JANUARY 26, 2018
CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 31
Local Lawyers Super Attorneys
A Cleveland Jewish News Special Section
32 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG
JANUARY 26, 2018
LOCAL LAWYERS
Friedman elected president of American Board of Criminal Lawyers JACOB CRAMER
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an Friedman of Beachwood was elected to a one-year presidency of The American Board of Criminal Lawyers, effective Jan. 1. Friedman, a criminal defense attorney at Friedman & Nemecek in Cleveland and adjunct professor in computers and criminal law at Friedman his alma mater, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, is the third Ohio fellow to be elected president of the organization, with past presidents
including Gerald Gold of Cleveland and John Rion of Dayton. Additional Cleveland area fellows are Mark Devan, Michael Hennenberg, William Summers and Roger Synenberg. The 40-year-old invitation-only organization aims to encourage fellows to pursue fundamental freedoms for those accused of criminal conduct. Comprised of 200 fellows from the United States, Canada and Europe, each member is required to have 10 years of criminal trial experience and to try 50 trials, of which 35 must be felony jury trials. Friedman, who was inducted into the American Board of Criminal Lawyers in 2010, will be responsible for hosting an event for fellows in Beverly Hills, Calif., and Edinburgh, Scotland, as well as the
annual Black-Tie Gala Oct. 5-7 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. “We’re most excited about the Cleveland event because we’re bringing the top defense lawyers here to our city, and we’re going to show off this town and everything we have to offer,” said Friedman, who will coordinate the events with his wife, Jamie Starkey. “Each meeting is essentially planning three destination weddings in one year, and it’s no small task. I hope to bring in great speakers and events and memorable aspects to each trip so that each one is memorable on its own. “It is the perfect time and place to bring the top professionals in their field. There is so much to share and be proud of here.”
Friedman said he considers the American Board of Criminal Lawyers a think tank of great legal minds. “Being able to commiserate with other folks that are fighting the same battles and seeing how their perseverance has led to victories in the end is inspirational, and we all need that energy to keep going forward,” Friedman said. “I want to make sure I do my part to continue the time-honored tradition of making sure that all the fellows see each other throughout the year and help one another to better their practices and the legal profession as a whole.”
Jacob Cramer is the Yoda Newton Editorial Intern at the Cleveland Jewish News.
Lawyers flip the mentor-mentee relationship in city council race AMANDA KOEHN | STAFF REPORTER @AmandaKoehnCJN akoehn@cjn.org |
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awyers Melissa Yasinow and Michael Ungar weren’t immediate allies on Cleveland Heights City Council, but it didn’t take them too long to end up liking one another and eventually campaigning as a team to keep their council spots in the November 2017 election. Yasinow was in the midst of her first elected term on council, when it needed to fill a vacated seat. She said although Ungar, who had been chair of the city’s planning commission for nearly 20 years, wasn’t her first choice, he ended up getting the seat and she was OK with it. “I’m very happy I didn’t get my way on the first go around,” said Yasinow, a member of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Beachwood. “One thing that became obvious with Mike is he brings a very, frankly, open but serious mind to all of the issues facing Cleveland Heights. And fairness – I find him to be temperamentally excellent in the role.” Ungar said once on council, he instantly took a liking to Yasinow. Thus, when she asked him if he wanted to campaign together in the upcoming election he said “yes” within “four tenths of a second.” Moreover, running together presented an opportunity to flip the traditional mentor-mentee relationship: Yasinow, 33, a sixth-year associate at Kohrman Jackson & Krantz in Cleveland, mentored Ungar, 58, partner and chair of litigation at Ulmer & Berne in Cleveland, on how to run a political campaign. “By every other standard, he should be telling me what to do,” Yasinow said, adding that although they didn’t know one another prior to city council, the first time she saw him was when she was a new attorney and he was being sworn in as president of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association. “But one thing I did know how to do was win a campaign and run an election, and he had never been on a ballot
before.” In a race where five official candidates and a write-in were seeking four seats, Yasinow and Ungar focused on creating simple, appealing yard signs, merging their distinct communities of support and combining strengths. By making a single yard sign and logo with both names, they spent less money producing them. Yasinow also advised Ungar on developing an elevator speech. “As a candidate, you are pitched by many, many potential helpers and they all want your money, and what Melissa brought to the table was not just what we should do, but also what we should avoid,” said Ungar, a member of the Temple Israel Ner Tamid in Mayfield Heights. Ungar’s skills and relationships also contributed, especially in fighting to clean up the Arco dump site in the Noble neighborhood, which is across Cleveland Heights’ border in East Cleveland. According to Yasinow, Ungar was one of the biggest voices on the effort and regularly emailed and called representatives, which for good reason, likely swayed voters. Finally, on election night the pair held a party at BottleHouse Brewery Company in Cleveland Heights, along with fellow Councilman Jason Stein and their “behind the scenes” campaign adviser Bonnie Caplan. While Yasinow said she kept her election night nerves at bay, Ungar said he was nervous enough to call the chair of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections when the results seemed too slow coming in. However, the results showed Yasinow received the top number of votes of any candidate in the race, and Ungar received the third most. Mayor Cheryl Stephens and Stein also were re-elected. “From beginning to end I ran as though I was going to lose and never stopped,” Ungar said. “It motivated me to work harder and hopefully work smarter.” Moreover, after both were sworn in Jan. 2, Yasinow was elected by council as vice mayor. Now, the pair’s goals involve addressing city priorities, like vacant
Cleveland Heights City Councilmembers Melissa Yasinow and Michael Ungar await election results on Nov. 7, 2017, at BottleHouse Brewery Company in Cleveland Heights. | Submitted photo
housing, stabilizing the housing market, economic development and safety. “Our neighborhoods in Cleveland Heights are not independent,” Ungar said. “They are interdependent and what happens ... in Noble and what happens on Taylor (Road) and what happens in Forest Hill affects all of us, it’s all connected. And I think to their credit, the people on council and particularly the leadership on council get that concept, and I think you are going to see a lot of action based on that reality and that recognition going forward, and I’m fired up about that.”
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David M. Paris*â€
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JANUARY 26, 2018
Sandra Buzney
Sandra J. Buzney Co. Social work degree, personal experience lead to own practice AMANDA KOEHN | STAFF REPORTER @AmandaKoehnCJN akoehn@cjn.org |
Morgan Raye Caruso Morgan R. Caruso Passion to fight for others emerged early in her life ALYSSA SCHMITT | STAFF REPORTER @AlyssaSchmitCJN aschmitt@cjn.org |
Although Sandra J. Buzney has had her law firm since 2011 after a 20-year career in social work, she draws on that experience consistently in her practice. Specializing in elder law, Medicaid planning and applications, estate planning, probate administration and special needs planning at Sandra J. Buzney Co., Buzney said while previously working in social work, she was drawn to law because she always had an interest in legal issues surrounding the field. She also always has connected well with older adults and knew her experiences being a caregiver for her mother and others would translate well to helping people navigate issues of aging. “I know the system both as a consumer and as a professional, and I try to use both of those experiences to help clients,” Buzney said. “You are always learning, but I have those two perspectives and I think people relate better when they know that you’ve had personal experience – you are not just talking from an academic perspective.” Buzney completed her law degree at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Initially, she practiced at Hickman & Lowder Co. in Cleveland and ended up starting her own practice, she said, because she wanted more flexibility while serving as a caregiver for a family friend at the time – and control over time spent with clients. Buzney said sharing her experiences as a caregiver has been helpful in relating to clients, specifically when working with families who have an ill relative, suggesting questions they should ask and understanding what they can deal with. “And then, if it’s appropriate, also sharing some of my experience,” she said. Buzney said a case she was proud to work on involved helping a Holocaust survivor qualify for Medicaid after she was legally scrutinized for using reparation funds to buy a house. She said many cases she sees involve complexities surrounding Medicaid, which provides health coverage for low income adults and children, those with disabilities and in some cases, elderly adults. Ohio’s Medicaid system changed in 2016, making it available to more people, however, more difficult to qualify for
LOCAL LAWYERS
Morgan Raye Caruso feels at home in the courtroom, in part because she likes to argue.
About Sandra
Specialty: Elder law, Medicaid planning and applications, estate planning, probate administration and special needs planning Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah Favorite Jewish movie: “Yentl” Favorite Jewish celebrity: Barbra Streisand Favorite Jewish food: Latkes Favorite Jewish holiday: Rosh Hashanah Hobbies: Gardening, golf, walking in parks and taking care of her three cats those with disabilities than those who are low income – something Buzney deals with in her practice. Moreover, she said it’s challenging to deal with judgment and negative perceptions surrounding receiving Medicaid, and she hopes to combat such stereotypes. “I see people that are really hurting,” she said of her clients receiving social services. Buzney also said when navigating Medicaid, other social services or simply aging, consulting a professional is always a good idea, as no two individuals or families are in the exact same situation and small differences can make a big difference legally. “Adopting someone else’s financial plan or what they have heard and applying it to your own situation is like taking somebody else’s medication,” she said. “One thing I would caution people to do is just get information. Don’t believe rumors and get information.”
“Anyone who’s ever met me knows that,” she said. “In every aspect of my life I’ve always crafted arguments. I can argue any set of facts and have always advocated for myself, friends and family throughout my life, even prior to becoming an attorney.” Her forte in arguing came in handy when she sat second chair during a murder and robbery case, which she attained shortly after she was licensed. However, her dedication to gaining experience is what prepared her for the case. Caruso, a Pepper Pike resident, gained years of experience during school while at Ohio University in Athens in numerous law firms as an intern and later as a paralegal assistant, and through the criminal defense clinic at Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland, where she graduated from in 2012. “It wasn’t a matter where I sat back and observed, I was actually incredibly hands on – cross-examining witnesses, reading and sifting through every detail of every document and video,” she said. “I took that role very seriously. I formed relationships with the client, his family, the prosecutors, and the judge.” The case gave her exposure leading her to build relationships with prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. The realization she wanted to be in the courtroom more than being behind a desk came at the end of law school. “I have a true passion for helping people,” she said. “The interesting thing about criminal defense is, and sometimes this is hard for people who don’t practice this particular area to understand, it is not an easy job, it’s a really difficult one. But someone has to do it. Someone has to advocate for people in these situations, and I’ve never been one to shy away from difficult.” Her desire to speak for those who couldn’t emerged early in her life when her mother, Rhonda Sigman, died.
About Morgan Raye Caruso
Specialty: Criminal defense Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Favorite Jewish celebrities: Dustin Hoffman and Paul Newman Favorite Jewish movie: “The Chosen” Favorite Jewish food: Everything. Lox bagel. Favorite Jewish holiday: Passover Favorite Jewish tradition: Passover sedar with our own Haggadah we made years ago “I always knew I wanted to be the fighting voice for people who couldn’t necessarily speak for themselves,” she said. “My mom passed away suddenly when I was 15 from a serious medical condition, followed by a lengthy medical malpractice lawsuit, and that experience is what first prompted me to seek opportunities working in different law firms.” She said she dedicates herself when she advocates for her clients while seeking a just sentence. Sometimes, she mitigates prison time and at times she works to get her clients into programs they might qualify for, to connect them to resources and to find ways to rehabilitate them or help them get clean. “I get to know (my clients) and their families and why they did what they may have done,” she said. “I see what it is we can do to actually help them so they can become better members of society.”
