About Us
  • We work tirelessly to deliver results for our clients, communities, and each other.

    1

  • Team Taft serves businesses and individuals from eight primary Midwest markets and the District of Columbia.

    8

  • More than 800 Taft attorneys practice in virtually every area of law.

    800+

About Us

Who is Taft?
A Message from Our Chairman.

It is my honor to serve as the Chairman and Managing Partner of Taft.

Taft. It is one simple word which is the iconic name of an historic political and legal family and represents over 135 years as a venerable law firm. But, today we are a lot more than a firm with an outstanding heritage. Taft is a modern, progressive firm which is the trusted advisor to many successful clients and an employer of choice in each of our major markets.

To be the employer of choice in each of our markets, we maintain a highly respectful, transparent workplace culture which fosters creativity, teamwork, inclusion and diversity, and service to our clients and communities. We couple that culture with a play to win, client-first mindset where we reward lawyers who listen to and understand their clients’ goals and then think creatively and aggressively to advance those goals and the client’s ultimate success.

Deeply embedded in the culture of Taft is the significant investment we make in the communities where we live and practice. Taft lawyers contribute substantial time and resources to many charitable and community organizations and activities. We also do meaningful pro bono work for those in need. As an essential part of our culture, Taft celebrates and provides time and dollars to Taft professionals who support charities, give back to their communities, or do pro bono work. Why? Because Taft and its professionals are fortunate to have the means to help others with fewer resources. Giving back is a concept which is part of the fabric of who we are, and we want to make a meaningful and positive difference in our communities.

Finally, Taft prides itself on being different from other firms. Those differences primarily exist in Taft’s outstanding workplace culture, its obsessive client-first mentality and service, and its approach to leadership. We believe we are the only firm of our size and scale which does not have a physical headquarters or “mothership.” To the contrary, we take pride in having an empowered, geographically dispersed management team composed of leaders from every one of our major markets and practice groups. Taft has a servant leadership model, and we work collaboratively to deliver the full breadth of the Taft toolbox throughout the Taft footprint to obtain the very best and most efficient results for all of our clients.

At Taft, we look forward to delivering results for our clients, communities and each other. After 135 years, our journey has just begun.

Sincerely,


Robert J. Hicks
Taft Chairman and Managing Partner

In the Beginning

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP traces its roots back to 1885, when Worthington & Strong was founded by Judge William Worthington and Edward W. Strong. John L. Stettinius and John B. Hollister joined the firm after its founding, at which point the firm became known as Worthington, Strong, Stettinius & Hollister. In January 1923, Judge Worthington passed away. In the following year, a young firm headed by Robert A. Taft (who later became a U.S. Senator) and Charles P. Taft II, sons of former President William Howard Taft, joined the older firm to become Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP.

The firm came to local prominence and national stature. For example, the firm's labor department, led by J. Mack Swigert, was instrumental in helping Senator Taft draft and pass the groundbreaking Taft-Hartley Act in 1947.

Strategic Growth

Through a series of successful mergers and the establishment of new offices, Taft has become a premier regional law firm.

