Former U.S. Attorney Parker Joins Taft

Taft, one of the fastest growing law firms in the nation, is pleased to welcome Kenneth L. Parker, former United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, to its Cincinnati office. Parker joins as a partner in the firm's Compliance, Investigations, and White Collar Defense and Commercial Litigation practice groups.

"I welcome the opportunity to join Taft and its impressive bench of trial lawyers," said Parker. "In addition to the firm's growing national presence, I was drawn to the reputation for excellence held by Taft's white collar and litigation teams. It was an honor to serve the people of the Southern District of Ohio for more than 25 years, and I look forward to applying my experience to provide thoughtful, high-caliber counsel to our clients."

Parker draws on his significant experience as an accomplished federal prosecutor to represent clients in criminal and civil litigation, investigations, and compliance matters. He guides businesses, executives, and boards of directors through high-stakes disputes, complex government investigations and enforcement actions, and evolving regulatory challenges.

Having joined the Southern District of Ohio as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Parker later assumed the leadership roles of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Chief and Criminal Chief for the District. As U.S. Attorney, he served as the chief law enforcement officer, overseeing the investigation and litigation of all criminal and civil cases throughout 48 counties. Parker led the District to notable accomplishments across a wide range of cases, including public corruption, fraud, national security, cybercrime, violent crimes and drug trafficking, civil rights offenses and hate crimes, and child exploitation. He prioritized the protection of vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, and launched innovative initiatives to connect with the community and reinforce mental and physical wellness within the office and law enforcement.

"We are thrilled to have Ken join Taft. He is a widely respected lawyer and community leader whose expertise, integrity, and influence will further strengthen our client capabilities in Cincinnati and firmwide," said Taft Cincinnati Partner-in-Charge James Zimmerman.

"Welcoming a colleague of Ken's stature speaks volumes about Taft and, in particular, reflects the credibility and track record of our white collar, investigations, and litigation teams, said Ralph Kohnen, chair of Taft's Compliance, Investigations, and White Collar Defense practice. "His sharp insight and deep trial experience will be invaluable to our clients and fellow Taft attorneys."

Parker earned his J.D. from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Tuskegee University. After law school, he clerked for the Honorable S. Arthur Spiegel of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Active in his profession and the community, Parker previously served as president of the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and the Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati and taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

Parker joins during a period of steady expansion for the firm. In August, Taft announced its merger with Morris, Manning & Martin, adding over 100 attorneys and marking Taft's entrance into Atlanta. This comes after two completed mergers for 2025, including Sherman & Howard in the Mountain West and Mrachek Law in Florida. This year, Taft has increased its headcount by more than 220 attorneys across the country, strengthening its position as a super middle-market firm with a unique national platform.

Taft's growth in Cincinnati aligns with the firm's ongoing momentum. 2025 is marked by significant lateral hiring and its upcoming move to the Great American Tower, a strategy built on delivering greater capabilities for clients in Cincinnati and beyond.

About Taft

Founded in 1885 with a 140-year legacy rooted in the historic Taft family, today Taft is one of the nation's fastest-growing law firms. As a modern law firm with a non-headquarter operating model and more than 1,100 attorneys, Taft is fully committed to delivering the highest level of service to today's organizations and individuals. The legal performance of Taft attorneys is recognized nationally, with inclusion in the Am Law 100, Chambers USA, Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers, and more. Learn more at Taftlaw.com.