Insight

Presenting the 2024 Best Lawyers Employment and Workers’ Compensation Legal Guide

The 2024 Best Lawyers Employment and Workers' Compensation Legal Guide provides exclusive access to all Best Lawyers awards in related practice areas. Read below and explore the legal guide.

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Best Lawyers

March 24, 2024 11:00 PM

When faced with tough legal decisions surrounding employment, it is imperative to have the knowledge and support of trusted lawyers and advisors. Their guidance through difficult matters, both for employees and employers, is paramount to the best possible outcomes for all involved parties.

Best Lawyers has curated a comprehensive guide to all employment and workers’ compensation legal matters, offering access to the most talented and revered attorneys practicing in Civil Rights Law, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Employment Law – Individuals, Employment Law – Management, Ethics and Professional Responsibilities Law, First Amendment Law, Labor Law – Management, Labor Law – Union, Litigation – Labor and Employment Law and Workers’ Compensation Law - Claimants.

Along with recognitions for The Best Lawyers in America^®, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® in America and “Lawyer of the Year” in the above specialties, this guide also offers insight into many employment law matters, including:

Appearance discrimination in the workplace
Navigating online defamation against your business
Challenges of federal and state government scrutiny on restrictive covenant laws
The workforce’s continued recovery from COVID-19
Department of Labor updates
Employers navigating marijuana legalization
Noncompete agreements

Featured in this legal guide are such esteemed employment firms as:

The Best Lawyers Employment and Workers’ Compensation Legal Guide is designed to offer clients the most accessible and informational legal guidance, and we are pleased to bring you the 2024 edition. For the latest insights, read the 2025 Employment & Workers’ Compensation Legal Guide.

Use the Find a Lawyer tool to connect with experienced employment and workers’ compensation attorneys and access expert guidance for your legal needs.

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Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio

Roger Soroka

Soroka & Associates LLC

Recognized since 2025

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation

Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs

Roger Soroka

Attorney Soroka concentrates his practice on catastrophic accidents involving commercial motor vehicles. He frequently litigates tractor-trailer accidents, bus accidents, non-emergency medical transport cases, and commercial vehicle cases occurring in construction zones. He routinely takes on disputed liability matters, and has vast experience litigating cases involving tractor-trailers and commercial vehicles, representation of victims of sexual assault, negligent security claims, constructi...

Roger Soroka

Jon J. Saia

Saia, Marrocco & Jensen, Inc.

Recognized since 2012

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

DUI / DWI Defense

Jon J. Saia

Jon J. Saia has over 34 years of experience in defending criminal cases. The focus of his practice is OVI Defense. Beyond representing individuals charged with OVI, Mr. Saia provides consultation services and expert testimony with respect to the administration of field sobriety and and is often consulted by colleagues with regard to issues surrounding breath, blood and urine alcohol testing. Mr. Saia is has completed training in both the administration and instruction of DUI Detection and Sta...

 
Jon J. Saia
  Website    Email    Address

Brian P. Barger

Eastman & Smith LTD

Recognized since 2024

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Natural Resources Law

Brian P. Barger

“The object is not for me to win your case in court; the object is for us to win in such a way that we do not need to go to court.” The name Brian P. Barger is well known in the surface mining industry for his decades of work on its behalf which includes: twenty-five years as legal counsel to the Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association. former executive with one of the state’s largest aggregates and industrial minerals producers where he was involved with all f...

Brian P. Barger

Thomas J. Riley

Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP

Recognized since 1995

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)

Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Thomas J. Riley

Thomas J. Riley focuses his practice on business and corporate law as well as wealth transfer planning. He counsels small to midsize closely held manufacturing and distribution enterprises and professional practices on matters including tax planning, contract negotiations, and mergers and acquisitions. T.J. has experience handling multi-employee union plans, master and prototype plans for sponsoring organizations, and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). He also advises owners on successio...

 
Thomas J. Riley
  Website    Email    Address    Phone Number

Matthew J.P. Coffman

Coffman Legal LLC

Recognized since 2023

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Employment Law - Individuals

Litigation - Labor and Employment

Specific Focus

Labor and Employment

Matthew J.P. Coffman

Employment Attorney Matthew J.P. Coffman is thankful for his recognition as one of the Best Lawyers in America. When Matthew opened his employment law firm Coffman Legal, LLC in 2012, he was armed with a passion for helping employees and a desire to zealously pursue and vindicate the rights of his clients. A decade later, Matthew has established an employment law firm with several experienced employment attorneys who have successfully obtained millions of dollars of unpaid wages, overtime, lo...

 
Matthew J.P. Coffman
  Website    Email    Address    Phone Number

Terrence O'Donnell

Dickinson Wright PLLC

Recognized since 2020

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Energy Law

Government Relations Practice

Terrence O'Donnell

Terrence O'Donnell leads Dickinson Wright’s firmwide government relations team. His focus is public policy advocacy at the Ohio statehouse, administrative law, and regulatory compliance. Terrence represents dozens of companies, trade groups, and nonprofits before the State General Assembly and executive agencies. He also collaborates with lawyers in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office to lobby the United States Congress. Terrence brings eighteen years of experience to his practice....

