Richard M. "Rich" Garner

Tom Metzger is a nationally recognized employment law advisor, litigator, and trainer. With a career spanning over 20 years, he has developed expertise representing employers and executives in connection with covenants-not-to-compete, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulatory and litigation matters, discrimination and retaliation claims, contract disputes, and related workplace matters. Tom represents employers and executi...

Michele is a founding partner of Mac Murray & Shuster, where she brings extensive experience in working with clients of all sizes involved in highly regulated industries. She has established a solid record of representing clients in consumer protection matters before state attorneys general, the FTC, and FCC, in addition to conducting regulatory compliance audits and providing counsel on advertising and privacy issues. A trusted advisor to leading industry associations, Michele served for...

Marc J. Kessler is an experienced trial lawyer who is widely regarded as one of the nation’s preeminent business litigators. He has extensive experience with large scale, “bet-the-company” matters and is widely recognized for his ability to handle the most complex and critical litigation issues . Marc’s expertise includes complex commercial transactions, procurement, healthcare, trade secrets and non-competition, product liability, business torts, real estate, intellec...

Philip R. Westerman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Philip R. practices law in Columbus, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Philip R. Westerman since 2025. 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 Philip R. Westerman is held by other lawyers.

Jacob W. Smith is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Jacob W. practices law in Columbus, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Jacob W. Smith since 2027. 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 Jacob W. Smith is held by other lawyers.

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.

Douglas J. Schockman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance. Douglas J. practices law in New Albany, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Douglas J. Schockman 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 Douglas J. Schockman is held by other lawyers.

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...

Joseph R. Durham is a member of Eastman & Smith and has represented cities, counties, local health districts, solid waste management districts, townships and villages in environmental law and litigation and public health law. Mr. Durham has represented clients before the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Review Appeals Commission, Ohio Department of Commerce, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, Ohio Real Estate Commission, county boards of revision (real e...

Gregory W. Stype is a partner in the Columbus office of Barnes & Thornburg, where he is a member of the Government Services and Finance Department. With more than 30 years of experience, Gregory devotes his practice to public and infrastructure finance and economic development. Gregory has served as counsel to state government entities, including the Ohio Public Facilities Commission, the Ohio Office of Budget and Management, and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, as well as...