  • June 1983: Taft Cincinnati partner David Johnson moved to Columbus, Ohio to launch our Columbus office. As Taft continued to establish itself as a preeminent Ohio firm, it seemed appropriate that the firm should have an office in the state’s capital. 
  • April 1986: The firm opened an office across the river in Northern Kentucky. Three Taft attorneys, including the former partner-in-charge of our Kentucky office, Robert Craig, relocated from the Cincinnati office to Covington to support our growing clientele throughout Kentucky. 
  • January 2001: Cleveland-based Kelley, McCann & Livingstone joined the four attorneys in Taft’s Cleveland office. Known for its public law and litigation capabilities, the Kelley McCann lawyers welcomed the opportunity to join the Taft family and expand their services to clients throughout Northeast Ohio. 
  • July 2003: Hugh Wall III joined the firm and opened Taft’s Dayton office, which gave Taft a physical presence in a city where it already had many clients. By 2009, the office had more than 30 attorneys, and it has continued to expand client services since then. 
  • May 2008: Taft merged with Sommer Barnard, a prominent, full-service Indianapolis firm with more than 100 attorneys. The merger gave Taft and Sommer Barnard a regional presence, as well as greater depth in meeting a variety of business and individual legal needs. 
  • September 2008: Taft’s commitment to the Cleveland region was enhanced with the merger of Kahn Kleinman, a highly respected commercial real estate, corporate, and tax firm. The merger was named by Crain’s Cleveland Business as one of the “10 Deals That Mattered Most in 2008.” 
  • January 2012: Taft’s merger with Chester Willcox & Saxbe strengthened its presence in Ohio’s capital city. In addition to litigation, business, labor & employment, and private client practices, CWS attorneys provided a sophisticated energy practice. 
  • January 2014: Taft merged with Shefsky & Froelich, a Chicago law firm with 70 attorneys. The merger extended Taft’s footprint to the financial hub of the Midwestern region and enhanced Taft’s offerings to clients in other markets. 
  • July 2017: Taft opened an office in Delaware, Ohio, due to the growth rate in Delaware County and clients' interest in doing business in Delaware County, among other factors.
  • January 2020: Taft combined with Minneapolis-based firm Briggs and Morgan, a firm of approximately 140 attorneys with experience in energy, finance, telecommunications, and transportation. Expanding Taft’s presence to the Twin Cities, a top market in the Midwest and flourishing business community, provides a larger platform to address the evolving needs of clients.
  • February 2021: Taft opened an office in Washington, DC, substantially expanding its existing group of public affairs professionals by establishing a new bipartisan and diverse federal, state, and local Public Affairs Strategies Group (PASG) in the nation’s capital and its Midwestern markets.
  • December 2022: Taft combined with Detroit-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, bringing more than 120 attorneys representing 25 practice areas.

Taft Today

With over 800 attorneys, Taft is more vibrant and engaged in a wider range of work than ever before — with clients, both individual and corporate, whose needs for legal services range from local to international in scope. The firm has offices in eight primary Midwest markets, plus the District of Columbia:

  • Chicago, Ill.
  • Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Cleveland, Ohio
  • Columbus, Ohio
  • Dayton, Ohio
  • Detroit, Mich.
  • Indianapolis, Ind.
  • Minneapolis, Minn.
  • Washington, DC

In addition, the firm has an established Japanese practice based in the United States.

Throughout the firm's history, our focus has remained constant: to provide clients, both large and small, with sound legal guidance driven by a collaborative approach to gain optimal results. 

Chambers USA
Best Law Firms

Taft attorneys are consistently recognized for their accomplishments by their peers and by prestigious publications covering the legal profession. Following is a sampling of why Taft is among the most respected law firms in America.

Antitrust (Ohio)
Banking & Finance (Ohio)
Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Ohio)
Construction (Ohio)
Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions (Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio)
Environment (Indiana)
Gaming & Licensing (Nationwide)
Intellectual Property (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)
Labor & Employment (Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio)
Litigation: General Commercial (Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio)
Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (Ohio)
Natural Resources & Environment (Ohio)
Real Estate (Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio)
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Illinois)
Tax (Ohio)

  • Seven Taft attorneys are listed in Chambers High Net Worth (HNW), and the firm is named a leading law firm in the HNW guide in Private Wealth Law for Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio and in Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth in Ohio.
  • Taft has been named to the 2022 Am Law 100, ranked as the 100th largest firm in the United States by revenues as reported by The American Lawyer
  • Taft is ranked among the U.S. News Media Group “Best Law Firms.” Taft received 16 national Tier 1 rankings, and Tier 1 rankings by metropolitan area in 116 practice areas.
  • 256 Taft attorneys were honored with inclusion in the most recent edition of The Best Lawyers in America® with an additional 86 attorneys honored in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. 23 Taft attorneys were recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers.
  • 107 Taft attorneys were named to the most recent list of Super Lawyers by Super Lawyers magazine.
  • 65 Taft attorneys were named to the most recent list of Rising Stars by Super Lawyers magazine.
  • 51 Taft attorneys in the Cincinnati office were named as Leading Lawyers by Cincy magazine.
  • 53 Taft attorneys are listed in the Illinois Leading Lawyers Network.
  • Taft was listed in BTI Consulting Group's elite Client Service A-Team ranking for 2022.
  • Taft is rated a Highly Recommended Firm in Indiana and Ohio as well as a Recommended Firm in Minnesota by Benchmark Litigation, and Taft attorneys hold 21 rankings by Benchmark in one or more categories.