 
Terrence O'Donnell
  Website    Email    Address    Phone Number

Stephanie T. Greene Duffy

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Recognized since 2025

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Real Estate Law

Stephanie T. Greene Duffy

Stephanie T. Greene Duffy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Stephanie T., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephanie T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephanie T. Greene Duffy

James J. Chester

Taft

Recognized since 2008

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)

Corporate Law

Real Estate Law

Specific Focus

Automobile Dealerships

James J. Chester

James J. Chester is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. James J., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

 
James J. Chester
  Website    Email    Address

Pamela S. Krivda

Taft

Recognized since 2011

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Employment Law - Management

Labor Law - Management

Litigation - Labor and Employment

Pamela S. Krivda

Pamela S. Krivda is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Pamela S., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Pamela S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Pamela S. Krivda

Joel H. Mirman

The Mirman Law Firm LLC

Recognized since 2003

Columbus, OH

Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation

Litigation - Real Estate

Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

Joel H. Mirman

Joel has broad experience, starting with his education at Ohio University, where he majored in accounting and was a member of campus honorary organizations Blue Key and Omicron Delta Kappa. Joel obtained his Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. He was a partner in two regional law firms, served as General Counsel for a large franchising company, and for the last several years has been the owner of The Mirman Law Firm. For over 30 years, Joel has earned Martindale...

Joel H. Mirman

What Is Wrongful Termination? Understanding When a Firing Becomes Illegal

by Bryan Driscoll

Losing your job can be devastating. Here’s how to tell if your termination crossed the line and what to do next.

Close-up of person's hands holding a cardboard box filled with belongings after being terminated

Changes in Employment Arbitration for 2025

by Brandon D. Saxon, Debra Ellwood Meppen and Laurie Villanueva

What businesses need to know to stay ahead of the curve.

Suited man holding up falling walls with gray and yellow backdrop

ERISA Reaches Its Turning Point

by Bryan Driscoll

ERISA litigation and the laws surrounding are rapidly changing, with companies fundamentally rewriting their business practices.

Beach chair and hat in front of large magnify glass

The Struggle Is Real

by Justin Smulison

Businesses are overlooking state and federal laws when downsizing or closing operations, driving a tidal wave of class action lawsuits from former employees.

Silhouetted figure has a tug of war with shadow

Attacked From All Sides: What Is Happening in the World of Restrictive Covenants?

by Christine Bestor Townsend

One employment lawyer explains how companies can navigate challenges of federal and state governmental scrutiny on restrictive covenant agreements.

Illustration of two men pulling on string with blue door between them

An Employer’s Guidebook to Responding to Online Harassment

by Belle Harris and Brent Siler

Navigating online defamation against your business requires strategic responses. Two employment lawyers guide how to leverage contracts, understand social media limitations and the risks of legal action.

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IN PARTNERSHIP

Bentley & More LLP: Beacon of Hope

by Bentley & More

With a unique blend of expertise in trial advocacy and workers’ compensation, Bentley & More LLP has established itself as a beacon of hope for injured workers.

Award-Winning Trial Lawyers | Bentley & More LLP

IN PARTNERSHIP

The Wagner Law Group: ERISA and Employment Law

by The Wagner Law Group

For more than 25 years, The Wagner Law Group has combined the personalized attention and reasonable rates of small law firms with the specialization and sophistication of large firms to tackle all of their clients' ERISA and Employment Law needs.

ERISA and employee benefits law attorney representing a client in court

IN PARTNERSHIP

Businesses Must Prepare for the New Department of Labor Independent Contractor Rule

by Kirby Black and Steven T. Clark

Two employment law lawyers explain how a new DOL rule making it more likely workers will be classified as employees, rather than independent contractors, has caused legal challenges and prompted businesses to reassess worker status and policies.

Block with outline of person slightly out of place from other blocks

IN PARTNERSHIP

Gust Rosenfeld P.L.C. on Protecting Arizona Employers

by Justin Smulison

Gust Rosenfeld attorney Robert D. Haws discusses emerging trends in employment litigation and how the firm’s Employment and Education Law practice groups have protected clients in and out of Arizona’s courtrooms.

Robert Haws, Chair of Gust Rosenfeld's Employment and Education Law Practice Groups,

IN PARTNERSHIP

Important Information for Pennsylvania Injured Workers

by James B. Mogul

Lawyer James B. Mogul of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. is offering important information to Pennsylvania workers who are facing workers' compensation cases.

IN PARTNERSHIP

The Long, Short, Thick and Thin of It

by Avrohom Gefen

“Appearance discrimination” based on employees’ height and weight is the latest hot-button issue in employment law. Here’s a guide to avoid discrimination.

Woman stands in front of mirror holding suit jacket

Empowering Employers

by Alexandra Sarrine and Elizabeth L.A. Garvish

Ten things that you need to know before you file a labor certification application with the DOL.

People walking on a maze of twisting roads against yellow screen

Changes to the New Form I-9 and Verification Process

by Nia Doaks

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America honoree Nia Doaks of Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete offers guidance in navigating new Form I-9 changes.

"Lawyer of the Year"

Shannon P. Fellin

Workers' Compensation Law - Employers

Harrisburg, PA

2022

Connecticut’s “Clean Slate” Act Could Bolster State Workforce

by Gregory Sirico

Best Lawyers weighs in on Connecticut's newly enacted Clean Slate Act and how it's changing the state's employment landscape.

Presenting the 2024 Best Lawyers Employment and Workers’ Compensation Legal Guide

Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio

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