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JANUARY 26, 2018
LOCAL LAWYERS
Alex Gertsburg
The Gertsburg Law Firm Co., LPA Military experience paves way for law career ALYSSA SCHMITT | STAFF REPORTER @AlyssaSchmitCJN aschmitt@cjn.org |
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Alex Gertsburg credits his ability to lead his firm to his time as a platoon leader and convoy commander when he was deployed to Iraq in 2003 with the 762d Transportation Company, a U.S. Army Reserves unit based in Akron. “There’s no way I can be a good leader without having been informed by my experience in combat,” he said. “There were 160 soldiers that were following me and depending on me to get them safely from point A to point B.” His army experience carries into preparing his clients and preventing a problem before it starts through a program created at his firm, The Gertsburg Law Firm Co., LPA, called Cover My Six, which is also a military phrase meaning “cover my back.” The program covers six areas a business is likely to get sued over and helps it improves those areas. “That is definitely a military concept where you’re doing a lot of preventative maintenance and training,” he said. “When your trucks leave base, how you perform in an ambush depends almost entirely on what happens before your trucks leave base.” His opportunity to open his firm and serve in the military was made possible when his parents immigrated to East Cleveland in 1979 from Moldova, a country of the former Soviet Union. In fact, his great-uncle Alex Konrad was part of an effort by a group of lawyers and professionals who pulled Russian Soviet Jews out of the Soviet Union. However, Gertsburg wouldn’t learn that fact until later when he interviewed his great-uncle for a book Gertsburg was writing. Gertsburg said being a Russian Jew helped him when he was connecting with clients. “Cleveland has a really robust Russian Jewish community,” he said. “Among that community are a lot of really great entrepreneurs and business owners. So, if you happen to be a Russian Jewish business lawyer who is half decent, I think I was just OK, then you had a lot of opportunity to develop business.”
About Alex
Specialty: Business law and litigation Favorite Jewish Movie: “Fiddler on the Roof” Favorite Jewish Celebrity: John Fishman Favorite Jewish Food: Tie between matzo ball soup and potato latkes Favorite Jewish Holiday: Chanukah Favorite Jewish Tradition: Chanukah gift giving. I love my kids and they love Chanukah, and seeing them rejoice at receiving Chanukah gelt and gifts Hobbies: Listening to loud music, reading, learning, watching history, skiing and anything outdoors
He was able to grow relationships while at two business law firms in Cleveland before being tapped on the should to serve as the first general counsel of Broadvox, a Cleveland telecommunications company, in 2006. In 2012, he opened a firm where it was just him and his secretary. Now his firm has 13 professionals and about 160 clients. He said he was able to create a firm he wanted to work for and rewrote some rules based off his experience. “I saw a huge opportunity to build that law firm I wanted to work for and the one I used to want to hire. I wore the outside counsel hat and the inside counsel hat,” he said. “We just try to be different. We don’t bill by the hour, we let clients opt out of hourly billing.”
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JANUARY 26, 2018
Jeremy Gilman
LOCAL LAWYERS
Michael Goldberg
Jeremy Gilman The Goldberg Law Firm Co., LPA Mixing law with music sounds good ‘True believer’ of Constitution lets him perform his work ED CARROLL | STAFF REPORTER ecarroll@cjn.org |
@EdCarrollCJN
ED CARROLL | STAFF REPORTER ecarroll@cjn.org | @EdCarrollCJN
Jeremy Gilman has had a prolific career as a business litigator for 35 years, working generally complex cases, usually with a significant amount of money at stake. “There have been an enormous number of cases I’ve litigated,” Gilman said. “I’ve also represented some very significant companies in defending against lawsuits seeking nationwide class certification. I’ve represented one of the largest health care companies, one of the largest music retailers in an action that also alleged business interference. A complex case against one of the largest music retailers in the world.” Although his skills as a business litigator are impressive and his resume of cases is long, first with Benesch, then in his own firm, Gilman might be most interesting for what he does in his spare time. Gilman writes for and runs his own blog, gilmanonlaw.blog, where he opines about the law, cases he isn’t involved in, and the legal field in general. “I truly and greatly enjoy writing,” Gilman said, adding that he’s a published fiction writer of short stories. “I think the best kind of writing is writing where you do put yourself out there, where you don’t take a timid approach. … At Benesch, I worked on a class action blog. Of course, when I was at Benesch, I didn’t have the ability to be quite as individualistic because I was at a large firm, I needed to take a different tact, and appropriately so. But now that I have a different sort of platform, I thought I’d take a different approach to what I’m writing and sometimes get into topics that might be provocative or controversial. But at the same time, I think I always treat the law with the degree of respect that it deserves.” His creativity trickles into his spare time, where he practices music and is a published musical artist. He released his first album, “Ignoring Precedent: Assorted Covers and Misinterpretations” in August 2017, despite not being able to read a note of music. He said he learned to play guitar, bass, keyboards and drums simply by listening and mimicking what he’s heard. He’s released the album on Spotify, iTunes, Pandora and other streaming services as well as on CD. “(Music) has been a part of my life for almost its entirety,” said Gilman, a Bainbridge Township resident. “I don’t read anything, I don’t have any reference point other than my memory of the song as I’ve heard it. I’ve been playing since I was about
Michael Goldberg said he feels being a criminal defense lawyer suits his personality.
About Jeremy
Specialty: Business litigator Synagogue: Solon Chabad Favorite Jewish movie: Not much of a movie watcher Favorite Jewish celeb: Always had an affinity for Jackie Mason Favorite Jewish holiday: Sukkot Favorite Jewish tradition: Going with my wife to shul on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, spending the time with her and getting into the spirit and holiday Favorite Jewish food: Chopped liver Hobbies: Musical hobbies, guitarist of many years, bass, keyboards, drums, release of first album, vocals as well. Writer as well, have a blog, affinity for animals of all kinds, have three dogs and a cat, trying to represent the interests of animals, animal rights on pro bono basis. 8 years old. I was growing up in Brooklyn, (N.Y.), there was a cheap guitar in the house and I, like so many others of my vintage, was transfixed watching The Beatles perform on (“The Ed Sullivan Show”) and I was just mesmerized. It completely transformed my life.” He taught himself using the guitar by locking himself in his room and playing around with the instrument. He said as he did that, his zeal for playing guitar continued to grow. “When I went off to law school at Case (Western Reserve University), I basically put my guitars away to focus on my legal education and my legal career, but I never stopped playing in my mind, because the way I play is by basically figuring it out in my mind.”
“I’m a fighter,” Goldberg said. “I started off doing a different type of law that didn’t involve as much say, hand-to-hand-combat as this does. I found my skill set was suited to the courtroom for the issues and people involved in criminal defense work.” Goldberg, a Pepper Pike resident, described himself as a “true believer” when it came to the Constitution and the protections provided for persons accused of crimes and the role of the attorney in guaranteeing those protections. “You don’t have a right against unreasonable seizure unless a defense lawyer stands up for you,” he said. “None of the rights (of the Constitution) are self-realized, you need an advocate for that.” He said he often gets asked how he can defend people accused of crimes. His reply is that no matter how heinous the crime may be that someone is accused of doing, our rights are stated as absolute, and people on the fringes have to be represented. “If the worst can get a fair trial, everyone can get a fair trial,” Goldberg said. “If the person accused of a terrible crime gets a fair trial, I know if my son is accused, he will get a fair trial, that’s true trickle down. “Those of us living within the rules and able to succeed in the community and don’t need the protections of the criminal justice system may not appreciate the fact that those who are going through the process are actually protecting everyone’s rights. I don’t make moral judgements; my job is like that of a surgeon. A surgeon is going to operate on someone if they need it no matter what they’ve done. Thank God you haven’t needed my services or no one you love have needed my services.” He said people often don’t understand why he needs to defend the accused in court and he’s sometimes challenged about it. Goldberg said he’s always happy to engage the conversation. “(I am a) true believer in what I
About Michael
Specialty: Criminal trial defense, federal and state court Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah and Jewish Family Experience Favorite Jewish movie: “The Ten Commandments” Favorite Jewish Celebrity: Alan Dershowitz Favorite Jewish food: My wife’s chicken noodle soup Favorite Jewish holiday: Sukkot Favorite Jewish traditions: Shabbat Hobbies: Scuba diving, skiing, running and is a wrestling coach at Beachwood High School and Fuchs Mizrachi School do and how important it is to have an ordered society,” he said. Goldberg also said his faith affects his work in a positive way. He said he knows he didn’t come to his vocation without input from God, and it helps him execute his duties in his work. “I don’t get hung up on the things that people would normally identify as these moral questions of ‘should I be doing this?’” Goldberg said. “I know I should be doing this. That’s my job in this society. Faith helps me understand that. I have had great rabbis and teachers who help me understand my role as well. Faith has been invaluable in maintaining balance and being able to do my job in a proper way.”
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ELK & ELK CO., LTD. CLEVELAND / COLUMBUS / CINCINNATI / DAYTON
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JANUARY 26, 2018
Lynn Hardacre
Ari Jaffe
ALYSSA SCHMITT | STAFF REPORTER @AlyssaSchmitCJN aschmitt@cjn.org |
AMANDA KOEHN | STAFF REPORTER @AmandaKoehnCJN akoehn@cjn.org |
After years of seeing her father work as a lawyer, the last thing Lynn Hardacre wanted to be when she grew up was a lawyer. However, toward the end of her studies at The Ohio State University in Columbus, she realized it was a pathway to merge her interests together in one career, leading her to become associate general counsel at University Hospitals.
Ari Jaffe, of counsel with Kohrman Jackson & Krantz in Cleveland, began his law career as a “frustrated pre-med student” who wanted to work on health care, without the practical medical aspects.
University Hospitals Discovering right script after life as plaintiff attorney
“It was a way to combine my interest in certain topics like social justice and medical ethics with my ability to talk a lot and my enjoyment of talking in front of people,” she said. Her curiosity with medical ethics began to sprout while taking a biomedical ethics program at Hawken School in Chester Township. She was taking the class when the AIDS epidemic was coming to the forefront and many cases she studied revolved around it. “We spent some time at the Cleveland Clinic on their grand rounds dealing with the ethics on treating AIDS patients and disclosures about AIDS,” she said. “I found it so fascinating that I actually continued taking classes on it in college and was the editor of the Journal of Law and Health when I was in law school.” She then worked as a plaintiff attorney at Sindell, Lowe & Guidubaldi, now Lowe, Eklund and Wakefield, and spent eight years at Medical Protective in Cleveland, which insures doctors across Northeast Ohio. Hardacre’s largest client at the time was the University Hospitals faculty account and when it moved to be selfinsured, she was asked to join the UH team in 2004, leading to her current role. Any case from medical malpractice and employment to government investigation filed against the hospital goes through her department. She said her most satisfying cases are ones she and her team can learn from and that lead to an institutional change based on learning from something that went wrong. “I’ve developed in my department a ‘lessons learned’ program, so after a case has been litigated and resolved, we will often go back to the clinical people – back
About Lynn
Specialty: Claims and litigation at University Hospitals Favorite Jewish movie: “The Way We Were” Favorite Jewish celebrity: John Stewart Favorite Jewish food: Matzo ball soup Favorite Jewish holiday: Passover Favorite Jewish tradition: “I loved our enormous seders at my extended family (30-40 people)” Hobbies: Loves to read and is a member of Screen Actors Guild to the doctors, the nurses, the respiratory therapists, anyone involved in the case — and talk about the clinical lessons we learned,” she said. “What could we do better? What mistakes did we make? What did we do right?” In addition to litigation, Hardacre also deals with ethical decisions in tandem with the hospital’s ethics department, where she said her Jewish teachings have played a role in her thought process. “It definitely colors your thought process,” she said. “You know you have to abide by the law and policy as well as what’s medically and ethically correct, but when you’re dealing with issues like end of life, tough issues the ethics committee comes to us about. ... I think a lot of the teachings that went on when I was young and went to temple have definitely come into how I help make valued decisions.”
