We are a law firm built on a handshake. Since our founding in 1909, the firm has operated without a written partnership agreement. We trust each other and believe that a successful lawyer-client relationship requires that we earn the same trust and confidence from each of our clients.

We have grown from four lawyers to one of the nation's largest law firms with more than 350 attorneys in five offices?without any mergers. As a result, our lawyers have developed their skills in a firm culture that emphasizes high ethical standards and teamwork. The clients we serve are clients of the firm and not the clients of individual lawyers. Consistent with this approach, neither our offices nor our practice groups operate as profit centers. Therefore, we have a firm-wide commitment to working together to serve clients.

Our clients range from some of the world's largest companies to individuals and small businesses. We represent them across the country and around the world in litigation, business and personal transactions involving virtually every legal subject. This client and practice diversity is matched by the diversity of our lawyers. Our lawyers come from over 25 states and three foreign countries and are graduates of more than 64 law schools. In addition, according to a recent survey, we are a national leader in the number of African-American partners in the firm.

While traditional values are important, we adapt to meet the changing needs and requirements of our clients. We have a state-of-the art computer network and document management system, together with electronic mail, which provides clients with immediate access to lawyers in all of our offices. Additionally, our Columbus office has been in the same location for over 90 years, in buildings owned by our firm. As a result, its occupancy costs are below virtually every other large firm in the country. This blend of tradition and innovation translates into extremely competitive billing rates.