Each year, Taft gives internal awards to deserving recipients. 

Thank you to all the deserving people at Taft – attorneys and staff – who dedicate themselves every day to our clients, the firm, and each other.

Shattered Glass Award

Awarded to a Taft attorney – regardless of gender – who advances inclusiveness, actively works to break down barriers, and elevates the respect, involvement, and leadership of women attorneys in the firm.

2020 Recipient: Bob Hicks
2018 Recipient: Kathryn Kovitz Arnold
2017 Recipients: Margaret Lawson and Susan Wheatley

The Robert A. Taft Service and Leadership Award

Awarded to a Taft partner who epitomizes the true ideals of what it means to be a Taft partner through her or his dedicated efforts, service, and leadership.

2020 Recipient: Gary Pittenger
2018 Recipient: Barbara Duncombe
2017 Recipient: Stuart Dornette

Taft Legacy Award

Awarded to a Taft employee who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the firm which will result in an overall positive impact on the legacy of Taft.

2020 Recipient: Rob Bilott
2018 Recipients: Tracy Betz and Sonya Jindal
2017 Recipient: Adrian Thompson

Taft Courage in Leadership Award

Awarded to a Taft employee who leads by example and has shown selfless courage in their impactful contributions to advance the firm.

2020 Recipient: Steve Ryan

Outstanding Service Award

Awarded to a Taft employee who demonstrates a deep commitment to the future of the firm, embodies the One Taft mentality, and goes above and beyond to position the firm for success.   

2020 Recipients: Chris Birch and Ann Rainhart

Taft Pro Bono Awards

Awarded to Taft attorneys who best exemplify Taft’s commitment to giving back to its communities through the time, talent, and energy invested into pro bono cases.

2021 Recipients: Drew Baese, Blair Harrington, Claire Joseph, Alex Wolf (2019-2020 Pro Bono Law Clerk), Susan WheatleyNicollette Khauns and Russell Menyhart

2022 Recipients: Sonya Jindal TorkNadine McSpadden, and Brian Morris

2023 Recipient: Andrew Murphy


Congratulations to all of our award recipients.
 

Name
Taft

Full Legal Name
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Year Founded
1885

Total Number of Lawyers, Paralegals, and Staff
Over 1,200

Offices
Taft operates under a non-headquarter model.

  • Chicago, Ill.
  • Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Cleveland, Ohio
  • Columbus, Ohio
  • Dayton, Ohio
  • Delaware, Ohio
  • Denver, Colo.
  • Detroit, Mich.
  • Indianapolis, Ind.
  • Minneapolis, Minn.
  • Northern Kentucky
  • Washington, DC

Firm Leadership

  • Robert J. Hicks, Chairman and Managing Partner
  • Cezar M. Froelich, Chairman, Chicago
  • Paul T. Jenson, Partner-in-Charge, Chicago
  • James M. Zimmerman, Partner-in-Charge, Cincinnati
  • Jill Friedman Helfman and Adrian D. Thompson, Co-Partners-in-Charge, Cleveland
  • Janica Pierce Tucker, Partner-in-Charge, Columbus
  • Jennifer Hann Harrison, Partner-in-Charge, Dayton
  • Mark G. Cooper, Partner-in-Charge, Detroit
  • Bradley W. Schwer, Partner-in-Charge, Indianapolis
  • Justin Weinberg, Partner-in-Charge, Minneapolis
  • Robert K. McBride, Partner-in-Charge, Northern Kentucky
  • Lacy M. Johnson, Partner-in-Charge, Washington, DC
About Us

Who is Taft?
A Message from Our Chairman.

