The Power List: Law

Judge Mark P. Painter
Ohio Court of Appeals
Age: 61 Claim to fame: A huge number of Painter’s decisions—more than 370—have been published nationally; one was named among the best in the nation in 2005. Why him? Blunt and clear, Painter long ago made a ruling: Legal writing is rife with run-ons, unclear language, and jargon. He’s published two books imploring lawyers to write clearly, and in turn, make the courts more understandable to everyone. “He has a really powerful message,” says one local lawyer, echoing many. Side jobs: Painter was named the first Stanley Chesley Distinguished Visiting Professor of Practice at the University of Cincinnati College of Law this year, where he taught his favorite subject.

Robert Pitcairn Jr.
Partner, Katz, Teller, Brandt and Hild
Age: 60 Claim to fame: Named the number one “Super Lawyer” in Ohio two years in a row, Pitcairn is considered by many to be the best trial lawyer in town. Why him? Big skill means big clients. Pitcairn successfully represented the Cincinnati Bengals when Hamilton County sued the league, claiming antitrust violations in their stadium deal. Now he’s representing Jewish Health Systems in the fractious Health Alliance litigation. Career path: He was part of Pete Rose’s legal team in 1990 when Rose was found guilty of filing fraudulent tax returns.

David J. Willbrand
Partner, Thompson-Hine
Age: 38 Claim to fame: Touted in Best Lawyers in America 2007, Willbrand is the go-to guy for entrepreneurs looking to turn a great idea into market success. Why him? Insiders say he’s at the nexus of the region’s growing entrepreneurial and venture capital community, working with start-ups that could shape the city’s future. Career path: Before joining Thompson-Hine, he worked for Bluespring Software, Inc., and ePALS. That blend of experience gives Willbrand a unique understanding of both dreamers and realists.

Joseph L. Trauth Jr.
Partner, Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL
Age: 63 Claim to fame: Trauth specializes in land use battles, generally squaring off against citizens and local governments. He has represented IKEA and Home Depot in development disputes, and has won multimillion-dollar tax reductions for General Electric and P&G. Why him? He recently went to bat for downtown business owners who cried foul over amendments to The Banks that would have allowed 30-story buildings on the riverfront, claiming they would obstruct views and lure clients from the central business district. When the plans were changed to limit height to 20 stories, the complaint was withdrawn. “Our concerns have been heard,” Trauth told the Business Courier.

Randolph H. Freking
Founding Partner, Freking & Betz
Age: 51 Claim to fame: His most publicized case—representing former assistant prosecutor Rebecca Collins in a sexual harassment lawsuit against her boss and Hamilton County—is hardly his most successful. He’s represented five plaintiffs in 15 years who’ve won jury verdicts of $1 million in damages, and has been included in every edition of Best Lawyers in America since 1994. Why him? The most prominent employment lawyer in town, Freking is fearless. Right now, he’s taking on Duke Energy in a federal class-action lawsuit that alleges the company made illegal payments to corporate customers in exchange for their support of a rate increase the utility sought in 2004.

Stanley M. Chesley
Attorney and President, Waite, Schneider, Bayless & Chesley
Age: 72 Claim to fame: Since 1977, when he represented plaintiffs in the wake of the Beverly Hills Supper Club fire, Chesley has defined class action law. Why him? He’s been a litigator in cases that have become part of history, from the Pan Am/Lockerbie terrorist attack to Dow Corning litigation over breast implants to the $246 billion tobacco settlement. And he’s been generous with the fortune he’s made doing it. Bad press: Chesley came under fire for his involvement in the fen-phen diet drug settlement.

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Originally published in the October 2008 issue.