LOCAL LAWYERS
Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Finding right prescription to battle securities fraud
However, after working as in-house counsel for Blue Cross insurance company, Jaffe expanded his law repertoire when he changed firms, eventually landing at Kohrman Jackson & Krantz for the past 20 years and representing clients in high-profile cases, including those involving securities fraud, insurance, real estate and ethics. “I enjoy being of service to my clients, to the individuals and families and businesses I represent, to help them accomplish their goals and provide security for their families and their employees,” he said. In some such cases, he’s helped clients recover funds after being victims of Ponzi schemes, which refers to fraudulent investment operations falsely offering a low risk with a high payoff. “It can be shocking and life altering to discover that a significant amount of your life savings has been stolen or improperly invested,” he said. “I have worked with some of those clients to help them recover funds from responsible parties.” For Jaffe, conducting quality research, gathering relevant facts and speaking to all knowledgeable parties to bring about fair resolutions, makes up what he believes helps him excel in his role – which he said has been echoed by not only those he’s already represented, but by some unlikely new clients. “I have been hired by people who I’ve previously sued – which is a significant compliment and I enjoyed it,” he said. Jaffe also remembers starting out as a young lawyer and being concerned on his first day in federal court about whether a strict judge for whom he was interning would allow him to wear a kipah in court. Coming from an Orthodox background, it was important he was able to wear the kipah, but knew how strict courtroom dress code was. However, the judge told him it was “appropriate to wear a modest, small black kipah in court” – which he said he was “thrilled” about and still wears to this day. “It showed the respect that he had for the Jewish people and it showed the
About Ari
Specialty: Litigation Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Favorite Jewish movie: “Ushpizin” Favorite Jewish celebrity: Alan Dershowitz Favorite Jewish food: Homemade chicken soup Hobbies: Reading, glass blowing and volunteering respect that he had for the law, and it showed a professionalism in a way that allowed all of us to express our religious beliefs in public,” Jaffe said, adding that much has changed as far as how religious beliefs are displayed publicly since then, but society at large has become more tolerant of diverse religious observance in public. “I’ve had the chance to interview jurors after jury trials and ask how they felt about my wearing a kipah, and I’ve found the responses are uniformly supportive,” he said. Along with acceptance of religious dress in court, another thing that’s changed over the course of Jaffe’s law career is the pace at which lawyers are expected to progress on cases. Responding to emails, conducting research and writing briefs all occur much faster. “We now have to respond thoroughly and precisely in a very, very short time frame,” he said. “I think it is going to continue, and the clients and courts expect it, and that actually it will lead to better representation and better processes in the practice of law.”
SUPER ATTORNEYS
JANUARY 26, 2018
CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 41
Bret Jordan
Jordan and Sidotti “Dateline NBC” case put him in the spotlight
Ohio Medical Malpractice & Personal Injury Attorneys
ED CARROLL | STAFF REPORTER @EdCarrollCJN ecarroll@cjn.org |
Bret Jordan, a criminal defense lawyer with Jordan and Sidotti in Cleveland, might be best known for a case that appeared on an episode of “Dateline NBC” in 2016. Jordan assisted with the defendant in State of Ohio v. McFeeture, a murder case where the defendant was accused of poisoning her fiancé by putting antifreeze in his tea. She was found guilty, although Jordan said the case wasn’t without controversy. He praised the work of the “Dateline NBC” crew. “(My experience on “Dateline NBC”) was pretty good,” he said. “I thought they did a fantastic job. It was a twohour season (premiere), I thought they did a great job telling both sides of the story.” Jordan, who resides in Auburn Township, said his standard response when people ask why he defends people accused of crimes is that everyone has a constitutional right to an attorney and to be defended. “My job doesn’t necessarily include getting everybody found ‘not guilty,’” Jordan said. “We tend to represent a lot of guilty people and sometimes it’s just minimizing the sentences. But everyone has a right to make sure their rights are protected and I protect those rights.” He said he sees a few changes ahead in his field and one already is being implemented: the use of electronic equipment such as body cameras and dash cameras. “It’s taking a lot longer to review the evidence, while we’re getting more of it, it’s taking a lot longer to do it,” he said, adding that it’s still important to review the evidence because he’s had instances where he’s caught people lying in their depositions because he’s seen the related video. “It’s very, very useful, I just think that the electronic age is going to get better, so it’s going to change how we do things.” The second change Jordan sees is certain rights are “eroding away.” “Unfortunately, our rights in this particular area are eroding away,” he said. “As time goes on, we’re getting less and less of say rights against illegal seizers. Courts are now, have been and will continue to find exceptions that
Howard D. Mishkind, Esq.
hmishkind@mishkindlaw.com Selected to Ohio Super Lawyers Since 2006 – Top 100 List
About Bret
Specialty: Criminal defense Favorite Jewish movie: “Fiddler on the Roof” Favorite Jewish celebrity: Adam Sandler Fav Jewish holiday: Chanukah Favorite Jewish tradition: Lighting Chanukah candles Hobbies: Sports fan and golf your facts fit under. So unfortunately, I think our rights are eroding away a little bit.” Jordan said this erosion has been happening over the course of decades, and said courts are tending to be more and more conservative, especially in the Cleveland area. Jordan said his Judaism affects his work because it’s instilled in him a value of caring for others. “I take pride in caring about my clients’ cases and doing the job I would want someone to do for me,” he said. “So just the notion of family, honor and education, cause we’re constantly reading new case law and figuring out new changes in the law. It’s knowledge, it’s something that can’t be taken away from you.” He said the constant search for knowledge doesn’t wear on him, however. “It’s a necessity,” Jordan said. “The laws, they change over time. The case law changes over time. So, you need to keep up with it.”
David A. Kulwicki, Esq.
dkulwicki@mishkindlaw.com Selected to Ohio Super Lawyers Since 2012
Howard Mishkind and David Kulwicki were again selected for inclusion in Ohio Super Lawyers for 2018 and by U.S. News - Best Law Firms in America, 2018 in the area of Plaintiffs Medical Malpractice Law, and by Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Plaintiffs Medical Malpractice Law and Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation. We also have a nationwide practice helping people that develop serious medical conditions from vaccinations. We have over 60 years of proven experience and results helping the seriously injured obtain justice. Check out our client 5-star reviews on Facebook and our website. Let us help you. Mention you saw us in the Cleveland Jewish News. Call for a free no-obligation consultation We will get your questions answered! 23240 Chagrin Blvd. | Suite 101 Commerce Park IV Beachwood, OH 44122 P: 216-595-1900 | F: 216-595-1633 www.mishkindlaw.com
42 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG
JANUARY 26, 2018
LOCAL LAWYERS
Charles Kampinski
Art Kaufman
BECKY RASPE | SPECIAL SECTIONS STAFF REPORTER @Becky RaspeCJN braspe@cjn.org |
ALYSSA SCHMITT | STAFF REPORTER @AlyssaSchmitCJN aschmitt@cjn.org |
When Charles Kampinski was 17 years old, he dropped out of high school and joined the U.S. Navy. While in the service, he completed his GED classes. After leaving the service and with $15, he began attending The Ohio State University in Columbus.
Art Kaufman spent 11 years as a high school and middle school English teacher, but toward the end, he knew he didn’t want to stand in front of a classroom five days a week. He had two options, enter a school’s administration staff or find a new career.
“I got a history degree, but if you’re not going to teach, you can’t do anything with it,” he said. “I heard my friend was going to take the LSAT and I decided to do it too. I did well and was accepted into a law program. After I graduated, I joined a trial firm. When I walked into the courtroom for the first time, it hit me. I realized I found my home and that was where I was supposed to be.” The reason he wanted to become a trial lawyer was a simple one. “(The firm I joined) was a small firm of about seven or eight partners that were trial attorneys,” Kampinski said. “I saw that it suited my combative nature.” As for the reason he joined the Navy, he said it was because he didn’t know his place in the world or what he wanted to do. “School wasn’t right for me at the time,” he said. “I didn’t know any of my background besides the fact my parents were Holocaust survivors. I grew up in Rochester and then my mom remarried, so that’s how I ended up in Cleveland. I have other siblings who now live in Israel, so I was left to my own devices. I needed to find something else to spend my time on. “I joined the Navy and was there for almost four years – from 1964 to 1968. I got my GED when I first went in and then got into OSU. Though it was a different path, I still wound up where my friends from high school were. I got lucky.” Learning about his mother’s, aunt’s and grandmother’s experiences in the Holocaust, Kampinski said their stories motivated him to pursue something greater in life. “My grandmother survived with two teenage girls, my mom and my aunt,” he said. “She wouldn’t let them die. She, my mother and myself came to the U.S. when I was 2. I was born in Neustadt Holstein, Germany, at a tuberculosis camp. They were at Auschwitz and survived until they were liberated. My grandmother raised me because my mother worked so
“Once I started looking at the law, I realized it really is endlessly interesting, that’s the good thing about it,” Kaufman said. “There’s things every single day you don’t know. You realize that and you have to go find out.” As a teacher, he learned how to connect with strangers, which he used while practicing business litigation at Kaufman, Drozdowski & Grendell LLC in Pepper Pike. “When you’re a teacher, and a good teacher, you have to learn to control the class,” Kaufman said. “You have to convince them, at least for periods of time, that what you have to say is interesting.” The downside Kaufman experienced was the pressure packed days at Hahn Loeser & Parks in Cleveland, like finding his own business and collecting bills after charging high hourly rates. He said that while he won many cases, when he lost, he felt like he let everyone from his partners to his clients down. He didn’t realize the damage pressure could cause on someone’s mental state until he realized his son was a drug addict. As he was helping his son and researching mental health, he said he saw lawyers had a high tendency of suffering from mental illness. “When I was reading about (addiction) I kept seeing lawyer, time after time,” he said. “That’s when I started getting interested in why we had such high rates of alcoholism and depression and self-medication. That’s what I started writing about.” After learning this information, he looked back at his educational background and began writing a blog, The Devil’s Advocate, covering the
McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman From GED to LSAT and to a new career
About Charles
Specialty: Trial lawyer Synagogues: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, B’nai Jeshurun Congregation and Park Synagogue Favorite Jewish movie: “Schindler’s List” Favorite Jewish celebrity: John Stewart Favorite Jewish food: Mother’s chopped liver Favorite Jewish holiday: Passover Favorite Jewish tradition: Passover seder. I used to host it, but now I go to one at my mother’s place at R.H. Myers. Hobbies: Golf much, she was a great and tough lady. “They went through a lot, their life of survival was like an inspiration to me. We grew up very poor, so I always favored helping the underdog so everything fit.” With all his combined experiences and his connection to his Jewish heritage, Kampinski said he doesn’t regret any part of his journey. “It’s hard to stereotype an entire religion and people, but saying that, I think all Jews are empathetic and caring,” he said. “I help people that are terribly hurt, that’s what I do. I think that is consistent with the Jewish religion. I love what I do. I’m not likely to retire anytime soon because I love it. As long as that continues, I’ll keep helping people.”
Kaufman, Drozdowski & Grendell LLC Former teacher learns new profession
About Art
Specialty: Business litigation Favorite Jewish Movie: Any Woody Allen movie Favorite Jewish Celebrities: Billy Crystal, Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David Favorite Jewish Food: Latkes Favorite Jewish Holiday: Passover Favorite Jewish Tradition: Having time for family to get together during Passover Hobbies: Write articles about lawyers, workout and read mental health of lawyers with a dash of his own humor. “Lawyers interest me and it’s just funny,” he said. “Sometimes we’re just so full of it. It’s just complete BS much of the time and I like poking holes in that. But I like also talking about the real issues, the pressure, how many hours you have to put in, how to get business.” Being raised Jewish has played a role in how he looks at the world, but it’s also an influence in his style of humor. “I think my humor is Jewish,” he said. “It’s an underdog way at looking at the world. It’s like waiting for the other shoe to drop kind of thing. ... I really do find that laughter catches people off guard. It kind of opens them up to where it’s easier to deal with people.”
