About Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen Lench is the principal of M.E — Lench, P.C., a law firm located at 4000 Legato Road, 11th Floor, Fairfax, Virginia 22033. Established in 1993, her practice focuses on estate planning, trust and estate administration, and business planning. With over three decades of experience, she has developed a reputation for her expertise in these areas. Her firm serves clients throughout Northern Virginia, providing tailored legal solutions to meet their needs. Mary Ellen earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from American University Washington College of Law in 1989. Graduating cum laude, she also served as an Editor of the Law Review, showcasing her commitment to legal scholarship.
In addition to her law degree, she holds a Master of Arts in International Education from Lesley University, where she graduated magna cum laude. This diverse educational background enriches her legal practice — This lets the attorney approach cases with a well-rounded perspective. Admitted to practice law in Virginia, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia, Mary Ellen has been a member of the Virginia State Bar since 2000. Her legal career includes significant roles that have shaped her expertise. Before establishing her own firm, she served as Counsel in the General Counsel’s Office of Ernst & Young LLP in Washington, D.C. During this time, she gained inexperience arguing and drafting appellate briefs before federal and state courts across the United States.
Her early legal training included a clerkship at the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and an internship at the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division in the Aviation and Admiralty Division. In addition to her legal practice, Mary Ellen has been actively involved in education since 2004. She teaches estate planning classes through Loudoun County Adult Education, sharing her knowledge with the community. Her contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed; she has been recognized as a "Top Estate Planning Attorney" by Northern Virginia Magazine and named a "Legal Elite Attorney for Trusts/Estates/Elder Law Attorneys" by Virginia Business Magazine. Residing in Bluemont, Virginia, Mary Ellen enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including gardening and horseback riding.
She is also passionate about giving back to her community. Since 2005, she has mentored a young lady through the non-profit organization Loudoun Families for Children. Additionally, she sponsors a Brazilian teenage girl through Compassion International, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
