Partner
Bart joined Cooper Elliott in 2011 and has spent over a decade building a reputation as a relentless and highly prepared trial lawyer. He understands that stepping into a courtroom or an arbitration hearing can be intimidating for clients, which is why he is dedicated to leaving no stone unturned when preparing a case.
Bart’s practice spans a wide range of complex civil litigation. He has successfully represented clients across the legal spectrum—from families navigating tragic wrongful deaths and catastrophic personal injuries, to business owners fighting severe fraud and contract disputes. Whether he is fighting for a wrongfully convicted individual or a CEO terminated without cause, Bart brings a detail-oriented, trial-ready approach that has resulted in millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.
About Bart
Bart’s Mission
A native of Painesville, Ohio, Bart is deeply rooted in his home state and currently lives in Columbus with his wife, Kate, and their three children: Ben, Sam, and Eliza.
While he is a fierce advocate during the workday, Bart’s off-the-clock interests highlight his highly personable nature. He actually founded an improvised comedy group in college and still loves attending local theater performances. He is also a fitness enthusiast who can frequently be found playing golf or pickleball, and cheering on the Buckeyes, Crew, Guardians, and Browns.
- Columbus Police Settlement
- Federal lawsuit filed against Richland County Jail, others over death of Rebecca Westfield
- Federal jury gives former ATF agent $1.7 million for unlawful detention by Columbus police
- Virginia LeFever seeks justice after a dropped murder conviction and 20 years in prison
- Hamilton County Sheriff named in wrongful death lawsuit, claims negligence
- Case Western Reserve University
- The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
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American Association for Justice
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Ohio Association for Justice
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Ohio State Bar Association
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Columbus Bar Association
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American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
- Active Member of the Board of Trustees at Bridgeway Academy and Therapy Center since 2023, serving as Vice Chair beginning in 2026
- Member of the Central Ohio chapter of the charity 100 Men Who Give a Damn
Bart’s Practice Areas
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Personal Injury/Wrongful Death
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Civil Rights
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Business Fraud and Disputes
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Legal Malpractice
Accomplishments
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Named a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” and selected to the Super Lawyers list (including Top 50 in Columbus and Top Attorneys in Cleveland & Columbus)
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The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 & Top 100
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Recognized by Best Law Firms and Expertise (Best Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Columbus)
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Fifteen years fighting for the rights of individuals, families, and small business as a plaintiff’s trial lawyer.
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Recognized by Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars
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Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, including as Columbus Lawyer of the Year in Civil Rights (2026), Plaintiff’s Product Liability (2025), and Plaintiff’s Medical Malpractice (2023)
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Volunteer appellate advocacy judge at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
“Our experience with Rex Elliott and the team working on our case (Lori, Bart, Abby, Sommer, and Jon) at Cooper Elliott were exceptional throughout a very lengthy legal process and ultimately a trial. Rex, Bart Keyes, and Abby Chin were compassionate, professional and maintained constant communication throughout the years long case.
We were treated with respect, compassion, and with the utmost concern. We were represented by Bart and Abby during a two week trial. They were supported by their paralegal Sommer, who was exceptional in her own right. Bart and Abby’s legal acumen was highly impressive. They were cool, calm, and collected every step of the way. Their determination to not back down from any unfavorable and or biased rulings issued, kept us feeling that we had a team representing us that truly cared and were determined to give it their all to seek justice.
We were victorious in the trial and extremely thankful for Rex’s belief in our case from day one. Had we not been victorious, we would have not felt any different about how well we were treated and how hard everyone fought for us. Thank you again!”