THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT.
ACCOMPLISHING MORE. TOGETHER.
Year in Review 2015

A YEAR OF STRATEGIC GROWTH

Dinsmore is always looking for ways to bring smart legal solutions to clients, where they need them

Dinsmore underwent significant changes in 2015, and we leave the year a markedly different and stronger firm than when we entered it. We added 137 attorneys and 174 professional staff to the firm. Through strategic mergers and partnership, we opened new offices in Huntington, Greater Detroit, Ann Arbor and San Diego and expanded our legal capabilities in Charleston and Louisville.

However, 2015 wasn’t just about geographic expansion. We are proud of the quality of people we have added to the team. We’re capitalizing on a collective energy and passion for serving your legal needs — with an eye toward making the most of new opportunities while helping you navigate a more complex regulatory landscape.

This page outlines our eventful year.

Highlights


MERGERS AND MOVES

Huddleston Bolen Merger Strengthens Regional Presence

In February 2015, Dinsmore strengthened its Midwest presence and deepened its bench of trial attorneys as it merged with Huddleston Bolen LLP, one of the oldest law firms in West Virginia and the surrounding region. With roots stretching back to 1871, Huddleston Bolen was a prominent name in the Mountain State. With established litigation and estate planning practices, this strategic alliance added to an already deep Dinsmore bench throughout West Virginia and Kentucky.

The merger added 37 attorneys to the firm and new offices in Huntington, WV and also made Dinsmore the fourth largest firm in West Virginia with more than 75 attorneys practicing statewide.

Read more

Dinsmore Lands Top Environmental Attorneys in Kentucky

Keeping up with environmental regulations is like hitting a moving target, and it’s causing a compliance nightmare for companies across the country. In a move to significantly increase our environmental practice, Dinsmore welcomed five prominent environmental attorneys to the Lexington office. Partners Carolyn M. Brown, Jack C. Bender, Jennifer J. Cave, Clay Larkin, and Of Counsel Robin B. Thomerson made the move to Dinsmore in March 2015.

Dinsmore clients will benefit from these additions as they grapple with the changing regulatory landscape.

Read more

Office Consolidation Solidifies Commitment to Downtown Dayton

In July, Dinsmore unveiled its newly expanded office location at the Fifth Third Center (1 S. Main St.) combining our two Dayton offices into one 34,000-sq.-ft. location. Upon finalizing a 10-year lease for the additional space, Dinsmore reaffirmed it is committed to the long-term growth of downtown Dayton.

“We are excited about the city’s commitment to downtown Dayton, and we appreciate their willingness to work with us to facilitate our substantial financial investment to combine and expand our local office. This long-term commitment to remain here is reflective of our confidence in the future of this area and in the city’s continued efforts to support the downtown business district,” said Frederick J. Caspar, Managing Partner of the Dayton office.

“The City of Dayton is proud to partner with Dinsmore & Shohl to improve and retain its presence the in downtown area,” Mayor Nan Whaley said. “Dinsmore’s commitment to our city is another great step forward in the revitalization of the region’s core.”




Dinsmore Opens Second Philadelphia Office

In August, Dinsmore expanded into Center City Philadelphia. Joining the new office were three veteran banking and financial services attorneys: Frank A. Mayer, III, Jonathan L. Levin and Richard M. Berman. Their banking and financial services practice consists of advising banks, thrifts, their holding companies and affiliates, as well as independent licensed financial services companies on the full spectrum of state and federal laws governing financial institutions. They regularly represent clients before federal and state regulatory agencies, including advising clients on applications for chartering and licensing new institutions, obtaining deposit insurance and forming holding companies while also assisting in implementation of their business strategy, as well their day-to-day operations and issues.

“The decision to open an office in Center City Philadelphia is part of our ongoing effort to better serve our clients,” said George H. Vincent, Dinsmore’s Managing Partner & Chairman. “Since opening the Wayne, Pennsylvania office, we’ve continued to grow, and having a second office in the area will provide us with the platform needed to continue that pattern and also afford our clients another option as far as location.” Dinsmore opened its Wayne office in 2012.

Paul F.X. Gallagher, Maureen Rowan and Raymond J. Hunter, who specialize in defending railroads, self-insured corporations and insurance companies, also joined the Center City office.

“In my time here, I have seen our office achieve success and continue to grow, and this expansion will help our clients accomplish more of their objectives,” said Richard A. O’Halloran, the Office Managing Partner of both Philadelphia locations. “We continue to serve a growing number of clients, and the expansion into Center City demonstrates our commitment to our Philadelphia location and our clients.”

Dinsmore/Gifford Krass Merger Strengthens National IP Presence and Footprint

In September, Dinsmore moved again to strengthen its Midwest presence: this time deepening its bench of intellectual property attorneys through a merger with Michigan-based boutique firm Gifford, Krass, Sprinkle, Anderson & Citkowski, P.C. (Gifford Krass).

Gifford Krass was based in Detroit, MI with offices in Ann Arbor, MI and Mystic, CT. With roots dating back to 1917, Gifford Krass was a well-known name in the Great Lakes State. The nearly 100 year-old firm featured an established intellectual property practice with experience handling all areas of IP.

