Brian Close

In the dynamic landscape of Ohio’s business environment, legal guidance that is both strategic and practical is essential for success. From navigating complex mergers to optimizing tax structures, businesses of all sizes require a trusted legal partner who understands their unique challenges and objectives. For individuals, startups, and established corporations across Ohio, having access to an attorney with a deep understanding of corporate finance, transactions, and tax law can be a significant competitive advantage. In Columbus, you’ll find such an expert in Brian Close, a Partner at the respected law firm Dinsmore. This article offers a clear, engaging, and informative overview of his practice, highlighting his areas of expertise and why he is an invaluable resource for the Ohio business community.

Brian Close is a highly experienced attorney and Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, a national full-service law firm with a strong presence in Ohio. Based in the firm’s Columbus office, Brian focuses his practice on corporate and transactional law, leveraging a practical approach with a thorough understanding of the corporate world. His expertise extends to providing strategic business counsel and comprehensive tax services to a diverse clientele, including individuals, small and medium-sized business owners, start-up entities, growth companies, and established corporations.

What truly sets Brian apart is his dual background in economics and management, coupled with advanced legal degrees including a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from Capital University Law School. This unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience enables him to structure transactions that not only protect his clients' interests but also generate substantial cost savings. He is adept at guiding innovative, entrepreneurial, and fast-paced clients through the complexities and potential pitfalls of the corporate and tax arenas. For Ohio businesses, this means receiving sophisticated legal advice that is both technically sound and strategically aligned with their commercial goals, ensuring compliance while fostering growth.

The office of Brian Close, as part of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, is conveniently located in a prime area of Ohio’s capital city, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients throughout the state. You will find his office at:

191 W Nationwide Blvd Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

This address places the firm in the vibrant Arena District of Columbus, a dynamic urban area known for its modern infrastructure and connectivity. Its central position ensures that it is readily accessible for individuals and businesses located not only within Columbus but also from surrounding cities and counties in Ohio. The presence in a modern, well-known commercial building often implies good public transportation links and ample parking options nearby, making visits for consultations or meetings as convenient as possible for local clients. This strategic location reinforces the accessibility of high-quality legal services for the Ohio business community, allowing for direct and efficient engagement.

Brian Close provides a comprehensive suite of legal services tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses and individuals, with a strong emphasis on corporate, transactional, and tax matters. His key service areas include:

• Corporate & Transactional Law: Advising on a wide range of business matters from formation to day-to-day operations.
• Contractual Drafting and Negotiations: Expertly crafting and negotiating various types of contracts to protect client interests.
• Capital and Private Equity Transactions: Guiding clients through capital formation, including crowdfunding and venture capital deals.
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Representing clients in complex M&A transactions, including due diligence and deal structuring.
• Succession and Exit Planning: Assisting business owners in developing strategies for a smooth transition of ownership or business exit.
• Real Estate Transactions: Providing legal counsel for real estate matters, including those involving Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and Historic Tax Credit (HTC) deals.
• Tax Planning: Offering sophisticated advice on income tax planning, partnership tax, and tax-free restructuring and reorganizations.
• Real Estate Tax Appeals: Representing clients in appeals related to property tax assessments.
• Federal and Local Tax Controversies: Guiding clients through disputes with tax authorities at various levels.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs): Assisting closely held business entities in preparing for and implementing ESOPs.

This extensive range of services showcases his capability to handle intricate financial and corporate legal challenges, providing holistic support for businesses navigating growth and complex transactions.

Brian Close's professional profile is distinguished by several key features and accomplishments that highlight his expertise and value as a legal professional for Ohio businesses:

• Dual Legal and Economic Background: His B.A. in Economics and Management, coupled with an LL.M. in Taxation, provides a unique interdisciplinary approach, enabling him to structure transactions that are both legally sound and financially advantageous.
• Extensive Tax Expertise: Holding an LL.M. in Taxation signifies a specialized and advanced understanding of complex tax laws, which is crucial for effective tax planning and controversy resolution.
• Recognized by Peers and Publications: He has been consistently selected for the Ohio Rising Stars® list and recognized as a "Top Lawyer" by Columbus CEO magazine, reflecting peer recognition of his legal skills and accomplishments. He has also been listed in Best Lawyers® for Corporate Law in multiple years (e.g., 2022, 2024).
• Community Involvement: Brian is deeply involved in the local community, serving on the Upper Arlington City Council and the Board of Tax Appeals, demonstrating a commitment to public service and local governance. He is also involved with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus.
• Experience with Emerging & Growth Companies: He has a strong track record of representing start-up and growth-stage companies, assisting them with capital formation transactions including crowdfunding and venture capital.
• Strategic Approach to Business Counsel: Brian is known for his ability to provide strategic business counsel, helping clients navigate the bureaucratic and complex landscape of corporate and tax law while achieving their business objectives.
• Licensed in Multiple States: Admitted to practice in both Ohio and Florida, broadening his capacity to assist clients with diverse needs.

These highlights collectively position Brian Close as a highly competent, well-rounded, and locally engaged attorney, well-equipped to guide Ohio businesses through their most critical corporate and tax challenges.

As a Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, a large and well-established law firm, specific "promotions" in the traditional consumer sense are not typically advertised. However, for individuals and businesses in Ohio considering engaging Brian Close's expertise, it is standard practice to inquire about initial consultations. Such a consultation provides a valuable opportunity to discuss the specifics of your business or tax matter, understand the complexities involved, and learn how his specialized knowledge can be applied to your unique situation. These initial meetings are often structured to allow prospective clients to assess the fit and potential legal strategies without an immediate financial commitment, fostering a transparent and professional starting point for legal engagement. It is always recommended to contact the office directly to confirm their policy on initial consultations.

For Ohio businesses and individuals seeking expert legal guidance from Brian Close at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, you can reach out using the following contact details:

Address: 191 W Nationwide Blvd Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

Phone: (614) 227-4209

Mobile Phone: +1 614-227-4209

These contact points offer direct access to initiate discussions, schedule appointments, and receive professional guidance on your business, corporate, or tax-related legal matters.

For Ohio businesses and individuals, choosing an attorney like Brian Close at Dinsmore offers significant and tangible advantages, especially given his specialized focus on corporate, transactional, and tax law. His deep roots in Ohio, including his active involvement in the local community and his practice within a prominent Columbus-based office, mean that clients receive advice grounded in a thorough understanding of the state’s specific business and regulatory environment. This localized expertise is crucial for navigating Ohio’s unique legal landscape, ensuring compliance and optimizing outcomes for local enterprises.

Moreover, Brian’s blend of practical experience and advanced academic qualifications in taxation positions him as a strategic partner for businesses looking to grow, restructure, or manage their financial legal risks. For Ohio-based startups, family businesses, or larger corporations, having an attorney who can not only facilitate complex transactions but also provide astute tax planning advice can lead to significant operational efficiencies and cost savings. The accessibility of his office in downtown Columbus further streamlines the legal process, allowing for direct communication and a personalized approach to client service. Ultimately, Brian Close provides Ohioans with a highly capable, locally engaged, and strategically minded legal professional who is committed to fostering their business success.