Christopher M. "Chris" Ward

Patrick D. Cornelius is a thoughtful, creative adviser, whether regarding strategic transactions or general business counseling. Pat makes it a priority to understand his clients’ goals, objectives and concerns and offer practical advice to help them solve problems, realize and execute on advantageous opportunities, and balance risk and reward. Pat has extensive experience leading M&A transactions for acquirers and targets, as well as advising clients on joint venture, capital raisi...

Geoffrey Kunkler joined Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP in 2014 and has been a Partner since 2018. His practice is centered around estate planning for individuals and business owners, as well as asset protection planning for retirees. He focuses primarily on the areas of estate planning, elder protection, estate administration, charitable and philanthropic planning and special needs planning. He also has extensive experience in conducting educational seminars on legal topics related to his e...

Bryan K. Hogue is the Managing Partner of Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP. He has been a lawyer for 35 years and concentrates his practice in the representation of business owners and closely held businesses concerning their general business matters, estate, tax and business succession planning. He currently co-chairs the Business Department at CPM, which provides a wide range of services for corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and other business organizations. He previou...

Kathryn S. Wallrabenstein is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Kathryn S. practices law in Columbus, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Kathryn S. Wallrabenstein since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Kathryn S. Wallrabenstein is held by othe...

Mike specializes in environmental law, workplace health and safety matters, and real property litigation. He has extensive experience in representing clients in all aspects of environmental law, including compliance and defense of enforcement proceedings. He also regularly represents clients in a variety of commercial transactions involving environmental issues, including due diligence in mergers and acquisitions and brownfield redevelopment projects. Mike's practice also includes: Advising e...

Frederick A. Sewards is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Frederick A. practices law in Columbus, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Frederick A. Sewards since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Frederick A. Sewards is held by other lawyers.

David A. Riepenhoff is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. David A. practices law in New Albany, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized David A. Riepenhoff since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which David A. Riepenhoff is held by ot...

Mary McWilliams Dengler is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Railroad Law. Mary McWilliams practices law in Columbus, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Mary McWilliams Dengler since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition refle...

Jane Higgins Marx joined Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP in August 2000 and practices estate and business planning, probate, probate litigation, business succession planning and elder law. Jane counsels individuals, business owners, executives and caregivers on matters of estate planning, estate and gift taxation, income taxation of trusts and estates, charitable giving, business succession and probate. She provides comprehensive planning for disability, including counseling on special needs...

Bill Nolan serves as managing partner of the firm’s Ohio office, which he opened in 2009. Bill works to bring attentiveness and clarity to bear on employment, contract and other disputes, but is most passionate about helping clients build teams, policies and processes to minimize the frequency, cost and severity of disputes. Bill's litigation and trial work includes covenant not to compete and trade secret cases in many states. He regularly represents employers in discrimination and dis...