Michael P. Benson

January 2, 2025 – UB Greensfelder LLP is pleased to announce that Kevin M. Bandy, Michael P. Benson, Erica N. Carducci, Ashtyn N. Saltz, Lauren E. Surdyke, and Lauren L. Wood have been elevated to partner, effective January 1, 2025. Representing various practice areas in offices across the firm, Bandy and Carducci are based in Cincinnati, while Benson, Surdyke, and Wood are in St. Louis, and Saltz is based in Cleveland. These six attorney promotions mark the first new partner class since the firm’s February 2024 merger, which combined Ulmer & Berne and Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale.

“The firm is proud to recognize the accomplishments and dedication of this deserving group of attorneys through their promotions to partner,” said Scott P. Kadish, Co-Managing Partner. “They exemplify UB Greensfelder’s commitment to client service, and we greatly value their contributions to the firm.”

Kevin T. McLaughlin, Co-Managing Partner, added, “We have watched these talented, up-and-coming attorneys establish and grow their practices as well as develop a strong legal acumen within their specialty areas. It has been rewarding to witness their achievements, and we look forward to continuing to support them in their development.”

Bandy concentrates his practice on defending product liability litigation and pharmaceutical, medical device, and mass tort claims for an array of clients in multidistrict, coordinated, and consolidated proceedings, as well as putative class actions and “one-off” product liability suits. He has experience with all aspects of complex litigation and has represented clients in multiple state and federal jurisdictions nationwide.

With a focus in construction law, Benson represents clients in litigation and arbitration, contract negotiation, mechanic’s liens, and other matters. His experience includes reviewing bid packages, contract documents, change orders, and correspondence to determine authorized work and potential damages, as well as determining whether requirements for filing mechanic’s liens have been followed.

Carducci concentrates her practice in estate planning, trust and estate administration, and tax compliance. She provides counsel to a range of clients to achieve their personal and financial goals for estate planning, while minimizing the imposition of federal estate, gift, and generation skipping transfer taxes. Carducci also advises fiduciaries in navigating the process of administering estates and trusts and prepares the requisite fiduciary income and transfer tax returns.

Saltz focuses his legal practice in a variety of areas within complex commercial litigation, including contractual disputes, business torts, intellectual property, and employment matters. He has experience in all phases of the litigation process within state and federal courts, including research, motion practice, discovery, depositions, trials, and appeals.

Surdyke represents high-net-worth individuals and families in sophisticated estate planning matters, focusing on asset protection, business succession planning, navigation of complex family dynamics, and strategies to leverage federal and state estate and gift tax exemption. She also counsels clients on trust administration, prepares estate and gift tax returns, and negotiates and drafts marital agreements. Additionally, Surdyke has counseled businesses on entity formation, contract negotiation, and other business matters.

Wood focuses her litigation practice on a range of matters, including business disputes, insurance coverage, employment matters, professional liability defense, personal injury defense, premises liability, and property damage. She also has defended medical professionals in front of licensing boards in Missouri and Illinois. Wood handles all stages of litigation, including jury trials and bench trials as well as appellate matters.