Donald B. Leach, Jr.

Partner
P: (614) 227-4262
F: (614) 221-8590
Leveraging almost three decades worth of experience in working with the construction industry with a thorough knowledge of the unique challenges facing the industry today, Don Leach has helped a wide variety of clients accomplish their objectives. Having assisted clients through both litigation and transactional matters, Leach is able to tailor his approach to help clients reach their intended resolution in a cost-effective manner.

Working in both the public and private sector, and representing owners, developers and contractors, Leach utilizes his knowledge about the business, financial and legal challenges facing the construction industry to provide his clients with the advantages they need. A former president of the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio, where he received the Cornerstone Award, as well as a member of the Ohio Board of Building Standards, Leach’s familiarity and relationships within the industry allow his clients to benefit from insight gained only through extensive experience and relationships. From drafting and negotiating contracts to defending and prosecuting construction lien, contract and bond disputes, Leach’s practical approach ensures clients’ needs and goals are met in a timely, efficient manner.

Additionally, Leach, who spent five years working for the President of the Ohio Senate, has served in a number of administrative and legislative roles, providing him with valuable insight into the construction industry. For instance, Leach assisted in the drafting of Ohio’s mechanics’ lien law, and has served as the General Counsel to the Central Ohio Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. In addition, he serves on the Ohio Board of Building Standards, which establishes Ohio building codes and regulates building officials. His array of experiences in dealing with government and public policy matters enable him to offer additional unique perspectives and solutions to clients. A former mayor and president of city council of Upper Arlington, Ohio, Leach was elected again to council in 2011 after not having run for re-election in 2009. He is currently Vice Mayor and Vice President of council and is expected to become mayor and president of council in 2013.

Leach has also expanded his practice into the gaming industry, using his extensive knowledge of administrative and legislative proceedings to represent clients at the both the state and local levels. In 2010, he was the treasurer of a successful statewide campaign to relocate the Columbus casino, and he frequently collaborates with Dinsmore Public Sector Advisors on behalf of clients.

Memberships & Affiliations

  • American Bar Association: Forum on the Construction Industry; Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
  • Ohio State Bar Association: Construction Law Committee and Real Property Section; Council of Delegates, District 7
  • Columbus Bar Association: Real Property Committee; Construction Committee and Real Property Institute, Past Chair
  • Ohio Senate (1977-1980), Legislative Assistant to President
  • Upper Arlington, Ohio City Council, Vice President and Vice Mayor, Past President and Mayor
  • Builders Exchange of Central Ohio, Past President and member of Board of Directors
  • Associated General Contractors
  • Ohio Structural Steel & Architectural Metals Association
  • The Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Citizens for Safe Schools (Columbus City Schools Levy Campaign Committee), Treasurer
  • Citizens for Upper Arlington Schools (Upper Arlington Schools Levy Campaign Committee), Past Treasurer
  • Upper Arlington Community Improvement Corporation, Past Director
  • Upper Arlington Area Chamber of Commerce, Past Chairman
  • Rotary Club of Upper Arlington
  • Columbus Chamber of Commerce
  • Ohio YMCA Youth in Government Committee
  • Kids Voting Central Ohio Honorary Board
  • Upper Arlington Crew, Inc., Past President
  • Upper Arlington Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Past Chair
  • Ohio Real Estate Appraiser Board, Past Chair
  • Upper Arlington Civic Association, Past Director
  • Ohio West Virginia YMCA Board of Trustees, Past President

Distinctions

  • Peer Review Rated AV in Martindale-Hubbell
  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®
  • Selected as a Top 50 attorney in Columbus and a Top 100 attorney in Ohio by Ohio Super Lawyers®
  • Recognized as a Leading Business Lawyer in Construction by Chambers USA Guide to America's Leading Business Lawyers
  • Appointed in 1989 by the Ohio governor as first public member of Ohio’s Real Estate Appraiser Board
  • Appointed in 2009 by the Ohio governor as the attorney member of the Ohio Board of Building Standards 
  • First practicing attorney elected to Board of Directors and then President in 1996 of the 1,300-member Builders Exchange of Central Ohio
  • Upper Arlington Chamber of Commerce 2009 & 2012, Arthur E. Cullman, Business Person of the Year
  • Leadership Upper Arlington, 2010 Margine Moul Leadership Award