Celeste M. Friel

Associate Dayton

Summary

Celeste is an associate in Taft’s Government Contracts practice group. She assists clients in a full range of government contracts litigation and compliance matters. Prior to joining Taft, Celeste worked in human resources roles across various industries, including education, technology, and non-profit sectors.

Celeste received her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Dayton School of Law with a Business & Compliance Law Concentration, where she served as the Executive Online Editor for of the University of Dayton Law Review. She also gained valuable experience as a legal teaching assistant, the Academic Chair for the Black Law Student’s Association, and was selected as a Dean’s Fellow. Celeste holds a master’s degree, magna cum laude, in human resources and organizational development from the University of Louisville and a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in communication from the University of Kentucky.

Awards

  • CALI Award: International Human Rights Law (2024)

  • CALI Award: Professional Responsibility (2022)

All Service Areas

All Practices

Education

  • University of Dayton School of Law (2024)

    Business & Compliance Law Concentration
    cum laude
    University of Dayton Law Review, Staff Writer

  • University of Louisville (2020)

    magna cum laude
    M.S. – Human Resources and Organizational Development

  • University of Kentucky (2018)

    magna cum laude
    B.A. – Communication

Admissions

  • State - Ohio

Professional Affiliations

  • Dayton Bar Association

    Member

  • Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association International (AFCEA)

    Member

Community Involvement

  • SICSA Society of Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals

    Board of Directors (2024)

  • The Law School Mentor

    Board of Directors (2024)
    Mentor (2022-present)