of experience, Daniel has earned a reputation as one of Northern Virginia’s top estate planning attorneys, recognized by prestigious publications such as Washingtonian, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America. His unique combination of legal and accounting expertise, coupled with his landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Hillman v. Maretta (2013), has solidified his standing as a leader in estate planning and administration. Daniel’s client-centric approach and commitment to community service, including his long-term involvement with Devotion To Children, make him a trusted advisor for individuals, families, and businesses seeking to secure their financial legacies.
Early Life and Education
Daniel H. Ruttenberg’s journey into law and estate planning was shaped by a robust educational background and a passion for helping clients navigate complex financial and legal matters. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Accounting and Finance from the University of Maryland, laying the groundwork for his expertise as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Maryland. Daniel pursued his Juris Doctor (JD) with Honors at George Mason University School of Law, followed by a Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation with Distinction from Georgetown University Law Center. This advanced education in law and taxation equipped him with the skills to address intricate estate planning and business succession challenges, making him a standout in his field. His academic achievements and CPA credential provide a unique perspective, allowing him to offer comprehensive solutions that blend legal and financial strategies.
Career History
Daniel’s career spans over two decades at SmolenPlevy, where he has served as a principal since joining the firm in 1997. His practice focuses on estate planning, estate administration, succession planning for businesses, general corporate law, and tax law. A landmark achievement in his career was arguing Hillman v. Maretta before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013, a precedent-setting case that established the preemption of state laws by federal regulations governing Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) policies. This case highlighted Daniel’s ability to handle high-stakes legal matters and solidified his reputation as an expert in estate administration.
Before focusing on transactional work, Daniel’s early career as a CPA inspired his transition to law, driven by a desire to combine his accounting expertise with legal advocacy. His work has been recognized by numerous accolades, including an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, selection as a “Top Lawyer” by Washingtonian (2022), and consistent recognition as a Super Lawyer for Virginia and the District of Columbia (2014–2025). He has also been named a “Best Lawyer in America” since 2015 and a “Legal Elite” by Washington Smart CEO Magazine. Daniel’s media appearances, including interviews with ABC 7 and WTOP, underscore his thought leadership in estate planning, particularly on the importance of wills and trusts.
Role at SmolenPlevy
As a principal at SmolenPlevy, Daniel H. Ruttenberg leads the firm’s estate planning and tax practice, serving high-net-worth individuals, families, executives, trusts, estates, and closely held businesses. Based at the firm’s office at 8045 Leesburg Pike, 5th Floor, Tysons, Virginia, he provides strategic counsel on wealth preservation, estate administration, and business succession planning. His role involves drafting wills, trusts, living wills, and medical powers of attorney, as well as guiding clients through probate and tax planning to minimize estate and gift tax liabilities. Daniel’s CPA background enables him to offer creative solutions for complex tax matters, such as like-kind exchanges, S-corporation setups, and wealth transfer strategies.
Daniel’s expertise extends to representing clients before local, state, and federal courts in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, where he is a licensed attorney. His leadership in the legal community includes serving as the youngest-ever President of the Fairfax Bar Association and as a Fellow and former Board member of the Fairfax Law Foundation. Since 2002, he has served as Vice President of Devotion To Children, a charity promoting access to high-quality educational and childcare services for economically disadvantaged families, reflecting his commitment to community impact.
Product and Service Offerings at SmolenPlevy
SmolenPlevy, under Daniel Ruttenberg’s leadership, offers a comprehensive suite of legal services focused on estate planning, business law, and family law, tailored to clients in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Key offerings include:
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Estate Planning: Drafting and updating wills, trusts, living wills, and medical powers of attorney to ensure clients’ assets are distributed according to their wishes while minimizing tax liabilities. Services include wealth transfer planning and post-mortem tax strategies, such as disclaimers.
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Estate Administration and Probate: Guiding clients through the probate process, filing necessary documents with probate courts and taxing authorities, and managing estate assets with a focus on ethical fiduciary responsibility.
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Business Succession Planning: Developing strategies for smooth ownership transitions, maximizing business value, and minimizing tax impacts for closely held businesses.
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Tax Law Services: Proactive tax planning for individuals, trusts, and businesses, including income, gift, estate, and generation-skipping tax matters, leveraging Daniel’s CPA expertise for creative solutions like like-kind exchanges and entity selection (e.g., S-corporations, LLCs).
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General Corporate Law: Advising on business formation, entity selection, and tax-favored transactions to support startups, family businesses, and established companies.
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Family Law Support: Collaborating with colleagues to provide comprehensive legal services, including divorce, child support, and adoptions, ensuring holistic client representation.
These services are delivered with a focus on individualized representation, ethical standards, and long-term client relationships, earning SmolenPlevy an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell and consistent recognition as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report.
Value Proposition
SmolenPlevy, with Daniel H. Ruttenberg’s expertise, offers a compelling value proposition that sets it apart in the legal industry:
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Dual Expertise in Law and Accounting: Daniel’s JD, CPA, and LLM credentials provide a unique blend of legal and financial insight, enabling innovative solutions for estate planning, tax strategies, and business succession.
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Client-Centric Representation: Personalized, zealous advocacy ensures that clients’ goals are met with practical, tailored strategies, fostering relationships that last a lifetime.
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Proven Legal Excellence: Daniel’s U.S. Supreme Court case, media appearances, and multiple accolades (Washingtonian, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers) demonstrate a track record of success and peer recognition.
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Community Leadership: Daniel’s involvement with the Fairfax Bar Association and Devotion To Children reflects a commitment to giving back, enhancing trust and credibility in Northern Virginia.
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Comprehensive Services: The firm’s multidisciplinary approach covers estate planning, tax law, business law, and family law, providing a one-stop solution for complex legal needs.
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Local Expertise in Northern Virginia: Operating from Tysons, SmolenPlevy leverages deep knowledge of Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. legal systems to deliver region-specific solutions.
This value proposition has earned SmolenPlevy a reputation as a trusted legal partner, with Daniel’s leadership driving client success and community impact.
Personal Philosophy and Community Impact
Daniel H. Ruttenberg’s philosophy centers on empowering clients to secure their financial and personal legacies through thoughtful planning and ethical representation. He believes estate planning is not just about asset distribution but also about protecting families and businesses from unnecessary legal and financial burdens. His media commentary, such as his ABC 7 interview on the importance of wills, underscores his passion for educating clients and the public on avoiding pitfalls like intestacy, as seen in high-profile cases like Prince’s estate.
In the Northern Virginia community, Daniel’s impact extends beyond his legal practice. As Vice President of Devotion To Children since 2002, he has championed access to quality childcare and education for disadvantaged families. His leadership as the youngest-ever President of the Fairfax Bar Association and Fellow of the Fairfax Law Foundation demonstrates his commitment to improving the local legal system and supporting community initiatives. These efforts enhance SmolenPlevy’s reputation as a firm deeply invested in the region’s well-being.
Contact Information
Daniel H. Ruttenberg can be reached for professional inquiries at:
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Email: dhruttenberg@smolenplevy.com
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Phone: (703) 790-1900
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Address: SmolenPlevy, 8045 Leesburg Pike, 5th Floor, Tysons, Virginia 22182
Contact Information
Phone:
(703) 790-1900
Website:
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Email:
dhruttenberg@smolenplevy.com
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