Ryan Whitaker

CONSTRUCTION Earl has substantial experience handling complex, multi-party delay and defect claims, disputes over insurance coverage and defense, and claims against sureties. He has represented owners, contractors, subcontractors and sureties. He is listed in the 2014 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his work in the area of construction law. REAL ESTATE Earl also has substantial experience with real estate litigation, including commercial foreclosures on office buildings, hotels, ma...

Robert R. Sparks is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Robert R., 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 Robert R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sarah Clay Leyshock is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Sarah Clay, who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sarah Clay is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert D. Shank is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Robert D., 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 Robert D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Don Rafferty combines his experience in the areas of business restructuring, commercial finance, corporate law, and litigation to provide legal and strategic advice to the firm’s business clients on a wide range of issues. Don frequently counsels clients who either are experiencing financial stress or are dealing with distressed companies. He has advised on sales, acquisitions, and restructurings for numerous middle-market companies. Don has significant experience in transactions, dispu...

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...

Mark T. Hurst is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Mark T., who practices law in Covington, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Steve, a dedicated tax lawyer based in Cincinnati, Ohio, focuses his legal practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and general taxation. As a member of the American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel, he brings valuable insights to his role at Strauss Troy. Steve's commitment to the field is further demonstrated by his past position as Adjunct Faculty at Chase College of Law, Northern Kentucky University, where he taught courses on Federal Estate and Gift Taxation and...

RUSSELL S. SAYRE is a partner in the Cincinnati, Ohio office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, where he serves as co-chair of the firm's litigation practice group, concentrating his practice on litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution. Since 1990, Mr. Sayre has represented corporate, business and individual clients in federal and state courts, in arbitrations, and before state administrative boards. Mr. Sayre is admitted to practice in all Ohio courts, in the United States Distric...