Kathleen M. Trafford

Introduction / Overview

When navigating the complexities of legal matters in Ohio, having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side is paramount. For residents and businesses in Columbus and across the state, Kathleen M. Trafford stands out as a highly respected legal professional. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Ms. Trafford has built a reputation for her deep understanding of Ohio law, her meticulous approach to legal challenges, and her unwavering commitment to her clients. Her practice focuses on intricate areas such as governmental and regulatory litigation, constitutional law, and appellate practice, making her a formidable advocate for those facing disputes with governmental agencies or complex legal issues in the state's highest courts. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Kathleen M. Trafford's legal services, highlighting why she is a trusted choice for legal representation in Ohio.

Ms. Trafford's extensive experience and dedication to the legal profession are evident in her long-standing involvement with various legal organizations and her consistent recognition as a leading attorney in Ohio. She brings a wealth of knowledge to every case, offering strategic counsel and robust representation to ensure her clients' interests are protected. Whether you're a private individual encountering a dispute with a state agency, a business navigating complex regulatory frameworks, or an entity involved in a constitutional challenge, understanding the scope of her practice can help you determine if her expertise aligns with your legal needs. Her commitment to upholding the integrity of the legal system and her proven track record of success make her a valuable asset to the Ohio legal landscape.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently located in the heart of Ohio's capital, Kathleen M. Trafford's office is situated at 41 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA. This central location in downtown Columbus offers excellent accessibility for clients throughout the city and surrounding areas. Being on South High Street places the office in a prominent and easily identifiable part of the city, within reach of major governmental and judicial buildings, which can be advantageous for legal proceedings.

The downtown Columbus area is well-served by public transportation, providing an accessible option for those who prefer not to drive. For those traveling by car, the office's central location means it's typically a short drive from various Columbus neighborhoods and suburbs, with numerous parking garages and metered street parking options available nearby. The proximity to major roadways further enhances its accessibility for clients traveling from other parts of Ohio. This strategic location underscores her commitment to serving the legal needs of the broader Ohio community, ensuring that professional legal assistance is within convenient reach for those who require it.

Services Offered

Kathleen M. Trafford's legal practice is characterized by its specialized focus on complex areas of law, offering comprehensive services tailored to meet the unique needs of her clients. Her expertise is particularly strong in the following key areas:

• Governmental and Regulatory Litigation: Ms. Trafford represents private parties in disputes with various governmental agencies, providing adept counsel and vigorous advocacy in cases involving regulatory compliance, administrative challenges, and interactions with state and local government bodies. She also serves as special counsel to a number of state and local government agencies, demonstrating her balanced perspective and deep understanding of both sides of governmental disputes.
• Constitutional Law: A significant portion of her practice is dedicated to constitutional law. She handles cases involving constitutional challenges to state and local laws or orders, ensuring that her clients' fundamental rights are protected and that governmental actions adhere to constitutional principles. This includes complex issues related to eminent domain and the balance between individual liberties and state authority.
• Appellate Practice: Ms. Trafford chairs the Appellate and Ohio Supreme Court Practice Group at her firm. She has extensive experience in handling appeals, meticulously preparing and arguing cases before higher courts, including the Ohio Supreme Court. Her appellate work is crucial for clients seeking to challenge unfavorable lower court decisions or defend favorable rulings.
• First Amendment Claims: She provides legal representation for cases involving First Amendment rights, addressing issues related to freedom of speech, religion, and the press, particularly in the context of governmental actions or restrictions.
• Rate Making and Price Discrimination: Ms. Trafford offers counsel and representation in disputes concerning rate-making and price discrimination, often involving regulatory bodies and complex economic considerations.
• Licensing Disputes: She assists individuals and businesses in navigating and resolving disputes related to professional and business licensing with state and local agencies.
• Trademarks: While her primary focus is on governmental and constitutional law, she has experience with trademark matters, providing advice and representation in disputes involving intellectual property.
• Professional Ethics: Ms. Trafford advises on matters of professional ethics, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards for various professions.
• Public Records: She assists clients with issues related to public records, including access to information and disputes arising from public records requests.
• Injunctions and Special Writs in the Ohio Supreme Court: Her practice includes seeking and defending against injunctions and handling special writs in the Ohio Supreme Court, which are critical legal tools for immediate relief and extraordinary circumstances.

