- Premarital AgreementBecause our firm represents many family-owned businesses and the family members who own them, we have particular expertise in developing and implementing estate plans for the succession and transfer of family businesses from one generation to the next. Not only does our guidance help family-owned businesses negotiate the complexities that can arise, but it also promotes important tax advantaged asset transfers that protect business assets. Our attorneys also have significant experience in the negotiation and preparation of prenuptial agreements for business owners, as well as high net worth individuals.
- GuardianshipFrequently, individual client matters intersect with other legal areas. For example, estate planning becomes more complex if a family-owned business is involved. Likewise, a family member may be involved in a criminal proceeding or there may be a need for a guardianship. Cohen Todd Kite & Stanford practices a multi-disciplinary approach in such cases to make sure the client gets the benefit of the best strategy and the most efficient, cost-effective representation. Our attorneys in the Private Client Services Practice Group readily draw on the specialized knowledge of our other Practice Groups, where appropriate, to achieve the best outcomes and desired results for our individual clients.
- Child Abuse
- Criminal DefenseOur Cincinnati Criminal Defense attorneys have successfully handled many appeals cases for clients that have been convicted of crimes. Convicted defendants have the right to appeal their convictions on the grounds that legal errors on either the conviction itself or the sentence imposed have been made. An appeal can result in a full dismissal of the case or a re-trial or re-sentencing. Examples of legal services provided by our Criminal Appeals attorneys are...
- DUI/DWIRepresented an individual in appeal of a DUI conviction. The conviction was reversed unanimously by the First District Court of Appeals of the Ohio case was dismissed.
- Wrongful DeathPersonal injuries or wrongful deaths can cause overwhelming physical and financial crises for victims and their families. Our Personal Injury & Wrongful Death attorneys work with victims and their families to handle the details related to the injury or death, negotiate with insurance companies and other responsible parties, and above all, protect the rights of those injured.  We have successfully represented individuals with both catastrophic or minor injuries, and family members dealing with the wrongful death of a family member.
- Sex CrimesRepresented individual charged with two counts of Rape and one count of Gross Sexual Imposition. Not guilty verdict after a bench trial.
- FraudFor example, we have represented numerous corporate clients under Federal Grand Jury investigation in a variety of cases – alleged price fixing, fraud in the administration of an employee benefits program, and alleged improper pharmaceutical accounting procedures. In all of these cases, we obtained closure of the investigations without indictments. Likewise, our team has a successful record of representing individuals charged with white collar crimes – a typical example being our representation of a manufacturing company’s Plant Manager charged with a violation of the Clean Air Act in a federal prosecution by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency. In this case, we negotiated a plea agreement with no incarceration. Our attorneys have also successfully represented corporations, individuals, public officials, accountants, and others in investigations of such crimes as securities fraud, bank fraud, bankruptcy fraud, tax fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and mail and wire fraud.
- BurglaryRepresented an individual indicted with three co-defendants for Aggravated Burglary with Firearm Specifications. Negotiated plea agreement with no incarceration. Co-defendants entered guilty pleas. Two were sentenced to four years in prison and one was sentenced to six years in prison.
- White Collar CrimesTo arrange a meeting to discuss your rights and options with our Cincinnati White Collar Crime Attorneys, contact us at Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford, LLC online or call us at (513) 421-4020.
- Theft
- MisdemeanorsCohen Todd Kite & Stanford ’s Criminal Defense Group, composed of former prosecutors, has a strong record of successfully representing individual and corporate defendants in felony and misdemeanor cases in local, state and federal courts. Our Criminal Defense Group members provide representation in every phase of criminal proceedings – from investigation or arrest through trial and, if necessary, appeal. Whether in the courtroom or in effectively negotiating with law enforcement or regulatory authorities, our attorneys aggressively pursue strategies with the client’s best interests being the top priority. Our deep bench of experience benefits clients who need and expect the best defense possible.
- EmbezzlementRepresented an employee investigated by law enforcement for embezzlement of $274,935 from employer. Negotiated resolution without criminal charges being filed.
- Drug CrimesRepresented individual charged with Driving Under the Influence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Felony Aggravated Possession of a Fentanyl Related Compound after causing a head on auto collision. Negotiated complete dismissal and sealing of all records of both drug charges. Negotiated reduction of the Driving Under the Influence charge to Reckless Operation.
