Gertsburg Licata Co., LPA, announced on July 1 that Kessler & Ballenger Co., L.P.A., a Columbus-based law firm, is joining forces with them. Kessler & Ballenger has over four decades of experience serving clients in taxation, estate planning and probate law.
Effective July 1, the expansion of Gertsburg Licata’s service offerings strengthens its ability to serve individuals, families and businesses throughout Ohio with integrated legal and financial guidance.
The addition of Kessler & Ballenger brings a specialized practice area to Gertsburg Licata while creating new opportunities for clients to access a broader suite of legal services under one roof.
“This is an important step in our long-term growth strategy and strengthens our ability to meet more of our clients’ evolving needs,” Lou Licata, managing partner at Gertsburg Licata, said in a release. “Kessler & Ballenger has built an outstanding reputation rooted in trust, technical excellence and client relationships. Their experience in taxation and estate planning complements our existing capabilities and allows us to provide even more comprehensive solutions across Ohio and the surrounding areas.”
A key focus of the transition is ensuring continuity for Kessler & Ballenger clients while creating a long-term plan for growth and succession.
“Kessler & Ballenger has always operated at the intersection of legal and financial planning,” Russell Kessler, partner at Kessler & Ballenger, said. “When evaluating the future of our firm, we were looking for a partner that truly understood both sides of what we do and saw value in continuing to build those capabilities. Gertsburg Licata was the first firm that embraced that vision. This creates a path for our clients to continue receiving the personalized service they’ve come to expect while gaining access to broader legal resources.”
Kessler’s practice combines legal counsel with extensive tax preparation and planning services, creating an integrated approach that has served clients across generations. This allows Gertsburg Licata to build and expand its tax capabilities while increasing its presence in Central Ohio.
Connie Powall, partner at Gertsburg Licata and a leader in guiding the transition process, emphasized the strategic value of bringing the two firms together.
“This is about creating something stronger for clients and for the future of the firm,” Powall said. “Kessler & Ballenger fills an important capability in taxation while adding depth to our estate planning and private client services. At the same time, clients will benefit from access to additional practice areas and expanded resources across the state.”