SUPER ATTORNEYS
CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 43
JANUARY 26, 2018
Jack Landskroner
Landskroner, Grieco, Merriman, LLC Elie Wiesel’s influence left lasting impression ALYSSA SCHMITT | STAFF REPORTER @AlyssaSchmitCJN aschmitt@cjn.org |
Jack Landskroner has had various role models throughout his life, from those he saw daily like his parents to those he studied under like Elie Wiesel, the Holocaust survivor and political activist who died in 2016. Landskroner has looked to each one for guidance as he practices personal injury litigation and consumer class actions lawsuits. While studying at Boston University, he signed up for two classes with Weisel, who was a professor in the religion and philosophy departments since 1976 until retiring in 2011. One class studied parable and paradox while the other focused on Chasidic Jewish culture. Landskroner looked to Weisel’s teaching as a guide for how he wanted to run his practice, now called Landskroner, Grieco, Merriman. “You can’t remain silent, you should not sit idly by and watch others suffer without
coming forward and speaking for what is right,” Landskroner said, recalling Weisel’s invocation at the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. “That really is part of how I try to adopt my practice.” As a child, Landskroner said he learned what the results of an underdog fight looked like when he watched his mother come home beaming from her job as a social worker and saw his father’s desire to help others as an attorney. These examples early in life nurtured his desire to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves. His desire rings true through the cases he and his firm select to represent, like a class action brought by customers of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power who were overbilled as a result of errors in a new billing software. “The ability to have a positive impact for so many, and on behalf of so many with a case like that speaks volumes,” he said. “There is no one person who is a utility customer of Los Angeles Water and Power or Cleveland Public Power entity that could take on those institutions by themselves, standing alone.”
About Jack
Specialty: Personal injury litigation and consumer class actions Favorite Jewish Movie: “Sleeper” Favorite Jewish Food: Chopped liver Favorite Jewish Holiday: Passover Favorite Jewish Tradition: The fast of Yom Kippur because it reminds me of who I am Hobbies: Playing guitar and raising three daughters and one son Landskroner is working on a class action case against the city of Cleveland and Cleveland Public Power on behalf of customers claiming they were charged a hidden fee in violation of a city ordinance. Other cases he takes an interest in are issues which can affect the health and safety of children. An example he gave was a case where parents neglected their children, causing one to die from malnourishment and dehydration. “For me, there’s no more vulnerable group class of people than children who
really don’t always have their interests protected as they should, and so someone has to stand up, someone has to bear witness,” he said. In his goal to create a better existence for others, Landskroner created the Landskroner Foundation for Children, which provides education, outreach and advocacy on behalf of children in Northeast Ohio. “There’s a lot of good things we can do that grow out of the work we do in the law firm to try and make this community better, stronger, safer and prevent further injury,” he said. “That’s sort of the global impact of my mom and dad.”
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44 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG
JANUARY 26, 2018
LOCAL LAWYERS
Jordan D. Lebovitz and Jamie R. Lebovitz Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Father-son duo rely on compassion, family values to represent victims AMANDA KOEHN | STAFF REPORTER @AmandaKoehnCJN akoehn@cjn.org |
While Jordan D. Lebovitz was growing up, he grew accustomed to hearing about his father’s legal work and the way he sought justice and reparations for victims of accidents and disasters. Somewhat related, when Jordan Lebovitz grew up and also became a lawyer, he entered the same firm and a similar field as his father, Jamie R. Lebovitz. As attorneys with Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy in Cleveland, the two often work together and maintain their father-son dynamic for the cause of creating some semblance of justice for their clients. “We have a way to communicate and a way to really advance our clients’ goals when we put both of our heads together,” Jordan Lebovitz said. Throughout his career, Jamie Lebovitz said he has represented clients in about every major commercial airline disaster in the last 30 years, as well as in scores of charter and private air
crashes. Several years ago, he obtained the largest jury damages award in Ohio in the case of an airplane crash in Lake Erie. Jamie and Jordan Lebovitz said in many cases, their goal is to acquire funds for victims of an accident or disaster as a way to enable them to move forward or access care for an injury. In cases where they represent family members of those who died in a disaster or accident, they said securing funds allows the family to move forward and preserve the deceased’s legacy. Moreover, they said what’s unique about their firm is as part of the settlement or negotiation process, they aim to incorporate training or reforms that may prevent the same dangerous
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES PROFESSIONAL REALTY IS PROUD TO WELCOME JARED K. SHAPIRO AND THE SHAPIRO GROUP TO ITS TEAM.
Jordan D. Lebovitz, left, and Jamie R. Lebovitz scenario from recurring and harming others. “The work we do is to hold those responsible for catastrophic injuries or loss accountable for the harms they’ve committed and to prevent a reoccurrence of the same or similar wrongdoings,” Jamie Lebovitz said. Specializing in trucking accidents, Jordan Lebovitz said understanding what it’s like to operate a truck seemed like a good way to have a more accurate perspective in cases either where a truck driver is his client or the defendant. Thus, over two months last year, he took night classes at Cuyahoga Community College to receive a commercial driver’s license. “It would be hard to judge the actions or inactions of someone operating a vehicle that weighs upwards of 80,000 pounds, that’s much different than operating, you know, a Toyota Corolla, without putting yourself in their shoes,”
About Jordan
Jared Shapiro graduated from Ferris State University and has been a top sales consultant for the past 16 years. His understanding of Northeast Ohio’s communities along with the experience of selling gives him the tools when negotiating for his clients. Jared is trained on the most current and up to date technologies and marketing strategies to make sure that your home has the most exposure to sell as quickly as possible. You can be assured of receiving exceptional service, extensive expertise and world-class professionalism. Jared, his wife Kim who is a teacher in Orange Schools and their three children reside in Orange. JARED K. SHAPIRO THE SHAPIRO GROUP 216-225-7561 JKSHAPIRO@BHHSPRO.COM BERKSHIREHATHAWAYHS.COM
Specialty: Personal injury and wrongful death litigation concentrating in trucking and negligent security Synagogue: Park Synagogue Favorite Jewish television show: “Seinfeld” Favorite Jewish food: Brisket Favorite Jewish tradition: High Holy Days Hobbies: Traveling and exploring Cleveland and elsewhere, dining, entertainment and spending time with family
he said. Both Jamie and Jordan Lebovitz said Judaism impacts their practice of law in the sense that it instills family values, an interest in trying to do right by others and compassion for clients even after their case is resolved. In fact, they said their firm represented several adults whose parents died in a major airline crash. Jamie Lebovitz said he became so close with members of the families that he invited them to his youngest daughter’s bat mitzvah. The families ended up flying to Cleveland from Seattle and Portland, Ore., where they resided, to attend. “Our Jewish faith, our upbringing (and) our values are a big part of how we treat other people with respect, dignity, honesty and integrity,” Jamie Lebovitz said. “Our clients don’t just become a file in our office, they become a friend.”
About Jamie
Specialty: Personal injury and wrongful death litigation concentrating in aviation, transportation and mass disasters Synagogue: Park Synagogue Favorite Jewish celebrity: Don Rickles Favorite Jewish food: Latkes Favorite Jewish tradition: Getting the family together for Rosh Hashanah Hobbies: Skiing, golfing, exercising, traveling and reading
SUPER ATTORNEYS
CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 45
JANUARY 26, 2018
Anne L. Meyers
Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Breaking gender barriers – from driving forklift to own law firm
Reducing Real Property Tax Assessments Throughout Ohio And Across The United States Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill, Co., LPA
AMANDA KOEHN | STAFF REPORTER @AmandaKoehnCJN akoehn@cjn.org |
Anne L. Meyers’ first job after law school was running a cellulose insulation company with her husband, where her work entailed driving a forklift and conducting fire-retardant tests with a blowtorch. Through that work, she learned life lessons about employing and managing others that stayed relevant as she began several other companies, notably the law firm Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis. “When we started our first business, we didn’t have any money,” she said. “And we had to pay our people, (so) sometimes we just didn’t get paid. There’s something about building something that gives other people jobs – you have to take care of them.” Meyers said while working in business and construction, and while practicing with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, she’d been able to dabble in several fields. Thus, when she started her firm in 1995 – which began with four lawyers and now has more than 30 – she felt as though her experience gave her a unique range of skills to serve clients and business partners. Even more rare was being a woman running such a firm. “It was called Anne Meyers and Associates and everyone thought it was family law or something,” she said, reflecting on stereotypes people had about the type of firm women ran. Meyers said she believes Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis in Woodmere was one of the few first female founded, owned and managed firms in the country. She said throughout her career, it’s been typical for her to be the “only woman at the table,” which has its benefits. She said being underestimated by colleagues and opponents sometimes means they don’t work as hard as they should and she comes out on the winning end, citing her own hard work. “If somebody underestimates their opponent, it makes the challenge, for me, more interesting and sometimes better,” she said. Moreover, Meyers said she’s happy that the current cultural reckoning of men across industries for sexual harassment and assault, often referred to as the #MeToo movement, is finally taking place. However, she’s hopeful that the lessons of powerful women holding powerful men accountable will trickle down further so people with
About Anne
Specialty: Mediation, business and corporate, business succession and construction Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Favorite Jewish celebrity: George Burns in “Oh, God!” Favorite Jewish foods: Blintzes and latkes Favorite Jewish holiday: Passover Hobbies: Reading and traveling less societal power facing troubling situations will also benefit and stop blaming themselves for the bad actions of others. She also hopes it fights the stereotype that “strong” women don’t face such issues. “It’s not just weak (and) strong,” she said. “Probably more often than not, it’s not that at all – it’s what is your social situation? Do I have to take this because I don’t have a lot of other choices? I think that has gone on forever (and) I think that wage discrimination has gone on forever.” Lately, Meyers said many of her new endeavors are in the nonprofit world. One of her latest projects is Godhari Creations, which employs 30 women in India to make kantha cloth. The cloth is then used to make women’s clothing and in turn profits go back to the Indian women. Moreover, as a national board member of American Jewish Committee, Meyers said being Jewish impacts everything in her life, especially her lifelong interest in law and learning. “I think that the nature of the Jewish culture is education,” she said. “It’s using your head for problem solving – for making a better life for yourself, your family, for other people.”
When you hire Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill, you work directly with Sleggs, Danzinger and Gill. Each client is directly represented at all levels by a principal of the firm with a combined 75 years of experience. No pyramid, no associates, no onthe-job training. Our clients deserve the very best representation, so we structured our firm to allow each client, throughout the entire process, to work directly with Messrs. SLEGGS, DANZINGER and/or GILL. Our philosophy is to work cooperatively with school district and County officials to ensure that our clients pay the lowest possible real property tax obligations. If a fair resolution requires litigation, SLEGGS, DANZINGER & GILL have the depth of trial and appellate experience to handle the most complex valuation issues. Whether the valuation relates to large industrial plants, apartments, shopping centers, warehouses, office buildings, vacant land or any other type of commercial property, the faces above will ensure that you receive the best counsel, legal advice and litigation expertise. Todd W. Sleggs, Esq. tsleggs@sdglegal.net Member Firm
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46 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG
JANUARY 26, 2018
LOCAL LAWYERS
Aaron Minc
Tod Northman
ALYSSA SCHMITT | STAFF REPORTER @AlyssaSchmitCJN aschmitt@cjn.org |
ED CARROLL | STAFF REPORTER @EdCarrollCJN ecarroll@cjn.org |
While Aaron Minc was working at Sennett Fisher in Cleveland, just two years after he graduated from Case Western Reserve School of Law, he came across an internet defamation case that would lead him to opening one of the only firms dedicated to defamation removal law five years later.
Tod Northman said he landed in his specialty of aviation law by “pure chance.”