It is my honor to serve as the Chairman and Managing Partner of Taft.

Taft. It is one simple word which is the iconic name of an historic political and legal family and represents over 135 years as a venerable law firm. But, today we are a lot more than a firm with an outstanding heritage. Taft is a modern, progressive firm which is the trusted advisor to many successful clients and an employer of choice in each of our major markets.

To be the employer of choice in each of our markets, we maintain a highly respectful, transparent workplace culture which fosters creativity, teamwork, inclusion and diversity, and service to our clients and communities. We couple that culture with a play to win, client-first mindset where we reward lawyers who listen to and understand their clients’ goals and then think creatively and aggressively to advance those goals and the client’s ultimate success.

Deeply embedded in the culture of Taft is the significant investment we make in the communities where we live and practice. Taft lawyers contribute substantial time and resources to many charitable and community organizations and activities. We also do meaningful pro bono work for those in need. As an essential part of our culture, Taft celebrates and provides time and dollars to Taft professionals who support charities, give back to their communities, or do pro bono work. Why? Because Taft and its professionals are fortunate to have the means to help others with fewer resources. Giving back is a concept which is part of the fabric of who we are, and we want to make a meaningful and positive difference in our communities.

Finally, Taft prides itself on being different from other firms. Those differences primarily exist in Taft’s outstanding workplace culture, its obsessive client-first mentality and service, and its approach to leadership. We believe we are the only firm of our size and scale which does not have a physical headquarters or “mothership.” To the contrary, we take pride in having an empowered, geographically dispersed management team composed of leaders from every one of our major markets and practice groups. Taft has a servant leadership model, and we work collaboratively to deliver the full breadth of the Taft toolbox throughout the Taft footprint to obtain the very best and most efficient results for all of our clients.

At Taft, we look forward to delivering results for our clients, communities and each other. After 135 years, our journey has just begun.

Sincerely,


Robert J. Hicks
Taft Chairman and Managing Partner

In the Beginning

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP traces its roots back to 1885, when Worthington & Strong was founded by Judge William Worthington and Edward W. Strong. John L. Stettinius and John B. Hollister joined the firm after its founding, at which point the firm became known as Worthington, Strong, Stettinius & Hollister. In January 1923, Judge Worthington passed away. In the following year, a young firm headed by Robert A. Taft (who later became a U.S. Senator) and Charles P. Taft II, sons of former President William Howard Taft, joined the older firm to become Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP.

The firm came to local prominence and national stature. For example, the firm's labor department, led by J. Mack Swigert, was instrumental in helping Senator Taft draft and pass the groundbreaking Taft-Hartley Act in 1947.

Strategic Growth

Through a series of successful mergers and the establishment of new offices, Taft has become a premier regional law firm.

