Todd L. Cooper

Bob Maxwell has practiced law since 1969, representing management in all areas of labor and employment law. He has extensive experience in labor negotiations, arbitrations, employment law litigation in federal and state courts and proceedings before government agencies. Bob has been a part-time instructor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, and he has co-authored several books, articles and legal publications dealing with labor and employment law. Before becoming a partner with Ke...

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.

Ronald A. Bell is a Director in the Cincinnati Office of Coats Rose, P.C. He maintains a multidisciplinary practice that encompasses capital markets (public finance, asset securitization, and other capital raising transactions), tax credits, and employee benefits/ERISA, executive compensation, and affordable housing. Ron was named to the Best Lawyers in America list 2018-2020, published by Woodward White Inc., for the areas of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and Tax Law. Capital Markets Ron mai...

Melanie S. Bailey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Melanie 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 Melanie S. 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...

EDWARD D. DILLER has been an attorney in the Business and Finance Department at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP since 1976, and a partner since 1984. He recently stepped down as the Partner-in-Charge of the Cincinnati office. Ed practices primarily in the areas of real estate, health care and general corporate law. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Bluffton University, Ed attended the University of Oregon and later received his law degree from Harvard Law School. He is current...

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.

Kirby D. Ifland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Kirby D., 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 Kirby D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James Kezele practices in the firm's Real Estate and Environmental Groups where he represents public and private companies and municipalities to ensure their compliance with state and federal environmental laws and regulations.James routinely counsels clients through transactions involving the purchase and sale of contaminated properties, and has significant experience evaluating environmental due diligence investigations including Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, and othe...

Jim Burke helps clients develop sound litigation strategies and execute on those strategies successfully to resolve corporate disputes. Jim’s practice focuses on complex corporate and commercial litigation, including both trial and appellate practice, in state and federal court. He has handled cases before courts in Ohio, Kentucky, California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Colorado and Delaware. He has significant experience in financial and transactional cases, c...