Minc LLC Attorney makes name for himself in internet defamation
During his time at Sennet Fisher, he was encouraged to find his own clients. One of those was a businessman who was defamed on a website called Ripoff Reports. Only court orders can offer relief to get the review out of the search result, which Minc was successful in doing. “It seemed like an accomplishment for being a second-year attorney,” said Minc, a Moreland Hills resident. “And when I looked at the website, I said, ‘Boy, there sure are a lot of people on Ripoff Report who probably need legal assistance and help with this.’” He soon started writing about this area of law online, which garnered him a lot of online traffic and his telephone didn’t stop ringing. About a year later, he joined Dinn Hochman & Potter, where he only handled internet defamation cases. As of Dec. 31, Minc opened his own practice exclusively devoted to the niche area of internet defamation. Though many law firms practice this area of law, his is the only one that focuses solely on it, he said. “It’s a brand-new area of law and I kind of self-created my own little niche,” he said. His office is in the office of Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis in Woodmere, where he previously worked. He will open an office in July on Pinecrest Drive in Orange. When he is pursuing his cases or going into courts, more likely than not, there is no precedent to look to, Minc said. “I get to figure out the way things should be pursued and how to go about it given the rules that we do have,” he said. Because there is no precedent in many of his cases, Minc has to convince the judge to side with him. “You deal with a lot of courts or jurisdictions and that’s where ultimately they may agree with you, but it takes a lot of convincing and they don’t make it easy,” he said. “They don’t know what the answer is either and their initial reaction is, ‘Well, that’s never been done before.’” Occasionally, Minc finds his requests denied, but that doesn’t discourage him
About Aaron
Specialty: Internet defamation Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel Favorite Jewish Movie: “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan” Favorite Jewish Celebrity: Larry David Favorite Jewish Food: Matzo ball soup Favorite Jewish Holiday: Chanukah Favorite Jewish Tradition: Shabbat Hobbies: Spending time with family, skiing and golfing from pursuing the case further. He questions the courts and by doing so, can be allotted a briefing or hearing. “Even the most conservative judges that don’t want to make new law, you get in front of them and you have a client there who has suffered a grave injustice ... you get people to change their minds pretty quickly,” he said. It’s an exciting area to practice, Minc said, and he likes the challenges the internet brings, like finding individuals who make anonymous posts online by subpoenaing websites for information. But the satisfaction he receives after helping a client continues to drive him. “You can really change someone’s life when you get something down because it’s something fake or false or incredibly intimate or private information posted online,” he said. “It’s almost like a heavy weight or a scarlet letter on them that they carried around with them every single day. Once you lift that, it’s a great relief to that person. They’re so thankful.” Publisher’s note: Aaron Minc is a member of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company Board of Directors.
Tucker Ellis LLP Jewish community attracts aviation attorney to Cleveland
Northman, an attorney with Tucker Ellis, got started in aviation law by helping a helicopter logging company in southern Oregon sell itself to a private equity firm, a deal Northman describes as “something that could have only happened in the late (1990s).” “I had an opportunity to work on that transaction as a baby lawyer and we did a great job, the client made a ton of money,” he said. Northman relocated his family from the West Coast to Shaker Heights in 2011 and joined Tucker Ellis shortly afterward. He’s originally from Oregon, but chose to come to Cleveland specifically for the Orthodox Jewish community. He said Portland has a “very small, very nice Jewish community,” but did not have an Orthodox high school, and moved his family in time for his eldest son to start school at Fuchs Mizrachi School in Beachwood. Most of his clients are outside of the Cleveland area, but he said the move exceeded his family’s expectations. “I have clients around the globe,” he said. “To them, it doesn’t matter where I am, because I’m available by phone or internet, regardless.” He said the most common requests he receives from clients in aviation law involve how to improve a product in a heavily regulated industry, such as aircraft and air travel. He said it takes an “enormous time and effort” to get things approved from the Federal Aviation Administration and other regulatory agencies, which Northman said is understandable, given the safety issues involved, but it keeps him busy. He said it brings him “enormous satisfaction” to know he’s doing his part to keep the skies safer. “I feel like my clients and I do make a difference in the world for good,” he said. “By and large, it’s all a benefit to society. People can go somewhere quicker, safer and haul more things faster.” Looking toward the future, Northman said the next big thing in aviation law isn’t a new type of aircraft, it’s artificial intelligence, which he said we’re already seeing with things such as autopilot and driverless vehicles.
About Tod
Specialty: Aviation law Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Favorite Jewish movie: “Above and Beyond” Favorite Jewish celebrity: Jerry Seinfeld Favorite Jewish food: Shakshuka Favorite Jewish holiday: Sukkot Favorite Jewish traditions: Building a Sukkot Hobbies: Exercising, reading and sports “One of the reasons I got interested about four years ago and really following and expanding to include artificial intelligence in my practice is because in aviation we’re seeing how powerful a force it’s already becoming,” he said, adding that even beyond drones, the technology is making leaps of advancement. “The power is extraordinary and it’s going to keep being that way for several more decades as the technology keeps improving.” However, there isn’t a lot of case law or regulation regarding artificial intelligence in existence today, which also helps keep Northam busy. “It is in a sense, the Wild West, except with aviation in particular, but I think this is also true of any autonomous vehicles here in the United States, the finger is always on the side of scale of safety,” he said. “If you can’t demonstrate something is safe, you can’t do it. So, it would be the Wild West but for the fact that you can’t operate (this technology) without authority.”
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CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 47
JANUARY 26, 2018
Andrew November Liner Legal Working with deaf speaks volumes for him BECKY RASPE | SPECIAL SECTIONS STAFF REPORTER @BeckyRaspeCJN braspe@cjn.org |
While studying at the University of Cincinnati, Andrew November witnessed a murder. Before then, he hadn’t thought of pursuing a career in the justice system, let alone one in law. He considers what happened a major turning point in his life. “I was actually arrested by the local police for trying to urge an off-duty officer to go to the scene,” he said. “We were at a Buffalo Wild Wings and I was a freshman. (The officer) refused to get up and go. So, I asked for his badge number and name and he arrested me for disorderly conduct. The charges were dropped and the officer was terminated. “At that point, I had not selected a major but it had such a profound impact on my life that I chose to go into criminal justice. I wanted to be an officer myself – but I took a legal course and that inspired me. You learn about advocating, and I realized I was advocating for that man who was killed. It just clicked with me then.” The other turning point in his career didn’t come until years later. In 2015, November already had been a disability attorney for seven years. He recalled being 13 years old and receiving his first kiss from a girl named Keri at summer camp. They lost touch, but reconnected online. The couple decided to meet in New York City, where she lived. Keri, who is now his wife, is deaf. He didn’t know the visit would lead to his involvement in the deaf community, which introduced him to their need for accommodating representation. “I’ll never forget,” he said. “We were on the subway and there was an announcement on the loudspeaker saying that we had to get off the train. (Keri) didn’t understand it because there were no visual indicators. She turned to me and said, ‘Welcome to my life as a deaf person.’ As I got to know her more, I was welcomed into the deaf community and being as I already had this foundation in litigation, it was a natural occurrence.” November said the deaf community has affected the work he does at Liner Legal. “Not only am I happily married, but it’s completely changed my life,” he said. “What I have been doing with the deaf community is to empower them and (help them) learn their rights. So many issues have happened with deaf individuals where they aren’t able to communicate.” This caused November to establish a
Dean Lee Fisher and the faculty and staff of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law congratulate our C|M|LAW Super Attorneys. Our outstanding alumni lead the city to greatness, and inspire C|M|LAW’s ongoing tradition of excellence and leadership. We are proud of you.
About Andrew
Specialty: Disability litigation Favorite Jewish movie: “The Frisco Kid” Favorite Jewish celebrity: Mel Brooks Favorite Jewish food: Bagels Favorite Jewish holiday: Chanukah. It brings me back to my childhood. Favorite Jewish tradition: My wife and I do our own version of Shabbat. What we take from it is the mindfulness aspect, so we like to be present for each other. We try to eliminate the screens and cellphones and celebrate our marriage and each other. Hobbies: Spending time with my wife, Keri. We have been married for almost a year. We both started new paths in April, so our time together can be limited. deaf-friendly legal network. “The attorneys hire interpreters and study to learn about deaf culture,” he said. “I didn’t know a single deaf person before my wife. I never thought one message to her two years ago would completely change everything I do in my practice.” As for his Jewish connection to his profession, November said he does it because Jewish people have been advocates for themselves and others in history. “It’s something in my blood and DNA that pushes me to advocate,” he said. “So that has, amongst other life events, given me the ability to advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves. I want to empower people in my practice.”
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48 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG
JANUARY 26, 2018
LOCAL LAWYERS
Miriam Pearlmutter
Steven Howard Roth
AMANDA KOEHN | STAFF REPORTER @AmandaKoehnCJN akoehn@cjn.org |
ED CARROLL | STAFF REPORTER @EdCarrollCJN ecarroll@cjn.org |
Pursuing an initial career as a school psychologist, Miriam Pearlmutter, now an associate at Walter Haverfield LLP, worked with attorneys representing parents and families requesting new services in school systems. That prompted her to attend law school, knowing she wanted to work in the realm of education law.
Steven Howard Roth describes his field simply, as transactional law, working on mergers and acquisitions.
Walter Haverfield LLP Education law podcast turns on new audiences
Now, along with a full work schedule of cases involving bullying, special education and First Amendment law, Pearlmutter recently created a podcast on her area of expertise, “Class act: Updates in education law,” with her colleague, Lisa Woloszynek. They discuss topics amongst themselves and invite other lawyers on the show as guests. “Basically, every few weeks we get together and talk about hot topics in education law,” Pearlmutter said, adding that they’ve done series on bullying, student discipline, special education and issues surrounding transgender students. Pearlmutter said the idea to create a podcast about education law stemmed from her interest in podcasts and realizing that one she’d want to listen to hadn’t been created yet. She pitched the idea to her firm around a year ago, and made the first few episodes from the office. It was time consuming at first because the lengthy production process fell on Pearlmutter and Woloszynek. However, soon they got a studio to record in that helped professionally produce the audio as well. “We are beginning to establish a pretty good base, we have probably at least 150 to 200 regular subscribers I would say,” Pearlmutter said, adding that the podcast is available on iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play, and a new episode comes out about every three weeks. “And that’s nationally and even internationally.” Outside the podcast, Pearlmutter said an active area in modern education law is school bullying. She said in the past six to 10 years, she’s seen an increase in bullying cases, while in the past such issues were viewed as between the school and students, and where courts did not have a place. She said increased emphasis on the impact of bullying on victims in the public sphere has likely caused courts to take a new view. “Typically, in the past bullying cases
About Miriam
Specialty: Education law Favorite Jewish movie: “The Zookeeper’s Wife” Favorite Jewish celebrity: Mayim Bialik Favorite Jewish food: Challah Favorite Jewish tradition: Lighting candles would not make it to the courts,” she said, adding that even a small number of cases making it to court inspire further cases to begin. A graduate of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in Columbus, Pearlmutter has worked on high-profile cases, including that against John Freshwater, a former teacher at Mount Vernon Middle School who was terminated for teaching creationism. In the case where Freshwater disputed his termination that went as high as the Ohio Supreme Court and which he unsuccessfully tried to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, Pearlmutter wrote a legal brief opposing the review of that appeal. “Ultimately, the Ohio Supreme Court determined he was terminated because of insubordination, not his religious beliefs,” she said. Moreover, Pearlmutter cited a weak economy when she decided to go to law school and questionable opportunity for lawyers at the time. Despite some lawyers she met talking negatively about law school while she was making her decision, she said she ultimately loved the experience. “I took the risk anyway and I’m really happy I did,” she said.
Dworken & Bernstein Courts successes in sports, entertainment industries
“I help people buy and sell businesses,” he said. “Anything with business. But the majority of my background is on the legal side of the sports and entertainment industry.” Roth grew up in Louisville, Ky., and played basketball competitively. He said he was good enough to play on an AAU all-star team that also featured four-time NBA All-Star Rajon Rondo, who plays with the New Orleans Pelicans. He said he had a passion for basketball and it helped determine what he wanted to do with his life. “The intersection of sports and law and entertainment and law seemed to be a good fit for me,” he said. Roth, who lives in Willoughby Hills, got a job working with the Cleveland Cavaliers as an undergrad in its group sales department and then got a job in public relations with the Cavs. He’s also worked for the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL, the NFL Players’ Association and a sports agency. He said his opportunities just continued to snowball as he met people. “Ultimately, there’s no such thing as ‘sports law,’ it’s law with a sports context,” Roth said. “The great thing about these experiences was it was such a broad-based experience.” He estimates that about 70 percent of his work is what he describes as “regular business” and the remainder is sports and entertainment-related matters. He said recently he has branched off into doing a lot of work involving music and reality television matters. He said “you’d be surprised” to find out how much is filmed in Cleveland and some of his most interesting work involves reality TV show contracts. “One of the problems with these reality shows is you’re giving up a lot to go on them,” he said. “They have a lot of clauses. (If you go on the show,) you’re waiving almost all liability.” Roth said dealing with entertainers isn’t always that glamorous, but they
About Steven
Specialty: Transactional law, working on mergers and acquisitions Synagogue: Temple Emanu El Favorite Jewish movie: “The Frisco Kid” Favorite Jewish celebrity: Adam Sandler Favorite Jewish food: Rugelach Favorite Jewish holiday: Chanukah Favorite Jewish tradition: Shabbat Hobbies: Basketball, soccer, exercising, weightlifting usually keep it interesting. “You never know the kind of issues that may come up,” he said. “It can be contract disputes, like with what (entertainers) want prior to going on stage, negotiating with venues regarding the split (of profits) … There’s a lot of interesting stuff.” He said he believes his faith has helped guide him into his career. “One of the things I love about Judaism is that you’re allowed to question things and be analytical and not just accept things,” he said. “It’s OK, you’re not shunned for not accepting things. That’s one of the things that’s kind of carried over how I operate as an individual and as a professional. I’m not silent about it, and the inquisitive nature of what Judaism encourages of finding you own path, I think that’s translated into how I practice law, and being open and accepting of all different clients.”
