Katz Teller

Some people gravitate toward complexity, and some want to be as far away from it as possible. For Andy Berger, the larger the scope, the more moving parts to manage, the better. Andy’s ability to grasp the big picture while minding the details allows him to tackle incredibly complex transactions and achieve order and structure at macro and micro levels. As anyone who has been through a merger or acquisition knows, they are major events that create wide-ranging issues, entail significant...

As anyone who has ever argued with a spouse or small child knows, there is a difference between hearing and listening, between being able to repeat what was said and actually taking it in and thinking about it. With Jody Brant, there is never any question that he is both hearing and listening. In a world of loud talkers, it is Jody's ability to listen, to thoughtfully consider the input of others before speaking, that sets him apart as a lawyer and as a leader. For Jody’s estate and wea...

Bob Brant has an uncanny ability to do five things at once, and all of them proficiently. He was multitasking before the term even existed. He may be entering a timesheet while he dissects a tax problem and actively participates in a meeting. Just when you think there is no possible way he could be listening and doing so much simultaneously, out will pop a sentence that gets right to the heart of the matter. Those who have not been initiated will often sit back in stunned silence, even awe. B...

Tedd Friedman is a life-long businessman who started his first venture at age 9 (selling manufacturing remnants of Formica-covered countertops). So it is no surprise that as Tedd began his legal career, he immersed himself in the philosophies of Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham. In fact, those lessons inform Tedd’s practice of corporate and real estate law as much as anything he learned in law school. His clients have come to expect that, in addition to legal advice, Tedd’s coun...

Despite what the appearance of his office might suggest, John Gierl is not an avid collector of paperweights – or, if he is, it is only of paperweights that tell a story. Perhaps more than any attorney at Katz Teller, John’s shelves are overflowing with heavy glass objects that commemorate significant lending and financing transactions and mergers and acquisitions John has closed over the years. From $3.4 million in private equity financing to $125 million in senior secured credit...

Andrew D. Graf is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Andrew D., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ted Grosser grew up working in a family business so it was only natural that he would end up at a firm that prides itself on representing such businesses. After practicing for more than 35 years at large firms in Cincinnati, Ted joined Katz Teller in 2013, bringing with him the tireless work ethic and relentless pursuit of the best outcome for his clients that has been his hallmark. Like the construction, manufacturing and service industry clients that rely on him for corporate counsel, Ted&r...

Brad’s corporate, business law and mergers and acquisitions practice encompasses every stage in the life cycle of a business. Brad frequently works with clients on matters involving formation, organizational structure, owner/shareholder relationships, employment contracts, customer/supplier contracts, business succession, and related issues. Some of these issues carry through the life of a business, and Brad will assist in addressing those matters as the business grows. This includes gr...

Richard D. Herndon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Commercial Transactions / UCC Law and Real Estate Law. Richard D., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ask Mark Jahnke how he's doing, and he will tell you he's living the dream. And while every attorney knows on some days that might ring sarcastic, Mark regularly means it. For him, the dream is the opportunity to work with clients to help them achieve their dreams. Because clients recognize that his level of care and concern is something unique, Mark is often asked to serve on client boards, advisory groups or in other capacities that allow him to work hand-in-hand with management to achieve ...

Wijdan Jreisat thrives on bringing people together and creating relationships. It is surprising, then, that much of her work finds her advising people on moving apart in business and personal settings. She handles clients’ family law and employment law needs. As such, she advises clients in the most important relationships in their lives. What distinguishes Wijdan to her clients is her ability to serve as a counselor, zealous advocate (or devil’s advocate) and warm-hearted friend ...

Steve Kisling likes to make things simple for his clients, which is fortunate considering the complexity of his employee benefits and tax practice. While it is a generalization, but no great secret, that many lawyers run a little hot-blooded, Steve is calm, patient and always composed. He knows that business owners, benefits professionals and human resources personnel have multiple balls in the air at any given time, and he enjoys relieving some of the strain and worry that comes with the adm...

Matt Kitchen’s practice is concentrated in the areas of business and real estate law. In his business practice, he represents closely held companies in the purchase and sale of businesses, formation of entities, shareholder and member relations, financing transactions and the drafting and negotiation of commercial contracts, including supply agreements, joint venture agreements, and master services agreements. Matt also represents executives in their employment relationships and has ext...

Clients appreciate that Margaret doesn’t employ a “one size fits all” approach, instead leveraging a thoughtful and thorough conversation to weigh the impact of a range of issues. With estate planning, for instance, that can mean going beyond tax implications to carefully consider dynamics in the client’s family relationships and the strengths and personalities of each individual involved. Whether assisting a young married couple with concerns of how a trust will be ad...

Whitney B. Maxson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Whitney B., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Whitney B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matthew J. Miller is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Matthew J., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Katz Teller litigator Peter O’Shea grew up in Greater Cincinnati, and when it came time to pick a college, a law school, a judicial clerkship and a law firm, he didn’t travel far. While those local ties may be helpful at any firm, they are especially important at a firm as connected to Greater Cincinnati as Katz Teller. Although Peter has been educated and employed locally, no one would accuse him of being provincial. Between graduating from Thomas More College and starting law sc...

Step into Bob Pitcairn’s office, and you will be greeted by classical music, an uncluttered desk, and a sense of calm not normally associated with litigation (or a litigator’s office). But make no mistake, the business litigation Bob performs with surgical precision often has the highest stakes for his corporate and individual clients. Just as a surgeon would, Bob operates in these cases with a studied approach, a deliberate pace, a steady hand, and no fear of getting a little blo...

Matt Rich has always been most comfortable in a courtroom, and nothing has changed since his mock trials have become actual trials. What has changed is that, in employment law, Matt has discovered a practice area that strives to avoid disputes before they arise. In fact, some of his favorite days in the office are spent on the telephone talking with employers in the Greater Cincinnati area, advising them on important hiring, firing, discipline and personnel policy matters and educating them o...

As the second oldest of nine children, Bill began resolving family disputes at an early age. His childhood also gave him insights as to how children may perceive fairness and equity differently than do the parents. While some wealth strategists may believe that tax avoidance is the major objective of wealth planning, Bill believes that wealth planning is ultimately about family planning: how to devolve wealth without creating acrimony or bitterness among family members, and all the while pres...

Amy A. Shaw is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Amy A., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amy A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian W. Wais is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Brian W., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Gabriel J. Kurcab is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Real Estate Law and Tax Law. Gabriel J., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gabriel J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.