Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Legal Excellence in Columbus, OH
For over 55 years, Carlile Patchen & Murphy has provided legal excellence to businesses, families, and individuals across Central Ohio. Founded in 1967, our firm combines deep legal expertise with a client-centric approach, offering tailored solutions in areas such as business law, family law, estate planning, and litigation. Our attorneys are recognized leaders in their fields, with a commitment to innovation, community engagement, and ethical practice. We prioritize building long-term relationships, ensuring clients receive both strategic counsel and personalized attention. Our multi-office presence in Columbus and Dublin allows us to serve clients efficiently while maintaining a tradition of excellence.With a focus on proactive problem-solving, we guide clients through complex legal challenges, from corporate transactions to personal matters. Our teams dedication to continuing education and bar leadership ensures we remain at the forefront of legal developments. Community involvement remains central to our mission, with decades of support for initiatives like the CBA Minority Clerkship Program. By merging experience with adaptability, we empower clients to protect their interests and achieve their goals.
Services
Business Law
Family Law
Estate Planning
Litigation
Employment Law
Real Estate Law
Taxation
Bankruptcy
Intellectual Property
Municipal Law
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We offer 55+ years of experience in Ohio legal practice.
- Our team includes Martindale-Hubbell-rated attorneys with industry-specific expertise.
- We provide tailored solutions for businesses, families, and individuals.
- Our proactive approach minimizes litigation through strategic counsel.
- We maintain deep community ties and bar leadership involvement.
What people say
Exceptional in their area of law
Very responsive and thorough
Proactive legal strategies
Seamless case resolution
Trusted advisors for decades
Services
Business Law
Our Business Law Practice Group advises companies of all sizes on entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance. We provide strategic counsel for corporate governance, tax planning, and securities law matters, ensuring businesses navigate legal complexities with confidence. Our attorneys act as outsourced general counsel, offering proactive solutions to minimize risk and support growth in both routine operations and high-stakes transactions.
Estate Planning
We craft customized estate plans to protect personal and business assets while addressing tax efficiency and family needs. Services include wills, trusts, power of attorney documents, and advanced healthcare directives. Our attorneys guide clients through complex scenarios like business succession planning, ensuring seamless transfer of wealth and preservation of legacies for future generations.
Litigation
Our litigation team represents clients in commercial disputes, bankruptcy proceedings, and employment-related lawsuits. We combine aggressive advocacy with strategic settlement negotiations to resolve conflicts efficiently. With experience in state and federal courts, we handle complex cases involving contract breaches, creditor rights, and business torts while prioritizing cost-effective outcomes.
Employment Law
We counsel employers on compliance with federal and state labor laws, including wage and hour regulations, discrimination policies, and workplace safety standards. Our services cover HR policy development, employment contract drafting, and defense against discrimination claims. We also provide training programs to foster inclusive workplaces and mitigate legal risks.
Real Estate Law
Our real estate practice handles commercial property transactions, zoning issues, and construction contracts. We represent clients in acquisitions, leasing agreements, and development projects while ensuring compliance with land use regulations. The in-house Cornerstone Title Agency provides streamlined title insurance services, enhancing efficiency for residential and commercial real estate closings.
People
Richard V. Patchen
Founding Partner
Co-founded Carlile Patchen & Murphy in 1967, establishing its reputation for business law excellence. Specialized in corporate transactions and community leadership until his retirement.
Denis J. Murphy
Founding Partner
Co-founder with expertise in business litigation and estate planning. Practiced until 2005, leaving a legacy of client-focused legal advocacy.
Jack C. Butler
Partner
Leads the Banking & Finance practice with 30+ years of experience in commercial lending and creditor rights. Recognized for complex loan structuring and workout strategies.
Geoffrey S. Kunkler
Partner
Specializes in estate planning and tax law, frequently publishing insights on Medicaid eligibility and wealth preservation strategies for seniors.
Matthew S. Brown
Partner
Employment law expert advising businesses on compliance, HR policies, and litigation defense. Active in developing preventive training programs for workplace compliance.
Questions
What practice areas does Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP specialize in?
We focus on business law, family law, estate planning, litigation, employment law, real estate, and tax services, with additional expertise in municipal law and intellectual property.
Do you offer estate planning services for business owners?
Yes, we create tailored estate plans integrating business interests to ensure smooth succession and tax-efficient asset transfer for business owners.
Can your firm handle complex commercial litigation?
Our litigation team has decades of experience resolving complex commercial disputes through negotiation, arbitration, and courtroom representation across multiple jurisdictions.
Are consultations available for new clients?
We offer initial consultations to discuss your legal needs and determine how our attorneys can best support your objectives.
Does the firm serve businesses outside Ohio?
While based in Ohio, we represent clients nationally through strategic partnerships and multi-jurisdictional practice capabilities.
How does the firm handle bankruptcy cases?
Our Creditors Rights Group provides strategic bankruptcy representation, including Chapter 7, 11, and 13 proceedings, with a focus on asset protection and debt recovery.
