Labor and Employment

Our firm represents clients in about every kind of employment case, including discrimination based on all legally protected classes, sexual harassment, wage and hour, FMLA, wrongful termination and unfair labor practice.  We counsel our clients on issues related to appropriate disciplinary procedures for employees, the development of employment policies and handbooks, the negotiation of severance agreements, and workers compensation defense.  In addition, we assist clients with matters related to non-competition, confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements, including enforcement of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act.  We have particular expertise in cases involving injunctive relief, such as employment discrimination, and disputes concerning non-compete and confidentiality agreements. 

Civil Litigation

Our attorneys represent clients in construction disputes, personal injury claims, property damage claims, and breach of contract matters.  We also assist clients in matters involving the enforcement of trademarks and copyrights, housing discrimination, breach of contract, personal injury, damage to property, exposure to toxic substances, violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, occupational injuries, professional malpractice, defamation, real property boundary and nuisance claims, and violation of constitutional and civil rights. We have extensive experience in representing the owners of closely held small businesses in disputes over the valuation and sale of ownership interests.

Corporate, Small Business and Not-For-Profit

Our attorneys have extensive experience assisting our clients in the  establishment of new business and charitable enterprises, including limited liability companies, Subchapter S corporations, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations, and general partnerships. We represent clients in commercial and residential real estate transactions, including contract negotiations.  We prepare employment and independent contractor agreements which include non-compete, confidentiality, and non-solicitation provisions.  In addition, we prepare for our clients operating agreements, close corporation shareholder agreements, technology licensing agreements, and agreements for the purchase and sale of substantially all assets of businesses.  We assist clients in obtaining employer identification numbers and vendor licenses.  We integrate business establishment documents with our clients estate plans.

College and University Law

Our attorneys have extensive experience representing both public and private colleges and universities on a wide range of issues from advice on general higher education issues to representation in complicated and protracted litigation.  We also serve as counsel for our clients in administrative hearings, arbitrations and collective bargaining matters.  Our experience includes representation when faculty members have challenged the denial of tenure or promotion, medical residents have challenged termination from their positions and claims by students. 

Religious Institutions

Our firm represents the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church which includes 1200 local churches and districts of the church, and two seminaries, in a wide range of issues including governance, affiliated organizations, employment and liability issues. 

Township and Annexation Law

We represent townships throughout the state in all aspects of annexations.  In addition, we have experience representing townships regarding annexation-related tax issues and JEDDs, including strategic advice, representation in county commissioners’ hearings and court appeals.  We have successfully represented clients in many Courts of Appeal as well as The Supreme Court of Ohio.  See for example:

State ex rel. Butler Township Board of Trustees, et al. v. Montgomery County Board of County Commissioners, et al. (December 13, 2006), 112 Ohio St.3d 262, 858 N.E.2d 1193

Butler Township Board of Trustees v. Montgomery County Board of County Commissioners, et al., Supreme Court of Ohio Case No. 09-0186

Estate Planning and Probate

Our attorneys assist clients with their estate planning needs including the preparation of wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney and advance directives.  We advise and assist clients throughout probate proceedings and estate settlement.  In addition, we advise our clients in respect to planned giving for the benefit of charitable and tax exempt organizations.

Real Estate

We prepare contracts for commercial and residential real estate transactions, commercial and residential lease agreements, deeds, memoranda of lease, promissory notes, security agreements, financial statements and mechanics liens.  We work with surveyors, appraisers, realtors, mortgage brokers and financial institutions in negotiating terms and securing services and financing for our clients.  We have represented our clients in appeals of tax assessments (TIFFs), zoning variances and code enforcement actions.  We are experienced in representing lenders and debtors in foreclosure actions.