Katja Garvey named to 40 Under 40 by Columbus Business First
Porter Wright is proud to announce that partner Katja Garvey has been selected to the 2025 Class of Columbus Business First’s 40 Under 40. This honor recognizes and celebrates the most extraordinary business and community leaders under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves in their professions and in the community across a range of industries in Central Ohio.
Katja is a partner in the firm’s Corporate Department and chair of the International Business and Trade Practice Group. A German native, Katja lends a unique cultural perspective and global work experience to her roles in the legal industry and international community, guiding transnational clients through complex legal issues ranging from cross-border transactions to global privacy compliance. Her achievements are consistently recognized at the highest levels of the legal profession, including being named to The Best Lawyers in America® and Ohio Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Edition for multiple consecutive years.
“Katja exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, professionalism and global perspective,” shared Bob Tannous, Managing Partner at Porter Wright. “In just a few short years, she has emerged as a key leader at Porter Wright, guiding our international practice, mentoring the next generation of attorneys and building meaningful bridges between cultures and countries. Her selection for this award is a testament to not only her legal acumen, but also to her extraordinary commitment to public service and community engagement. We are proud to celebrate Katja and all that she continues to achieve.”
Her influence extends beyond the legal field. In 2023, she was appointed honorary consul to the Federal Republic of Germany in Columbus – a voluntary diplomatic role created specifically for Central Ohio through coordination between the German foreign ministry and the U.S. Department of State. At the time of her appointment, she was the youngest honorary consul in the United States. In this role, she supports the German-American community with consular services and promotes international collaboration throughout the region.
In addition to her diplomatic and legal leadership, Katja is a dedicated mentor and active community volunteer. She serves as a mentor in the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring Program and co-chairs the International & Graduate Affairs Advisory Council at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, helping to guide and support international law students.
This is the 33rd class in Columbus Business First’s longest-running awards program, highlighting nearly 1,300 young leaders since the first group in 1993.
Katja and the other honorees will be recognized during a reception on Thursday, May 22 at The Exchange at Bridge Park in Dublin and will be showcased in the May 23 issue of Columbus Business First.
