Catherine Strauss

Position: Managing Attorney/Principal Born: Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada Admitted to bar,1981, Ohio. (Also a member of the Pennsylvania Bar) Education: The Ohio State University B.S., summa cum laude, 1978 J.D., cum laude, 1981. Best Lawyers in America from 1993 to present. Also named one of Ohio's Super Lawyers Listed in Columbus Monthly (Nov 2003) article Top lawyers The city's best & brightest Recipient, Judge Joseph M. Harter Memorial Award. Bar Memberships: Columbus Bar Association: C...

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...

James E. Arnold is recognized as one of Ohio's top trial lawyers. He was recognized by Best Lawyers as Central Ohio's "Securities Litigation Lawyer of the Year" in 2012, as the "Bet-The-Company Litigation Lawyer of the Year" in 2013, and as the "Intellectual Property Litigation Lawyer of the Year" in 2014. Since 2001 he has consistently been recognized by Best Lawyers in multiple fields, including bet-the-company, personal injury (plaintiffs and defense), commercial, intellectual property and...

J. Thomas “Tom” Nocar is a partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice Area in the Columbus office. Tom dedicates his practice to construction law and construction businesses. Before becoming a construction lawyer, Tom spent 26 years managing construction projects. This experience provides him with a unique set of skills to offer his clients—broad technical knowledge of the commercial construction industry and a practical approach to dispute avoidance and resolution. Tom...

Paul-Michael La Fayette is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Municipal Law. Paul-Michael, 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 Paul-Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brandon Borgmann joined Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP in September of 2008 and practices in the areas of estate planning, business succession planning, probate, special needs law and tax. Brandon represents individuals, business owners and families concerning estate planning, tax planning and business succession planning. He also represents executors and trustees with respect to administration of estates and trusts, probate litigation and taxation.

Heather B. Sobel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Heather B., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Heather B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Paragas serves as a devoted advocate who emphasizes technical strength and preparation. David represents a wide array of clients in forums that stretch from the statehouse to the courthouse – and on issues that range from healthcare to educational programs to homelessness. Co-chair of the firm’s Federal Relations practice, David advises on policy matters before the White House and federal agencies and the Ohio General Assembly, state agencies and departments. David provides ...

Dave Swift is an of-counsel at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP and a Family Wealth & Estate Planning Group member. He practices estate planning, estate and trust administration and also engages in the representation of tax-exempt organizations. Dave represents individuals, business owners and families concerning estate planning, tax planning and business succession planning.

Joseph J. Golian is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Transportation Law. Joseph J., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.