The WTR 1000 research committee praised Dinsmore’s trademark team for its client‑centric approach and breadth of experience, noting the Firm’s ability to support some of the world’s most recognizable brands with sophisticated, end‑to‑end trademark counsel.

Several of the Firm’s attorneys also earned individual recognition for their excellence in trademark law, including:

• April Besl
• Karen Gaunt
• Grant Monachino
• James (Jim) Dimitrijevs
• James (Jimmy) Theo
• Tamara Head

Ohio: Gold Ranking

In Ohio, WTR commended Dinsmore for delivering a “platinum‑level service” coast to coast, highlighting the Firm’s comprehensive trademark capabilities and collaborative client relationships.

The publication noted that the practice thrives under the leadership of April Besl, who was individually recognized for her ability to partner with clients to build robust trademark portfolios that position assets for long‑term success.

Karen Gaunt, Chair of IP Litigation, was also singled out for praise, with WTR emphasizing her more than two decades of experience and her seamless integration of litigation and transactional insight. One client shared:

“Karen and April are fantastic attorneys. They are the nicest human beings and really care about their clients. They truly are extensions of their clients’ teams and are very responsive and service orientated.”

Grant Monachino earned recognition for his strategic, top‑shelf portfolio management and his facility with TTAB proceedings, while James Dimitrijevs was noted as a trusted advisor with more than three decades of experience and a deep strategic playbook that allows him to develop practical solutions to even the most complex trademark challenges.

Illinois: Bronze Ranking

Dinsmore also maintained its Bronze ranking in Illinois, with WTR describing the Firm as an authority in the trademark space that pairs top‑tier intellectual property capabilities with the versatility of a full‑service firm.

The Chicago practice is led by Tamara Head and James Theo, both of whom received individual recognition. Tamara was praised for her responsiveness, thoroughness and ability to guide clients through matters ranging from filings to complex global trademark issues. James was recognized for his thoughtful, creative approach to trademark portfolio management and brand strategy, frequently serving as a trusted extension of in‑house legal teams and advising on enforcement and expansion across jurisdictions worldwide.

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The Firm received silver recognition across several performance-focused categories, including Normalized Allowance Rate, Normalized Time to Allowance, Normalized Number of Office Actions (OA) to Allowance, and Extensions and Time to Response After OA. Dinsmore also ranked among leaders in multiple industries including Automotive, Chemicals, Computer Science/IT, Education and Life Science.

“On behalf of Dinsmore’s entire Intellectual Property Department, I am elated that our Patent Procurement and Management Practice Group has again been recognized as a Top Patent Firm by Juristat,” said Intellectual Property Department Chair Brian Tent. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication, hard work and excellence that each member of our practice brings to the table every day.  Such recognition is not just about the accolades; it is also about the collaborative spirit, innovative thinking and unwavering commitment to excellence that we embody as a practice and as a firm.”

Juristat’s 2025 edition reflects an expanded and more transparent methodology designed to highlight where firms truly excel based on outcome, efficiency, resilience, market position and industry strength. The rankings draw from more than 10 million patent applications and analyze USPTO prosecution outcomes using AI-enhanced metrics.

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Jill brings deep experience and a strong connection to the region. As office managing partner, she will focus on thoughtful expansion of the office’s practices, collaboration among attorneys and staff and continued engagement with the community and local institutions.

“My goals for the office are to continue building a collaborative, high-performing team that delivers excellent service to our clients while leveraging Dinsmore’s national resources for clients and our community.” said Jill. “As a leader, my goal is to be accessible, consistent and supportive so our attorneys and business professionals feel empowered and proud of the work we do together.”

Morgantown and the surrounding region are among the fastest growing areas in the state, supported by higher education, healthcare and a diversifying economy. Jill says her new role will allow her to engage more directly with businesses, institutions and community leaders.

Jill is no stranger to leadership positions at Dinsmore. She serves on the Firm’s Board of Directors and as co-chair of Dinsmore’s Government Relations and Health Law practice group.  She currently serves as the President-Elect of DRI – Lawyers Representing Business, the largest association of civil defense attorneys and in-house counsel.

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Founded in 1908, Dinsmore has rapidly expanded from its Midwest roots into a firm with a nationwide footprint and forward-looking approach. This project launch reflects the Firm’s unwavering pursuit of progress and underscores deliberate steps to stay ahead of the curve through innovation, collaboration and exceptional client service.

“Dinsmore’s brand evolution builds on more than a century of success,” said Managing Partner Josh Lorentz. “While the legal industry is often perceived as rigid and transactional, the Firm’s rebrand reflects a different approach, one that values relationships as much as results, and a commitment to improving every day.”