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Anna Leigh Seiger Hahn Loeser and Parks, LLP Building a career around construction cases ED CARROLL | STAFF REPORTER @EdCarrollCJN ecarroll@cjn.org |
Anna Leigh Seiger, an attorney with Hahn Loeser and Parks, LLP, has been practicing law for a little more than one year, and knew early in law school that she wanted to be a courtroom litigator, and experiences at Cleveland-Marshall School of Law like her time on Marshall’s moot court team reinforced her beliefs. “I knew I wanted to litigate and be in the courtroom,” she said. “What I didn’t realize before law school was how few cases actually go to trial. So that was a little bit of a surprise.” Seiger’s focus is complex commercial and business litigation, and she said she’s building a niche practice in construction litigation. In her field, she said she deals with non-compete clauses, transfers of real property, and representing a variety of individuals
CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 49
JANUARY 26, 2018
and companies in the construction industry, including owners, contractors, subcontractors, general contract managers and escrow agents, among other duties. She said she’s been getting more experience on the transactional side of her practice, too, doing day-to-day counseling with clients, advising how to prevent potential litigation and limit exposure. “I plan to build a litigation practice focused on complex commercial disputes and construction,” said Seiger, a Cleveland resident. “There’s a lot of construction work in Cleveland and I’m privileged to work with and learn from nationally renowned construction lawyers at (Hahn Loser and Parks). I think it will be a worthwhile career.” She said she felt her Judaism helped instill great moral character and values in her, which guides her to do the best work she can for her clients and to be a team player at her frim. “Judaism encourages questioning,”
About Anna
Specialty: Complex commercial and business litigation Favorite Jewish movie: “Inglourious Basterds” Favorite Jewish celebrity: Gal Gadot Favorite Jewish holiday: Chanukah Favorite Jewish tradition: The hora at a wedding Favorite Jewish food: Bagel with lox and cream cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers and capers Hobbies: Plays the role of sous chef at home, helping her husband cook in the kitchen, spending time with family, watching Netflix, also serves as a coach to Cleveland-Marshall’s moot court team. she said. “Judaism, encourages asking ‘why,’ and thinking critically. For example, The Four Questions asked on Passover. There’s always discussions to seek meaning and truth in the words of the text. I engage in the wrestling with the text every day, whether I’m interpreting a state or federal statue, regulation or case precedent. There are strict constructionists and others, like my hero (Supreme Court Justice) Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who believe in ‘a living Constitution.’” As a younger lawyer, Seiger said she
takes steps to help herself stand out against some of her more experienced colleagues. “I take the approach that every case that I’m assigned to is my case,” she said. “Every single detail with respect to the case – I know the relevant facts, I know the clients, I’m invested and involved in the case. When I call the client and have a conversation about their case and can clearly articulate the issues and answer their questions, I believe that fosters clients confidence, and that makes me stand out as a young lawyer.”
Stronger together. Congratulations to the attorneys selected to the 2018 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Special recognition goes out to Michael N. Ungar who, for the sixth consecutive year, is ranked among the Top 10 in Ohio and Top 5 in Cleveland. Cleveland
Candice Musiek Capoziello* Inajo Davis Chappell Robert E. Chudakoff Timothy J. Downing Jeffrey S. Dunlap William D. Edwards Bill J. Gagliano
Cincinnati
Reuel D. Ash Kimberly L. Beck* John F. Bennett Paul J. (PJ) Cosgrove
Columbus
Alexander M. Andrews
Stephanie M. Glavinos* Frances Floriano Goins James A. Goldsmith Daniel A. Gottesman* Howard M. Groedel Manju Gupta Lori A. Pittman Haas
Richard T. Hamilton, Jr. Richard G. Hardy Paul R. Harris* Stephen H. Jett Mark D. Katz Joshua A. Klarfeld James N. Kline
David W. Leopold J. Matthew Linehan* Mary Forbes Lovett Amanda Martinsek Daniela Paez* Stanley D. Prybe* Kip Reader
Jennifer Monty Rieker* Peter A. Rome Patricia A. Shlonsky Andrea Stone* Stephanie Dutchess Trudeau Michael S. Tucker Michael N. Ungar
Frederick M. Erny Megan B. Gramke* K.C. Green John M. Hands
James D. Houston Lisa Marlo Kuhnell* Michael A. Marrero Jeffrey F. Peck
Eric M. Robbins Gina M. Saelinger Frederic X. (Fritz) Shadley Yvette R. Simpson*
Michael J. Suffern Joseph P. Thomas Vance V. VanDrake, III*
Sarah Miller Benoit*
Matthew T. Wholey* Frederick N. Widen Nicholas B. Wille*
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50 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG
LOCAL LAWYERS
JANUARY 26, 2018
Ari Sherwin
Michael Shroge
AMANDA KOEHN | STAFF REPORTER @AmandaKoehnCJN akoehn@cjn.org |
BECKY RASPE | SPECIAL SECTIONS STAFF REPORTER @BeckyRaspeCJN braspe@cjn.org |
With a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in anatomy, Ari Sherwin never anticipated going into law. It wasn’t until he ruled out medical school and began to see his wife’s work in law school that he realized the field might be a way to merge his interests.
When he was growing up, Michael Shroge said he wanted to become a professor of Eastern European history. While aspiring to become a professor, he became a professional figure skater, representing the United States nationally and internationally.
“I was able to incorporate my love of the sciences into a legal profession and (intellectual property) seemed like the perfect choice,” he said. Intellectual property encompasses copyrights, trademarks and patents. As corporate counsel in intellectual property at Sherwin-Williams, the paint and coating manufacturing company, Sherwin said he works to protect technology the company’s research and design team comes up with, as well as branding trademarks created by its marketing team. “I like to say that I’m one of the few attorneys people like to see because people are excited to see me to protect our ideas,” he said. Before Sherwin-Williams, Sherwin said he worked first in litigation and then with a boutique intellectual property firm, adding that it was always interesting to work with diverse clientele, like independent investors, stay-at-home mothers and “weekend warriors,” on protecting inventions or ideas. When he was in private practice, Sherwin said a notable client was Tamir Goodman – an American-Israeli basketball player known as the “Jewish Jordan.” Sherwin said in addition to doing work on Goodman’s sports-related invention, he also worked with former Cleveland Brown Al “Bubba” Baker on protecting an invention. Baker later “hooked a shark” – or got prominent investors – on the television show “Shark Tank,” for the invention, which is a method of de-boning a slab of ribs that keeps the meat intact. Sherwin said challenges in intellectual property law today revolve around the quick spread of information on the internet – protecting an idea has to be done efficiently to prevent a competitor from doing the same thing or taking the idea and improving upon it. Moreover, Sherwin said he deals with issues of counterfeit, particularly in China. In the future, Sherwin said he believes
“I didn’t see myself (becoming a lawyer),” he said. “When I moved back to Cleveland after living away for a long time, I was coaching. It was the influence of a number of adults that I coached, who not only through my respect for them as people over several years of hearing what they do and what they accomplished in their legal careers that it motivated me to go get a law degree.” Shroge said when he recalls those days, he finds similarities with his sports and his legal careers. “There is a lot of overlap there,” he said. “The amount of focus and time that goes into me being a competitive athlete is directly applicable to what I do now in my career. The same amount of focus, time and commitment to work on a legal matter is no different from the time and preparation required to be prepared for a competitive event.” Shroge said he doesn’t regret switching careers – and the favorite part of being an attorney is representing a client at trial. “I like working trials because it takes so much preparation and focus that it reminds me of my days when I was skating,” he said. “Another overlap for me is that a lot of young lawyers are afraid of standing up in front of juries and a judge in a big room,” he said. “Speaking publicly can be a bit overwhelming. But in my experience competing in large arenas with thousands of people, it never really dawned on me that I should be afraid of (the courtroom) setting.” But Shroge didn’t always defend victims of medical malpractice. He started as a defense attorney, defending doctors and hospitals against claims. As his career developed, he decided to focus on defense to learn about the other side of the claims he often fought against. “At my first firm, they gave me a choice of what I wanted to do,” he said. “After having worked with a number
Sherwin-Williams Science background helps to protect intellectual property
About Ari
Specialty: Intellectual property Favorite Jewish movie: “The Frisco Kid” Favorite Jewish celebrity: Jonas Salk Favorite Jewish food: Falafel on the beach in Tel Aviv Favorite Jewish tradition: Eating latkes on Chanukah Hobbies: Playing sports with his wife and son trademarking and trade secrets will increase, and obtaining patents could decrease because its more expensive to patent something than to keep it a trade secret. “Patents are very expensive to get,” he said. “They are even more expensive to enforce because if someone copies or infringes on your patent you have to file a suit or send a cease and desist letter. And thirdly, it is actually getting easier to invalidate a patent.” Sherwin added that whether the shift toward trademarks is positive has to do with the complexity of the item or process. “The basic formula is if it’s easy to reverse engineer something, if you can figure out how to make it on your own, then you want to patent it because with a patent you can prevent someone from doing your invention or making your invention for about 20 years,” he said. “But if it’s tough for someone to figure out what it is that you have, then (if you) keep it a trade secret you don’t have to spend money on filing (a patent), on enforcing it, on defending it and on litigation.”
Plevin & Gallucci From the ice arena to courtroom, he doesn’t skip a beat
About Michael
Specialty: Plaintiff’s medical negligence Favorite Jewish movie: “The Jazz Singer” Favorite Jewish celebrity: Sarah Silverman Favorite Jewish food: Gefilte fish Favorite Jewish holiday: Rosh Hashanah Favorite Jewish tradition: Our tradition at home is over Chanukah to make sure that every night my wife and kids are together to not only light candles but to say the prayers and to spend a little bit of time together. Hobbies: Spending time with my family. of senior lawyers and learning about medicine and what I call ‘the miracle of medicine,’ I was in awe of what doctors do and how medicine is provided. Now, I’ve switched sides, so now I pursue claims against doctors. But, I do it with an eye toward pursuing cases where I truly believe they could’ve done better and that they’ve failed their patient.” Shroge said he finds himself right where he’s supposed to be. “My identity is community-based,” he said. “We are, from a Jewish perspective, part of a larger community and I think we have a responsibility to the larger community. My work as a lawyer is committed to trying to make our community safer and better and to protect the members of the community that I represent.”
