An enduring legacy of her grandparents, Smale Park is a cherished retreat for Lisa and her family.

Lisa, chair of Bricker Graydon’s business industry group, is known for her prowess in navigating complex business challenges as a mediator and problem solver, viewing client issues as opportunities for practical solutions that are budget-friendly. With a background spanning both litigation and labor employment, she possesses a holistic understanding that helps her preempt costly mistakes. Lisa excels in providing strategic counsel to businesses of all sizes, specializing in corporate counsel, risk management, succession planning, and contract structuring to mitigate future conflicts. She is adept at entity formation, financing, contract review, intellectual property advice, commercial lease agreements, and navigating day-to-day operational challenges.

Prior to her legal career, Lisa immersed herself in international experiences, studying abroad in Florence, Italy, and interning for members of Congress and the British Parliament. A Wyoming native now residing in Hyde Park with her husband and children, Lisa is deeply involved in Cincinnati's park advocacy, continuing her grandparents' legacy as a staunch supporter of Smale Riverfront Park and other green spaces.

Lisa emphasizes a practical yet protective approach in her legal practice, leveraging her expertise in merger & acquisitions and litigation to anticipate and address potential issues proactively. Her commitment to facilitating her clients' business goals is underscored by her recognition as a "40 under 40" honoree and her participation in C-Change Class 8. Lisa is an active member of Alloy Development's Board of Directors and supporter of economic development in the Greater Cincinnati Region.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Lisa finds joy in cooking, reading, and needlepoint, relishing moments spent with loved ones. She believes in letting business owners take the reins, with lawyers stepping in only when necessary, reflecting her belief that ego should never overshadow practicality and effectiveness.

Education

Duke University, B.A., Political Science, 2003

The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., 2007

Distinctions

Ohio Rising Stars - 2014-2017

Recipient, Cincinnati Business Courier Forty Under 40 (2018)

Member, Cincinnati Regional Chamber C-Change Class 8 (2013)

Professional Activities

Member, Cincinnati Bar Association

Trustee, The Smale Family Foundation

Executive Committee Vice-Chair, Cincinnati Parks Board of Directors

Secretary, Alloy Development Board of Directors

Member, Commonwealth Club

Member, Association for Corporate Growth

Two quick stories illustrate the depth and breadth of Lisa Diedrich's determination.

As a little girl, she had lots of animals – rabbits, snakes, birds, horses, dogs, lizards, cats, whatever. At least 10 species at any time. She took care of them, fed them, made sure they had what they needed. When she would decide another animal was in order, she would call all the pet stores, get the best price, find out what the prospective pet ate, the works. This by age 5. She’d take the info and draw up charts to break it down to her parents. Like a regular presentation, but in crayon.

Then when Lisa was around 10 years old, a huge old oak in front of her childhood home in Wyoming toppled. Lisa’s mother was getting ready to hire a tree service to haul it away.

“I told her, ‘Mom, there can’t be many oak trees this big. I bet someone would pay us and even come get it.’ Mom didn’t believe me. She said if I could find such a person, I could have the money. So I went inside and called a lumberyard and asked a few questions. Two calls later, I found someone who paid us $2,000 and cleared the tree away.

“I was very proud of myself. It made me see there’s no harm in trying ­– and that just because someone says you can’t do something doesn’t mean it’s so.”

Sometime in middle school, teachers and friends started telling her she ought to become a lawyer, having observed that she seemed to like to argue.

“I thought, what a bad reason to go into a profession – because I like to argue.” But she became a lawyer nonetheless. “It’s a good thing I had that view because advocacy is not about arguing. Effective advocacy is an important skill.”

She believes each of us continues to grow as individuals throughout our lives, or should. She believes, too, that when something goes wrong, it’s an opportunity to learn – and quite often, a chance to change oneself for the better.

“I love the notion of solving problems before they happen. It’s rewarding to me to help my clients avert crises. I enjoy developing close, on-going relationships. I know many of our clients’ phone numbers by heart.

“The gratitude you get when you can help them is amazing. So often, employers and businesses are forced to be defendants in an action and that can be frustrating and expensive for them. So when you win, the client is very happy. And that’s the greatest feeling for me.”