Frantz Ward Achieves National and State Rankings; 19 attorneys Honored in Chambers USA 2025 Guide
Frantz Ward is proud to announce its recognition in the 2025 Chambers USA Guide with six firm-ranked practice areas in Ohio and nationwide, as well as 19 attorneys honored for excellence in their respective fields. This year, five attorneys joined the Chambers rankings for the first time (indicated with an asterisk), reflecting the continued growth and depth of the firm’s legal talent. Additionally, the firm’s Healthcare and Real Estate practices received elevated bands as compared to last year.
USA – Nationwide – Cannabis Law – Band 4
Frantz Ward continues to be nationally ranked in Cannabis Law, reflecting the firm’s leadership in advising clients in this evolving and highly regulated space.
Thomas G. Haren and Keenan M. Jones* were ranked Band 2 and Up and Coming, respectively, in Cannabis Law: Eastern United States. The firm stands as one of only 39 firms ranked nationwide, remaining at the forefront of the industry, with clients stating Tom is “a real pro in terms of access to state regulators,” and Keenan is “able to successfully navigate those issues which become very sticky.”
Ohio – Construction – Band 1
The firm’s Construction practice was listed among Ohio’s top two firms for representing contractors, developers, and construction professionals in complex disputes and advisory work.
The following attorneys were recognized:
- Ian H. Frank – Band 1
- Michael J. Frantz Jr. – Band 3
- Marc A. Sanchez – Band 3
Construction clients highlighted our attorneys for being “one of the handful of titans of the industry [who have] done and seen everything” and having “the endurance and temperament to lead and win high-stakes construction litigation.”
Ohio – Healthcare – Band 3
Frantz Ward’s Healthcare team received an elevated tier ranking from last year’s Band 4 honor and was recognized for its broad experience in advising healthcare providers and systems on litigation, compliance, and regulatory issues. Craig T. Haran earned a Band 3 honor while Bradley D. Reed received a Band 4 recognition.
Clients noted, “The team we work with is phenomenal at dissecting an issue and responding in a way that is easy for lay people to understand.”
Ohio: North – Labor & Employment – Band 1
The firm’s Labor & Employment group again earned regional recognition, being listed as one of North Ohio’s top two firms, for its work representing employers in complex litigation, labor negotiations, and day-to-day compliance.
The following attorneys were recognized:
- Megan E. Bennett* – Up and Coming
- Michael N. Chesney – Band 2
- Andrew J. Cleves* – Up and Coming
- Michael J. Frantz – Band 1
- Brian J. Kelly – Band 1
- Ryan T. Smith – Up and Coming
Clients stated that Frantz Ward stands out in the legal industry due to “its unwavering commitment to client service, deep industry expertise, and a collaborative approach that fosters innovation and results” and because the firm “makes it a point to understand our business to the extent that it knows how decisions and delays will impact us.”
Ohio – Litigation: General Commercial – Band 3
Ranked among the top firms in Ohio for General Commercial Litigation, Frantz Ward’s trial team was recognized for its success handling complex and high-stakes business disputes, with clients across the state noting that our attorneys are “smart, capable, and pragmatic with a style that makes juries like [them],” and that they are “one of the main reasons for the success of our company.”
The following attorneys were recognized:
- Christopher G. Keim – Band 4
- Christopher C. Koehler – Band 3
- Angela D. Lydon – Up and Coming
- James B. Niehaus – Band 2
Ohio – Real Estate – Band 3
Frantz Ward earned an elevation from last year’s Band 4 ranking in Real Estate and was listed among Ohio’s top firms in this space for its prowess in commercial development, leasing, and transactions across multiple industries. The firm was recognized for its “high levels of intellectual capital across multiple legal disciplines,” with both Daniel P. Hinkel* and Mark L. Rodio* being named for the first time as Up and Coming and with a Band 4 ranking, respectively.
Chambers and Partners ranks the leading lawyers and law firms across the U.S. using independent research conducted by over 200 analysts. Rankings are based on a combination of written submissions, client feedback, and interviews with legal peers. For more information on these rankings and methodology, visit Chambers.com.
