A Lifetime in Lancaster: Nicole Fenz Brings Heart and Clarity to Estate Planning
From intern to owner, Nicole Fenz continues a legacy of trusted, relationship-driven legal guidance for WNY families
Nicole, John, and John Paul continuing their annual anniversary tradition of recreating the previous year’s family photo at the Burchfield Nature Center in West Seneca.
If you walk into the Law Offices of Nicole Fenz, you will not find a cold or intimidating legal environment. Instead, you will find a welcoming, familiar space that has quietly served the Lancaster community for decades.
For Nicole Fenz, that sense of continuity is personal. She has been working in the same office since 2003, when she first started as an intern under longtime attorney Gary M. Schaff.
“I thought when I was 15 that one day this would be mine,” she recalls with a smile. At the time, it felt like a bold, youthful idea. Years later, after law school, hands-on experience, and mentorship, that idea became reality.
When Gary retired in October 2022, Nicole stepped into ownership, continuing a business that has been rooted in Lancaster since the 1980s.
Today, her practice focuses on estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies, along with probate and real estate transactions. It is practical, essential work, but Nicole approaches it in a way that feels anything but transactional.
“I do not like to think of this as a traditional law firm,” she explains. “I want it to feel like a conversation. I want people to feel comfortable coming in as they are.”
That philosophy shapes everything she does.
Many clients come in feeling unsure or even intimidated, often saying they do not have much or are not sure if they even need a plan. Nicole takes the time to meet them where they are, explaining things in plain language and helping them understand their options without pressure.
“If someone does not need something, I am not going to tell them they do,” she says. “I want people to feel confident in the decisions they are making.”
That approach is what truly sets her apart.
With more than two decades of experience in the same office, Nicole has seen how laws, regulations, and family dynamics evolve over time. She credits long-term exposure and the mentorship she received as foundational to her success.
“I learned so much by being in the room, sitting with clients, seeing how things really work. That is something you cannot learn in law school.”
She also takes pride in keeping the business approachable and accessible. There is no parking garage, no expectation to dress up, and no sense that you are stepping into something overwhelming.
“It is your life, your family, your estate,” she says. “You should feel empowered to choose who you work with and how your plan is structured.”
For residents, her advice is simple but important. Do not feel locked into working with someone just because a family member did. You should feel comfortable, heard, and understood. Estate planning is personal, and the right fit matters.
For those wondering if they could benefit from her services, Nicole encourages starting with a conversation. Whether you are hearing about estate planning from friends, family, or the news, or simply want to better understand your options, a consultation can help bring clarity.
“We do not charge for consultations,” she says. “If you are even thinking about it, it is worth having the conversation. At the very least, you will walk away with a better understanding.”
That sense of empowerment is what makes the work meaningful for her.
“The best part is when someone leaves and says, ‘That was not as bad as I thought,’ or ‘I feel so much better.’ That is everything.”
Outside the office, Nicole’s life is just as rooted in the local community. She grew up in Depew, now lives nearby with her husband John and their son John Paul, and enjoys spending time outdoors, especially along the waterfront or at local events with her family.
Their golden retriever, Reba, is also part of the family and is known for loving every person she meets.
Nicole remains active in the community as well, supporting local initiatives and staying connected to organizations like the Academy of Finance in Depew and her parish council.
At the heart of it all is gratitude, for her mentor, for her family, and for the opportunity to continue serving a community she knows so well.
“It is a privilege to meet people and help them with something so personal,” she says. “I do not take that lightly.”
If you are looking to sit down with someone, ask questions, or simply learn more, Nicole welcomes the conversation.