The redesigned website delivers a streamlined, tailored experience telling the Firm’s story and connecting visitors with the information they need most. It enhances accessibility, creates a stronger platform for recruiting attorneys and business professionals and deepens connections with alumni and clients by showcasing their achievements. Visitors will find an intuitive design, detailed information on more than 50 legal service areas, industry insights and stories that reflect collaboration and community, pillars of the Firm’s culture.

What’s new in 2026

• Logo: Featuring the Dinsmore diamonds, symbolizing sophistication, regality and the strength of our partnerships—past, present and future.
• Font: An art-deco-inspired design that nods to the roots of the Firm with a modern twist.
• Color Palette: Refreshed, bright colors, highlighting a new Dinsmore blue paired with royal purple for a bold, elegant look.
• Website: A modern design that’s intuitive, fast and built to deepen relationships while telling the Dinsmore story.

“We’ve been incredibly intentional throughout this project. Every touchpoint now reflects what it means to work with Dinsmore,” said John Bart, Senior Manager, Branding and Creative. “We’re unchanged in our commitment to clients and world-class legal counsel, and now transformed in how we lead the industry into the future. This marks the beginning of a bold new era for Dinsmore, planting our flag as a Firm truly redefining legal excellence.”

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Prior to joining Fifth Third in 2018, Susan built a distinguished practice at Dinsmore and held senior leadership roles within the Firm, including Corporate Department Chair. In her in‑house role, she led the bank’s legal function through a period of significant growth and transformation while serving on the Enterprise Leadership Team.

“After spending 28 years at Dinsmore, it felt like the right way to cap off a long legal career,” Susan said. “My time at Fifth Third was great, and I am very proud of all we accomplished there. However, I still have some ‘gas in the tank,’ and coming home to Dinsmore felt like the absolute right thing to do.”

In her new role, Susan will work closely with Firm leadership on initiatives that support long‑term growth, professional development and alumni engagement. Many Dinsmore alumni now serve in senior legal and business leadership roles across Fortune 500 companies and other major organizations, and Susan’s focus will be on strengthening those longstanding connections.

Managing Partner Josh Lorentz said Susan’s return brings a rare combination of institutional knowledge and modern in‑house leadership experience to Dinsmore.

“Susan is a trusted advisor, an institutional leader and a role model whose impact at Dinsmore has been felt for decades,” Josh said. “Her perspective as a former chief legal officer at a major financial institution is invaluable to our clients and our attorneys. Her leadership and relationships will be an asset as we continue to grow and evolve as a Firm.”

Susan is also deeply engaged in civic and nonprofit leadership throughout the Cincinnati community. She serves or has served on the boards and leadership committees of numerous organizations, including the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center (Executive Committee), the Alpaugh Family Economic Center at the University of Cincinnati (past chair), the Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio (Executive Committee) and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. She is the Immediate Past President of the Queen City Club and is actively involved with the United Way Tocqueville Society, Cincinnati ArtsWave Leadership Cabinet and the Cincinnati Bar Association.

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Jen previously practiced with Dinsmore’s public finance team before leaving to pursue an entrepreneurial opportunity. “I always knew I’d come back,” she said. “Dinsmore has the best public finance attorneys in the business, and they’re great people to work with.”

As bond and underwriters’ counsel, Jen has facilitated numerous governmental financing transactions, including projects for education, public safety, building improvements and libraries. She has also served as special counsel for lease and lease-purchase financings and assists municipal clients with SEC annual disclosure requirements. A frequent speaker at industry seminars, Jen has presented for organizations such as the Buckeye Association of School Administrators, the Ohio Association of School Business Officials and the Ohio School Boards Association.

“We are delighted that Jen is returning to Dinsmore,” said Anthony Ditka, Finance Department Chair. “Jen’s experience and energy are a wonderful fit with our deep bench of Public Finance lawyers and our vibrant Columbus Office.”

Jen earned her J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and her B.A. from Ohio University, graduating summa cum laude. She is admitted to practice in Ohio and is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the National Association of Bond Lawyers.

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With more than 20 years of experience as a licensed attorney and business development strategist, Azeema has led transformative initiatives at leading national and international law firms. Her expertise spans strategic planning, client feedback programs, lateral integration and high-impact marketing initiatives, all aimed at delivering measurable value for clients.

“After an extensive and thoughtful search in partnership with CarsonLynch, we are thrilled to welcome Azeema to the team,” said Mike Perry, Chief Operating Officer. “She has deep expertise in driving growth at top firms, leading high-performing teams, and brings unmatched vision.”

Azeema earned a B.S. in Communications from Cornell University and her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law. Beyond her professional experience, Azeema is a recognized industry leader. She served as Co-Chair of the LawVision BD Directors Boardroom and has held multiple leadership roles within the Legal Marketing Association (LMA). She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Fordham Law Alumni Association and is a founding member of the Fordham Alumni Attorneys of Color.

“Dinsmore’s national footprint, commitment to excellence, and collegial atmosphere are what drew me to the Firm. I’m excited to help drive continued growth and build on its reputation for outstanding client service,” noted Azeema.

