Wayne M. Zell
Wayne Zell is an attorney, a distinguished speaker, an award-winning author, and the CEO and managing member of Zell Law, which serves as of counsel to Williams Mullen. With over 30 years of experience, Wayne is a Certified Exit Planner (CExP) highly skilled in complex estate planning, business law, and business exit planning. Wayne's background as a lawyer, CPA and tax advisor allows him to understand and create business exits focused on achieving the maximum value for his clients.
Wayne is an advisor, podcast host, and adjunct professor at George Mason University School of Business, making him an invaluable resource for CEOs and business leaders. Wayne's passion for educating and empowering entrepreneurs is evident in his videocast/podcast series, "Blueprint for Wealth," where he invites entrepreneurs to share the secrets to their success with his audience.
In his latest book, "Your Multimillion-Dollar Exit," Wayne provides a - guide for entrepreneurs to architect their business exits successfully at the start of their companies. The book has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine and received the 2024 PenCraft Book Award and the 2024 American Legacy Book Award.
Wayne earned his Juris Doctor degree from the College of William & Mary School of Law and his Bachelor of Science degree, with distinction, from the University of Virginia.
- College of William & Mary School of Law (J.D.), 1985
- University of Virginia (B.S.), 1980
With Distinction
Professional Affiliations
- Virginia State Bar Association – Member (1996 – present)
- Maryland State Bar Association – Member (1986 – present)
- District of Columbia Bar Association – Member (1988 – present)
- American Bar Association – Member (1986 – present)
- Business Enterprise Institute – Certified Exit Planner
Community Involvements
- Vistage Worldwide, Inc. - Speaker and Trusted Advisor Member
- George Mason University School of Business - Adjunct Professor in Estate Planning (2021 – present)
- McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia - Cornerstone Board Member (2010 – present)
- Northern Virginia Family Service - Executive Committee Board Member (2017 – 2023), Governance Committee Chair (2017 – 2023)
Bar Admissions
- District of Columbia Bar
- Maryland State Bar
- Virginia State Bar
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
- U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
- U.S. Tax Court
Entrepreneur Magazine
2024 PenCraft Book Award
2024 American Legacy Book Award
AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell (1996 – present)
The Best Lawyers in America® - Tax Law (2013 – present), Trusts and Estates (2020 – present)
Marquis Who’s Who - Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2020)