Cincinnati is home to a diverse and thriving legal market, supported by a mix of prominent law firms, corporate legal departments, and public sector employers. From Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the city to influential regional firms, Cincinnati offers a variety of career opportunities for legal professionals across various practice areas. The city’s thriving industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and technology, create consistent demand for top-tier legal expertise.
Whether you’re an experienced attorney or a recent law school graduate, finding the right placement often depends on leveraging local insights and professional networks. Working with a legal recruiter can help streamline this process, connecting candidates with some of the biggest employers in Cincinnati’s legal landscape.
Biggest Law Firms in Cincinnati
- Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP: Founded in 1885, Taft is a prestigious Am Law 200 firm with over 925 attorneys across its 14 offices in the U.S., including a strong presence in Cincinnati. Known for its versatility, Taft handles high-profile cases and complex legal matters across industries. The firm gained notable recognition for its work in environmental litigation, including the DuPont Teflon case that inspired the film Dark Waters. With a strong commitment to diversity and innovation, Taft continues to be a leader in the legal sector.
- Dinsmore & Shohl LLP: Since its founding in 1908, Dinsmore & Shohl has grown into a top-tier Am Law 200 firm, employing more than 750 attorneys across 30 cities nationwide. Headquartered in Cincinnati, the firm offers extensive expertise in areas such as corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property. Dinsmore is frequently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s top law firms, with a reputation for delivering practical solutions to clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
- Frost Brown Todd LLC: Formed in 2000 through the merger of two established firms, Frost Brown Todd has become a regional powerhouse with over 600 attorneys across 17 offices. Headquartered in Cincinnati, the firm serves clients in industries like energy, construction, and healthcare. Recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to client service, Frost Brown Todd has been involved in landmark cases, such as advising clients on critical regulatory compliance and significant mergers and acquisitions.
- Thompson Hine LLP: Founded in 1911, Thompson Hine is a full-service law firm with around 400 attorneys spread across eight offices, including a key location in Cincinnati. Known for its forward-thinking approach, Thompson Hine was one of the first firms to adopt process efficiency tools to streamline legal services. Its reputation for client service excellence has earned it accolades in publications like The Financial Times. The firm focuses on corporate law, intellectual property, and high-stakes litigation.
- Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP: Tracing its roots back to 1846, Porter Wright is one of Ohio’s oldest and most respected law firms. With more than 200 attorneys across eight offices, the firm plays a major role in Cincinnati’s legal landscape. Porter Wright is renowned for its capabilities in corporate law, labor and employment, and intellectual property. It has worked on major litigation cases and complex business transactions, making it a go-to for companies of all sizes, from startups to global enterprises.
- Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL (KMK Law): Founded in 1954, KMK Law is a Cincinnati-based firm with over 120 attorneys and a robust reputation for excellence. The firm’s focus on business law, commercial litigation, and real estate has made it a trusted partner for prominent regional and national clients. KMK is known for its role in high-profile mergers, acquisitions, and business disputes, as well as its dedication to providing tailored legal solutions that address specific client needs.
- Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP: With roots dating back to 1871, Graydon is one of Cincinnati’s oldest law firms. The firm offers full-service capabilities through a team of over 75 attorneys. Graydon is particularly well-regarded for its work in real estate law, employment law, and commercial litigation. Deeply tied to the local community, Graydon supports various nonprofit initiatives and small businesses, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the region’s legal and civic sectors.
- Ulmer & Berne LLP: Established in 1908, Ulmer & Berne is a full-service firm with a significant Cincinnati office and a strong Midwestern presence. Known for its collaborative approach, the firm handles complex legal issues in areas such as business litigation, product liability, and healthcare law. Ulmer & Berne has received numerous accolades for its client service and innovation, positioning itself as a reliable partner for businesses navigating regulatory and legal challenges.
