We are Columbus-based attorneys specializing in small business entities, estate planning, and real estate and succession planning.
These are the things you have worked hard for. Let's work together to ensure each is protected, supported, and functioning at its best. From helping you establish both a legal and development strategy to ensuring your family and businesses are in good hands, we bring a half-century of expertise — a unique combination of creativity and empathy, coupled with business acumen and attention to analytical detail.
Attorneys
Partner
Jeff Chilcoat
Jeff has served business clients since 1998 in areas such as formation, contract negotiation, intellectual property, marketing, and complex succession planning. In addition, Jeff is known for being innovative and finding “out-of-the-box” solutions to complex and vexing legal issues.
Jeff also founded Sterling Sports Management in 1997 when it became clear that representing professional athletes and recording artists was becoming an ever-increasing part of his legal practice. In addition to his business law experience, Sterling’s clients benefit from the broad and valuable set of skills Jeff obtained from his earlier experience as a successful entrepreneur.
Jeff received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from The Ohio State University and his Juris Doctor from Capital University. Jeff is married with 3 children and is active in his community in many ways including coaching youth soccer, advising the Young Life Campaign and serving at his church.
Education
CAPITAL UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL
Juris Doctor, 1998
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
B.A., History, 1993
Activities & Affiliations
Bar Association Memberships:
Young Life, Volunteer, Committee Member, Board Member
Bar Admissions
Ohio
United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio
Partner
Pat McCarthy
Pat's experience comes from a non-traditional path to the practice of law, including a 24-year business career in broadcasting, sports administration and software.
The son of two educators — one a superintendent and one among the nation’s very first special education teachers — principles of compassion, advocacy, and integrity are in his DNA. A lifelong love of learning led Pat to earn multiple bachelor’s degrees from The Ohio State University and a passion for justice and small business advocacy drove him to earn his Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School while attending part-time in the evenings.
Pat has lived on three continents and in five states — yet can count on one hand the home Ohio State football games he has missed since Archie was a senior. Pat enjoys any kind of live theatre, backpacking on the Appalachian Trail and playing ice hockey. His wife of 35 years, two adult children, and two spoiled Golden Retrievers are the best parts of his life.
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Education
CAPITAL UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL
Juris Doctor, 2013
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
B.A., Film Studies, 2009
B.A., Communications, 1983
Minors: Business Administration, Theatre
Activities & Affiliations
Bar Association Memberships: Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association, Akron Bar Association, Cincinnati Bar Association, Energy Bar Association
Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Ohio State University, Board Member
Adjunct Professor of Law, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Bar Admissions
Ohio
United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
ATTORNEy
Laken Hinton
Laken joined Sterling Sports Management in 2024. Laken has a background in golf and played on the Ohio State Men’s golf team and competed in two Division I National Championships.
Laken received his Bachelor of Science in Sports Industry degree from The Ohio State University in 2021 and graduated with his Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School in 2024.
Laken has a labradoodle and enjoys Ohio State football games, hanging out with friends, and playing golf.
Education
CAPITAL UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL
Juris Doctor, 2024
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
B.S., Sports Industry, 2021