Frantz Ward Announces Launch of Columbus Office with Addition of Benjamin J. MacDowell and Matthew J. Wiles

Frantz Ward is proud to announce the firm has established an office in Columbus, expanding our footprint into Central Ohio and bringing on Benjamin J. MacDowell and Matthew J. Wiles as Partners.

The firm’s presence in Columbus has been highly anticipated and underscores our commitment to serving the needs of an ever-expanding client base and staying true to the founding principles of entrepreneurialism, autonomy, and top-tier service, while prioritizing our people and community.

Ben and Matt strengthen the firm’s Business/Corporate Law and Litigation Practice Groups, respectively.

“We are excited for Ben and Matt to join our ranks and help kick off this new chapter in Columbus,” stated Christopher G. Keim, firmwide Managing Partner. “Clients have requested Frantz Ward’s physical presence in Columbus on multiple occasions over the last decade, and this expansion represents a significant milestone in serving our clients when and where they need it. The growing construction sector in the area has made it an ideal time for us to expand, though we know our business, litigation, labor and employment, logistics, cannabis, and all other firm clients will benefit from this growth.”

The Columbus office address is 20 E Broad Street, Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43215.

Ben brings a unique blend of commercial and government law perspectives to his corporate law practice and leverages his background to assist clients on matters such as contracts and governance, business and franchise acquisitions and sales, real estate law and leasing, and estate and business succession planning.

He is an experienced mediator, previously serving the Franklin County Small Claims Court as a mediator and achieving the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Certificate on Alternative Dispute Resolution. Ben relentlessly protects client interests and seeks to avoid costly litigation when possible.

He earned his J.D. from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2002 and received his B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1997.

Matt concentrates his practice in the transportation and logistics industry, primarily representing freight brokers in a wide range of litigation and arbitration matters, including restrictive covenants and trade secrets, employment matters, significant cargo claims, double broker scams, carrier disputes, and hostage loads. His experience involves decades of civil and business litigation, including construction, oil and gas, and intellectual property disputes, as well as serving as outside general counsel for clients with California-specific business and employment issues.

Matt represents clients in both state and federal courts, before administrative agencies and arbitration panels, and in alternate forms of pre-litigation dispute avoidance and resolution.

He earned his J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law in 2002 after receiving his B.S. at Bowling Green State University in 1999.

Frantz Ward is a full-service law firm with over 80 attorneys committed to providing clients with practical, responsive, and cost-effective legal solutions. The firm serves a national client base, including Fortune 500 companies, small and medium-sized businesses, and individuals from its Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio offices. The firm’s attorneys and practices receive national recognition, including the highest bands in the prestigious Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business guide.