The Taft Story

Taft today

Who we are:
A modern law firm in every way.
Obsessive focus on client service and results.
An employer of choice in each of our markets.

Strategic growth

Through a series of successful mergers and the establishment of new offices, Taft has become a premier regional law firm. Click the timeline dots below to explore our growth.

2022

Taft combined with Detroit-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, effective Dec. 31, 2022. The addition of more than 120 Detroit attorneys brought the firm to over 800 attorneys strong.

2021

Taft opened an office in Washington, DC, substantially expanding its existing group of government relations professionals by establishing a new bipartisan and diverse federal and state Public Affairs Strategies Group (PASG) in the nation’s capital and its Midwestern markets.

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.

2017

Taft expands to Delaware, Ohio, due to the growth rate and clients’ interest in doing business in Delaware County, among other factors.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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 NE Ohio.

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.

1983

Taft Cincinnati partner David Johnson moved to Columbus 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.

1924

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.

1885

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.

Breaking down barriers
2020, 2021, 2023
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Taft earned recognition as one of the “Best Law Firms for Women and Diversity.” The list honors firms that utilize best practices in finding, retaining, promoting, and developing women lawyers. More info.

2020-2022
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Taft earned Mansfield Certification Plus status in 2020, 2021, and 2022 which rigorously measures whether law firms affirmatively considered at least 30% women, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, formal client pitch opportunities. More info.

2018
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Taft established a one-class partnership, which gives all firm partners a seat at the table. More info.

2017
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Taft implemented an industry-leading policy for parental leave: 16 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoptive parents, regardless of gender, marital status, or primary versus non-primary caregiver status. More info.

1975
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Cynthia Blank became a partner in Taft’s Cincinnati office. Among the first female partners in the firm, Cynthia continues to inspire community outreach and arts programs for youth in Cincinnati. More info.

1972
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Taft Minneapolis became one of the first law firms in the country to bring computers in house to keep track of billable hours and inventory. The firm continues to seek state-of-the-art technology to better serve our clients.

2015
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Taft names Adrian Thompson Chief Diversity Officer, a position tasked with further developing and implementing programs and policies to recruit, support, and retain a diverse, inclusive workplace. More info.

Legal Work Highlights
2023

A settlement valued up to $12.5B was announced with 3M to address the contamination of U.S. public drinking water. Taft attorneys, led by partner Rob Bilott, have been at the forefront of issues relating to PFAS for more than two decades.

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2017

Taft partner Rob Bilott achieved a settlement with DuPont, after discovering and publicly revealing DuPont’s role in the contamination of drinking water with toxic “Forever Chemicals.” The story was told in the feature film “Dark Waters.”

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2009

Taft Columbus attorneys represented Ohio and Indiana in legislation against tobacco companies, winning record damanges.

2003

A Minnesota Somali immigrant challenged the government’s authority to deport him to his homeland with the pro bono help of Taft Minneapolis, gaining national recognition for the struggles Somali immigrants were facing.

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1998

Taft Chicago attorneys were involved in the planning and development for the Millennium Park and Harris Theater, including defending against a Lakefront Protection Ordinance suit that threatened the project.

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1976

Taft Indianapolis attorneys represented the American Basketball Association in antitrust action against the National Basketball Association, which led to the ABA-NBA merger.

1947

The firm’s labor department, led by J. Mack Swigert, was instrumental in helping Senator Taft draft and pass the groundbreaking Taft-Hartley Act.

Shaping Our Communities

Taft is proud to have offices across the midwest. Click on the dots below to learn more.

Built in 1928-1933, Cincinnati Union Terminal is an intercity train station and museum center, a Cincinnati icon, and one of the most widely regarded examples of art deco architecture. Taft attorneys represented the Cincinnati Union Terminal Company throughout the undertaking, starting with the acquisition of the land and through final project completion.

Cleveland’s East 4th Street is a hub of world-class dining, entertainment, and modern living – all in the heart of downtown. Running south from Euclid Avenue to Prospect Avenue, it also connects downtown revelers to Cleveland Indians’ and Cavaliers’ sports arenas. Taft’s real estate attorneys were instrumental in East 4th Street’s development and evolution. More info.

Advanced in technology and accessibility, the William B. Saxbe Auditorium provides The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law students, faculty, and staff with a space to grow both academically and professionally. Named after Taft Columbus attorney Rocky Saxbe’s father, the auditorium received financial and legal support from the firm and the Saxbe family.

The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance serves as the community’s source for traditional, diverse, and innovative experiences in ballet, opera, and orchestral music. Taft attorneys were involved in the creation and due diligence of the Alliance, which brought the Dayton ballet, philharmonic, and opera under one organization. More info.

The Harold Washington Library, the Chicago Public Library’s main library branch, is named after Chicago’s first African American mayor. Taft attorneys represented the joint venture that built the building. The library’s previous location, which is now the Chicago Cultural Center, is home to the world’s largest Tiffany glass dome.

The 16 Tech Innovation District is a hub of multi-use buildings designed to elevate scientific research, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship in downtown Indianapolis, projected to generate 3,000 new jobs. Taft attorneys assisted in obtaining tax credits and closing the deal to make the project possible. More Info.


Taft Minneapolis’ ongoing relationship with the Minnesota Twins reached a high point in the planning, development, and financing of the new ballpark, Target Field, which opened in 2010.

The combined work of Taft’s Washington, DC team has influenced national policy on transportation, defense, energy, data security, health care, and public affairs. Partner-in-Charge Lacy Johnson served on the Biden-Harris transition team, laying the groundwork for the new administration. More Info.

The Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in midtown Detroit, the permanent home of the world renowned Detroit Symphony Orchestra, combines the restored and modernized Orchestra Hall with five additional spaces. Taft attorneys worked on due diligence; remediation and abatement; and financing, leasing, and construction contracts for the development of the project.

Taft Traditions
Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Parade

The Taft Cincinnati team enjoys hotdogs and crackerjacks in the Taft Center overlooking the Red’s Opening Day Parade route down 5th street.

Minneapolis Habitat for Humanity Volunteering

Each year, Taft Minneapolis joins Habitat for Humanity – Twin Cities to help build a home for a deserving family, supporting the nonprofit’s mission to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience.

Dayton Professional Clothing Drives

The Women of Taft Dayton regularly host clothing drives for Clothes That Work, a non-profit that provides professional clothing, image counseling, and training for under-resourced job seekers in the area.

Columbus Rock 'n Bowl

Taft Columbus sponsors and participates in Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Rock ‘n Bowl, a family-friendly bowling fundraiser that benefits The Center for Family Safety and Healing.

Indianapolis March Madness Gathering

Each year during March Madness, the new Taft Indianapolis associates host an event for the firm, including a skit, refreshments, and an “auction” of the participating NCAA Tournament teams.

Chicago "Dear Santa" Letter Answering

Every year Taft Chicago answers “Dear Santa” letters, providing gifts and making the holidays brighter for students at a Chicago Public School.

International Women's Day

Across Taft offices, attorneys and staff celebrate International Women’s Day by sponsoring local celebrations, making donations, supporting women-owned companies, and participating in activities to challenge stereotypes and fight bias together.

Cleveland Multicultural Diversity Lunch

Taft Cleveland celebrates National Multicultural Diversity Day with a lunch featuring various dishes that represent the diverse ethnic heritage of the Taft team.

The Modern Law Firm

875 attorneys strong.

Meet our people here.