Thomas J. Riley

Senior Counsel

65 East State Street
Suite 2500
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Primary Practices

Thomas J. Riley focuses his practice on business and corporate law as well as wealth transfer planning. He counsels small to midsize closely held manufacturing and distribution enterprises and professional practices on matters including tax planning, contract negotiations, and mergers and acquisitions. T.J. has experience handling multi-employee union plans, master and prototype plans for sponsoring organizations, and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). He also advises owners on succession-planning strategies.

In addition, T.J. focuses on all aspects of wealth transfer planning, both within the personal context as well as the family enterprises context. His work includes preparation of living wills, powers of attorney, wills and trust agreements, probate avoidance planning, and charitable gifting techniques.

Professional History

Senior Counsel, Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, Partner, Of Counsel, 2019-present; 1989-2018, Partner-in-Charge, Columbus Office, 1989-2003
Partner, Riley, Ucker & Lavinsky, 1975-89
Partner, Lucas, Prendergast, Albright, Gibson, Brown & Newman, 1973-75; Associate, 1970-73

Accolades

Credentials

Education

New York University, LL.M., Taxation, 1970
The Ohio State University School of Law, J.D., 1969
The Ohio State University, B.A., 1966

Community Involvement

Upper Arlington Board of Zoning and Planning, Member, 1982-present; Chairman, 1986-present

Awards & Distinctions

The Best Lawyers in America^®, Business Organizations, (including LLCs and Partnerships), 2012-25, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2025; Columbus Lawyer of the Year, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), 2019

“Top Lawyers,” Columbus CEO, 2010

AV Preeminent^®, Martindale-Hubbell

Ohio Super Lawyers, 2004-05

Bar Admissions

State of Ohio, 1969

U.S. Tax Court, 1971; U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, 1973

Memberships & Affiliations

Ohio State Bar Association, Member

Columbus Bar Association, Member; Taxation and Business Law Committees, Member