Seth J. Hanft

Joseph J. Golian is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Transportation Law. Joseph J., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Barry H. Wolinetz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Barry H., 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 Barry H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Judith E. Galeano is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Individuals, Family Law and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Judith E., who practices law in Dublin, Ohio, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Judith E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James J. Chester is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. James J., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

J. Thomas “Tom” Nocar is the founder of Nocar Construction Law, LLC, a construction-focused law firm serving contractors, developers, and design professionals across Ohio. Before becoming a construction lawyer, Tom spent 26 years managing construction projects. This experience provides him with a unique set of skills to offer his clients—broad technical knowledge of the commercial construction industry and a practical approach to dispute avoidance and resolution. Tom regular...

Sarah M. Benoit is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Sarah 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 Sarah M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joseph M. Patchen is a Partner at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP, representing businesses, financial institutions, owners, and professionals in business and real estate matters. His business law practice emphasizes corporation and limited liability company formation, mergers, and succession planning. His commercial real estate representation focuses on finance, construction, leasing, and acquisition. Joe joined CPM in June 1987. He serves as Chair of CPM’s Real Estate Practice Group.

Chris L. Connelly is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice and Public Finance Law. Chris L., 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 Chris L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Smith practices business law and securities law at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP. He concentrates on business, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, technology transactions, technology licensing, and banking and securities. Mike joined CPM in February 1991. He currently serves as Chairman of CPM’s Business Law Practice Group.

Terrence O'Donnell leads Dickinson Wright’s firmwide government relations team. His focus is public policy advocacy at the Ohio statehouse, administrative law, and regulatory compliance. Terrence represents dozens of companies, trade groups, and nonprofits before the State General Assembly and executive agencies. He also collaborates with lawyers in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office to lobby the United States Congress. Terrence brings eighteen years of experience to his practice....