A strategic partner — not just a lawyer.
For more than 26 years, Steve Thienel has helped business owners and families across the DMV protect what they have built and plan for what comes next — with business, tax, and estate counsel under one roof.
Steve Thienel built his practice on a simple idea: the people who create jobs and provide for their families deserve a lawyer who sees the whole picture — not one who shows up only when something breaks.
A different path to the law
A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Steve came to law from the other side of the table. Before he practiced, he hired and managed attorneys as a client — which means he knows firsthand how frustrating it is to get a narrow answer to a question that touches your whole business, your taxes, and your family at once.
That experience shapes how he works today. He treats clients as partners, explains the trade-offs in plain English, and keeps an eye on the consequences that sit one or two moves ahead.
Counsel that doesn’t stay in one box
Most lawyers refer tax questions out. Steve doesn’t — he holds an LL.M. in taxation, an advanced degree that lets him handle the tax dimension of a business sale, a succession plan, or an estate in-house, where it stays connected to everything else.
The result is integrated counsel: a single attorney who can form your company, draft the contract, structure the deal for taxes, and make sure your estate plan reflects all of it. Nothing falls between the cracks because nothing has to be handed off.
“Clients don’t experience their lives in practice areas. A business decision is a tax decision is a family decision. My job is to hold all of it at once.”
Built for the DMV
Few regional attorneys are licensed in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Steve is — which matters for the many owners and families whose lives cross all three. A company headquartered in Maryland with a lease in D.C. and a founder living in Virginia doesn’t need three lawyers. It needs one who can see the whole map.
How he works today
Steve keeps a deliberately focused practice so that clients work directly with him — not a rotating cast of associates. Secure document sharing, electronic signatures, and online scheduling keep matters moving without unnecessary meetings, so your time stays yours.
Experience that compounds
More than two decades of focused practice, an uncommon depth of tax training, and a client-side perspective most attorneys never have.
Founding attorney, Thienel Law, PLLC
Integrated business, tax, and estate counsel for owners and families across Maryland, D.C., and Virginia — working directly with every client.
Business, tax & estate attorney
A focused practice spanning formation and transactions, tax planning and controversy, and the estate plans that tie it all together.
LL.M. in Taxation
A master of laws in taxation — the credential that lets Thienel Law keep sophisticated tax work in-house instead of referring it out.
The client's perspective
Hired and managed attorneys from the client side of the table, learning early what owners actually want from their counsel.
What clients say about working with Steve
I have worked with Steve Thienel for more than 20 years now and the experience has been amazing. Steve and his team are very thorough, they review all sides of a situation, and are very measured in how they approach a solution. They are 100% client focused and a pleasure to work with!
Throughout years, Steve has been my go to guy for business, real estate, and legal work. Steve works fast and is highly reliable. I would recommend Steve to anyone.
Received expert advice including options when applicable. Filings were timely and I was kept informed each step of the way. First class service!!!
I have been receiving services from Mr. Thienel for over 15 years. I have found his legal services to be of exceptionally high value and quality. His services are always timely, professional and thorough!
Reviews are published as given. Thienel Law does not offer compensation for reviews.
What you can expect
Senior attention, every matter
You work directly with Steve — not a junior associate learning on your file. The person you meet is the person who does the work.
Respect for your time
Secure documents, e-signatures, and online scheduling keep matters moving without unnecessary meetings or paperwork.
Plain-English counsel
Trade-offs explained clearly, so you always understand the decision in front of you and why it matters to your bottom line.
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation
Steve will review where you stand and the options available to you across Maryland, D.C., and Virginia — business, tax, and estate, under one roof.
- Tell Steve about your matter
- Pick a time that works