Stephen C. "Steve" Kisling, Employment Attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Employment and Tax
Cincinnati, OH
Practicing employment in Cincinnati since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Stephen C. "Steve" Kisling is an attorney based in Cincinnati, OHIO. The practice focuses on Employment and Tax. Stephen has over 50 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Cincinnati, OHIO
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Employment · Tax
- Handles Employment and Tax matters from Cincinnati, OHIO.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Tax Law (Cincinnati) (2023).
About Stephen C. "Steve" Kisling: Stephen C. "Steve" Kisling is an attorney based in Cincinnati, OHIO. The practice focuses on Employment and Tax. Stephen has over 50 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Stephen takes on
Stephen concentrates on employment and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment cases in Cincinnati, Ohio
Stephen takes employment matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Cincinnati, Ohio
Stephen takes tax matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Stephen C. "Steve" Kisling — employment lawyer in Cincinnati
Stephen C. "Steve" Kisling is an attorney based in Cincinnati, OHIO. The practice focuses on Employment and Tax. Stephen has over 50 years of legal experience.
Steve Kisling likes to make things simple for his clients, which is fortunate considering the complexity of his employee benefits and tax practice.
While it is a generalization, but no great secret, that many lawyers run a little hot-blooded, Steve is calm, patient and always composed. He knows that business owners, benefits professionals and human resources personnel have multiple balls in the air at any given time, and he enjoys relieving some of the strain and worry that comes with the administration of benefit plans. So whether it is a quick call to address a discrete tax or drafting question or a lengthy strategic discussion, Steve provides answers and advice as clearly and painlessly as possible.
But there is much more to Steve than just a pleasant demeanor. Steve has more than 30 years’ experience in tax and planning matters, from both the public sector enforcement and guidance perspective and the private sector creation and compliance perspective. He is a frequent lecturer on issues concerning benefits and general tax matters. Additionally, Steve has served as chair of the Employee Benefits Committee of the Cincinnati Bar Association.
At Katz Teller, Steve is the chair of the firm’s benefits committee and a member of the firm’s administrative and retirement plan committees.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS EXPERIENCESince 1980, Steve has represented employers (with an emphasis on health care organizations) in all aspects of qualified profit sharing and defined benefit plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans, and executive compensation arrangements, including Section 409A compliance. He regularly works with clients in dealing with governmental agencies including the IRS and the Department of Labor on retirement plan audits and other administrative matters. His experience includes:
- Design and implementation of multi-tiered employee benefit programs pursuant to a major restructuring of a large healthcare provider in greater Cincinnati
- Design and implementation of qualified defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans for smaller employers to provide significant benefits to attract and retain key employees
- NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION EXPERIENCE
Steve also represents various non-profit organizations with respect to their formation, tax-exemption and ongoing operations.
How Stephen handles employment matters
Steve Kisling likes to make things simple for his clients, which is fortunate considering the complexity of his employee benefits and tax practice. While it is a generalization, but no great secret, that many lawyers run a little hot-blooded, Steve is calm, patient and always composed. He knows that business owners, benefits professionals and human resources personnel have multiple balls in the…
The kind of cases Stephen takes
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment and tax matters in Cincinnati and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of New Hampshire
J.D. · 1976
Ohio Wesleyan University
BA · 1973
Jurisdictions
Stephen's state bar admissions
Florida
1978 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1976 · ACTIVE
Stephen studied at J.D. in University of New Hampshire and BA in Ohio Wesleyan University.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed J.D. in University of New Hampshire and BA in Ohio Wesleyan University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Stephen has received 6 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Tax Law (Cincinnati)
2023
Lawyer of the Year — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (Cincinnati)
2016
Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Woodward/White's Best Lawyers in America, 2006-2016
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Tax Law (Cincinnati) (2023). Lawyer of the Year — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (Cincinnati) (2016). Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Woodward/White's Best Lawyers in America, 2006-2016 (2026).
Locations
Stephen C. "Steve" Kisling's office in Cincinnati
Stephen's primary office is at 255 East Fifth Street, 24th Floor, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202-4724. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Stephen C. "Steve" Kisling
Stephen has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Stephen C. "Steve" Kisling — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Stephen
Stephen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Stephen C. "Steve" Kisling
How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Cincinnati?
Stephen is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stephen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Stephen?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new employment clients right now?
Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland in Ohio
Stephen handles employment matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Cincinnati handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





