Firm News

Kegler, Brown, Hill + Ritter continues to build on previous Chambers & Partners rankings and was once again honored by one of the world’s premier guides to legal resources. This year, Don Gregory, a director and construction chair, and litigator Thomas W. Hill maintained their prestigious “Band 1” rankings.

The firm was also recognized in the internationally acclaimed non-US Chambers publication, Chambers Global, which identified Vinita Mehra as an “Expert Based Abroad” for Indian companies and also ranked her nationally as a “Foreign Expert” for matters related to India.

Once again, Brendan Feheley was honored as an "Associate to Watch" and Erin C. Herbst received the recognition for the first time.

Prominent litigator Loriann E. Fuhrer was promoted to a Band 4 attorney, and both Richard C. Brahm, real estate, and Scott Doran, environmental/natural resources, ranked at "Band 2."

Chambers & Partners is an independent company that awards rankings to practice areas and attorneys in Ohio, nationally and internationally. The objective process follows three steps: submissions put forward by legal practices, interviews during the course of research, and Chambers’ own database resources. Only select attorneys and practice areas are ranked in bands from 1-6, with 1 being the best. Complete rankings for Kegler Brown are outlined below (quotations used when they "sum up the prevailing opinion in the market" as offered by Chambers).

The following attorneys have received a ranking of “Band 1” by Chambers USA 2014:

Don Gregory
Don Gregory represents contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and owners. One source acknowledges that 'he knows how to negotiate an excellent contract on behalf of his subcontracting clients.'

Thomas W. Hill
The very, very impressive Thomas Hill has more than 35 years' experience in business litigation and intellectual property disputes. He recently acted on a dispute arising from a merger; the case concluded successfully with a verdict worth $18 million.

The following attorneys have received a ranking of “Band 2” by Chambers USA 2014:

Richard C. Brahm
Richard Brahm focuses his practice largely on zoning, annexation and land use issues. He has extensive experience representing clients in front of zoning boards of appeal and planning commissions.

Lawrence Feheley
Lawrence Feheley heads up the dedicated labor and employee relations practice from the Columbus office, and is "seasoned in all aspects of labor law" according to sources. Clients praise his 'clarity or explanation, patience and coaching.'

Allen L. Handlan (Banking + Finance)
Practice chair Allen Handlan heads the banking and commercial lending practice. He advises a large number of borrowers and lenders and enjoys a fine track record for his work in the manufacturing, retail and technology sectors. One client says, "He focuses on coming up with solutions in creative ways to get the transactions closed- he is a quality individual."

Chuck Kegler
Chuck Kegler is described by sources as 'very smart, thoughtful and easy to work with.' He has substantial experience across a range of areas, including M+A, estate planning and general corporate advice. Clients note that he is "efficient, accurate and thorough, and has excellent people skills."

Scott Doran
Scott Doran is described by sources as a “very good development lawyer” and is also lauded for his expertise in wetland work and water issues. His clients include a range of regulated utilities.

The following attorneys have received a ranking of “Band 3” by Chambers USA 2014:

Allen L. Handlan (Real Estate)
Allen Handlan has particular expertise in real estate tax issues. He also handles issues relation to mergers, acquisitions and commercial lending transactions.

Todd M. Kegler
Todd Kegler chairs the firms M+A practice and "takes complex issues and breaks them down so you can easily understand them."

Martijn Steger
Martijn Steger heads up the dedicated international commercial practice. He concentrates on matters involving global business law, IP and litigation. He frequently advises clients on their international strategies and transactions. He also advises clients on how to structure new businesses.

Larry J. McClatchey
Larry McClatchey co-heads the creditors' rights and bankruptcy group. He plays a key role in the Cardinal Health collection work, and is described as "very smart, practical and knowledgeable" by sources. Larry advises both debtors and creditors and has a strong litigation experience.

Roger P. Sugarman
Roger Sugarman is a seasoned litigator with specific expertise in securities matters, among other things. He is currently representing a Cincinnati-based law firm against claims of legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duties.

The following attorneys have received a ranking of “Band 4” by Chambers USA 2014:

John Brody
John Brody co-chairs the practice with McClatchey. He is noted for his insolvency expertise and enjoys a fine reputation for his work in the oil and gas and insurance industries.

Loriann Fuhrer
Loriann Fuhrer is praised for "coordinating her knowledge of the law and effective litigation skills to meet the client's goals and business considerations." She has recently been defending a subcontractor to the FDIC in a suit filed by former employees alleging violations of the FLSA.

Attorneys – Associates to Watch

Erin C. Herbst
Associate Erin C. Herbst is held in high regard by her clients, who describe her as “efficient, accurate and thorough, with excellent people skills.” Others note her strong teamwork skills and impressive attention to detail.

Brendan Feheley
Associate Brendan Feheley specializes in workers' compensation, grievances, arbitrations, and hiring and firing issues. Clients say he is "very bright" and "very helpful in explaining options."

Attorneys – Up + Coming

Stephen C. Barsotti
Stephen Barsotti handles IP matters in conjunction with his business law practice. He is experienced in securing trademark licenses on a domestic and international level.

The following practice areas received rankings from Chambers USA 2014:

Corporate M+A
The Columbus office is the focus for this firm's recently seen significant growth in both deals undertaken and in diversity of client base. Known for maintaining focus on midmarket transactions for a range of clients, while gaining particular recognition for its extensive expertise in advising educational institutions. Key clients include Donatos, Abrasive Technology and E.J. Thomas Company.

SOURCES SAY: "They have the global reach and knowledge of a large international law firm without losing the small firm commitment to service, relationships and responsiveness. We view them as our valued business partner and it is rare to have one firm with so many quality individuals."

Banking + Finance
Maintaining a particularly strong presence in the Columbus market, the team acts for regional, national and international clients. Particularly noted for counsel to high-profile banks and real estate developers on a range of complex transactions. Key clients include Fifth Third Bank, Huntington National Bank and JPMorgan Chase.

SOURCES SAY: "They are very easy to work with, they are very responsive and they provide creative solutions."

Bankruptcy / Restructuring
Known for representing a range of different financial institutions and maintains particular expertise in commercial foreclosures and loan workouts.

Construction
The team maintains a strong reputation for representing subcontractors in a range of construction issues, including contract drafting and legislative developments both locally and across the country. Significant clients include American Subcontractors Association, Lake Erie Electric and National Ground Water Association.

SOURCES SAY: "They are very responsive and probably understand my business better than I do."

Labor + Employment
With a significant practice in the Columbus market, the team's broad experience encompasses non-compete agreements, employment litigation and work stemming from the FLSA. Key clients include Charles Penzone Family of Salons, Commercial Vehicle Group and Gordon Food Service.

SOURCES SAY: "Very professional, very helpful and very knowledgeable."

Litigation
One of the largest litigation groups in Ohio, the team has a well-established reputation for litigating and trying cases. This fantastic litigation practice handles a wide variety of business disputes, including antitrust and complex commercial litigation. Bank of America, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and Catholic Diocese of Columbus are a few of the significant clients the firm serves.

SOURCES SAY: "They're very responsive to my goals with regard to how to manage the case effectively - how to win the case but not spend more money than is necessary."

Intellectual Property
Both offices in Columbus and Cleveland providing IP counsel on a range of matters including technology licensing and IP commercialization. They are known for representing clients from a range of industrial sectors including financial institutions and healthcare organizations.

Real Estate
Known for representing buyers, sellers and developers in the full range of real estate matters. With offices in Cleveland, Columbus and Marion, they provide clients with expertise on a genuinely statewide level.