Frost Brown Todd’s Columbus office is expanding with the addition of five top public law attorneys who have extensive experience representing municipal clients across the state. The addition of these attorneys is key to building Frost Brown Todd’s Government Services practice group in the Central Ohio area. Frost Brown Todd’s five new members are: Stephen J. Smith, Sr., Philip K. Hartmann, Stephen J. Smith, Jr., Jennifer D. Readler and Mitchell H. Banchefsky. The addition expands the office’s attorney count to 28.
“Our new colleagues bring extraordinary skill and experience to Frost Brown Todd, and we are thrilled to have them on our team. We welcome them and their outstanding reputations in the greater Columbus legal and business communities, and know that they will further enhance our Government Services and Public Law practices.” Said John R. Crockett III, Chairman of Frost Brown Todd.
About the Attorneys
Stephen J. Smith, Sr. was the co-chair of the Public Law Group for his former firm. Steve has served as the law director for the City of Dublin for over 30 years. Some of his representative experience includes representing the City of Clyde on a constitutional challenge to an ordinance banning deadly weapons in public parks and representing the South-Western City School District before the Franklin County Board of Elections and the Ohio Supreme Court.
Philip K. Hartmann was the co-chair of the Public Law Group for his former firm. Phil serves as the law director for the City of Pickerington. His practice focuses on land use litigation, real estate development, eminent domain issues and economic development negotiations.
Mitchell H. Banchefsky has served as the law director/solicitor for both the City of New Albany and the Village of Marble Cliff for more than 15 years. Mitch also, represents the Reynoldsburg City School District Board of Education in numerous real estate tax valuation matters at the State and county level, and in the acquisition of new school sites. Additional engagements of note include serving as counsel to the New Albany, Dublin, Johnstown and Newark Charter Commissions, and representing American Township in litigation involving the conversion of a private fire department to a Township Fire Department. .
Stephen J. Smith, Jr. is the law director for the City of Grove City. Stephen advises clients on general public law matters including, open records, public meetings, and administrative appeals. Stephen also teaches local government law at the Capital University Law School.
Jennifer D. Readler is the assistant law director for the City of Dublin. In addition to advising clients on areas of general municipal law, Jennifer represents public entities in economic development negotiations, public/private partnerships negotiations, development and real estate agreements and land use planning code revisions.
