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ABOUT THE FIRM

Overview

Since our founding in 1876, our clients are at the center of everything we do. Our attorneys take the time to develop a comprehensive understanding of our clients’ current business models and long-term objectives so we can formulate strategies that generate success today and into the future. Roetzel's entrepreneurial philosophy encourages our attorneys to think like our clients — with business minds, ready to embrace new challenges and implement innovative approaches. 

We take great pride in working for our clients, both big and small — from Fortune 500 companies and family-run businesses to nonprofit organizations and governmental entities. To meet their ever-changing needs, our legal services and office locations have expanded over time. As a full-service law firm, our nearly 200 attorneys collaborate seamlessly across disciplines throughout our 13 offices to achieve our clients’ objectives. 

As Roetzel has evolved, we have remained committed to cultivating deep relationships within our communities, the legal profession, and the industries we serve. When our first office was opened in Akron, Ohio, nearly 150 years ago, our founders couldn’t have imagined that what they started would result in a law firm of regional and national prestige.

Roetzel is one of the 300 largest law firms in the United States, as determined by The National Law Journal, and has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA. These acknowledgments would not have been possible if it weren’t for the positive feedback gained from our satisfied clients and peers. 

With a focus on client service, a deep understanding of who we are as a firm, and an ongoing commitment to our communities, Roetzel attorneys strive to remain our clients’ strongest advocates. 

A Note from our Chairman

As firm Chairman, my job is first and foremost to guard our Firm’s culture, while maintaining its operational efficiency so our terrific lawyers and staff can continue doing what they’re best at, striving to enhance our clients’ success, across the Midwest and coast to coast.

At Roetzel, we’re a team, a family with values that are firmly grounded in our culture. We look out for our Firm, our clients, and each other. We compete with opposing counsel, not one another. We treat our people like professionals and provide them with whatever tools or resources are necessary to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. I don’t believe in heavy-handed management or lots of senseless rules. I believe that most people are trustworthy and so I treat every member of our Firm with respect and with that philosophy in mind until or unless I have a darn good reason not to. 

I think if people believe that you trust them, then they tend to be trustworthy. And those who aren’t don’t last very long around Roetzel. Because at Roetzel we do have one very important rule; you must treat your clients and each other with integrity, care, and respect. 

We trust people to set their own rules and their own hourly rates, to run their own practices in the way that fits their skills and personality and satisfies their clients. I don’t presume to know what’s best for them. My job is to run an efficient firm that stays mostly out of their way. I provide support and help reduce the impediments that could interfere with their laser-like focus on representing their clients to the best of their ability. 

If that sounds interesting to you, give me a call and let’s talk; I have a lot on my plate, but I’m always happy to chat with someone who would like to a part of our Team. If not, I can respect that as well and wish you the best of luck in your career.

Bob Blackham
Chairman
[email protected]

Firm Facts

Best Law Firms

  • Received premier distinctions in 13 national categories and was recognized regionally in 103 additional areas of practice in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms® 
    • National rankings were awarded in Commercial Litigation, Transportation Law, Corporate Law, Health Care Law, Trusts and Estates, Real Estate Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Environmental Law, Financial Services Regulation Law, Litigation-Construction, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation - Real Estate, and Tax Law. 
  • Named the “Law Firm of the Year” in Transportation Law in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®

Chambers USA

  • Highlighted by Chambers USA as a Leading Ohio Environmental Law Firm (2003-2025)
  • Highlighted by Chambers USA as a Leading Ohio Healthcare Law Firm (2022-2025)
  • Six shareholders individually cited by Chambers USA as leading lawyers in their respective practice areas

National Law Journal

  • Ranked #263 in The National Law Journal's "2024 NLJ 500" list of the nation's largest law firms

Regional & Local Recognition

  • Ranked #15 on the 2024 Crain's Cleveland Largest Law Firms list
  • Ranked #23 in the Columbus Business First Book of Lists of the largest law firms in central Ohio
  • Recognized as a member of the Attorneys' Title Fund Services' “President’s Circle” for work throughout 2014 by The Fund, one of the largest title underwriters in the State of Florida, and consistently recognized as a "Fund Top 25" agent in Florida - of the 6,500 title agents, we are in the Top 25 for gross dollar volume in deals
  • Midwest Real Estate News ranked Roetzel's Real Estate Group as one of the "Best of the Best" law firms in the Midwest for 20 consecutive years. 

