Edward D. "Ed" Diller

Edward D. Diller: Leading Real Estate and Business Law Attorney in Cincinnati

Edward D. "Ed" Diller is a distinguished attorney and respected community leader with over four decades of experience in business and finance law. Partnering with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP since 1976 – and a partner since 1984 – Ed has built a renowned practice focused on real estate, healthcare, and general corporate law, consistently delivering exceptional legal counsel to businesses and individuals alike. He recently transitioned out of his role as Partner-in-Charge of the Cincinnati office, marking a well-deserved step into a more focused advisory capacity.

Ed’s career is defined by a commitment to strategic legal solutions and a deep understanding of complex transactions. He excels in guiding clients through every stage, from initial concept to final execution, ensuring their success in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. His deep roots in the Cincinnati community, combined with his legal expertise, make him a trusted advisor to businesses and organizations throughout the region.

Ed’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, including:

• Real Estate Law: Ed possesses unparalleled experience in all facets of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, development, leasing, financing, and property management. He represents developers, investors, landlords, and tenants with meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach.
• Healthcare Law: Leveraging decades of experience, Ed advises healthcare providers and organizations on regulatory compliance, operational issues, and strategic planning within the complex healthcare industry.
• General Corporate Law: Ed provides comprehensive corporate legal services, assisting businesses with formation, governance, contracts, mergers & acquisitions, and ongoing operational needs.

Beyond his legal practice, Ed is deeply engaged in the Cincinnati community, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to service and leadership. He currently serves on the Boards of Trustees for the Cincinnati Museum Center, the National Underground Railroad & Freedom Center, and Mennonite Central Committee – US, among numerous other prominent organizations. His previous leadership roles include Moderator of the Mennonite Church USA (2009-2011), Chair of the Board for Ten Thousand Villages, and as a Director of Messer, Inc., Messer Construction Company, and Saturday Knight Ltd.

Education & Credentials:

• Education: Ed’s intellectual foundation is built on a strong academic record. He earned his undergraduate degree from Bluffton University, followed by attendance at the University of Oregon, and ultimately completed his law degree from Harvard Law School.
• Honorary Doctorate: In 2002, Ed received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from his alma mater, Bluffton University, recognizing his significant contributions to the university and the broader community. This award was granted after twenty-two years of dedicated service on the university’s Board of Trustees, eleven of those years serving as Chair.
• Awards & Recognition: Ed's exceptional legal achievements have been consistently recognized throughout his career. He has been listed in Best Attorney USA for over 30 years, including being named Southwest Ohio Region’s Lawyer of the Year in Real Estate Law (2009). He is also featured in Chambers USA since 2006 and regularly appears on the 100 Ohio Super Lawyers list, jointly developed by Cincinnati Magazine and Law & Politics magazine. In 2006, he received the Silver Beaver Award from the Dan Beard Council/Boy Scouts of America, and in 2016, he was awarded the Earl F. Morris Trustee Award by the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) – an accolade recognizing outstanding leadership and institutional support.

Professional Affiliations:

• Cincinnati Museum Center (Board of Trustees, Chair):
• National Underground Railroad & Freedom Center (Board of Trustees):
• Mennonite Central Committee – US (Board of Trustees, Treasurer):
• Downtown Cincinnati Inc.:
• Ten Thousand Villages (Board of Trustees, Chair):
• Ten Thousand Villages of Cincinnati, Inc. (Board of Trustees, Chair):
• The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation Inc.:
• Dan Beard Council, Boy Scouts of America (Board of Trustees, previously Chair):
• Bluffton University (Board of Trustees, previously Chair):
• Family Service of the Cincinnati Area (Board of Trustees, Chair):
• Family Service Foundation (Board of Trustees, Chair):
• Mennonite Education Agency (Board of Trustees, Vice Chair):

Practice Areas: Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law

Awards: Lawyer of the Year: Real Estate Law, Cincinnati (2009), Recognized: Banking and Finance Law, Recognized: Real Estate Law, Special Focus: Business, Special Focus: Commercial, Special Focus: Construction, Special Focus: Development, Special Focus: Finance, Special Focus: Land Use, Special Focus: Mergers & Acquisitions, Special Focus: Real Property Law, Special Focus: Tax Certiorari, Special Focus: TIFF, Special Focus: Transactions, Special Focus: Zoning, Honorary Doctorate - Bluffton University, Silver Beaver Award - Dan Beard Council/Boy Scouts of America, Hall of Fame - Working in Neighborhoods

Affiliations: Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 1987

Location: Cincinnati, State: Ohio, Country: United States