Judith L. Marsh

Judy is a partner in the Vorys Columbus office and a member of the firm’s nationally recognized retail practice.  Judy has more than 20 years of experience representing large, national retailers and consumer brands.  Although her focus is on corporate, commercial, franchising and distribution, and finance transactions, she strives to serve these companies as a strategic partner to help them reach their business objectives. 

Notable experience includes:

• Representing numerous retail and consumer brand clients in their commercial transactions
• Representing several large retailers in their supplier and vendor relationships, including credit card processing and third party logistics services
• Representing franchisors in the development and structuring of franchise systems, including preparation of franchise agreements, franchise disclosure documents and in dealings with their franchisees
• Representing purchasers of franchise systems and large multi-unit franchisees
• Representing several publicly held companies in their lending relationships, including syndicated bank credit facilities
• Representing manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and sales agents in a variety of commercial relationships and transactions
• Representing borrowers and lenders in a wide range of financing transactions
• Representing a financial institution focusing on the purchase of account receivables

Judy is an active participant in the firm’s memberships in the National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association.  Judy is also a member of the American Bar Association and the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Judy received her J.D. with honors from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law where she was a member of the Order of the Coif, as well as a member and managing editor of the Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution.  She received her B.A. summa cum laude from Albion College.

Honors & Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Finance Law "Lawyer of the Year," 2024

Columbus CEO, Best Lawyers, Commercial, 2022

The Best Lawyers in America, Franchise Law "Lawyer of the Year," 2014, 2018, 2020

The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Transactions and Franchise Law "Lawyer of the Year," 2016, 2023

The Best Lawyers in America, Banking and Finance Law, 2011-2024; Franchise Law, 2013-2024; Commercial Finance Law, 2016-2024; Commercial Transactions / UCC Law, 2016-2024

Columbus CEO, Top Lawyers in Columbus, 2015-2016

Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Franchise/Dealership, 2010

Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Securities and Corporate Finance, 2006-2007, 2009

Professional & Community Activities

YWCA Columbus, Board of Trustees, 2018 to present; Board Member, Finance Committee, 2018 to present

Columbus Diaper Bank, Co-Founder, 2013; Chair and Board Member, 2013-2015; Board member, 2016-2018

International Franchise Association, Legal Symposium Task Force, Committee Member, 2016-2018

Mentoring Center of Central Ohio, Board Member, 2005-2008

Speaker, International Franchise Association’s Annual Legal Symposium, 2017

American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising, Member, 2007 to present

Current or Former Member of Various Vorys Committees, including Management, Strategic Opportunities, Diversity, Hiring, and Group Coordinating

Co-editor of Chapters 30 and 31 (franchise law), Advising Small Businesses, Alberty, 2009-2017