Kessler & Ballenger Co join forces with Gertsburg Licata., Expanding Tax, Estate Planning and Business Services Across Ohio
Combination strengthens capabilities and establishes expanded Columbus presence.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — July 1, 2026 — Gertsburg Licata Co., LPA (G&L) announces that Kessler & Ballenger Co., L.P.A., a Columbus-based law firm is joining forces with them. Kessler & Ballenger has more than four decades of experience serving clients in taxation, estate planning and probate law.
Effective July 1, the expansion of Gertsburg Licata’s service offerings and strengthens its ability to serve individuals, families and businesses throughout Ohio with integrated legal and financial guidance.
Founded in 1981, Kessler & Ballenger built a reputation for helping clients navigate complex tax matters, estate planning and probate administration. The addition 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,” said Lou Licata, managing partner at Gertsburg Licata.
“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,” said Russell Kessler, partner at Kessler & Ballenger Co., L.P.A.
“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,” said Powall.
“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.”
Clients of both firms will continue to receive uninterrupted service throughout the transition.
About Kessler & Ballenger Co., L.P.A.
Founded in 1981, Kessler & Ballenger Co., L.P.A. has served clients throughout Ohio with a focus on taxation, estate planning and probate law, helping individuals and families protect and plan for their futures.
About Gertsburg Licata Co., LPA
Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Gertsburg Licata (G&L) is a full-service business law and strategic advisory firm representing entrepreneurs and executives of middle-market enterprises in business transactions, litigation and arbitration, and regulatory matters. The firm is also home to CoverMySix®, a proprietary anti-litigation audit platform developed specifically for middle-market companies. G&L is affiliated with Gertsburg Licata Acquisitions and Gertsburg Licata Talent.
For more information, visit www.gertsburglicata.com.
Media contact:
Paula Pitasky
Encompass Marketing
[email protected]
440.670.5325
