Nikkia A. Knudsen

Kwame Christian joined Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP in August 2020, serving as Of Counsel. His practice focuses on representing closely held businesses and their owners in a broad scope of legal needs, including business formation and structuring, finance, transactions (including acquisitions and contract preparation and analysis), employment and general business, and legal counseling. Kwame is also the CEO of the American Negotiation Institute . Under Kwame’s leadership, ANI has co...

Meredith K. Sugar is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Trusts and Estates. Meredith K., 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 Meredith K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Tracy A. Younkin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Tracy A., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tracy A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joel has broad experience, starting with his education at Ohio University, where he majored in accounting and was a member of campus honorary organizations Blue Key and Omicron Delta Kappa. Joel obtained his Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. He was a partner in two regional law firms, served as General Counsel for a large franchising company, and for the last several years has been the owner of The Mirman Law Firm. For over 30 years, Joel has earned Martindale...

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

Damion M. Clifford is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Damion M., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Damion M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Named a top attorney in his field, Ben joined the firm Fishel Downey Albrecht & Riepenhoff LLP in 1999. He became a partner in 2008. Always willing to “go the extra mile,” this avid cyclist and runner has been known to join clients in a bike ride or marathon. This philosophy has earned him the respect of clients, peers and even opposing counsel. Strong Support for Municipalities Ben advises cities, townships, counties and public officials throughout Ohio on all labor and emplo...

Brigid E. Heid regularly advises her clients on matters involving employment and how to cost effectively solve problems that arise. Her practice focuses on the protection of intellectual property and trade secrets from unfair competition, often by utilizing restrictive covenants (including agreements like noncompetition, non-disclosure/confidentiality, non-solicitation and work-for-hire). Resolving employment disputes encompasses matters faced by businesses such as employee discipline, discri...