Best Lawyers

  • 104 attorneys recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®
  • 7 attorneys selected as "Lawyer of the Year" in their municipality and practice area by The Best Lawyers in America® for 2026
  • 16 attorneys selected as 2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for outstanding professional excellence earlier in their career (typically in practice for 5-9 years)

Super Lawyers

  • 19 attorneys selected as 2026 "Ohio Super Lawyers" by Ohio Super Lawyers magazine
  • 3 attorneys recognized as 2025 "Florida Super Lawyers" by Florida Super Lawyers magazine
  • 1 attorney recognized as 2026 "Illinois Super Lawyers" by Illinois Super Lawyers magazine
  • 5 attorneys selected as 2026 "Ohio Rising Stars" by Ohio Super Lawyers magazine as up-and-coming attorneys under the age 40 or in practice 10 years or less
  • 2 attorneys selected as 2025 "Florida Rising Stars" by Florida Super Lawyers magazine as up-and-coming attorneys under the age 40 or in practice 10 years or less
  • 2 attorneys recognized as 2026 “Illinois Rising Stars” by Illinois Super Lawyers magazine as up-and-coming attorneys under the age 40 or in practice 10 years or less 

Membership

  • Member of USLAW Network, a legal network of more than 100 independent, defense-based member law firms with nearly 6,000 attorneys covering the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Africa - affiliation promotes sharing of information between member firms in order to enhance the speed, breadth and geographic reach of legal services provided to each member's clients
  • Member of London Market Connections, an organization that works with a select group of defense and coverage firms, keeping them up to date and connected with the UK insurance industry and allowing them to spend less time marketing in London and more time on the ground in the US focused on providing the very best service.

Miscellaneous

  • A Roetzel attorney has achieved U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professionals status, demonstrating a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles
  • Nationally recognized bond counsel firm listed in The Bond Buyer's "Red Book"
  • Many of our attorneys are Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
  • Many attorneys are Ohio State Bar Association Board Certified Specialists in the areas of Appellate, Workers' Compensation, and Labor and Employment Law
  • Many attorneys are certified by The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization in City, County and Local Government Law; in Wills, Trusts and Estates Law; in Business Litigation; or in Real Estate Law
  • Workers' Compensation attorneys bring knowledge from former posts held within the Industrial Commission and Workers' Compensation Divisions of the Attorney General's Offices, and have served as expert witnesses in state and federal courts on workers' compensation matters
  • Medical Defense attorneys have handled more than 50 trials over the past five years with a winning percentage of more than 90%
  • Government relations capabilities are strengthened by our presence in the state capital of Ohio.
  • A number of our attorneys are agents for title insurance companies
  • Roetzel serves as national and regional coordinating counsel for a variety of clients in product liability, risk management and toxic tort cases, and successfully managed litigation portfolios involving more than 50,000 claims and lawsuits in more than 15 states

Technology & Practice Support

Our clients, business partners, and Firm rely heavily on advanced technology as a fundamental driver of business success. At Roetzel, we are dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology solutions to enhance and deepen our business relationships. We employ industry-leading systems to guarantee robust security, consistent stability, and uninterrupted availability.

Our offices utilize integrated technology solutions designed to facilitate collaborative problem-solving among our attorneys, enabling them to efficiently address client needs through seamless communication and resource sharing. This collaborative environment significantly enhances our ability to provide effective solutions and exceptional service to our clients. We utilize state-of-the-art systems to optimize the efficient and precise handling of client information and documents. Our desire to remain closely connected and responsive to our clients drives our adoption of secure mobile technologies, ensuring timely and effective communication and collaboration, regardless of location.

At Roetzel, we prioritize the security and protection of client data by adhering to stringent cybersecurity practices and employing advanced protective measures. Our ongoing commitment ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information, safeguarding the trust our clients place in us. Roetzel is committed to continuously leveraging innovative technologies to enhance client service, streamline our practices, and ensure exceptional outcomes. Our strategic use of technology positions us to consistently meet and exceed client expectations with efficiency, reliability, and security.

Practice Support

The effective use of technology also allows the firm to offer alternative and creative solutions to issues and to enhance our client partnerships. Some of the services offered include:

Trial Support

Roetzel employs highly trained analysts who provide both in-trial and pre-trial technology support. Our personnel have extensive courtroom experience, attending more than 50 trials per year. This effective use of technology to visually communicate information helps educate juries and enhance attorney arguments.