- AssaultBecause our Criminal Defense Group has years of past prosecutorial experience, each member has a high level and depth of knowledge, both legal and practical, of the local, state and federal courts, and prosecutors in the Greater Cincinnati area. Our attorneys put this valuable background to use in fully and aggressively defending our clients in cases that range from major felonies to minor misdemeanors. For example, cases include: vehicular homicide and manslaughter, aggravated arson, RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act violations for alleged illegal gambling activities, embezzlement, driving under the influence, drug offenses, assault and battery, and the like. Where a person or entity is not charged as a defendant, but may be involved as a witness or potential defendant, we also provide such clients with effective representation to protect the client’s rights and best interests.
- MurderIn 2019, John represented a USCCA member indicted for Murder, Attempted Murder and Felonious Assault with firearms specifications for shooting and killing one individual and shooting at another. A conviction as charged carried a mandatory life prison sentence. John argued self-defense at trial where his client was found Not Guilty of all charges and discharged. All defense costs were paid by the USCCA.
- Juvenile CrimesFor all your legal needs and concerns in regards to a criminal case involving a juvenile contact the Cincinnati Juvenile Law Attorneys at Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford today! Call us at (513) 421-4020.
- Homicide
- ArsonRepresented a student in a state court felony indictment for Aggravated Arson for setting fires on a college campus. Negotiated plea agreement with no incarceration.
- ForgeryRepresented a medical practice office manager on a 29 count state court felony indictment, which included allegations of theft of drugs, embezzlement and forgery. Not guilty jury verdict on all 29 counts.
- Money Laundering
- KidnappingRepresented individual indicted for seven counts, including first-degree felonies Aggravated Burglary and Kidnapping. Not guilty verdict on each indicted offense after a jury trial.
- ManslaughterRepresented young woman indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter, Corrupting Another with Drugs and Tampering with Evidence, in which client was accused of being responsible for the Fentanyl overdose death of a man. Conviction as charged carried up to 22 years in prison and a mandatory minimum 8 years in prison. Negotiated a plea agreement to Tampering with Evidence and Drug Abuse with probation and drug treatment. Plea included agreement that case records will be sealed. Manslaughter and Corrupting charges were dismissed. Plea stipulated no responsibility for or involvement in the overdose death.
- Corporate LawOur Group frequently works with business clients dealing with distressed companies or experiencing financial difficulties themselves. In today’s economic climate, it is more important than ever to provide guidance that will efficiently and effectively address the client’s needs as the client faces its own challenges or those of debtor businesses with whom the client deals. We have substantial experience in designing strategies and remedies that obtain positive results for our clients and avoid bankruptcy. For example, our attorneys regularly negotiate and devise out-of-court restructurings involving recapitalization strategies, acquisitions of debt, refinancing of senior debt, and restructuring of mezzanine and trade debt. In addition, we actively utilize other, less expensive alternatives to filing bankruptcy such as receiverships, assignments for the benefit of Creditors, and similar proceedings. Because our Group’s bankruptcy attorneys also have years of experience in commercial finance, corporate law, and litigation, we are well positioned to provide clients with successful solutions to their complex financial problems.
- Mergers and AcquisitionsMatt Kite’s practice is concentrated in the areas of corporate law with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, trade secrets protection, and trademark laws. He further handles a range of matters related to business entities, including issues pertaining to entity selection, operations, governance, succession, shareholder relations and business contracts. View Full Bio
- Business DisputesThe Litigation Group attorneys have a wealth of experience handling trials, appeals, arbitrations, and ADR matters for clients involved in all manner of business disputes and complex litigation matters. Our litigators are innovative, highly skilled, and attentive to the unique needs of our business clients. We recognize that litigation can be an expensive diversion from our client’s core business objectives and, therefore, work collaboratively with our clients to develop reasonable budgets, which we respect. We also work aggressively to achieve the client’s objectives as quickly as possible so that they can return their focus to running their business.
- Business TransactionsRegularly issues owner’s and loan policies of title insurance, as agent for Old Republic National Title Insurance Company in connection with commercial transactions in the range of $1MM—$10MM.
- Trade SecretsMatt Kite’s practice is concentrated in the area of corporate law with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, trade secrets protection, and trademark laws. He further handles a range of matters related to business entities, including issues pertaining to entity selection, operations, governance, succession, shareholder relations, and business contracts. In addition, he represents sellers and purchasers in commercial real estate transactions and franchise acquisitions. Matt represents clients involved in the construction industry, counseling clients on state and federal mechanics lien and bond claim requirements. He also represents condominium associations in all matters, including formation, governance, and issues pertaining to association members. Matt also appears in Ohio probate courts on estate matters.