Based in Washington, D.C., Azeema will oversee Dinsmore’s marketing and business development operations nationwide, focusing on strategic growth, cross-practice initiatives and client engagement.

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“Our focus has always been on continuous improvement and anticipating what our clients will need next,” said Managing Partner Josh Lorentz. “These elections reflect our dedication to constant progress and delivering exceptional service through a team that is both experienced and forward-thinking.”

Board of Directors and Department Chairs

The following attorneys have been elected to serve on Dinsmore’s 22-member Board of Directors for 2026:

Grahmn Morgan (Lexington)
Alan Abes (Cincinnati)
Chris Azzara (Pittsburgh)
Tip Depp (Louisville)
Josh Rogers (Morgantown)
Jason Sims (Columbus)
Marty Tucker (Lexington)

Returning Board members include: Joshua Lorentz (Cincinnati), Greg Kaskey (Cincinnati), Brian Tent (Cincinnati), Allison Goico (Cincinnati), Anthony Ditka (Pittsburgh), Kenyon Meyer (Louisville), Jeff Hinebaugh (Cincinnati), Jill Rice (Morgantown), Toby Schisler (Cincinnati), Marty Dunn (Cincinnati), Stacey Borowicz (Columbus), Joseph Tucker (Louisville), Misha Rabinowitch (Indianapolis), Javier Flores (Boston) and Michael Paul (Denver).

Alongside their Board responsibilities, Grahmn Morgan will lead the Firm’s Litigation Department, while Anthony Ditka has been elected to chair the Finance Department. Both also serve as managing partners of the Lexington and Pittsburgh offices, respectively.

New Partners

Sixteen attorneys across thirteen offices have been elevated to partner, effective January 1, 2026, representing a broad range of practice areas:

Kelli Amador (Columbus) – Litigation
Parker Blessing (Indianapolis) – Corporate
Ed Boll (Cincinnati) – Litigation
Houston Bragg (Lexington) – Litigation
Rudy Ellis (Louisville) – Labor & Employment
Marisa Escalante (Chicago) – Corporate
Eric Fox (Cleveland) – Corporate
Diana Givand (Washington, D.C.) – Labor & Employment
Luca Hickman (Tampa) – Intellectual Property
Jamie Inferrera (Pittsburgh) – Public Finance
Jeremy Justice (Detroit) – Intellectual Property
Jonathan Kelly (Cincinnati) – Labor & Employment
Russell Knowles (Dayton) – Corporate
Sarah Reddick (Louisville) – Litigation
Jeremy Smith (Cincinnati) – Employment
Michael Xavier (Denver) – Intellectual Property

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LDG sought to develop the 198-unit, affordable apartment complex for senior citizens on the corner of River Road and Timber Ridge Drive, near Prospect, Kentucky. Louisville Metro Council denied the proposed development following strong public opposition from the City of Prospect and local residents.

LDG alleged that the denial violated the federal Fair Housing Act. After extensive litigation, Dinsmore’s team, led by attorneys Cliff Ashburner, Tanner Watkins, Kenyon Meyer and Juels White, successfully negotiated a settlement agreement with Louisville Metro Government that provides both monetary relief to LDG for the costs it incurred due to the years of delay and systematic reform for affordable housing development in the city of Louisville.

The agreement includes a $6 million settlement payment and a consideration of a series of policy reforms that will remove barriers for future affordable housing developments and streamline the approval process. These reforms include:

• Amendments to the Land Development Code to reduce Metro Council’s role in zoning changes when the Planning Commission unanimously approves a proposal.
• An extension of project expiration timelines for affordable housing developments from two to five years.
• Mandatory Fair Housing Act training for Metro Council members and staff.
• A proposed waiver of rezoning application fees for qualifying affordable housing projects.

In the resolution that the city adopted to effectuate these changes to Louisville’s planning and zoning policies, Metro Council writes, “Metro Council acknowledges the presence of evidence that could support a finding of a violation of the Fair Housing Act and is acting to address significant concerns about equitable development of affordable housing raised by the litigation in LDG Multifamily, LLC v. Metro Council et al., 17-CI-006262.”

This settlement marks the first time the City of Louisville has paid any sum of money to resolve a Fair Housing Act dispute. Even more, this settlement is one of the first instances in the entire country in which a city has paid to resolve a Fair Housing Act dispute.

“This win for our client, LDG, represents a major step forward for affordable housing both in our city and across the nation,” said Tanner Watkins. “We’re proud to be a part of it.”

While LDG’s settlement with Louisville Metro Government marks an unprecedented victory for affordable housing developers nationwide, LDG’s fight is not yet finished. The same Dinsmore team that secured this landmark settlement will continue representing LDG as it pursues its Fair Housing Act action against the City of Prospect, which is set to go to trial in March of 2026.

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