April Besl

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...

Samuel M. Duran is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants and Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Samuel M., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Samuel M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jan Houston is a trusted Cincinnati estate planning and tax attorney who advises high-net-worth individuals and families across Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Her practice focuses on estate planning, multi-generational wealth transfer, charitable giving strategies, and business succession planning. Jan also represents clients in income and estate tax audits, helping them navigate complex tax issues with clarity and confidence. With a deep understanding of both tax law and family dynamics, she de...

Mark Sims practices in the business representation & transactions practice group and works primarily in the federal income tax, business planning and healthcare areas. Mark's federal tax practice involves individual, corporate, S corporation and partnership tax planning, including executive compensation and like kind exchanges. He advises clients regarding the tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions. Mark also represents clients on matters before the IRS and state tax agencies. Additional...

Mike Hurst’s practice is concentrated in the area of intellectual property law. He has extensive experience in trademark prosecution, protection and portfolio management, copyright matters, domain names, brand management counseling, social media and Web 2.0 issues, as well as intellectual property licensing, both in the U.S. and internationally. Prior to joining Keating Muething & Klekamp, Mike served as Corporate Counsel-IP at Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, Illinois. He serves as co-l...

Ann Gerwin is an experienced Cincinnati corporate attorney who represents closely held businesses and their owners across Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Her practice focuses on business and corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, venture capital, financing, shareholder disputes, and succession planning. Ann regularly advises clients on complex transactions such as stock and asset purchases, overseeing all phases of due diligence, negotiation, and documentation. In addi...

Michael A. Laing is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Michael A., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 1999. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James Kezele practices in the firm's Real Estate and Environmental Groups where he represents public and private companies and municipalities to ensure their compliance with state and federal environmental laws and regulations.James routinely counsels clients through transactions involving the purchase and sale of contaminated properties, and has significant experience evaluating environmental due diligence investigations including Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, and othe...

Gregory P. Hartmann is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Government Relations Practice. Gregory P., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gregory P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark J. Stepaniak 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. Mark J., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 1997. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.