Cooper Elliott has named partners Kaela King and Abby Chin as Managing Partners, marking an important moment in the firm’s evolution as it builds upon a strong foundation of collaborative leadership and prepares for the future.
The leadership transition follows the firm’s 30th anniversary milestone in May 2025, a reflection on three decades defined by excellence, integrity, and client-centered advocacy across Ohio. That success has been shaped by a deep bench of partners, attorneys, and professional staff whose collective guidance and commitment have helped Cooper Elliott grow and thrive since its founding in 1995. With King and Chin stepping into these roles, the firm enters its next chapter with clarity of purpose and a continued commitment to the values that have long united its team.
“Abby and Kaela are exceptional lawyers, trusted leaders, and deeply committed to our core values,” said Rex Elliott, co-founder of Cooper Elliott. “At the same time, this firm’s strength has always come from the remarkable partners, attorneys, and staff who have guided us for years and show up every day for our clients. I’m incredibly proud of this team, and excited to continue working alongside all of them as we build what comes next.”
Both King and Chin bring a rare combination of leadership vision and courtroom success, developed within a firm known for mentoring talent and valuing teamwork. Each has been recognized as a Columbus Business First 40 Under 40 honoree and named a Best Lawyers® award recipient, reflecting not only professional excellence but also meaningful impact in the community.
Just as importantly, both are highly accomplished trial lawyers. Together and individually, they have secured jury verdicts and settlements yielding millions of dollars, delivering justice for individuals and families while helping drive changes in laws, policies, and institutional practices that better protect people.
For Abby Chin, the managing partner role reflects both responsibility and resolve.
“I feel an awesome responsibility to help shape the firm’s next chapter,” Chin said. “After growing alongside Cooper Elliott, I’ve seen how much our success depends on the people here—our partners, our attorneys, and our staff—and where thoughtful leadership can make an even greater impact.”
Chin emphasizes clarity, empathy, and adaptability as essential to leadership, particularly during periods of growth. A member of Leadership Columbus, Class of 2026, she is focused on strengthening communication, empowering colleagues, and ensuring that client trust remains central to every decision.
“Our clients trust us because we are responsive, practical, and deeply invested in their outcomes,” Chin said. “Good leadership means honoring that trust while supporting the teams who deliver on it every day.”
For Kaela King, the role fulfills a long-held aspiration to lead within the legal profession.
“Even in law school, I knew I wanted to lead as a lawyer,” King said. “To have that opportunity relatively early in my career feels both humbling and energizing. I’m excited to build on the foundation Rex, Chip, and our fellow partners created, and to work alongside an incredible staff as we expand our ability to help more everyday Ohioans get justice.”
King’s leadership perspective is shaped by her pre-law career in education, including directing a nonprofit and helping launch charter schools. She was recognized with the Outstanding Recent Alumni Award from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, honoring her professional and community impact.
“I’ve always believed leadership is about developing people and strengthening systems in service of others,” King said. “That’s how I approach this role.”
Together, King and Chin are aligned around intentional growth—expanding the firm’s reach and capabilities without compromising its culture, values, or client-first approach. Both see diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential to long-term success, strengthening advocacy, improving outcomes, and attracting and retaining top legal talent across the firm.
“Kaela and I have different perspectives, but a strong partnership,” Chin said. “That partnership is strengthened by the people around us, and that’s what makes this moment exciting.”
With Rex Elliott remaining actively involved, a strong partnership group in place, and a dedicated staff supporting the work, Cooper Elliott enters its fourth decade focused on the same mission that has always defined the firm—protecting people, powering good—while confidently building for what comes next.
