Michael T. Dean

Christopher S. Houston is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law, Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Christopher S., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Susan E. Wheatley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Susan E., 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 Susan E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mike Scheier is a trial lawyer who also helps our clients manage their litigation risks and achieve cost-effective non-litigation solutions. His practice is concentrated in the defense of ERISA fiduciary duty claims, and defending corporate directors and officers in state law actions alleging breaches of fiduciary duties. Mike also focuses his practice in enforcement of creditor’s rights, and has developed extensive experience in bankruptcy court and state law insolvency and collection ...

Kate L. Kennedy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Kate L., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kate L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Melissa Kurzhals is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Employment Law - Management and Tax Law. Melissa, 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 Melissa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James M. Zimmerman is a partner in Taft’s Business and Finance Group and co-chair of the firm’s private equity and venture capital practice. He represents businesses, entrepreneurs and investors on a range of matters, including financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, technology licensing agreements, and stock options/executive compensation. James serves as outside counsel for numerous startups and growth companies, and represents private equity and ...

Jamie Houston is a Cincinnati-based construction and commercial litigation attorney who represents clients across Ohio and Northern Kentucky. His practice focuses on complex commercial disputes, construction law, surety issues, OSHA compliance and claim defense, as well as labor and employment matters. Jamie has served as first-chair trial counsel for contractors, design professionals, business owners, sureties, and employers in both arbitration and traditional court settings, including emerg...

Julie Muething represents both public and private companies in domestic and international mergers and acquisitions; business formation, organization and capitalization; venture capital and other equity financing; and general advice regarding corporate and business matters. Her practice also includes representing lenders and borrowers in secured and unsecured financing transactions. Julie has served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law where she taught Corpora...

Richard A. Paolo is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning and Real Estate Law. Richard A., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mary L. Rust is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Mary L., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mary L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.