Graphic Illustrations, Medical Illustrations, and PowerPoint Design

Roetzel employs graphic artists and a Medical Illustrator for demonstrative exhibits, charts, graphs, timelines, and PowerPoint presentations that are used in trials, arbitrations, mediations, and other client engagements. They specialize in synthesizing complex ideas into easy-to-understand, professionally illustrated graphics. Many times this leads to juries' increased understanding of the information presented and reduced trial times.

Document Management

The firm utilizes state-of-the-art technology to electronically capture, manage, and share the vast amounts of case-related information. Attorneys can share documents with other parties without increased copy expenses. Documents are also portable, allowing attorneys 24/7 access to important files for better service and reduced costs.

Electronic Discovery and Computer Forensics

In addition to the traditional paper format, Roetzel is equipped to deal with electronically formatted data. Our attorneys know the best industry practices for the handling of E-Discovery.

Extranets / Electronic Data Rooms / Virtual Binders

The firm makes use of extranets to provide clients and third parties real-time access to confidential data via the web. This can be a cost-effective and versatile solution for collaboration between several remote locations, providing a secure means to capture and manage information.

Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Diversity Statement

Roetzel maintains a policy of non-discrimination and inclusion with respect to all employees and applicants for employment. All decisions as to employment with the Firm are governed solely on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications, and are not influenced or informed in any manner by the employee’s or applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by statute.

All decisions made with respect to recruiting, hiring, and promotions for all job classifications are based solely on individual qualifications related to the requirements of the position. Likewise, all other personnel matters such as compensation, benefits, transfers, reduction-in-force, recall, discipline, evaluation, training, education, and social and recreational programs are administered according to the principles set forth in this Diversity Statement.

Roetzel also strives to maintain an atmosphere of inclusion and fairness for all employees and applicants, with the goal that all employees are made to feel welcomed, valued, and rewarded for their abilities and accomplishments according to the principles set forth in this Diversity Statement. The Firm holds all employees responsible for adherence to the letter and spirit of this Diversity Statement.

Roetzel Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter

In The Community

Roetzel is known for its commitment to the communities we serve. Our attorneys and staff actively contribute to philanthropic causes by serving on professional, community, and nonprofit boards, and as community volunteers. Whether this means chairing a fundraiser for a local charity, buying and wrapping gifts for less fortunate families during the holiday season, or refurbishing an inner-city house, our people are dedicated to investing their time and talents to these endeavors. Many of our attorneys and staff are actively involved in leadership roles in various professional and community organizations.

The firm also supports various charitable campaigns in our offices throughout the year, and several offices have "adopted" organizations to which they volunteer time on a regular basis. Roetzel feels a strong sense of pride when we look at the contributions our group has made to the growth and success of the communities, businesses, and individuals we affect.

Women's Initiative

Roetzel is committed to the success of our female attorneys, and aspires to lead by example in developing skills and talents of our professionals and the female executives within our communities. Our Women’s Initiative works to obtain, retain, develop, promote, and nurture exceptional female attorneys, as they are a key component to our firm’s success. Roetzel’s female leadership includes five practice group managers, one city managing shareholder, one board member, and others from various committees and leadership positions within our firm.

Memberships

USLAW Network

USLAW is an international organization of law firms dedicated to improving client service. Membership includes over 100 independent, defense-based law firms with nearly 6,000 attorneys covering the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. USLAW includes AV-rated law firms that are part of the network by invitation only. USLAW member firms provide legal representation to major corporations, captive insurance companies, and large and small businesses across the US. Member firms undergo a rigorous review process to ensure outstanding quality of lawyers throughout the network. USLAW firms are experienced in commercial and business law, employment and labor law, litigation, and other business-related areas of law. All firms have substantial trial experience. 

Roetzel is proud to be the only Ohio law firm that is a member of USLAW. Our clients enjoy the products and services offered by USLAW, including substantive educational resources such as jurisdictional updates, compendiums of law, magazines, podcasts, webinars, and mobile apps.

Main Contacts

London Market Connections

London Market Connections (LMC) keeps its US law firm clients up to date and connected with the UK insurance industry, allowing them to spend less time marketing in London and more time on the ground in the US focused on providing the very best service. LMC is a full-time presence in the market and meets with the relevant underwriters, claims adjusters and brokers every day. LMC works with a select group of defence and coverage firms. For more information on LMC, visit their webiste at https://www.lmconnections.co.uk/.

Main Contact

Online Payment Center

You can process payments online by clicking here. Beginning November 1, 2024, credit card payments will be subject to a 2.95% surcharge however this surcharge does not apply to other online payment forms such as debit cards or e-checks. For any future payment questions, please reach out via e-mail to [email protected] or by phone at 330-376-2700.