- Wood + Lamping LLP: Founded in 1927, Wood + Lamping is a Cincinnati-based firm celebrated for its personalized approach to legal representation. With a broad range of practice areas, including estate planning, business law, and family law, the firm has built a reputation for delivering practical solutions to individuals and businesses alike. Its long-standing relationships with clients reflect its commitment to trust and excellence in legal services.
- DBL Law: Established in 1955, DBL Law is a full-service firm with offices in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Louisville. Known for its comprehensive legal services, DBL handles cases in corporate law, healthcare, and litigation. The firm has a strong reputation for community engagement, often working with local organizations to address social and economic challenges. DBL’s commitment to client success and ethical practices makes it a standout in the region.
Cincinnati
Legal Recruiter Spotlight: Atticus Recruiting Inc.
Atticus Recruiting is a legal recruitment agency specializing in placing highly skilled and exceptionally well credentialed attorneys at top-tier law firms and coveted in-house positions across the Midwest.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Cincinnati’s corporate landscape features a diverse array of industries, from healthcare and consumer goods to manufacturing and finance, creating consistent demand for skilled legal professionals. Securing placement with these employers often requires strategic networking and specialized guidance, making the expertise of a legal recruiter invaluable. These companies not only offer competitive legal positions but also present opportunities to work on high-profile cases and innovative projects.
- Procter & Gamble (P&G): Founded in 1837, Procter & Gamble is a global consumer goods powerhouse headquartered in Cincinnati, employing over 100,000 people worldwide. The company’s legal department plays a critical role in managing intellectual property, compliance, and global litigation. P&G’s portfolio includes iconic brands like Tide, Pampers, and Gillette, and its legal team frequently engages in complex intellectual property and advertising disputes, including high-profile cases in international courts.
- Kroger Co.: As one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States, Kroger Co., established in 1883, operates over 2,700 stores and employs approximately 430,000 people. Based in Cincinnati, Kroger’s legal department oversees regulatory compliance, labor law, and commercial transactions. The company’s legal team has worked on significant cases involving antitrust issues and employment law, reflecting its expansive operations across multiple states.
- Fifth Third Bank: Founded in 1858, Fifth Third Bank is a prominent regional bank with its headquarters in Cincinnati. It employs over 19,000 individuals, including a robust legal team. Lawyers at Fifth Third handle corporate governance, financial regulations, and risk management. Notably, the legal team has played a significant role in navigating complex regulatory frameworks following financial crises and major mergers.
- Cintas Corporation: Known for its uniform services and workplace solutions, Cintas Corporation was founded in 1929 and is headquartered in Cincinnati. With more than 40,000 employees, Cintas’s legal team handles labor law, compliance, and intellectual property matters. The company has been involved in prominent cases concerning workplace safety and patent disputes, highlighting its commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
- American Financial Group (AFG): A Fortune 500 insurance company, American Financial Group is headquartered in Cincinnati and specializes in property and casualty insurance. Employing thousands, AFG’s legal department focuses on insurance regulations, compliance, and litigation. The company’s legal team has been instrumental in resolving complex insurance claims and advising on federal regulatory changes affecting the industry.
- GE Aerospace: A division of General Electric, GE Aerospace is a global leader in aviation technology, headquartered in Evendale, a suburb of Cincinnati. The company employs thousands in the region, including a specialized legal team managing contracts, intellectual property, and defense compliance. GE Aerospace lawyers frequently engage in negotiations with government agencies and work on cases involving international trade and export controls.
- Western & Southern Financial Group: Founded in 1888, Western & Southern Financial Group is a major life insurance and financial services company based in Cincinnati. The organization employs a sizeable legal team to handle regulatory compliance, mergers, and litigation. The legal department is deeply involved in navigating the complex landscape of insurance law and advising on strategic acquisitions.
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center: Renowned for its cutting-edge research and patient care, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital employs over 16,000 individuals, including a legal team that focuses on healthcare law, research compliance, and intellectual property. The legal department plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with federal healthcare regulations and managing intellectual property related to groundbreaking medical research.
