Practice areas: Family Law; view more
Licensed in Ohio since: 2005
Education: The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law
Joseph A. Nigh, Esq.
Founder, The Nigh Law Group
Joseph A. Nigh is the founder of The Nigh Law Group and a highly regarded family law attorney based in Columbus, Ohio. Before establishing NLG in 2016, he served as a partner at two other Columbus law firms. Under his leadership, The Nigh Law Group has been recognized in the area of family law, including as a top-three finisher in Columbus CEO Magazine’s “Best in Business” for family law, listed in Best Lawyers in America, and named one of the “Best Litigation Attorneys in Columbus.”
Over the course of his career, Joseph has represented clients in nearly half of Ohio’s 88 counties, consistently achieving favorable results. His extensive courtroom experience allows him to evaluate cases effectively and provide clients with clear, strategic guidance. Known for his thorough preparation and dedication, Joseph is committed to securing the best possible outcomes for his clients.
In addition to his practice, Joseph serves as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, his alma mater, where he developed and teaches a course on Divorce Trial Practice. He is also a frequent lecturer, having delivered more than 40 continuing legal education presentations both in Ohio and nationally. His topics have included advanced child and spousal support calculations, the use of private investigators in family law cases, children as witnesses, and the role of experts in matters involving abuse or alienation allegations.
Joseph’s professional excellence has been recognized with numerous honors. He holds Martindale-Hubbell’s highest possible distinction, the AV-Preeminent Rating, for both legal ability and ethical standards. He has been named to Best Lawyers in America, recognized as Ohio Super Lawyer for seven consecutive years (following 11 years as a Rising Star), and included in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100. He also maintains a perfect 10 “Superb” peer rating and 5.0 client review score on AVVO.
Beyond his legal practice, Joseph has served the Central Ohio community in numerous leadership roles. He spent six years on the Columbus Bar Association Professional Ethics Committee, three years as President of the CBA Juvenile Law Committee, and four years as President of the Lawyers’ Club of Columbus. He also served six years on the Dublin Board of Zoning Appeals, including terms as Chairman and Vice Chairman, and was appointed by Governor John Kasich to the Ohio Board of Dietetics, where he served for five years.
Above all, Joseph is committed to guiding clients through some of life’s most difficult challenges with compassion, clarity, and steadfast advocacy.
Practice areas
Family LawFocus areas
Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Juvenile Law, Marital Property, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family Law
- 100% Family Law
First Admitted: 2005, Ohio
Professional Webpage: https://nighlawgroup.com/joseph_a_nigh/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Member, Academy of Professional Family Mediators
- Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, Preliminary Review Committee, Chair, 2013 - 2014
- Member, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers
- The Lawyer’s Club of Franklin County, Member President, 2020 - 2023
- U.S. Supreme Court, 2009
- Member, Central Ohio Association of Justice
- Member, Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member, Columbus Bar Association, 2005
- Representative, Franklin County, Ohio Summit on Children, 2009
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio, 2005
- Juvenile Law Committee, Chair, Columbus Bar Association, 2008-2010
- Preliminary Review Committee Chair, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, 2013-2014
- Board Member, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, 2010-2015
- Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court Task Force, Columbus Bar Association, 2009
- Ohio, 2005
- Member, American Bar Association
- President, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, 2013-2015
- Chairman Columbus Bar Association Juvenile Law Committee, 2008
- Member, Ohio State Bar Association, 2005
- President, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Attorneys, 2013
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Certificate in Children's Studies, 2004
Pro bono / Community Service
- Columbus Bar Foundation, Sustaining Member
- Franklin County Private Attorney Representative to the Ohio Summit on Children, 2009
- City of Dublin Board of Zoning Appeals, 2019 - 2025
Honors
- Global Directory of Who’s Who (Top Lawyer) 2016
- 10 Best Under 40, 2 Years Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys™, 2014-2016
- Listed in U.S. News and World Report Edition of Best Law Firms, 2010-2014
- The National Academy of Family Law Attorneys, Nationally Ranked Top 10 Under 40, 2014
- Super Lawyers Honoree
- Best Lawyers in America, Family Law
- Martindale Hubbell Client Champion Silver
- Martindale Hubbell -AV Preeminent Rating, Peer Rating for Highest level of Professional Excellence and High Ethical Standing
- AIOFLA’s “10 Best Under 40″ 2014