  • June 1983: Taft Cincinnati partner David Johnson moved to Columbus, Ohio to launch our Columbus office. As Taft continued to establish itself as a preeminent Ohio firm, it seemed appropriate that the firm should have an office in the state’s capital. 
  • April 1986: The firm opened an office across the river in Northern Kentucky. Three Taft attorneys, including the former partner-in-charge of our Kentucky office, Robert Craig, relocated from the Cincinnati office to Covington to support our growing clientele throughout Kentucky. 
  • January 2001: Cleveland-based Kelley, McCann & Livingstone joined the four attorneys in Taft’s Cleveland office. Known for its public law and litigation capabilities, the Kelley McCann lawyers welcomed the opportunity to join the Taft family and expand their services to clients throughout Northeast Ohio. 
  • July 2003: Hugh Wall III joined the firm and opened Taft’s Dayton office, which gave Taft a physical presence in a city where it already had many clients. By 2009, the office had more than 30 attorneys, and it has continued to expand client services since then. 
  • May 2008: Taft merged with Sommer Barnard, a prominent, full-service Indianapolis firm with more than 100 attorneys. The merger gave Taft and Sommer Barnard a regional presence, as well as greater depth in meeting a variety of business and individual legal needs. 
  • September 2008: Taft’s commitment to the Cleveland region was enhanced with the merger of Kahn Kleinman, a highly respected commercial real estate, corporate, and tax firm. The merger was named by Crain’s Cleveland Business as one of the “10 Deals That Mattered Most in 2008.” 
  • January 2012: Taft’s merger with Chester Willcox & Saxbe strengthened its presence in Ohio’s capital city. In addition to litigation, business, labor & employment, and private client practices, CWS attorneys provided a sophisticated energy practice. 
  • January 2014: Taft merged with Shefsky & Froelich, a Chicago law firm with 70 attorneys. The merger extended Taft’s footprint to the financial hub of the Midwestern region and enhanced Taft’s offerings to clients in other markets. 
  • July 2017: Taft opened an office in Delaware, Ohio, due to the growth rate in Delaware County and clients' interest in doing business in Delaware County, among other factors.
  • January 2020: Taft combined with Minneapolis-based firm Briggs and Morgan, a firm of approximately 140 attorneys with experience in energy, finance, telecommunications, and transportation. Expanding Taft’s presence to the Twin Cities, a top market in the Midwest and flourishing business community, provides a larger platform to address the evolving needs of clients.
  • February 2021: Taft opened an office in Washington, DC, substantially expanding its existing group of public affairs professionals by establishing a new bipartisan and diverse federal, state, and local Public Affairs Strategies Group (PASG) in the nation’s capital and its Midwestern markets.
  • December 2022: Taft combined with Detroit-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, bringing more than 120 attorneys representing 25 practice areas.

Taft Today

With over 800 attorneys, Taft is more vibrant and engaged in a wider range of work than ever before — with clients, both individual and corporate, whose needs for legal services range from local to international in scope. The firm has offices in eight primary Midwest markets, plus the District of Columbia:

  • Chicago, Ill.
  • Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Cleveland, Ohio
  • Columbus, Ohio
  • Dayton, Ohio
  • Detroit, Mich.
  • Indianapolis, Ind.
  • Minneapolis, Minn.
  • Washington, DC

In addition, the firm has an established Japanese practice based in the United States.

Throughout the firm's history, our focus has remained constant: to provide clients, both large and small, with sound legal guidance driven by a collaborative approach to gain optimal results. 

Chambers USA
Best Law Firms

Taft attorneys are consistently recognized for their accomplishments by their peers and by prestigious publications covering the legal profession. Following is a sampling of why Taft is among the most respected law firms in America.

Antitrust (Ohio)
Banking & Finance (Ohio)
Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Ohio)
Construction (Ohio)
Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions (Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio)
Environment (Indiana)
Gaming & Licensing (Nationwide)
Intellectual Property (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)
Labor & Employment (Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio)
Litigation: General Commercial (Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio)
Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (Ohio)
Natural Resources & Environment (Ohio)
Real Estate (Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio)
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Illinois)
Tax (Ohio)

  • Seven Taft attorneys are listed in Chambers High Net Worth (HNW), and the firm is named a leading law firm in the HNW guide in Private Wealth Law for Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio and in Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth in Ohio.
  • Taft has been named to the 2022 Am Law 100, ranked as the 100th largest firm in the United States by revenues as reported by The American Lawyer
  • Taft is ranked among the U.S. News Media Group “Best Law Firms.” Taft received 16 national Tier 1 rankings, and Tier 1 rankings by metropolitan area in 116 practice areas.
  • 256 Taft attorneys were honored with inclusion in the most recent edition of The Best Lawyers in America® with an additional 86 attorneys honored in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. 23 Taft attorneys were recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers.
  • 107 Taft attorneys were named to the most recent list of Super Lawyers by Super Lawyers magazine.
  • 65 Taft attorneys were named to the most recent list of Rising Stars by Super Lawyers magazine.
  • 51 Taft attorneys in the Cincinnati office were named as Leading Lawyers by Cincy magazine.
  • 53 Taft attorneys are listed in the Illinois Leading Lawyers Network.
  • Taft was listed in BTI Consulting Group's elite Client Service A-Team ranking for 2022.
  • Taft is rated a Highly Recommended Firm in Indiana and Ohio as well as a Recommended Firm in Minnesota by Benchmark Litigation, and Taft attorneys hold 21 rankings by Benchmark in one or more categories.

