Traci L. Martinez

In her practice, Traci spends a large portion of her time devoted to trial work, which is a true passion. Her work in this regard is national, marked by a particular depth of trial experience in Ohio, Missouri and Kansas. Traci has successfully tried numerous cases and obtained full defense verdicts in multiple jurisdictions concerning a wide range of disputes. Her focus is on winning, whether the controversy arises from contracts, business torts, catastrophic claims or otherwise. She employs an aggressive, yet strategic approach to all matters and has a unique ability to understand plaintiffs’ strategies during very early stages of litigation. She partners with clients to distill complex circumstances and thoroughly explains options at every stage of litigation.

A legal strategist and trusted adviser to organizations across the US, Traci also regularly counsels boards of directors and C-suites on the complex employment issues they face, including executive agreements and compensation, sensitive investigations such as alleged sex-harassment/hostile work environment claims and threatened executive takeovers. She also advises employers on compliance with federal and state employment laws, including covenants not to compete, trade secrets, independent contractor issues, social media law, the FMLA, Title VII, the ADA and the ADEA.

As a former member of the firm’s Global Board, Traci assisted in the strategic planning of the firm’s initiatives, including expansion into new markets, such as Asia and Italy. She has been instrumental in the evaluation and advancement of partners across the firm and has led the planning of the firm’s global partners’ meetings.

Traci regularly volunteers her time to advance diversity initiatives within the firm and her community. Currently, she serves as chair of the firm’s Advancing Women’s Task Force and is the Champion Sponsor for the firm’s LatinX Hispanic Attorney Resource Group. She is consistently recognized for her efforts relating to diversity and inclusion. She was selected by Latino Leaders magazine as a Top Latino Lawyer and Most Powerful Women in Law, earned Profiles in Diversity magazine’s Women Worth Watching Leadership Award, and was shortlisted for Inspiring Role Model in Promoting Gender Diversity in the Legal Profession – Chambers USA Women in Law Awards.

Prior to attending law school, Traci was an elementary school teacher. Currently, along with other chief executives in the community, she is a member of the Columbus Partnership. She also serves as chair of the Experience Columbus Board of Directors.