Derek L. Graham

Principal

P: 614.760.1801

F: 614.889.5250

I genuinely enjoy helping people avoid and fix problems that arise in their lives. Whether you are the parent of a child with special needs trying to figure out Medicaid, a small business owner trying to understand the confusing letter you received in the mail or just an individual wanting to know what will happen to your assets at your death, I enjoy teaming up with you to solve the problem. 

Early in my career I was fortunate to get experience in civil litigation, business transactions and estate planning. Then in 2009, my wife and I had our first daughter who was born

with Down syndrome. Like many of my clients today, we were inundated with information and felt

overwhelmed. Eleven years later, I spend the majority of my days helping similarly situated families 

understand the various resources that exist for families like mine. I find it very rewarding to meet with families of all varieties and help them understand how to effectively and practically plan their estate. More than that though, I enjoy helping families understand the resources available to them and how to get the most out of those resources. 

My practice areas are Estate Planning, Special Needs Estate Planning, Developmental Disabilities Law, Guardianship, Probate, Probate Litigation and Business (organizational, transactional and succession).  I earn my clients' trust by working hard to accomplish their goals, being accessible and giving advice based upon experience. 

 

Education:
University of Kentucky (B.B.A.) – Double Major in Finance and Decision Science and Information Systems

Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University (J.D.)

 

Professional Associations and Community Involvement:

Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO), Past Board Member - Chair, Vice Chair, Past President

Ohio Supreme Court Judicial College – Faculty Member

Ohio SIBS (adult siblings of people with disabilities) – Board Member

The Arc of Ohio - Board Member

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Family 2 Family Parenting Task Force – Member

Columbus Bar Association Professional Ethics Committee – Member

Columbus Bar Association Admissions Committee – Member

Ohio Guardianship Association-Member

City of Dublin, Community Services Advisory Commission – Past Member

Ohio Supreme Court Subcommittee on Adult Guardianship – Past Member

 

Awards and Recognitions:

2016 Distinguished Service Award Winner - Ohio Guardianship Association

Ohio Super Lawyers – Rising Star in Estate Planning 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

Columbus Business First - 2019 40 Under 40 Honoree