Each year, Taft gives internal awards to deserving recipients. 

Thank you to all the deserving people at Taft – attorneys and staff – who dedicate themselves every day to our clients, the firm, and each other.

Shattered Glass Award

Awarded to a Taft attorney – regardless of gender – who advances inclusiveness, actively works to break down barriers, and elevates the respect, involvement, and leadership of women attorneys in the firm.

2020 Recipient: Bob Hicks
2018 Recipient: Kathryn Kovitz Arnold
2017 Recipients: Margaret Lawson and Susan Wheatley

The Robert A. Taft Service and Leadership Award

Awarded to a Taft partner who epitomizes the true ideals of what it means to be a Taft partner through her or his dedicated efforts, service, and leadership.

2020 Recipient: Gary Pittenger
2018 Recipient: Barbara Duncombe
2017 Recipient: Stuart Dornette

Taft Legacy Award

Awarded to a Taft employee who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the firm which will result in an overall positive impact on the legacy of Taft.

2020 Recipient: Rob Bilott
2018 Recipients: Tracy Betz and Sonya Jindal
2017 Recipient: Adrian Thompson

Taft Courage in Leadership Award

Awarded to a Taft employee who leads by example and has shown selfless courage in their impactful contributions to advance the firm.

2020 Recipient: Steve Ryan

Outstanding Service Award

Awarded to a Taft employee who demonstrates a deep commitment to the future of the firm, embodies the One Taft mentality, and goes above and beyond to position the firm for success.   

2020 Recipients: Chris Birch and Ann Rainhart

Taft Pro Bono Awards

Awarded to Taft attorneys who best exemplify Taft’s commitment to giving back to its communities through the time, talent, and energy invested into pro bono cases.

2021 Recipients: Drew Baese, Blair Harrington, Claire Joseph, Alex Wolf (2019-2020 Pro Bono Law Clerk), Susan WheatleyNicollette Khauns and Russell Menyhart

2022 Recipients: Sonya Jindal TorkNadine McSpadden, and Brian Morris

2023 Recipient: Andrew Murphy


Congratulations to all of our award recipients.
 

Name
Taft

Full Legal Name
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Year Founded
1885

Total Number of Lawyers, Paralegals, and Staff
Over 1,200

Offices
Taft operates under a non-headquarter model.

  • Chicago, Ill.
  • Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Cleveland, Ohio
  • Columbus, Ohio
  • Dayton, Ohio
  • Delaware, Ohio
  • Denver, Colo.
  • Detroit, Mich.
  • Indianapolis, Ind.
  • Minneapolis, Minn.
  • Northern Kentucky
  • Washington, DC

Firm Leadership

  • Robert J. Hicks, Chairman and Managing Partner
  • Cezar M. Froelich, Chairman, Chicago
  • Paul T. Jenson, Partner-in-Charge, Chicago
  • James M. Zimmerman, Partner-in-Charge, Cincinnati
  • Jill Friedman Helfman and Adrian D. Thompson, Co-Partners-in-Charge, Cleveland
  • Janica Pierce Tucker, Partner-in-Charge, Columbus
  • Jennifer Hann Harrison, Partner-in-Charge, Dayton
  • Mark G. Cooper, Partner-in-Charge, Detroit
  • Bradley W. Schwer, Partner-in-Charge, Indianapolis
  • Justin Weinberg, Partner-in-Charge, Minneapolis
  • Robert K. McBride, Partner-in-Charge, Northern Kentucky
  • Lacy M. Johnson, Partner-in-Charge, Washington, DC