Brian Muething assists firm clients with complex legal issues and represents them in litigation. His recent practice has included defense of ERISA fiduciary duty and other ESOP-related claims, defense of state law breach of fiduciary duty claims against officers and directors, and representation of a group of national retailers in an intellectual property case.
Brian also has experience in insolvency and bankruptcy matters, having represented financial institutions, insurance companies, landlords, and officers and directors in bankruptcy-related matters.
A number of businesses, including multiple manufacturing companies and the franchisee of a national restaurant, also regularly seek counsel from Brian on general legal matters.
Representative Work
Represented company officers in 15-week bench trial against claims for breach of fiduciary duty and other ERISA violations, resulting in a judgment for defendants on all claims
Representing company’s former officers and directors in breach of fiduciary duty litigation filed by a litigation trustee; decisions excluding plaintiff’s expert and granting summary judgment were recently affirmed by the Sixth Circuit
Represented large private corporation in putative class action alleging overbilling; persuaded Court to dismiss all claims upon the filing of a motion to dismiss
Represented a group of private companies in connection with a commercial and environmental dispute relating to a golf course and a landfill
Representing national retailers in connection with a patent infringement matter; obtained stay of litigation
Represented a large financial institution in connection with a putative class action alleging conflicts of interest in mutual fund purchases; secured dismissal of claims as affirmed by the Sixth Circuit in a widely-cited published opinion
Represented a large public corporation in connection with race and gender discrimination claims
Professional and Community Involvement
Tender Mercies, Member of Board of Trustees
Oyler School, A.P. Hampton Mentoring Program, (2003-present)
Cincinnati Academy of Leadership for Lawyers, Class XVII (2012), Fellow
Ohio State Bar Association
Cincinnati Bar Association
