Atty. Stephen E. Chappelear
Steve focuses his practice in the areas of business and complex litigation, construction law, patent and trademark litigation, employment litigation, probate litigation, dispute resolution and appeals. He has 43 years of experience in more than 60 trials (both jury and non-jury).
Commercial Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Columbus, OH
Profile Summary
About Stephen E. Chappelear at a Glance
Stephen E. Chappelear is a trusts, employment, business, ip, and construction attorney based in Columbus, Ohio, practicing at Eastman & Smith LTD. Admitted to practice in Ohio, Ohio. Educated at The Ohio State University (JD, 1977) and The Ohio State University (BA, 1974). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026). Serves clients in Columbus, OH and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Stephen E. Chappelear
- Steve focuses his practice in the areas of business and complex litigation, construction law, patent and trademark litigation, employment litigation, probate litigation, dispute resolution and appeals
- He has 43 years of experience in more than 60 trials (both jury and non-jury)
- Among his accomplishments, Steve was listed in the 2004-21 editions of "Ohio Super Lawyers" by Law & Politics magazine
- in 2009 and 2017, Steve earned the distinction of being listed one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Ohio, and in 2021, among the Top 50 Super Lawyers in Columbus
- Steve is AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Steve is a member of the National Council of the OSU Moritz College of Law
- He recently served on the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association
- He formerly chaired the Litigation Section of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Trial Techniques Committee of the American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, and the Real Estate and Probate Litigation Committee of the American Bar Association Section of Litigation
- He is past president of the Ohio State Bar Foundation, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Columbus Bar Association, the National Conference of Bar Foundations, the OSU Moritz College of Law Alumni Association, and the Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer Inn of the American Inns of Court
- Steve is admitted to practice law in Ohio, before the U.S
- District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of Ohio, the U.S
- District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, the U.S
- Tax Court and the U.S
- Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Steve is a frequent author and speaker on a wide range of legal issues
Practice Areas Explained
Stephen E. Chappelear's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Stephen E. Chappelear handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Columbus.
Trusts in Columbus
Stephen E. Chappelear is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Ohio →
Employment Law in Columbus
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
Stephen E. Chappelear is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Ohio →
Business & Corporate Law in Columbus
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Stephen E. Chappelear is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Ohio →
Intellectual Property in Columbus
IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.
Stephen E. Chappelear is one of 105,285 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in Ohio →
Construction Law in Columbus
Stephen E. Chappelear is one of 40,302 construction attorneys indexed nationally. Browse construction attorneys in Ohio →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Columbus
Practicing law in Ohio. Legal matters in Ohio are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Columbus are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Ohio state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Ohio brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Ohio courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Columbus Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Columbus-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Ohio attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Columbus or all attorneys in Ohio.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Columbus Choose Stephen E. Chappelear
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Stephen E. Chappelear's practice in the field of trusts, employment, business, ip, and construction.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering trusts, employment, and business, Stephen E. Chappelear can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Columbus
A Columbus-based practice means Stephen E. Chappelear attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Stephen E. Chappelear Handles in Columbus
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Stephen E. Chappelear has experience with under Ohio law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Stephen E. Chappelear directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Stephen E. Chappelear Online
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Stephen E. Chappelear's Practice Areas & Specializations
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