Andrew C. (“Drew”) Emmert heads up the Construction Law practice group at DBL Law. He is certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Specialist in Business Commercial and Industrial Real Property Law. Drew has an AV Preeminent Peer Review rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He focuses on the construction and real estate industries, as well as serving real estate owners, investors, tenants and developers. Drew has undergraduate degrees in accounting and finance. He has extensive experience with tax deferred 1031 exchanges, zoning, and construction contracts, as well as challenges to real estate tax valuations. Drew obtained his law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

Kelly Schoening Holden represents private and public employers in all facets of employment law, including those related to DBL’s construction clients. Her employment law practice includes advising clients on compliance with various employment laws and providing in-house training on such issues. Kelly has experience working with the EEOC, DOL, DOJ, and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, as well as litigating cases in federal and state courts. She also conducts and participates on a regular basis in arbitration and mediation of disputes.

James A. Dressman III is the Managing Partner of Dressman Benzinger LaVelle. In addition to managing the firm, Jim has an active legal practice. He represents profit and nonprofit entities and individuals in financial transactions, business mergers and asset acquisitions and sales, and real estate acquisitions and development. He also provides guidance for entity structuring, reorganization, owner and employee buy/sell arrangements and management and owner successions, with respect to general business and tax matters. Throughout his career, Jim has represented owners, contractors and professionals involved in residential and commercial construction projects of all sizes.

Richard G. Meyer is a partner in DBL’s construction and commercial litigation practice groups and handles a variety of construction litigation matters, including negotiation and resolution of claims and disputes, employee and independent contractor issues, risk management and insurance and professional liability issues. He has litigated construction and other commercial law cases in state and federal courts throughout the United States, as well as publishing articles on various construction and insurance issues. His knowledge within the industry includes general construction, financing, geotechnical engineering, zoning, and professional malpractice. In addition to the litigation aspect, Rick’s depth in his construction practice includes drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction contracts, including AIA documents.

Angela M. Gates is a partner in the firm’s construction, real estate and commercial practice groups. She represents clients in real estate acquisitions, development, and financing transactions. Angie reviews opinion letters for HUD transactions, low income housing credits, and new market tax credit. She drafts and negotiates development agreements and AIA contracts. She also advises owners and developers on complex project financing, including bond transactions and asset based lending, as well as property acquisition and leasing. Angie is a licensed agent of Excel Title Services, the firm’s wholly owned title company, offering efficient and cost-effective customization on complex and large commercial transactions.