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JANUARY 26, 2018
Marc Stolarsky
Marc Stolarsky Law LLC Battling opponents, cancer make him a winner
We are honored to be named 2018 Ohio Super Lawyers®
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When Marc Stolarsky was 14 years old, he realized the job he wanted involved his mind not as much as his hands. After watching his father perform carpentry work and come home tired every night, he decided that wasn’t for him. “I wanted to do something at some higher level than the typical job, to use my mind and help people and change things for them,” he said. “At first, I wanted to be a writer. I still write though. I wrote a book called ‘Animal Law in the Bible.’ I wanted to be a photographer, too. My mom always told me that when I wore a suit I looked like a little attorney. I didn’t go to school right away, not until I was 30. And now it’s been 22 years.” Midway through his law journey in 2000, Stolarsky learned he had Stage 4b Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. “I had to go through 32 weeks of therapy,” he said. “In 2002, they then found a swollen lymph node and it tested positive (for cancer). I chose to do a stem cell transplant because I didn’t have anything to lose.” After his surgery, Stolarsky said he didn’t want to miss out on practicing law. So, while in recovery, he practiced law from his hospital room and later from home. “It’s almost like you’re poisoned from chemotherapy and you have to recover,” he said. “I recovered very well. It takes a lot of time to recover and takes a lot out of you. During that time, I worked for the court and I was able to work out of office. That was the best thing possible, as I didn’t want to be in court and get exposed to germs.” He said he opted to specialize in probate and estate planning because he finds they are “very positive areas of the law.” “They help people,” he said. “It’s not just arguing with people or disputes. It can be positive. A lot of disputes have people stressed out and crying. But, if you can do anything in a positive way, I feel like I’m helping people, though it’s sad stuff.” Although no specific case jumps out as a turning point in his career, Stolarsky said each case is a learning experience. “Patience is about 90 percent of what I do,” he said. “So, being able to communicate with people is the best part
Stephen L. Kadish
Matthew F. Kadish
Kevin M. Hinkel
David G. Weibel
Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyer Top 50 Cleveland Super Lawyer
Dean M. Rooney
Margaret M. Metzinger
Daniel P. Hinkel Ohio Rising Star
About Marc
Specialty: Probate, estate planning and family law Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid Favorite Jewish television show: “Seinfeld” Favorite Jewish movie: “Fiddler on the Roof” Favorite Jewish celebrity: Albert Einstein Favorite Jewish food: My mother’s homemade latkes and matzo ball soup. Favorite Jewish holiday: Chanukah, but Passover is a close second. Favorite Jewish tradition: I think prayer/praying for others. Hobbies: Working out, attending theater, seeing movies and traveling for me. Sometimes they get so stressed that they can’t hear you, so it’s about how I’m not the boss but my clients are. With every case, I become a better attorney. I know I am doing the right thing by being patient with clients.” Stolarsky said his Jewish identity is one of the reasons why he is compassionate and understanding with his clients. “There are different kinds of attorneys but I think all Jewish ones are very caring and sensitive people because of our heritage’s history,” he said. “We almost feel a duty to do the right thing and help people. That’s what drove me the most. To be an attorney must mean to be a good attorney.”
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Jeffrey A. Leikin, Esq. is the founder of the litigation firm of Jeffrey Leikin Esq., LLC. and has worked for over thirty years protecting the rights of his clients and their families. The firm is handling matters involving personal injury that includes wrongful death, medical negligence, nursing home liability, automobile, motorcycle and trucking accident cases. Consultation is free. Give us a call or visit our website at leikinlegal.com.
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JANUARY 26, 2018
LOCAL LAWYERS
Larry Zukerman
Cleveland’s Leading Personal Injury Firm
James A. Lowe
Gregory S. Scott
Pushing For Higher Standards of Accountability and Fairness for Those Who Need it the Most.
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With more than 40 years’ worth of impressive courtroom wins, including has transformed tough litigation into an art form. Known as a top plaintiffs’ practice, our specialties include representing those injured by motor vehicle design defects, medical malpractice, birth injuries, consumer and commercial class actions, legal malpractice, traumatic brain injury, nursing home abuse and more. We leverage our breadth of experience to take on the most challenging personal injury cases, always striving for justice by pushing for higher standards of accountability and fairness for those who need it the most.
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Zukerman Daiker & Lear Death threats just part of the job for attorney who defended an imam ED CARROLL | STAFF REPORTER @EdCarrollCJN ecarroll@cjn.org |
Larry Zukerman, an attorney with Zukerman Daiker & Lear in Cleveland, describes his work as “handling people in crisis.”
“We take cases usually from the perception of when a criminal complaint is lodged against an individual and/or any type of action is taken against a professional’s license,” he said. “We aggressively investigate and defend at the beginning in the hope that no charges are brought or no action is taken against our client’s license.” He said the skills used in a criminal complaint or a complaint against a license are different. “In one instance, you’re dealing with a police department and/or a prosecutor’s office, and in the other instance you’re dealing with a state administrative agency and/or an investigative agency,” he said. “You have to know the rules of all the areas in which you practice and the law so that you can effectively and aggressively present your case as it applies to those unique laws and show the prosecuting or investigating body there’s no reason to proceed against your client.” Zukerman said he’s worked many criminal cases involving professional athletes, judges, other lawyers and doctors, however he said many of those instances where cases where no charges were brought forth against his clients, so he cannot discuss them. “Those are the best victories,” he said. He said he knows there are many who would question why he would defend people accused of crimes and he’s experienced the questioning himself. He said about 14 years ago, he was representing an imam of a mosque in the Cleveland area who was charged with making false statements. “As a result of that, there was a lot of fallout in the Jewish community for me and my family,” Zukerman said. “I was removed from several Jewish boards. Some people had asked the Solomon Schechter Day School to remove my children from the school. It was quite disheartening. And the person who came to my defense was Rabbi Jim Rogozen, who at that time was the headmaster of Solomon Schechter Day School. And he said I was doing what the Torah
About Larry
Synagogues: Solon Chabad and Beachwood Kehilla Favorite Jewish movie: Everything Mel Brooks or “Inglourious Basterds” Favorite Jewish celebrity: Howard Stern Favorite Jewish holiday: Sukkot Favorite Jewish tradition: Shabbat dinner with family Hobbies: Skiing, working in real estate and motor boating commands that we do. Our job is not to prosecute, but to defend people.” Zukerman said he and his family received death threats during that case and he needed to hire security to protect the perimeter of his house and for his son’s bar mitzvah, which was around the same time. But Zukerman said he tells people that his clients are all presumed innocent under the Constitution. “If justice works, it will work one way or the other, it’s not my job to put people in jail, it’s my job to ensure that the process for my client works,” he said. “And that’s what I do. I fight very hard for my clients, tirelessly.” He cited his immigrant grandparents and great-grandparents, who originally came from Poland, as large reasons for his attitude toward his work. “(They) instilled in me a desire to help other people not be persecuted similarly as we were over in Europe,” he said. “That instilled in me a desire to fight hard for people because nobody fought for us.”
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FTC has consumers’ interest in forefront fighting scams ALYSSA SCHMITT | STAFF REPORTER aschmitt@cjn.org | @AlyssaSchmitCJN
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eceiving a call from an unknown number and hearing a recording announce an all-expense paid cruise ship is a familiar occurrence for some individuals. In 2016, data collected by the Federal Trade Commission showed the Cleveland metropolitan area made 9,368 complaints of fraud or other consumer complaints like a telephone scam. This number of complaints put Cleveland at No. 65 of 379 large metropolitan areas with a population of 100,000 or more. Steiger While some individuals may know a phone call from an unknown number is likely a scam, many may not be aware that just picking up the phone is playing into the scam’s plan. “Don’t engage with the caller,” said Jon Steiger, the director of the FTC East Central region in downtown Cleveland. “Sometimes they’re trying to scam you into paying money, sometimes they’re just trying to collect information from you. That information could be as simple this is an active telephone number and a male answers the phone.” The region covers Ohio, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
Steiger said whomever is making that call can take the information gathered and sell it to other companies. He recommends not answering the phone if a number is unknown. Further, he said, if an individual answers, do not ask for a manager or to be placed on their no call list. “If you’re in a situation where you feel like you need to answer (the phone,) if it is a scam, just hang up,” said Steiger, a member of B’nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike. “Don’t press 1 to be added to their (no call) list.” If the individual receiving the call follows directions, that means the “scammer can then say, ‘OK, this 216-555-1234 number is a working number and it’s answered by a man and that person is willing to follow instructions,’” he said. This information can then be sold to another company and lead to more phone calls. Although nothing can act as a perfect shield to these calls, Steiger said to add phone numbers to the do not call list at donotcall.gov. The FTC spends 90 percent of its time litigating against scams, freezing assets and trying to recover as much money as possible for victims, Steiger said. But the other part of its job is to continue educating the public and the best way to do so is for individuals to share information with their friends and family. “What we find, the best way to get the information out there is for people to share what they learn with their family and friends,” he said. “Make sure they
know the information the Federal Trade Commission has and the advice we can give because it carries more weight when someone you know tells you about a scam.”
5 ways to prevent a scam
1 2 3 4 5
Take your time dealing with a company, call or email. Scammers know to incite a quick response, which may lead to a poor decision. Look into things independently from what a message or email is telling you. Do not pay with gift cards because the FTC will not be able to trace it. Do not click on links or attachments in an email unless you recognize the sender or you know it is legitimate. If you do think you’re a victim of a scam, report it to ftc.gov/complaint Source: Jon Steiger, FTC
Medical negligence requires attorney’s expertise BECKY RASPE | SPECIAL SECTIONS STAFF REPORTER braspe@cjn.org | @BeckyRaspeCJN
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ccording to the Journal of the American Medical Association, medical negligence is the third-leading cause of death in the United States. The Association for Safe International Road Travel says nearly 1.3 million people die in road crashes each year, the ninth-leading cause of death in the U.S. Jeffrey Friedman, founding partner at Friedman, Domiano, and Smith in Cleveland, and Art Elk, managing member of Elk & Elk in Mayfield Heights, said if Elk a medical emergency occurs, the victim should immediately contact a lawyer. “A lawyer can help find answers about what happened,” Elk said. “You may or may not have a case, but getting an experienced lawyer can help you find out what occurred and provide options to those affected.” Friedman Friedman said although the statute of limitations differ for medical negligence, which is one year after the event or date of discovery, and auto accidents, which is two years after the date of the accident, the actions the victim or their family could take are similar.
“If you’re in an accident, you should immediately get pictures, call the police, get a report and call your lawyer,” he said. “My biggest piece of advice is to first take care of yourself, whether it be going to the hospital or what have you. In today’s world, everyone has a cell phone. So, don’t hesitate to take those photos.” Elk said a lawyer can show the families options and explain why an attorney may or may not pursue a case further. “Many of the cases we get pitched to us aren’t bad results, but they aren’t something we can pursue as a case,” he said. “If it’s determined to be a meritorious case, we have an experienced team of injury and malpractice lawyers and they can review the case files. These cases are not easy – they tend to be difficult because of the hospitals and physicians, but we get underneath and dig deeper and get the right experts to help with that.” Both lawyers noted many victims of medical or accidental injuries hesitate to pursue justice because they fear a big price tag comes with consulting an attorney. Both also said that isn’t true because clients only pay a legal team if a ruling is in their favor. “Injury firms like ours work on a contingency-fee basis,” Elk said. “What this means is we only get paid if we have a successful outcome. And then it’s only a percentage. If we don’t get a good outcome, no matter how much money was spent in the litigation process, we eat those expenses and we charge the clients nothing. There is no downside risk.” Friedman said, “Since it doesn’t cost, why not
have someone take a look (at the case)? Most cases are settled. For example, the insurance company could offer you five cents but the lawyer could get you $5 because the lawyer presents a threat. So, you’re better off pursuing a case. If there is nothing there, the lawyer will tell you.” According to Friedman, there is a chance that everyone will experience a medical emergency at least once in their life. “It happened to me,” he said, talking about a car accident he was involved in in1964. “You get into an accident and you miss things because of the stress. That’s why a different set of eyes is helpful. There is so much going on, the smallest pieces get forgotten in the excitement.”