- Intellectual PropertyCohen Todd Kite & Stanford ’s Litigation Group members have extensive experience in handling a wide variety of legal areas and disputes. These include: contract issues, complex financial and business disputes, employment and civil rights matters, intellectual property litigation, probate litigation, commercial disputes (e.g., banking, construction, real estate), personal injury, products liability, and professional malpractice. In addition to expertise in these general litigation needs of clients, our firm also has a strong contingent of attorneys highly experienced in other specialized areas of litigation including bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, and criminal defense (including juvenile law). In complex cases which may encompass multiple legal areas, we use an inter-disciplinary approach that draws on the expertise of our attorneys best suited to the particular issues involved so as to achieve the best result in the most efficient way for the client.
- Antitrust
- Employment DiscriminationCounsel for corporation in highly successful race discrimination class action where class certification was not pursued by Plaintiffs following discovery, and individual claims dismissed voluntarily or by favorable court ruling.
- Employment Contract
- Employment LitigationJill O’Shea specializes in employment law and complex litigation. Jill was previously employed as Associate General Counsel with Duke Energy Corporation and its predecessor company, Cinergy Corporation. While there, she served as the Head of the Employment/HR/Labor Group from 2003 to 2006. Her areas of practice included employment litigation, preventative law work, advisory work on employment issues, policies and procedures, labor work, and training presentations. In addition, from 1999 to 2003, Jill worked as Senior Counsel in Cinergy’s Litigation Section. There, her areas of practice included employment litigation, complex personal injury, property damage, and other litigation, as well as preventative law work.
- Severance AgreementThe best time to avoid serious and expensive human resources and employment law problems is well before the problems arise. Our Employment Law Practice Group works with business clients to minimize the risk of discrimination claims, wage claims, whistleblower claims, and the like. We design and review employment handbooks and personnel policies, helping the client avoid claims and disputes that might otherwise arise and giving the client a good defensive position if a dispute arises. In doing so, we take care to use a practical approach that maximizes the client’s flexibility in its business operations and management decisions. Similarly, our attorneys advise both employer and employee clients across the spectrum of employment issues that arise. We guide them through emerging problems or issues, such as possible terminations or reductions in force, employee discipline, sexual harassment issues, reasonable accommodation, non-competition agreements, confidentiality agreements, and severance agreements. Our attorneys are positioned to quickly and expertly address questions that arise regarding federal, state and local employment discrimination laws, wage and hour laws, Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Our attorneys also provide training and presentations to business clients’ managers and HR personnel. Our solutions for business clients are based, not only on legal considerations, but also on the client’s need to effectively and swiftly deal with employment issues with a minimum of disruption to operations.
- Sexual Harassment
- Real Estate LitigationCohen Todd Kite & Stanford ’s Real Estate Practice Group brings together attorneys with years of proven experience and depth in all aspects of commercial real estate finance, transactions, construction, and development. We count property owners, purchasers, developers, franchisees, and commercial landlords among our many clients. Our Real Estate Practice Group is positioned to provide seamless representation from the outset of negotiations and acquisition through development, financing, and construction. Although we routinely handle complex transactions for large commercial purchasers, sellers, developers, and lenders, we are equally available to clients with simpler transactions and needs. Because real estate matters are especially time sensitive, our team’s focus is to provide all clients, large and small, with efficient and results-oriented service.
- Premises LiabilityJill was previously a partner in the defense firm of Rendigs, Fry, Kiely & Dennis, LLP in Cincinnati, Ohio and was employed with the firm from 1986-1999. Her area of specialty with Rendigs was complex litigation, and her areas of practice included employment law, wrongful death and personal injury, property damage, architect, engineer and construction law, product liability, premises liability, and toxic tort, environmental, and commercial litigation.
- Construction LitigationWithin our Real Estate Practice Group are attorneys with additional expertise in Construction and Development Law. We provide a full array of services and representation to owners, contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, banks, and other lenders.  Our representation covers the spectrum of issues that arise in construction and development projects: project acquisition and financing, contract preparation and negotiation, contract disputes, mechanic’s liens, bond and surety claims, as well as contract and construction defect litigation. Our title insurance agency, Seven Hills Title Agency, provides title insurance for owners and lenders in construction projects.
