Frantz Ward was founded in January 2000 by 14 partners who left a large, national firm to provide high quality legal services in a practical and cost-effective manner. The firm prides itself on providing a different kind of workplace: one which values entrepreneurialism, autonomy, and top-tier service while prioritizing its people and community.

  • 2000

    Fourteen partners leave a large national firm to launch a new firm in the heart of Cleveland.

  • 2004

    The firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Group is ranked in Band 1 of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business in Ohio, a ranking it still holds today.

  • 2005

    The firm moves to Key Tower, a marquee building in the heart of downtown Cleveland, to accommodate the firm’s continued growth.

  • 2013

    Frantz Ward forms the Diversity Equity & Inclusion committee to focus on promoting diversity and inclusion and raising awareness of its importance throughout the firm and wider community.

  • 2014

    • Frantz Ward creates its first Management Committee which is composed of three active partners – Chris Keim, Mike Frantz Sr., and Merritt Bumpass – who have primary responsibility for establishing the firm’s strategic direction and day-to-day operations.
    • The firm receives the Volunteer Lawyers Program Recognition Award from The Legal Aid Society in appreciation of its pro bono work representing children in disability benefits cases.

  • 2015

    The firm moves to its current office space at 200 Public Square to accommodate additional growth and better serve its clients.

  • 2017

    • Frantz Ward creates the role of Managing Partner and Christopher G. Keim is elected to lead the firm as its inaugural Managing Partner.
    • The firm receives the Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service, which honors businesses of all types and sizes that make outstanding contributions to their community.

  • 2018

    Frantz Ward launches its Women’s Initiative committed to the recruitment, retention, promotion, and mentoring of the firm’s female attorneys through leadership, training, networking, and community involvement.

  • 2019

    Frantz Ward acquires Cleveland law firm Kadish, Hinkel & Weibel on July 1 and its team of 11 attorneys and six staff join Frantz Ward at 200 Public Square in Cleveland, allowing the firm to provide clients with an even broader array of legal counsel in the areas of transactional, real estate, tax, and estate planning.

  • 2020

    Frantz Ward celebrates its 20th anniversary and created the 20 for 20 Program to recognize and assist 20 emerging, local nonprofits. As part of this program, Frantz Ward donated more than $44,000 to Northeast Ohio nonprofit organizations to reflect one of its founding principles to give back to the community.

  • 2023

    Leading Ohio lawyers George Coakley and Cynthia Lammert of Coakley + Lammert Co. LPA join the firm, bringing trial and appellate experience as well as real estate professional liability representation and defense.

  • 2024

    Frantz Ward is honored for the sixth consecutive year as a Top Workplace in 2024 by The Cleveland Plain Dealer. The firm is also recognized in the 2024 edition of the Chambers USA guide for six of the firm’s practices: Cannabis Law (USA – Nationwide, Band 4), Construction (Ohio, Band 1), Healthcare (Ohio, Band 4), Labor & Employment (Ohio, Band 1), Litigation: General Commercial (Ohio, Band 3), and Real Estate (Ohio, Band 4).

  • 2025

    Frantz Ward celebrates its 25th anniversary.