Meet The Team
Christopher M. Diedling
Partner with Cornetet, Meyer, Rush & Spillane Co., LPA, a suburban Cincinnati law firm that has served the legal needs of individuals and businesses throughout the Greater Cincinnati area for more than forty years. Chris concentrates his practice in Estate Planning, Probate Administration, and Trust Administration. Since earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 2017, Chris has dedicated his practice to helping individuals and families navigate the legal and practical challenges of estate planning, probate, and trust administration.
Recognized by Super Lawyers as an Ohio Rising Star from 2024 through 2027, Chris is passionate about educating clients, professionals, and community organizations on the importance of proactive estate planning and the real-world impact of probate administration. His experience administering estates and trusts provides a practical perspective that extends beyond document preparation, allowing him to teach not only what the law requires, but also how thoughtful planning can prevent unnecessary delays, expense, and family conflict.
Chris regularly presents educational programs for real estate professionals, financial institutions, local governments, senior living communities, churches, and civic organizations. His presentations focus on making complex legal concepts understandable and applicable, empowering attendees with practical knowledge they can use to better serve their clients and communities.
As an educator, Chris believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to estate planning. He strives to equip individuals and professionals with a strong foundation of knowledge so they can recognize potential issues, ask informed questions, and make thoughtful decisions that lead to better outcomes. His presentation style emphasizes practical application, real-world examples, and clear communication, helping audiences leave with information they can immediately put into practice.
Chris lives in Cincinnati with his wife, Casey. Outside of his legal practice, he enjoys hiking, CrossFit, attending Cincinnati Reds games, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Bar Admissions:
- The State of Ohio – November 2017
- United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio – December 2019
- Commonwealth of Kentucky – October 2025
Education:
- University of Cincinnati College of Law, J.D. – 2017
- Xavier University, B.A. – 2013
Membership and Affiliation:
- Cincinnati Bar Association
- Kentucky Bar Association
- Cincinnati Estate Planning Council
- Wealth Counsel Member, National and Ohio Forum
- Notre Dame Tax & Estate Planning Institute, Annual Participant
Mallory Brown
Legal Assistant
Mallory has called CMRS Law home since 2018 and enjoys every moment of it! She interacts with clients, helps them achieve their goals, and engages in day-to-day operations. Mallory is our client’s first point of contact and will be their go-to team member for scheduling, billing, and immediate client concerns. She also works closely with the attorney to assist with LLC formation and Estate admin matters.
Originally from a small town in northwest Ohio, Mallory grew up knowing two things for sure: that she loved horses and the Queen City! After attending college at Ohio University Southern, where she studied Equine Studies, she spent the next seven years working within the equine industry, living in Wisconsin, Virginia, and Florida. After three continuous years in Florida, the humidity got to her, and she decided to fulfill her personal goal of living in Cincinnati.
You can still find Mallory teaching lessons at a local barn or riding when outside the office. She adores Ginger, her beautiful horse, and Rory and Willow, loyal and energetic Australian Shepherds. Fun Fact: Rory and Willow are our firm mascots on-site daily, filling the office with puppy love!
Jodi Stapp
Estate Planning Paralegal
Jodi Stapp has been a key team member since 2016. She specializes in guiding clients through the estate plan drafting process following their consultation with the attorney. She provides personalized support, answers questions, and ensures clients are comfortable with their plans before the signing day. Jodi prides herself on being accessible to the clients and ensuring their plan designs meet their wishes.
Originally from the West, where she completed her degree in Economics at the University of Utah, Jodi has lived in several states, including Minnesota, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Iowa, before settling in Ohio and joining our legal team.
Outside of work, Jodi is an avid reader who enjoys art museums, hiking, and outdoor adventures. She loves traveling the world with her husband, three kids, and occasionally one or more of her two large dogs.
Ashley Maxey
Paralegal and Marketing & Business Development
Since joining the Team in 2023, Ashley Maxey has become an integral part of the client experience and the practice’s continued growth. She leads estate plan signing, trust funding, and client trust review meetings, helping clients feel informed and confident throughout the planning process. Ashley also manages marketing and business development initiatives, strengthening community relationships, expanding professional outreach, and supporting the Team’s continued growth.
Ashley has been in the legal field for nearly 20 years and is a Notary Public. She earned an Associate of Applied Business degree and completed an American Bar Association Paralegal Studies Program. She began her career in bankruptcy, criminal law, and domestic relations in Dayton, Ohio. After moving to Cincinnati, she expanded her experience to include estate planning, probate and trust administration, personal injury, real estate transactions, business formation, civil litigation, marketing, and business development.
Outside the office, Ashley pursues her passions for travel, boating, and cherishing moments with her family and a host of friends. Committed to giving back, Ashley serves on local nonprofit boards, volunteers, and is always willing to offer a hand to those who need it.
Jeff Baker
Probate Estate and Trust Administration Paralegal
Jeff Baker joined CMRS in 2021 as a probate and trust administration paralegal, bringing over 20 years of experience to the firm. He collaborates closely with the attorney to assist Executors and Trustees in navigating the complexities of the administration processes. Jeff’s positive attitude, compassion for our clients, and keen attention to detail make him a valuable asset to our team and clients.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Management from Mount Saint Joseph University. His education and experience have equipped him with the skills to provide comprehensive probate and trust administration support to our clients during the process.
Jeff lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with his wife, two children, and their dogs. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, loves spending time with his family and cheering on the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals.
Heather Roush
Receptionist
Heather is the friendly face and voice at Cornetet, Meyer, Rush & Spillane’s front desk, welcoming clients and helping them feel comfortable as soon as they arrive. She also serves as a witness and notary for client documents and assists Team Diedling with probate and trust administration. As CMRS Law’s Social Chair, Heather helps organize employee outings, potlucks, and charitable fundraisers. If she is not at the front desk, she is likely somewhere around the office taking inventory, helping with a building project, delivering legal mail, or troubleshooting office equipment. Heather helps keep the office moving like a well-oiled machine.
A Cincinnati West Side native and Oak Hills High School graduate, Heather attended Northern Kentucky University, where she pledged Delta Zeta Sorority and earned a BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Electronic Media Broadcasting. After college, she worked at a local radio station before joining CMRS in 2024. Heather also has strong family ties to law enforcement, with three family members serving as police officers, and has sung the National Anthem at several Cincinnati Police and military veteran events.
Music remains Heather’s first love, and most weekends she can be found performing with her acoustic country group Heather Roush and the HeartStrings at local breweries, wineries, and festivals. Outside of work, she enjoys the outdoors, animals, trying new restaurants and recipes, hunting for fun plants at Home Depot, and spending time with friends and family.