IP Department Chair Joshua A. Lorentz saw the move as a win for both firms and for Dinsmore clients: "This merger only solidifies our already strong IP Department,” he said. “The ability to service clients is a priority, and our continued growth demonstrates that commitment."

Read more

Dinsmore Opens San Diego Office

In November, Dinsmore merged with Leventhal Law, a litigation-focused firm in San Diego, California. Founded in 2012 by Joseph S. Leventhal, a former White House attorney who served as Deputy Assistant to the Vice President, Leventhal Law had a solid reputation defending Fortune 250 corporations, emerging companies and high-profile individuals.

Managing Partner & Chairman George H. Vincent positioned the move this way: “Establishing a West Coast presence is essential to support our clients’ current business needs,” Vincent said. “We focused on California given the wealth of innovation in the state and discovered we have a lot of synergies with Leventhal Law. Joining with them offers our clients coast to coast coverage and seasoned litigators in one of the biggest markets in the country. With this merger, our attorneys gain access to the high tech corridor along the California coast, and it positions us to leverage future opportunities to further enhance our service offerings.”

Read more

DINSMORE INTRODUCES NEW PARTNER CLASS

From advising our clients to our continued commitment to our communities, we challenge ourselves to be better attorneys. All of our partners work together to help clients accomplish more each day and make Dinsmore the firm it is.

With that in mind, we introduce our new partner class of 2016. Each of these talented attorneys has demonstrated a dedication to our values and placing our clients' interests first.

“I am proud to welcome the newest attorneys elected to partnership. They share a passion for the practice of law and a commitment to serving our clients that we value at Dinsmore,” said George H. Vincent, Managing Partner & Chairman. “It has been a pleasure to see them advance in our profession and achieve this accomplishment.”

Corporate & Transactional

Brian C. Close (Columbus, OH)

Christian Gonzalez (Columbus, OH)

Lindsey M. Hoelzle (Philadelphia, PA)

Katherine P. Langan (Louisville, KY)

Kristin M. Lenhart (Cincinnati, OH)

Employment, Benefits & Labor

Faith C. Whittaker (Cincinnati, OH)

Intellectual Property

April L. Besl (Cincinnati, OH)

Richard J. McNeely, Ph.D. (Dayton, OH)

Litigation

Michael P. Abate (Louisville, KY/Washington, D.C.)

Thomas M. Connor (Cincinnati, OH)

Jennie K. Ferguson (Columbus, OH)

Michael R. Proctor (Morgantown, WV)

Alicia M. Stefanski (Columbus, OH)

OUTREACH: GIVING MORE BACK

At Dinsmore, we understand the value in giving our time in the service of others and appreciate we are only as strong as our communities. We encourage our attorneys to follow their passions and support their local schools, youth organizations, arts community and non-profits. Click play to view highlights.



Diversity: Dinsmore named 2015 LCLD Top Performer

The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), a national organization comprised of the legal profession’s top general counsel and managing partners, honored Dinsmore as a 2015 Top Performer at its Annual Meeting. LCLD recognized Dinsmore and 16 other firms for placing a high value on diversity and actively supporting the organization.

“Dinsmore is committed to LCLD’s mission of engaging our attorneys to develop leadership skills. We are honored to be named a Top Performer and encourage our attorneys to leverage LCLD programs to enhance their professional growth,” said George H. Vincent, Dinsmore’s Managing Partner.

Dinsmore has a history of working with LCLD. Cincinnati Partner Allan R. Daily is active in the new Pathfinders Program designed for attorneys early in their career. As a graduate from the 2014 Fellows’ class, Daily shares his experiences with these young lawyers and serves as a mentor. Louisville Partner Robert M. Croft, Jr. will complete the LCLD Fellows Program in the spring of 2016.

As a featured panelist in the April 2015 Fellows "Leadership Lunch Plus" hosted by Yum! Brands, Louisville Office Managing Partner John E. Selent shared his leadership advice with the Fellows. Dinsmore partnered with Procter & Gamble in 2013 to sponsor a learning experience for LCLD Fellows. The firm also has taken part in the 1L LCLD Scholar Program since 2012. This program mentors first-year summer associates, pairing them with a LCLD Fellow who advises them through law school and bar passage.

LCLD was formed in 2009 to develop strategies to increase diversity in the legal profession. It has grown into an organization of more than 240 members, who challenge the legal profession to prepare future generations of diverse talent for the highest positions of leadership.

AN ENDURING LEGACY:
CELEBRATING 107 YEARS OF LEGAL SERVICES

What started as a two-man litigation firm in downtown Cincinnati in 1908 has grown into a go-to law firm with more than 625 attorneys practicing in cities from coast to coast. Much has changed over 107 years, but Dinsmore’s commitment to clients and community has remained constant. In the fall of 2015, we compiled a videography of the firm’s rich legacy.

Since the release of the video, Dinsmore added the San Diego office.



RECOGNIZED BY CLIENTS AND PEERS