Lorenzo T. Durand was born in 1849 in Morehouseville, New York, and later moved to Michigan, where he established a notable career in law and public service. Graduating from the University of Michigan Law School in 1870, he was admitted to the Michigan bar and began practicing law. Durand co-founded the law firm Durand & Paine and later served as Saginaw County prosecuting attorney. His professional journey included leadership roles in both the private and public sectors, such as being president of the Union Street Railway Company and a trustee for the Union Saginaw School District. Durand's expertise extended to financial institutions, where he advocated for modernizing infrastructure and served as president of the Saginaw County Savings Bank.

Lorenzo T. Durand's political identity is marked by an intriguing blend of progressive economic reforms and conservative governance principles. His advocacy for railway electrification juxtaposes with his role as a trustee in a traditional educational institution, suggesting a nuanced approach to modernization. Durand's refusal to pursue the office of Michigan Attorney General despite his legal expertise hints at a deliberate avoidance of direct political power, perhaps favoring influence through other means. His career reveals a politician who navigates between progressive industry interests and traditional civic responsibilities with a calculated precision.