Features / Highlights

Kathleen M. Trafford’s distinguished legal career and contributions to the Ohio legal community are marked by several significant features and highlights:

• Extensive Experience: With over three decades of practice in Ohio law, Ms. Trafford brings a wealth of experience to her cases. Her career began at the Ohio Attorney General's office, where she served as Deputy Chief Counsel, handling a diverse range of cases with significant constitutional components. This background provides her with a unique perspective on governmental legal processes.
• Recognized as an Ohio Super Lawyer: Ms. Trafford has been consistently recognized as an Ohio Super Lawyer, appearing on various "Top Lists" including the Top 25: Columbus Women Super Lawyers, Top 50: Women Ohio Super Lawyers, Top 50: Columbus Super Lawyers, and Top 100: Ohio Super Lawyers. This recognition is a testament to her high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in the legal field.
• Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers: She is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an elite organization that admits only those trial lawyers who have demonstrated the very highest standards of trial advocacy, ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism, and collegiality.
• Leadership Roles in Legal Organizations: Ms. Trafford is a past President of the Columbus Bar Association and has served as President of the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation board of trustees. She also chaired the Appellate and Ohio Supreme Court Practice Group at her firm, demonstrating her leadership and influence within the legal community.
• Academic Contributions: She is the author of scholarly articles on significant Ohio constitutional issues, contributing to the legal discourse and demonstrating her profound expertise in constitutional law. Her article on City of Norwood v. Horney is particularly notable for its analysis of eminent domain and the independent authority of the Ohio Constitution.
• Special Counsel to Government Agencies: Her role as special counsel to numerous state and local government agencies highlights her trusted position and ability to navigate complex governmental legal frameworks from both a private and public perspective.
• Involvement in Public Discourse: Ms. Trafford has participated in forums and discussions about the integrity of the courts and public attacks on the judicial system, showcasing her commitment to upholding legal principles and educating the public on important legal issues.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a professional legal service provider, Kathleen M. Trafford does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional retail sense. Legal services are highly personalized and depend on the unique circumstances of each case. Her firm operates on a professional fee basis, reflecting the specialized expertise, extensive experience, and dedicated time required for complex legal matters. Potential clients are encouraged to contact her office directly for a consultation to discuss their specific legal needs and to understand the fee structure relevant to their case. The value provided lies in her exceptional legal acumen, strategic advice, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients.

Contact Information

For those in Ohio seeking experienced and dedicated legal counsel, Kathleen M. Trafford's office can be reached using the following contact details:

• Address: 41 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
• Phone: (614) 227-1915
• Mobile Phone: +1 614-227-1915

It is recommended to call during regular business hours to schedule an initial consultation or to inquire further about her services. Her team can provide guidance on setting up an appointment and answer preliminary questions regarding your legal matter. Given the complexity of the cases she handles, a direct conversation is often the best way to determine how her expertise can align with your needs.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For individuals, businesses, and governmental entities across Ohio, Kathleen M. Trafford represents a top-tier choice for legal representation, particularly in the nuanced fields of governmental and regulatory litigation, constitutional law, and appellate practice. Her suitability for locals stems from a combination of factors that resonate deeply with the needs and values of the Ohio community.

Firstly, her profound knowledge of Ohio law, accumulated over more than 30 years of practice, means that clients are not just receiving legal advice, but counsel rooted in a deep understanding of the state’s specific legal landscape. Her prior role as Deputy Chief Counsel to the Ohio Attorney General provides an invaluable insider's perspective on how governmental agencies operate, which is a significant advantage when engaging in disputes with them.

Secondly, her commitment to ethical conduct and professionalism, recognized through her fellowship in the American College of Trial Lawyers and her various leadership roles in prestigious legal associations like the Columbus Bar Association, assures clients of the highest standards of integrity. This is crucial for building trust and confidence in the legal process, especially when facing challenging or sensitive legal issues.

Thirdly, her consistent recognition as an Ohio Super Lawyer on multiple "Top Lists" reflects the high regard in which she is held by her peers. This peer validation signifies that other legal professionals recognize her excellence, which is a strong indicator of her capabilities. Locals can be confident that they are engaging an attorney widely respected for her legal acumen and effectiveness.

Finally, her central location in Columbus makes her highly accessible to clients throughout the state, ensuring that professional legal assistance is within reach. Whether dealing with a local government issue, a constitutional challenge, or an appeal, Ohioans can rely on Kathleen M. Trafford for dedicated, experienced, and effective legal representation. Her practice is ideally suited for those seeking a formidable advocate who can navigate the intricacies of Ohio's legal system with precision and a steadfast commitment to achieving favorable outcomes.