For more than 45 years, Kegler Brown has been committed to providing our clients with the most timely, responsive, high-quality legal services anywhere. This dedication is valued by our clients and partners and has become a defining characteristic of our firm. In fact, in its most recent publication, Chambers and Partners, which is an international organization dedicated to analyzing the legal profession through the eyes of clients, honored Kegler Brown with a high ranking and provided the following analysis, based on interviews with firm clients.
Our Attorneys:
- Band 2
- Lawrence Feheley, Labor & Employment
- Lawrence Feheley is "responsive, conscientious and an excellent communicator who makes us feel as if we were his only client."
- Don Gregory, Construction
- Director Donald Gregory acts out of Columbus and is described as "responsive, timely, thorough and forthright." Clients agree: "He's always at the forefront in providing information to help us run our business more efficiently and effectively." Notable work includes filing amicus briefs for the American Subcontractors Association's Subcontractors Legal Defense Fund in many states, and securing wins in Maryland, Texas, Arizona, Colorado and Ohio.
- Allen L. Handlan, Banking and Finance
- Allen Handlan is an all-rounder who is as comfortable on an M&A or real estate deal as he is handling financing. Sources comment that "he focuses on the important points so the transaction will run smoothly." Handlan deals with both lenders and borrowers in connection with complex financing transactions involving secured and unsecured multifacility loan transactions, mezzanine financing and bond financing.
- Thomas W. Hill, General Commercial Litigation
- Thomas Hill "is a well-respected, smart strategic business litigator. He doesn't get rattled and commands attention in the courtroom."
- Charles J. Kegler, Corporate/M&A
- Chuck Kegler "leads by example and has surrounded himself with a staff of legal professionals who understand the importance of building long-term client relationships." He was part of the team that advised Kreber Graphics on a major refinance transaction with SunTrust Bank
- S. Martijn Steger, M&A/International Business
- Martijn Steger "thinks like a corporation and is proactive in developing ways to solve problems." He has an international practice and often advises on issues pertaining to India.
- Band 3
- Allen L. Handlan, Real Estate
- Allen Handlan is praised as a "practical attorney with excellent knowledge of the client's business." Interviewees also note his superior contract negotiation skills and knowledge of the local markets. In the last year he counseled WD Partners, a design and development firm, in connection with all of its commercial leasing transactions for its US offices.
- Tim Jochim, Employee Benefits/ESOPs
- Tim Jochim of Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter is "the most knowledgeable ESOP lawyer I've ever met," said one interviewee; "he has an excellent understanding of employee stock ownership plans."
- Todd M. Kegler, Corporate/M&A
- Todd Kegler "never puts a foot wrong and is practical and smart." He advised CareFusion in connection with its bid for Medegen, a medical products developer.
- Larry J. McClatchey, Bankruptcy & Restructuring
- Larry McClatchey is "very responsive, very conscientious and an excellent communicator."
- Band 4
- John P. Brody, Bankruptcy & Restructuring
- John Brody has "practical knowledge of clients' business" and is recommended for his Chapter 7 knowledge.
- Roger Sugarman, Litigation
- Roger Sugarman is "a practical, smart litigator with excellent knowledge of the Ohio court system." He defended an investment bank/placement agent in multidistrict litigation proceedings.
- Up and Coming
- Stephen C. Barsotti, Corporate/M&A
- Stephen Barsotti advised Kettle Creations on the formation of its new food manufacturing business and on securing financing for the construction of its new $20 million-plus processing plant.
- Associates to Watch
- Brendan P. Feheley, Labor & Employment
- Rising associate Brendan Feheley "is always up to speed and has proven to be an invaluable resource." He advises on personnel and employment issues.
Our Practices:
- Banking and Finance
- The banking team at this midsized firm in Ohio is largely based in Columbus. It is active on both the lender and borrower sides. Sources say: "They are knowledgeable, have great people skills, are creative and know what the important issues are. The team has a reasonable fee structure and a broad menu of services."
- Bankruptcy/Restructuring
- The bankruptcy practice at this Columbus firm advises on creditors' rights litigation and receiverships, among other matters. The team recently advised Advantage Bank in foreclosure litigation against Platinum Ridge, involving hotel properties, car washes and other commercial properties. Its clients include The Ohio State Bank, Farmers Bank & Savings, United Federal Credit Union, The Citizens Bank of Logan and Advantage Bank. Sources say: "They are very responsive and efficient at completing the required engagements."
- Construction
- This firm's seven construction attorneys form a compact and high-quality practice that advises developers and public bodies on construction projects. The team has particular strength in representing trade associations and subcontractors. Notable highlights include serving as construction counsel to the entity charged with a high-profile redevelopment project for downtown Columbus. Sources say: "Whether it is filing mechanics' liens, construction litigation or garnishments, they do an excellent job with professionalism and expertise from top to bottom."
- Corporate/M&A
- The practice at this firm primarily operates out of Columbus, and is a worthwhile destination for midmarket M&A and business counseling, according to interviewees. The practice is also recommended for SEC filings, corporate advisory work, legal representation and M&A assistance. The team represented Cardinal Health in its acquisition of HLS Advantage. Sources say: "They are constantly trying to improve our legal bang for the buck."
- Labor & Employment
- This Columbus-based practice handles labor law matters ranging from disability claims to employment litigation. Since the recession the group has advised on a number of corporate reorganizations and plant closings. Sources say: "A firm built on integrity and trust. No matter who we engage at Kegler for support or counsel, we are treated with respect and we receive answers in a very expedient manner."
- Litigation
- This practice acts out of Columbus and maintains a team with deep trial experience. The firm was recently selected to serve as national collections and credit counsel to Cardinal Health. Sources say: "They are very responsive and are head and shoulders above the rest. The fees are quite reasonable, given the excellent quality of work performed and the outstanding results obtained."
- Real Estate
- This well-regarded Columbus practice handles real estate and financing matters, advising housing authorities, banks and pension funds. Recent highlights include counseling the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority as primary outside general counsel in connection with a wide range of multifamily and mixed-use residential facilities. Sources say: "The attorneys' strengths are intelligence, diligence, experience in a wide range of real estate ownership and financing issues, and a sense of urgency in resolving matters quickly."