- Real Estate TransactionsOur Business & Commercial Law Group and our Real Estate Group provide expert solutions for both lenders and borrowers with respect to a wide range of commercial finance needs and issues: loan transactions, refinances, restructures, and workouts. The depth and range of our team’s experience is exemplified by our representation of (1) a nursing home operator in the acquisition and construction of several nursing home facilities; (2) a restaurant franchise in a multi-site sale and leaseback transaction; (3) borrowers in acquisition financing and refinancing of commercial loan and commercial real estate transactions; and (4) the acquisition and financing of multiple single retail tenant NNN properties. Although we strive to create and negotiate strategies that achieve all parties’ goals and needs without recourse to litigation, when litigation arises, our team has an excellent track record in providing skilled and vigorous representation of our client’s interests.
- Eminent DomainVillages, cities, and other municipalities face a wide array of legal issues to navigate. Our Municipal Law and Government Group assists local governments, officials, administrators, and trustees in meeting those demands. In addition to general legal advice, our attorneys provide legal expertise in such matters as: research and drafting of ordinances; eminent domain; development of police policies; zoning and real estate development; municipal financing; taxation; public contract negotiations; personnel issues; and the enforcement of nuisance laws. Because our Group members draw on both their legal expertise and prior practical experience with local governments, we have a track record of achieving positive results and solutions for our municipal and governmental clients.
- Property DamageNick Zuccarelli has a diverse practice with a focus on complex civil litigation, business and transactional law, and estate planning. His litigation experience includes contract disputes, construction claims, property damage, probate and trust litigation, harassment, fraud, and much more. Nick has achieved favorable outcomes for individual and business clients of all kinds, and always operates with the goal of protecting his clients’ interests while minimizing the costs and stress of litigation.
- Personal InjuryHis varied experiences with the City of Norwood and the City of Cincinnati have positioned Michael to integrate into various practice areas at Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford, LLC. Through his previous position with the City of Norwood, Michael worked on state and federal appellate cases, and advised personnel in multiple city departments, including police officers, building inspectors, fire code inspectors, health officials, and clerks of courts. At The Sammarco Law Firm, Michael developed experience in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases.
- Auto Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Estate PlanningContact us at Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford, LLC today, for further questions and concerns on your case. Our Cincinnati Estate Planning Attorneys can help you with all your estate planning needs.Â
- WillsFew legal matters are more important to an individual than making an estate plan that fully reflects his or her particular wishes and objectives. Our team members provide a wide range of services to clients that start with identification of assets, definition of the client’s particular goals, and development of a long-term plan that will fully meet the unique needs of the client. We focus on tax-advantaged asset transfer planning through appropriate estate plan measures, and avoidance of probate. Among our services are: preparation of wills, powers of attorney, living wills, trusts (such as personal residence, charitable remainder, charitable lead, and retained interest trusts), gift tax planning, and multigenerational planning.
- TrustsTo arrange a meeting to discuss your probate, estate and trust administration needs with our Cincinnati Probate Attorneys, at Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford, LLC.     Contact or call us at (513) 421-4020.
- Power of AttorneyNick also provides estate planning solutions, and has experience draft and administering wills, powers of attorney, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and more. Nick uses his experience in the courtroom to identify potential issues and assist his clients in making an airtight estate plan.
- Probate
- BankruptcyCohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford ’s Business Restructuring, Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Practice Group provides innovative and experienced representation in every facet of debtor, creditor, and bankruptcy law for clients ranging from national corporations to small local enterprises. We serve all constituencies – debtors, creditors, creditors’ committees, lenders, and other interested parties. Our attorneys have strong and successful track records in guiding distressed companies through strategies designed to avoid bankruptcy. Where bankruptcy is filed, we regularly represent parties in complex and successful proceedings.
- ForeclosureIn the current economic and business climate, there has been a rise in businesses experiencing distress and correspondingly, in those interested in acquiring, or investing in, those companies. Because our Business & Commercial Law Group members include experienced bankruptcy and restructuring attorneys, we are particularly well positioned to provide representation in this area. Recent matters include representation of (1) a private equity fund specializing in value added real estate investments in multiple debt and real estate acquisitions; (2) a real estate investor in the acquisition and restructuring of shopping centers; (3) a shopping center owner/operator in workout negotiations and the subsequent foreclosure action filed by the Special Servicer in a CMBS mortgage; (4) a large construction and development company in bank workout and recapitalization transactions; and (5) the owner of a transportation and logistics company in financial restructuring.
- Tax LawCohen Todd Kite & Stanford provides highly experienced representation to real estate clients in tax planning. Our Taxation partner holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation from New York University, one of the leading tax programs in the United States. His services have included multi-million dollar tax-free real estate exchanges.