For more than 170 years, Coolidge Wall Co., L.P.A. has built its reputation on exceptional legal talent, trusted relationships and a commitment to helping clients navigate their most important challenges. Today, that tradition of excellence continues, with the firm earning an impressive collection of honors in the 2027 editions of Best Law Firms®and The Best Lawyers in America®, recognition that underscores the depth of its legal expertise and its standing among the region’s leading law firms.
The firm received nine Regional Tier 1 rankings, two Dayton Lawyer of the Year honors and three Top-Listed distinctions, including recognition for having the most Best Lawyers honorees in Dayton, with 16 attorneys selected. Together, these achievements reflect the strength of Coolidge Wall’s legal team and its ability to deliver sophisticated counsel across a broad range of practice areas.
Best Lawyers is regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Its process is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas. Lawyers may not pay a fee to be listed, so inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”
A Concentration of Legal Talent That Sets Coolidge Wall Apart
One of the most significant distinctions in the 2027 awards is Coolidge Wall’s recognition for having the most attorneys named to The Best Lawyers in America in the Dayton market. With 16 attorneys recognized, the firm earned the publication’s Top-Listed designation for the city, along with additional Top-Listed honors in Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law, with six recognized attorneys in each practice area. That depth of talent is especially meaningful for clients whose legal needs rarely fit neatly into a single category. At Coolidge Wall, clients benefit from attorneys who understand these connections and work collaboratively to address them. The firm’s breadth of experience means clients can turn to a trusted legal team for guidance through both everyday business decisions and the more complex challenges that shape their future.
Nine Tier 1 Rankings Reflect Excellence Across the Firm
In the 2027 edition of Best Law Firms, the firm earned nine Regional Tier 1 rankings in Dayton, up from seven the previous year. The rankings recognize excellence in:
- Banking and Finance Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Corporate Law
- Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Litigation – Real Estate
- Litigation and Controversy – Tax
- Real Estate Law
- Tax Law
- Trusts and Estates
The firm also received Regional Tier 2 recognition in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers. These 11 rankings demonstrate the breadth of Coolidge Wall’s legal capabilities and the strength of its practice groups. For clients, that means access to experienced attorneys across multiple disciplines, combining the depth of a full-service firm with the personal relationships and responsiveness that have long defined Coolidge Wall’s approach.
Two Lawyers of the Year Highlight Individual Excellence
Two Coolidge Wall attorneys received additional recognition as the 2027 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective practice areas.
Shannon L. Costello was named the 2027 Dayton Lawyer of the Year in Real Estate Law, marking her fifth Lawyer of the Year honor. Recognized by Best Lawyers since 2010, Costello has earned these distinctions across Real Estate Law and Litigation – Real Estate, reflecting a sustained record of professional excellence and the respect of her peers.
W. Chip Herin III was named the 2027 Dayton Lawyer of the Year in Corporate Law, earning his first Lawyer of the Year distinction. His recognition further highlights Coolidge Wall’s strength in advising businesses on significant legal and strategic matters.
The Lawyer of the Year distinction is awarded to the individual attorney receiving the highest overall peer feedback in a specific practice area and geographic region. Only one attorney receives the designation in each specialty within a given market.
Sixteen Attorneys Recognized Among The Best Lawyers in America
Sixteen Coolidge Wall attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 edition, representing a broad range of legal specialties. The attorneys and their recognized practice areas are:
- Michelle D. Bach — Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
- R. Scott Blackburn — Trusts and Estates
- Christopher R. Conard — Commercial Litigation
- Shannon L. Costello — Real Estate Law; Litigation – Real Estate
- Terence L. Fague — Commercial Litigation; Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Kristin A. Finch — Real Estate Law
- Patricia J. Friesinger — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Commercial Litigation
- Daniel J. Gentry — Commercial Litigation
- J. Stephen Herbert — Banking and Finance Law; Real Estate Law
- W. Chip Herin III — Corporate Law; Real Estate Law
- Scott A. Liberman — Municipal Law; Real Estate Law
- David P. Pierce — Commercial Litigation; Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Richard A. Talda — Commercial Litigation
- Sam Warwar — Corporate Law; Litigation and Controversy – Tax; Tax Law
- Merle F. Wilberding — Corporate Law; Litigation – Real Estate; Real Estate Law
- Jeffrey A. Winwood — Trusts and Estates
In addition, two attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America®, which recognizes attorneys earlier in their careers who demonstrate outstanding professional excellence.
- Elliott V. Haller — Corporate Law; Health Care Law; Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Patrick Martin — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition is based on a peer-review process evaluating the professional abilities of attorneys within their respective practice areas.
A Reputation Earned. A Commitment That Continues.
For more than 170 years, Coolidge Wall has been part of Dayton’s business and legal community, advising organizations and individuals through periods of growth, transformation and challenge. That history provides a strong foundation, but the firm’s reputation continues to be earned through the work its attorneys do every day.
We congratulate all of our attorneys recognized in the 2027 Best Lawyers awards. Their dedication, expertise and commitment to their clients continue to strengthen a legacy more than 170 years in the making. We are proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the exceptional talent, professionalism and leadership they bring to Coolidge Wall every day.
