Frank A. Ray

Frank A. Ray is president of Frank A. Ray Co., L.P.A. in Columbus, Ohio, and serves as a private mediator for complex civil disputes. After 41 years as a trial lawyer, Ray transitioned to full-time mediation in 2014. His work includes sports law, business and commercial disputes, personal injury, wrongful death, products liability, professional malpractice, insurance coverage, and eminent domain. He brings extensive trial and appellate experience to disputes involving businesses, insurers, individuals, and professional sports organizations.

Ray earned a B.A. in English from The Ohio State University in 1970 and a J.D. from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1973. His legal education supported a career centered on civil litigation, appellate advocacy, negotiation, and dispute resolution. He later served as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, teaching Trial Practice and courses on mediating complex commercial disputes.

Ray has more than 40 years of experience advising professional baseball leagues and teams. He served as legal counsel to the Columbus Clippers from the organization’s inception in 1976 through 2022 and to the International League of Professional Baseball Clubs from 1983 through 2018. His sports law work has included franchise rights litigation, a federal civil rights case involving a professional baseball league, NCAA-related litigation, ballpark operations, and intellectual property issues involving professional sports organizations.

Frank A. Ray has received extensive recognition for trial advocacy, mediation, and professional service. Super Lawyers ranked him the No. 1 lawyer in Ohio in 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021, and he has been listed among its Top Ten Lawyers in Ohio through 2026. Ray is a Diplomate of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. His experience helps parties evaluate complex disputes and work toward practical resolutions.

Law Office Affiliations

• President, Frank A. Ray Co., L.P.A.
• President, Columbus Bar Association (2001–2002)
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
• President, Central Ohio Association for Justice, formerly Franklin County Trial Lawyers Association (1987–1988)
• Member, Ohio State Bar Association, Council of Delegates (2007–2010)
• Fellow, Ohio State Bar Foundation
• Fellow, President, Columbus Bar Foundation ( 2009–2010)
• Fellow, President, Ohio Association for Justice, formerly Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers (1989–1990)
• President, American Board of Trial Advocates, Ohio Chapter (2004)
• President, American Inns of Court, Robert M. Duncan Chapter (1993–1994)

Licensed State

• Ohio

Education

• Ohio State University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Ohio State University
  Bachelor of Art

Awards & Badges