- The American Society of Legal Advocates, Top 40 Family Lawyer Under 40 Ohio, 2014-2015
- Who’s Who in American Law, 2005-2014
- National Trial Lawyers – Top 40 under 40 in Ohio, 2012- 2014
- Franklin County Private Attorney Representative to the Ohio Summit on Children, 2009
- 10 Best Under 40, 2 Years Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys™, 2014-2016
- The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2013-2016
- Appointed to a 5 year term as a Board Member of the Ohio Board of Dietetics by Governor Kasich
- Listed in U.S. News and World Report Edition of Best Law Firms, 2010-2014
- AVVO – Client’s Choice, Divorce, 2012
- Selected by Columbus C.E.O. as one of the best divorce and family relations law firms
- Who's Who Among American Lawyers, 2007
- Top Attorneys – Outstanding Young Lawyers In Cleveland & Columbus
- The National Academy of Family Law Attorneys, Nationally Ranked Top 10 Under 40, 2014
- America’s Most Honored Professionals “Top 5%,” 2014-2015
- Ohio Super Lawyers – Rising Stars, 2009-2014
- AVVO – Top Divorce Attorney, “10”, 2012
Educational Background
- The Ohio State University, Marion, Ohio, A.A., 1999
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, B.A., Honors: Magna Cum Laude, Honors: The Ohio State Superior Academic Achievement Award, Honors: Alpha Lambda Delta/Phi Eta Sigma, Honors: Psi Chi, Major: Psychology, 2001
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Ohio Appellate Case Law Update, COAJL, 2014
- The Role of the Guardian ad Litem, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, 2013
- Key Terms and Concepts in Juvenile Justice Reporting, Ohio State Bar Association, 2013
- Bindovers/Transfer Proceedings in Ohio, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, 2013
- Collateral Consequences of Juvenile Adjudications, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, 2013
- Juvenile Delinquency/Criminal Case Law Update, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers & Central Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2012
- Juvenile Abuse-Neglect-Dependency, Civil, & GAL Case Law Update, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers & Central Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2012
- The Guardian Ad Litem: Case Law and Legislative Update in Permanent Custody Cases, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, 2011
- Delinquency and Criminal Law: Case Law and Legislative Update in Permanent Custody Cases, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, 2011
- Detention Advocacy Training, Presenter/Panel Member: Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, 2011
- PCC Trial and Tribulations: Case Law and Legislative Update in Permanent Custody Cases, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, 2011
- Sexting: Electronic Sex Among Teens, National Juvenile Defender Leadership Summit, 2010
- Sexting: Electronic Sex Among Teens, Ohio Juvenile Defender Leadership Summit, 2010
- Juvenile Delinquency/Criminal Case Law Update, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers & Central Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2010
- Abuse/Neglect/Dependency Case Law Update, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers & Central Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2010
- Juvenile Case Law Update, Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, 2009
- Client Interviews, The Supreme Court of Ohio New Lawyer Training, Columbus Bar Association, 2009
- Transfer Hearings for Juveniles Being Transferred to Adult Court: Case Law and Procedures for Handling Bindover, Central Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2009
- Juvenile Delinquency/Criminal Case Law update, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers & Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, 2008
- Abuse/Neglect/Dependency Case Law Update, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers & Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers, 2008
- Objections & Appeals: Practices and Procedures, Columbus Bar Association, 2007
- Justice for Children Practicum, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law; 2014, 2013, 2012
- Capital Paralegal Program, 2011
- Human Trafficking, Columbus Bar Association, 2010
- Representing the Juvenile Sex Offender, Columbus Bar Association, 2009
- Children May Be Witnesses in Family Law Trials, published in Ohio State Bar Association, “Law You Can Use”
- Collateral Consequences in Juvenile Adjudications, COAJL, 2013
- Effectively Arguing Contempt Issues, 2016
- Juveniles and the Media: Key Terms and Concepts in Juvenile Justice Reporting, OSBA, 2013
- Presented for the National Business Institute in Cincinnati (2017) on Alienation and Abuse Allegations in Custody Proceedings during their Advanced Custody and Support Issues Seminar
- Advanced Child and Spousal Support Issues, 2016
- Children as Witnesses in Family Law Litigation, OSBA, 2014
Other Outstanding Achievements
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 (Ohio), 2013
- National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 (Ohio), 2012
- The National Trial Lawyers "Top 100 Trial Lawyers", 2013
- The American Society of Legal Advocates "Top 40 Family Lawyer Under 40", 2014
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2020 - 2026
- Rising Stars: 2009 - 2019