The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2023

Philip R. Westerman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Philip R., 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 Philip R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Secrest has extensive experience representing clients in civil litigation matters involving non-compete issues, product liability, business disputes, real estate, and employment law matters, among others. His experience includes representing clients at trial, before appellate courts, and before state and federal agencies. He regularly represents food manufacturers in defense of food product liability claims and counsels clients in the food industry related to state and federal regulations...

Bryan Pritikin is an experienced trial attorney and Partner in CPM’s Litigation Practice Group, representing clients in complex business, civil, commercial, and probate litigation. His corporate litigation practice includes business disputes, breaches of contract, fiduciary duty claims, fraud, restrictive covenants such as non-compete and non-solicitation provisions, and shareholder and partnership disputes, and declaratory actions. He also has significant experience litigating construc...

Mehmet Munur is a Partner at Taft. He concentrates his practice in the areas of technology, information privacy and security, and financial services regulation. Mehmet works on contracts for internet-based services, including drafting and negotiating software licenses or Software-as-a-Service ("SaaS") agreements, terms of use, privacy policies and other technology agreements. Mehmet regularly advises clients on technology outsourcing agreements, servicing, financing, and payments. He advises ...

Jeffrey E. Kaman is a partner with Kaman & Cusimano LLC and serves as Chair of the Administration Department and the firm’s Columbus Office. He is based in Columbus, Ohio, where his practice is focused on Community Association Law. Jeff earned his Juris Doctor from Cleveland Marshall College of Law after graduating with honors from Loyola University Chicago with degrees in Honors History and Political Science. Since joining Kaman & Cusimano, Jeff has worked extensively with cond...

Erik J. Rickard is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Erik J., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Erik J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve focuses his practice in the areas of business and complex litigation, construction law, patent and trademark litigation, employment litigation, probate litigation, dispute resolution and appeals. He has 43 years of experience in more than 60 trials (both jury and non-jury). Among his accomplishments, Steve was listed in the 2004-21 editions of "Ohio Super Lawyers" by Law & Politics magazine; in 2009 and 2017, Steve earned the distinction of being listed one of the Top 100 Super Lawy...

Troy Terakedis counsels clients on federal income tax matters and in the structuring and formation of venture capital, leveraged buyout and other private equity funds, as well as other business entities. He also advises on partnership, limited liability company and general corporate law. In addition, Troy works with closely-held businesses, their owners, and other high-net worth individuals and executives, advising them on federal income tax, corporate succession, estate and gift tax and asse...

Joseph M. Patchen is a Partner at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP, representing businesses, financial institutions, owners, and professionals in business and real estate matters. His business law practice emphasizes corporation and limited liability company formation, mergers, and succession planning. His commercial real estate representation focuses on finance, construction, leasing, and acquisition. Joe joined CPM in June 1987. He serves as Chair of CPM’s Real Estate Practice Group.

Bryan Venesy guides clients through real estate deals with a focus on generating positive, tangible community development and client ROI. He negotiates and closes complex transactions, including real estate development, real estate finance, equity investments, affordable housing tax credits, community development, partnerships, joint ventures, leasing and general business matters. Bryan serves on the Real Estate department’s executive committee, and is co-chair of the firm’s Low-I...