Frantz Ward Recognized in Legal 500’s United States Guide; 12 Attorneys Named in Ohio Elite Rankings
Frantz Ward is proud to announce that the firm was honored in the 2026 edition of Legal 500’s United States Guide, with 12 attorneys also receiving individual recognition in the publication’s Ohio Elite Guide.
The achievement marks a significant expansion of the firm’s standing in the guides, with two practices earning national recognition for the first year and the number of individual firm attorneys being named in the Ohio Elite Guide tripling from the 2025 edition. This honor reflects Frantz Ward’s commitment to giving outstanding legal talent the platform and developmental resources needed to thrive.
2026 United States Guide
Frantz Ward was ranked nationally in two categories:
- Dispute resolution: general commercial disputes – mid-market ($0-250m) – Tier 4
- Real estate – mid-market ($0-500m) – Tier 5
2026 Ohio Elite Guide
This year, eight of the 12 selected attorneys who received Ohio Elite Guide rankings were honored for the first time (noted with an asterisk). Frantz Ward attorneys were recognized in five practice areas:
Commercial Disputes
- James B. Niehaus – Band 1
- Michael J. Frantz Jr.* – Band 2
- Christopher G. Keim – Band 2
- Angela D. Lydon – Band 2
- Christopher C. Koehler – Band 3
- Susan M. White* – Band 3
Corporate & M&A
- Todd A. Broski* – Band 1
Finance & Restructuring
- John F. Kostelnik* – Band 3
Real Estate
- Cynthia A. Lammert* – Band 2
- Daniel P. Hinkel* – Band 3
- Mark L. Rodio* – Band 3
Tax
- Matthew F. Kadish* – Band 1
Legal 500 has benchmarked excellence in law since 1987. Published by Legalease, their various guides assess law firms and individual practitioners worldwide, by city, state, and country, through client and peer research, interviews with practitioners, editorial analysis, and submissions. Its rankings are used by in-house counsel and clients as a reference point for identifying leading legal advisors across jurisdictions and practice areas. Learn more about the methodology here.
