David Schertler is a veteran Washington, D.C., criminal defense attorney who has represented Anthony Fauci in multiple congressional investigations. He became a trending search after being removed from a July 29 Senate hearing while attempting to speak on Fauci’s behalf during questioning over the federal government’s COVID-19 response.
Although Schertler has spent decades handling high-profile legal cases, he has largely stayed out of the public spotlight. That changed after his confrontation with Sen. Rand Paul during the hearing, leaving many viewers asking who Fauci’s attorney is and what his legal background is.
Here’s what to know.
Who is David Schertler?
David Schertler is an experienced criminal defense and white-collar litigation attorney based in Washington, D.C.
Over a legal career spanning several decades, he has represented executives, public officials, corporations and individuals involved in high-profile criminal investigations and government inquiries.
He is particularly known for handling cases involving:
- White-collar criminal defense
- Federal investigations
- Congressional investigations
- Public corruption
- Internal corporate investigations
- Trial litigation
His clients have included politicians, business executives and other prominent figures facing complex legal challenges.
Why is David Schertler trending?
David Schertler became a breakout search after representing Anthony Fauci during a Senate hearing examining the federal response to COVID-19.
During the hearing, Schertler attempted to address the committee after Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment.
Committee Chairman Rand Paul ruled that Schertler was not permitted to speak during the proceedings and ordered Capitol Police to escort him from the hearing room after a procedural dispute.
The dramatic moment quickly spread across television and social media, making Schertler one of the day’s most searched legal figures.
Why was David Schertler removed from the hearing?
The dispute centered on Senate committee rules.
After Fauci declined to answer questions by invoking the Fifth Amendment, Schertler attempted to intervene on behalf of his client.
Chairman Rand Paul stated that legal counsel could attend the hearing but could not actively participate unless recognized by the committee.
When Schertler continued attempting to address the panel, Paul ordered him removed.
The hearing then continued without him.
How long has David Schertler represented Anthony Fauci?
Schertler’s representation of Anthony Fauci began before the July 2026 hearing.
He also represented Fauci during earlier congressional investigations, including testimony before House committees in 2024.
His continued role suggests he has served as one of Fauci’s principal outside attorneys throughout several congressional inquiries into the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What type of law does David Schertler practice?
David Schertler focuses primarily on criminal defense and white-collar litigation.
His legal practice includes representing clients facing:
- Federal criminal investigations
- Grand jury proceedings
- Congressional inquiries
- Regulatory enforcement actions
- Corporate internal investigations
- High-profile criminal trials
Because congressional investigations can sometimes lead to criminal referrals, attorneys with Schertler’s background are often retained to advise witnesses appearing before Congress.
Where does David Schertler work?
David Schertler is a founding partner at Schertler Onorato Mead & Sears, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm known for handling complex criminal defense and civil litigation matters.
The firm regularly represents clients in:
- Federal courts
- State courts
- Government investigations
- Administrative proceedings
- High-profile civil disputes
Its attorneys have represented politicians, Fortune 500 executives, professional athletes and public officials.
What is David Schertler’s educational background?
Before entering private practice, Schertler built a strong academic and legal foundation.
He graduated from Amherst College before earning his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.
Following law school, he began a career that included government service before transitioning into private practice.
His education helped pave the way for a career handling some of Washington’s most complex legal cases.
Was David Schertler a federal prosecutor?
Yes.
Earlier in his career, Schertler served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Washington, D.C.
As a federal prosecutor, he handled numerous criminal cases before later moving into private practice, where he now frequently represents clients facing investigations by the same types of federal agencies.
That combination of prosecutorial and defense experience is common among leading white-collar defense attorneys.
Who are some of David Schertler’s notable clients?
While attorney-client confidentiality limits what lawyers can discuss publicly, Schertler has represented numerous high-profile individuals throughout his career.
Anthony Fauci is among the most widely recognized clients because of the national attention surrounding congressional investigations into the COVID-19 pandemic.
His broader practice has also involved representing business leaders, public officials and individuals involved in complex federal investigations.
Is David Schertler married?
This is one of the questions that has appeared in online searches since Schertler entered the national spotlight.
However, David Schertler has not publicly discussed his marital status, and there is no verified public information confirming whether he is married.
Some online sources speculate about his personal life, but none have been confirmed by Schertler or through official public records.
Does David Schertler have children?
There is no verified public information indicating whether David Schertler has children.
Unlike many elected officials, Schertler has kept his personal and family life almost entirely private.
As a result, reputable biographies and his law firm’s profile do not discuss his family.
What is David Schertler’s ethnicity?
David Schertler has not publicly disclosed his ethnic background.
Although he grew up in Chicago, Illinois, no verified biography or official profile identifies his ancestry or ethnicity.
For that reason, it would be inaccurate to assign an ethnic background without confirmation.
What is David Schertler’s net worth?
David Schertler has not publicly disclosed his net worth, and no official financial records establish his personal wealth.
As a longtime partner at a prominent Washington law firm handling high-profile litigation, he has built a successful legal career, but any specific dollar figure published online should be treated as speculation unless confirmed by Schertler himself.
David Schertler at a glance
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession | Attorney |
| Based in | Washington, D.C. |
| Law firm | Schertler Onorato Mead & Sears |
| Practice areas | Criminal defense, white-collar litigation, government investigations |
| Education | Amherst College; University of Virginia School of Law |
| Previous role | Assistant U.S. Attorney |
| Known for | Representing Anthony Fauci and other clients in high-profile investigations |
| Marital status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
Frequently asked questions
Who is David Schertler?
David Schertler is a Washington, D.C.-based attorney who specializes in criminal defense, white-collar litigation and government investigations. He has represented Anthony Fauci during multiple congressional inquiries.
Why was David Schertler removed from the Senate hearing?
Schertler was removed after attempting to speak on Anthony Fauci’s behalf during a Senate hearing. Chairman Rand Paul ruled that legal counsel was not permitted to address the committee without recognition.
Has David Schertler represented Anthony Fauci before?
Yes. Schertler also represented Fauci during congressional investigations in 2024, making the July 2026 hearing part of an ongoing attorney-client relationship.
Is David Schertler married?
David Schertler has not publicly confirmed whether he is married, and no verified public records provide details about his spouse.
Does David Schertler have children?
There is no verified public information indicating whether David Schertler has children.
What is David Schertler’s ethnicity?
David Schertler has not publicly discussed his ethnic background. While he grew up in Chicago, no official biography identifies his ancestry or ethnicity.
