Dinsmore’s history

In 1908, Frank F. Dinsmore opened a small law office on Cincinnati’s Walnut Street. Built on the premise that “commitment to clients comes first,” Dinsmore quickly became a household name in Cincinnati.

Since then, we’ve evolved into a national powerhouse in the legal industry with offices from coast to coast. The Firm has changed, but our original dedication to clients remains the same.

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The 1900’s

1908

Frank F. Dinsmore opens private practice on Walnut Street in Cincinnati.

1912 – 1913

Walter M. Shohl becomes a partner at Dinsmore’s practice. The firm successfully defends legendary banker George “Boss” Cox in two separate trials.

1947

Potter Stewart joins firm as an associate.

1959

Potter Stewart appointed to United States Supreme Court. Stewart would go on to famously use the phrase “I know it when I see it,” to describe his threshold test for obscenity in Jacobellis v. Ohio.

1982

After 70 years and five name changes, the firm officially becomes what was known as “Dinsmore & Shohl.”

1987 – 1997

Dinsmore opens offices in Dayton and Columbus, Ohio; Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky.

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The 2000’s

2002

Firm expands regionally with offices in Charleston, West Virginia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

2003

Firm merges with Killworth, Gottman, Hagen & Schaeff, L.L.P. in Dayton, Ohio.

2007

Dinsmore opens offices in Morgantown and Wheeling, West Virginia.

2008

Dinsmore merges with Chernesky, Heyman & Kress P.L.L. in Dayton, Ohio.

The Firm also celebrates its 100th anniversary.

2009

Dinsmore expands further in Kentucky, opening an office in Frankfort and merging with Woodward, Hobson & Fulton, L.L.P. in Louisville and Lexington.

2011 – 2012

Firm expands to the east coast with offices in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania while adding another West Virginia location in Lewisburg.

2014

Dinsmore merges with Peck, Shaffer & Williams in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, also adding offices in Chicago, Illinois, Covington, Kentucky and Denver, Colorado.

Firm merges with Huddleston Bolen LLP in Charleston, West Virginia and Louisville, Kentucky and adds office in Huntington, West Virginia.

2015

Firm merges with Gifford Krass and adds offices in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan and Groton, Connecticut.

Firm merges with Leventhal Law and adds an office in San Diego, California.

2017

Firm opens Cleveland, Ohio office.

2018

Firm opens Los Angeles, California office.

2019

Firm opens Boston office.

2020

Firm opens Tampa office.

2021

Firm merges with Wooden McLaughlin and adds offices in Indianapolis and Bloomington, Indiana.

2023

Josh Lorentz becomes Managing Partner.

Firm merges with San Diego firm, Mulvaney Barry Beatty Linn & Mayers LLP and Mateer & Herbert in Orlando. 

Firm opens Miami office.

2024

Firm opens Houston office. 

Firm expands in Northeast Ohio to include a presence in Akron.

2025

Firm merges with Shankman Leone in Tampa.