The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2023

Tom Metzger is a nationally recognized employment law advisor, litigator, and trainer. With a career spanning over 20 years, he has developed expertise representing employers and executives in connection with covenants-not-to-compete, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulatory and litigation matters, discrimination and retaliation claims, contract disputes, and related workplace matters. Tom represents employers and executi...

Mary McWilliams Dengler is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Railroad Law. Mary McWilliams, who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mary McWilliams is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic ...

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...

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.

Nicole R. Woods is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Nicole 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 Nicole R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Brent Rosenthal joined Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP in July 2007. Brent focuses on representing closely-held businesses and their owners in a broad scope of their legal needs including – business formation and structuring, finance, transactions (including acquisitions and contract preparation and analysis), employment and general business and legal counseling. Brent’s commercial real estate practice includes representing buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants and developers in th...

Meredith K. Sugar is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Trusts and Estates. Meredith K., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Meredith K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Anthony R. Auten is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Anthony R., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Anthony R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...