Top 7 Law Firms In Dayton
By Richard "Rick" Callahan | Published: 2025-03-30 | Category: Law Firms
About Law Firms In Dayton
Law firms provide legal representation and advice to individuals and businesses across various practice areas like personal injury, criminal defense, family law, and corporate matters. They assist clients with navigating legal processes, litigation, and transactional needs.
How We Evaluated
Providers were evaluated based on client reviews, reputation within the Dayton area, known practice area strengths, and overall client satisfaction scores. Data was sourced from public records and user-provided business information.
Rating Criteria
- → Client Satisfaction
- → Reputation
- → Practice Area Focus
- → Responsiveness
The Best Law Firms In Dayton
Altick & Corwin Co., L.P.A.
Established Dayton law firm with diverse practice areas including litigation, business, and government law.
Target Audience
Businesses, Government Entities, Individuals
Service Offerings
Litigation
Civil litigation, appellate practice.
Business Law
Corporate counsel, transactions.
Government Law
Representation for municipalities and public entities.
Personal Injury
Select personal injury cases.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.5 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Typical for business, litigation, and government work.
Retainer
Often used for ongoing legal needs.
Pros
- + Longstanding presence and reputation in Dayton
- + Broad range of services for diverse clientele
- + Significant experience in litigation and representing public sector clients
- + Established team of attorneys
Cons
- - May not be the primary choice for specialized consumer law areas like SSD or high-volume PI
- - Client satisfaction ratings generally good but not top-tier compared to specialized firms
Verdict
"A solid, traditional Dayton law firm suitable for clients needing representation in litigation, business law, or government matters, known for its experience and stability."
Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling
Long-established, full-service law firm providing legal counsel to businesses and individuals.
Target Audience
Businesses, Individuals, Families
Service Offerings
Business Law
Corporate formation, transactions, litigation.
Estate Planning & Probate
Wills, trusts, estate administration.
Litigation
Representation in civil disputes.
Real Estate Law
Transactional and zoning matters.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.6 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Common for business, estate planning, and litigation matters.
Retainer
May be required for ongoing representation.
Pros
- + Deep roots and strong reputation in the Dayton community
- + Offers a wide range of legal services
- + Experienced attorneys across multiple practice areas
- + Strong focus on business law and estate planning
Cons
- - May be more expensive than smaller, specialized firms
- - Less focus on high-volume areas like personal injury or criminal defense compared to others on this list
Verdict
"A highly respected, full-service firm ideal for businesses and individuals seeking comprehensive legal services, particularly in business, estate planning, and litigation."
Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz
Large personal injury firm known widely as 'The Tiger', handling accident and injury claims.
Target Audience
Accident Victims, Individuals seeking injury compensation
Service Offerings
Personal Injury
Broad range of personal injury representation.
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Product Liability
Social Security Disability
Assists clients with disability claims.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.2 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
Standard practice for personal injury cases, no fee unless recovery is made.
Free Consultation
Offers free initial case reviews.
Pros
- + Well-known brand recognition in the region
- + Handles a high volume of personal injury cases
- + Network of attorneys across different injury types
- + Many positive reviews highlight successful outcomes
Cons
- - Lower average rating compared to top competitors (4.2/5.0)
- - As a large firm, client experience can sometimes feel less personalized
- - Mixed feedback on communication responsiveness
Verdict
"A major player in Dayton personal injury law with significant resources, though client experiences vary more than some smaller, specialized firms."
Joslyn Law Firm
Criminal defense firm handling a range of cases from traffic violations to serious felonies.
Target Audience
Individuals facing criminal charges, Individuals with traffic violations
Service Offerings
Criminal Defense
Representation across various criminal matters.
- DUI/OVI
- Drug Charges
- Domestic Violence
- Theft
Traffic Violations
Assistance with speeding tickets and other traffic offenses.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.7 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Consultation
Offers initial case reviews.
Flat Fee / Retainer
Pricing depends on the specific charges and case complexity.
Pros
- + Strong client ratings (4.7/5.0 from 68 reviews)
- + Dedicated criminal defense practice
- + Positive feedback on attorney dedication and achieving favorable outcomes
- + Handles both minor traffic offenses and serious criminal cases
Cons
- - Primarily focused on criminal law
- - Newer presence compared to some multi-generational Dayton firms
Verdict
"A reputable criminal defense firm known for dedicated representation and positive results across a spectrum of criminal and traffic cases."
Horenstein, Nicholson & Blumenthal, LPA
Experienced firm primarily handling Social Security Disability (SSD/SSI) and workers' compensation claims.
Target Audience
Individuals seeking disability benefits, Injured Workers
Service Offerings
Social Security Disability
Assistance with SSDI and SSI claims and appeals.
Workers' Compensation
Representation for work-related injury claims.
Personal Injury
Handles select personal injury cases.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.6 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
Fees are typically a percentage of back benefits awarded, common in SSD/SSI cases.
Free Consultation
Initial consultations are usually free.
Pros
- + High volume of positive reviews (4.6/5.0 from 519 reviews)
- + Significant experience in Social Security Disability
- + Helpful in navigating complex disability claims process
- + Clients report efficient case handling
Cons
- - Focus mainly on disability and workers' comp
- - Some clients may experience communication delays typical of high-volume practices
Verdict
"A strong option for individuals needing assistance with Social Security Disability or workers' compensation claims, backed by extensive experience."
Cowan & Hilgeman
Well-regarded firm focusing on personal injury and workers' compensation cases.
Target Audience
Accident Victims, Injured Workers
Service Offerings
Personal Injury
Representation for individuals injured due to negligence.
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Wrongful Death
- Premises Liability
Workers' Compensation
Assisting workers with claims for job-related injuries.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.8 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
Fees typically based on a percentage of the settlement or award in personal injury cases.
Free Consultation
Offers initial case evaluations at no charge.
Pros
- + Excellent client satisfaction (4.9/5.0 from 120 reviews)
- + Strong focus on personal injury and workers' comp
- + Known for transparency and client communication
- + Positive feedback on settlement outcomes
Cons
- - Primarily focused on injury law, limited scope otherwise
Verdict
"A leading choice for personal injury and workers' compensation claims, noted for strong client relationships and results."
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Gounaris Abboud, LPA - Dayton DUI, OVI & Criminal Defense Lawyers
Highly-rated firm specializing exclusively in criminal defense, DUI/OVI cases.
Target Audience
Individuals facing criminal charges, Individuals charged with DUI/OVI
Service Offerings
Criminal Defense
Representation for various criminal charges.
- Felonies
- Misdemeanors
- Drug Offenses
- Violent Crimes
DUI/OVI Defense
Specialized defense for driving under the influence cases.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.9 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Consultation
Initial consultation typically offered.
Flat Fee / Retainer
Fees often based on case complexity.
Pros
- + Exceptional client reviews (4.9/5.0 from 375 reviews)
- + Highly specialized in criminal and DUI/OVI defense
- + Attentive and responsive communication noted by clients
- + Experienced attorneys
Cons
- - Narrow focus primarily on criminal defense
- - May not be suitable for civil or family law matters
Verdict
"Top choice for individuals needing expert criminal or DUI/OVI defense in Dayton, praised for responsiveness and successful outcomes."
Final Recommendation
Dayton offers a diverse range of law firms catering to various needs. Highly specialized firms like Gounaris Abboud (Criminal/DUI) and Cowan & Hilgeman (Personal Injury) achieve exceptional client satisfaction in their niches. Firms like Horenstein, Nicholson & Blumenthal excel in areas like Social Security Disability, while established full-service firms like Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling provide comprehensive business and estate planning services.