Overview
Ben is a Partner in Frantz Ward’s Business/Corporate Law Practice Group, focusing on business contracts and governance, business and franchise acquisitions or sales, real estate law and leasing, and estate and business succession planning. He assists clients with commercial real estate matters, corporate governance, disputes, future planning, transaction agreements, and zoning variance matters.
He is persistent in his pursuit to protect client interests and seeks innovative strategies to avoid unnecessary and costly litigation. He is a skilled mediator, previously serving as a mediator for the Franklin County Small Claims Court and earning the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Certificate on Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Ben brings extensive experience in both commercial and government law, previously practicing as General Counsel at an Ohio-based investment banking firm and serving as Assistant Attorney General for Ohio’s Attorney General’s Office’s Consumer Protection section early in his career. Additionally, Ben previously founded his own corporate and real estate law-focused firm and refined his practice by joining a long–standing business focused firm in Columbus, Ohio.
Ben is based out of the firm’s Columbus Office.
Representative Experience
- Developed and finalized contracts for individuals and/or entities across multiple sectors, including health care, transportation, engineering, and retail.
- Created irrevocable trusts that protect privately owned real estate.
- Assisted startup businesses to address complex legal matters until they reached stability.
- Created and finalized commercial leases for businesses in a variety of industries and locations.
- Helped clients address zoning variance matters.
- Worked with clients to apply for real estate tax exemption and late fee payment forgiveness.
- Supported clients in business owner separation matters.
- Aided clients in dispute resolution and settlement efforts with third parties.
- Drafted estate plans for various client to safeguard their assets.
- Assisted clients with purchase and sale transactions, often with commercial real estate transactions, including:
- Transportation companies
- Dental offices
- Retail
- Home healthcare companies
- Franchisees
- Psychiatry practices
- Large engineering firms
- Bars and restaurants
- Manufacturing firms
Education & Admissions
Education
- The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., 2002
- Certificate on Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Ohio Wesleyan University, B.A., 1997
Bar and Court Admissions
- State of Ohio
Representative Experience
- Developed and finalized contracts for individuals and/or entities across multiple sectors, including health care, transportation, engineering, and retail.
- Created irrevocable trusts that protect privately owned real estate.
- Assisted startup businesses to address complex legal matters until they reached stability.
- Created and finalized commercial leases for businesses in a variety of industries and locations.
- Helped clients address zoning variance matters.
- Worked with clients to apply for real estate tax exemption and late fee payment forgiveness.
- Supported clients in business owner separation matters.
- Aided clients in dispute resolution and settlement efforts with third parties.
- Drafted estate plans for various client to safeguard their assets.
- Assisted clients with purchase and sale transactions, often with commercial real estate transactions, including:
- Transportation companies
- Dental offices
- Retail
- Home healthcare companies
- Franchisees
- Psychiatry practices
- Large engineering firms
- Bars and restaurants
- Manufacturing firms
Education & Admissions
Education
- The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., 2002
- Certificate on Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Ohio Wesleyan University, B.A., 1997
Bar and Court Admissions
- State of Ohio