• Tax Lawyer • Tax Advice • Specialty in partnerships and LLCs • IRS controversies • Estate Planning • 20-year Tax Law professor at Case Western Reserve University Law School • Former Administrative Director of Case Western Reserve University Law School Graduate Tax Program
CALL TODAY! (216) 591-1054 30195 Chagrin Blvd. Suite 100W • Pepper Pike, Ohio 44124 (216) 591-1054 • tomh@thausmanlaw.com
54 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG
JANUARY 26, 2018
LOCAL LAWYERS
Environmental lawyers talk hot topics, changes in the field AMANDA KOEHN | STAFF REPORTER @AmandaKoehnCJN akoehn@cjn.org |
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nvironmental law is always changing depending on government administrations and enforcement, however, that’s what keeps it interesting to local environmental lawyers. “I love how it is constantly changing and providing challenges,” said Heidi B. Friedman, partner at Thompson Hine. “Environmental law does not stay static, there are always new regulations and programs all the time. And so, it provides a real opportunity to partner with clients, and you get the ability to learn their business and what their business goals are, so you can counsel them on these complex issues.” Kevin D. Margolis, partner at Benesch, said his work often revolves around corporate and real estate transactions and managing
Friedman
Margolis
environmental regulatory liability risks. He works with both the federal and state Environmental Protection agencies, and one specific concern statewide is human health and safety regulations in light of lead water contamination in Flint, Mich. “The lead in the drinking water in Michigan I think brought a lot of attention to the state regulators,” said Margolis, who belongs to The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood. “What those regulators who aren’t in Michigan basically said (was), ‘We don’t want to be in their shoes
someday.’” Moreover, both lawyers said environmental regulations enforced depend on priorities of the federal government. They said while former President Barack Obama’s administration focused on air compliance, President Donald Trump’s administration has focused on site cleanups and superfund sites – sites that have contaminated and hazardous pollutants and the government has created funding to clean up. “The compliance issues tend to shift with the administration, so right now, superfunds and cleanup is a priority, but generally just how the administration is going to handle these various regulatory schemes is a very hot topic,” said Friedman, also a member of the Temple. Margolis also said he’s seen Trump’s administration’s interest in site cleanup, but much action has not taken place. However, future
regulations implemented are likely to be based around propelling business opportunities, he said. What’s next in the field? Although that also depends on the administration, Margolis said some hot areas include continuing to clean up brownfield sites – areas that were once home to an industry the contaminated the land and were redeveloped for construction of something else – and addressing climate change. “Depending on the political imperative, I think greenhouse gases and climate change are always going to be on the agenda,” he said. “I think continuing clean-up of brownfield sites, or these dirty sites, will continue ... with practical approaches to clean-up that are protective about human health and safety, and still encourage development.”
Judge Polster thrust into spotlight with opioid lawsuits ALYSSA SCHMITT | STAFF REPORTER @AlyssaSchmitCJN aschmitt@cjn.org |
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ulti-district litigation has gradually taken a front role in creating law and policy. The tactic was used when handling multiple cases filed against tobacco companies and is being adapted to handle the opioid epidemic. U.S. District Judge Dan Polster is presiding over 200 lawsuits filed in federal courts nationwide that accuse drug manufacturers and distributors of heavily contribution to the opioid epidemic. He was selected to fill the role by the panel on multidistrict litigation, which is composed of federal judges across the county. The result of these cases has great significance in future policy changes, said Lee Fisher, dean and professor of law at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. “What can happen in these particular drug cases is likely going to result in public policy changes on the federal and state levels,” he said. “It has a much greater level of importance and implication than your average case.” Polster’s reputation throughout Cleveland and the nation made him a logical pick to preside over the lawsuits,
Fisher
Katz
Fisher said. “He is thoughtful, is fair and pushes the parties to reach an equitable settlement,” said Lewis Katz, professor of law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland. While being fair and thoughtful, he’s also able to see the effect his decision can have. “What they look for are people who can see the forest, not just the trees, and who can see the larger landscape and what the potential public policy implications are,” Fisher said. “Judge Polster has that ability to do that and I’m sure it wasn’t by accident that they singled him out for this very prestigious role.” Fisher said he thinks this is just the beginning of multi-district litigation taking on nationwide issues and will have more precedential value for
Judge Dan Polster poses in his office earlier this month in Cleveland. | AP Photo / Tony Dejak
similar cases in the future. The Cleveland Jewish News reached Polster, a member of Congregation Shaarey Tikvah in Beachwood and
Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights and Pepper Pike by telephone, but he was unable to comment on ongoing litigation.
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JANUARY 26, 2018
A look at Ohio’s law schools The University of Akron School of Law C. Blake McDowell Law Center Akron, OH 44325-2901 330-972-7111 Dean: Christopher J. (C.J.) Peters uakron.edu/law lawadmissions@uakron.edu Tuition: Ohio residents: $24,214 per year full time; $14,819 per year part time. Nonresidents: $24,314 per year full time; $14,919 per year part time. Enrollment: 469 Full-time faculty: 22 Instructors: 70 Law courses offered: 114 Percentage of students who receive job offers upon graduation: The American Bar Association and the National Association for Law Placement measure employment status as of 10 months after graduation. For the class of 2016, 90.5 percent of Akron Law graduates who reported their status were employed within 10 months of graduation. What makes your law school unique: Akron law school offers outstanding legal training with flexible options at an affordable cost. Students can take advantage of our nationally recognized programs in bar preparation, trial advocacy, intellectual property, criminal law and clinical education, as well as our Asian study abroad experience and our offerings in public interest law and social justice. Full- and part-time JD programs start in January, May or August. Tuition for both Ohio residents and nonresidents is under $25,000 per year. Capital University Law School 303 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215 614-236-6500 Dean: Rachel M. Janutis law.capital.edu rjanutis@law.capital.edu Tuition: $37,021 full-time tuition and fees for 2018-19 Enrollment: 417
Full-time faculty: 24 Instructors: 77 Law courses offered: 96 Percentage of students who receive job offers upon graduation: Class of 2016 had 85 percent employment 10 months after graduation What makes your law school unique: Capital University Law School combines a unique location, a commitment to real-world learning and a studentcentered philosophy to provide a distinct learning environment. Capital is located in downtown Columbus. Its proximity to courts, government agencies, corporations and law firms allows Capital to provide real-world learning opportunities that help students jump-start their careers. Capital’s comprehensive curriculum balances practice and theory. Capital’s faculty and staff provide students the individual attention necessary to ensure success. Case Western Reserve University School of Law 11075 East Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44106-7148 216-368-3283 Co-Deans: Jessica Berg and Michael Scharf law.case.edu law.case.edu/Home/Contact-Us Tuition: $50,500 Enrollment: 412 JD students plus 164 SJD and LLM students Full-time faculty: 45 Adjunct professors: 50 Law courses offered: 128 Percentage of students who receive job offers upon graduation: 93 percent What makes your law school unique: Celebrating 125 years of educating lawyers, CWRU School of Law is a national leader in experiential education, with nationally ranked programs in health law, international law, intellectual property law, business law and public interest law. Our faculty is ranked 25th best in the nation by the Sisk-Leiter study of scholarly impact. This year, CWRU had the highest bar pass rate in the state
at 93 percent and 93 percent of our 2016 grads were employed within 10 months of graduation. Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Cleveland State University 1801 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115 216-687-2344 Dean Lee Fisher law.csuohio.edu Lee.fisher@csuohio.edu Tuition $27,209 Enrollment: 359 Full-time faculty: 32 Total instructors: 89 Number of law courses offered: 213 Percentage of students who receive job offers upon graduation: 59.1 percent What makes your law school unique: We are Cleveland’s “brain-gain” law school. Most of Cleveland’s judges and lawyers graduated from our 120-year-old law school. We stand out for our affordable tuition, state-of-the art facilities, thriving downtown university campus, practical hands-on experiential opportunities, industry-aligned cybersecurity, health law and global space law centers, technologically advanced trial courtroom, solo practice incubator and learning commons, the region’s first master of legal studies program and leadership education that prepares you not only to be a lawyer, but also a leader. University of Dayton School of Law Keller Hall, 300 College Park Dayton, OH 45469-2772 937-229-3555 Dean: Andrew Strauss udayton.edu/law lawinfo@udayton.edu Tuition: $33,321 Enrollment: 276 Full-time faculty: 23 Instructors: 105 Number of law courses offered: 80 Percentage of students who receive job offers upon graduation: 35 percent at
graduation; 88.5 percent at 10 months post-graduation What makes your law school unique: The University of Dayton School of Law is a special place because of its people. You see it in the students who don’t just compete but collaborate, the faculty who truly care how you do in their class, the staff who support you long after you’ve graduated and the alumni who want to make sure you have the opportunities to succeed. Our graduates leave with a law degree and connections that will last a lifetime. Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law 525 S. Main St. Ada, OH 45810 419-772-2211 Interim Dean: David Crago law.onu.edu lawadmissions@onu.edu Tuition: $28,250 Enrollment: 160 Full-time faculty: 24 Instructors: 14 Number of law courses offered: 100 Percentage of students who receive job offers upon graduation: 79 percent What makes your law school unique: At the Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law, students develop skills to make a difference. Our national reputation of historically high outcomes, combined with the most affordable private law school tuition in the Midwest, makes ONU Law an incredible value for any student. Our low, 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures individualized instruction and a 100 percent guarantee for 12 legal clinics and externships allows students to enhance their legal education. The Cleveland Jewish News asked law schools in Ohio to complete questionnaires. Some did not return them.
Ohio State Bar Foundation awards funds to Akron JFSA, others
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he Ohio State Bar Foundation awarded a total of $386,953 to 10 projects in Ohio, including $11,925 to the Jewish Family Services of Akron. The award will fund its volunteer guardian handbook, which includes best practices and hands-on techniques for new recruits. Each project fulfills the OSBF mission of promoting the pursuit of justice and public understanding of the law. The awards are: • $120,000 to Law and Leadership Institute to support the second year of its 10th grade start pilot project, which provides students with instruction and
mentoring from lawyers, judges and others in the legal community • $75,000 to Catholic Charities Corp. for its Immigration Legal Assistance for Vulnerable Populations program, which works to meet the needs of those at risk of detention and criminalization of immigration issues • $12,200 to Disability Rights of Ohio to translate online documents and legal forms into Spanish and Somali for increased accessibility • $48,000 to Equality Ohio Education Fund to support its LGBTQ legal clinic • $8,732 to the Ohio State University
Foundation for the creation and distribution of a compilation of Ohio’s legal history • $36,360 to Operation Legal Help Ohio for its veterans’ outreach initiative, which includes specialized attorney education, legal assistance, volunteer recruitment and veteran community education • $26,636 to the Ohio University Foundation for its Summer Law & Trail Institute, which is geared toward southeastern Ohio high school students and provides a residential experience to increase understanding of the law • $32,000 to Legal Aid Society for
its partnership with Columbus State Community College to provide legal support and advocacy to low-income students • $16,100 to Towards Employment to increase access to certificate of qualifications for employment. Foundation trustees consider proposals twice a year. The deadline for submitting grant applications for 2018 consideration is 5 p.m. Feb. 15. For more information, visit osbf.org or contact Julia Wyche at jwyche@osbf.net.
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LOCAL LAwyers
Briskin named managing partner at Meyers Roman JACOB CRAMER
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eth P. Briskin has been named managing partner of Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis, effective Jan. 1. Fellow partners Bryan J. Dardis and Jenifere R. Singleton have been elected to leadership positions on the firm’s management committee. Briskin, a Pepper Briskin
Pike resident who earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1995, will have responsibilities which include working with Dardis and Singleton to provide strategic direction, oversee the firm and its business operations and continue cultivating an entrepreneurial culture. Since joining the firm in 2006 as a partner, Briskin has chaired the labor and employment group for 10 years and served on its management committee for three years. He also has held a seat on the executive boards of the Cleveland Leadership Center, American Jewish
Committee, Beachwood Chamber of Commerce and the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company. He is the third and youngest managing partner in the firm’s history. He succeeds Peter Turner, who stepped down after six years, but will continue serving as chair of the firm’s civil and commercial litigation practice, and founding partner Anne Meyers. “Peter has done a tremendous job successfully navigating the firm during his tenure as managing partner and I look forward to building on the accomplishments both he and Anne
have made to meet the needs of our expanding client base,” said Briskin in a news release. “I’m also excited to work with my colleagues on the management committee to explore strategic growth opportunities, ensure that our firm’s members are maintaining exceptional client services and to further instill a firm-centric culture of inclusion, camaraderie, reward for hard work and service to the community.”
Jacob Cramer is the Yoda Newton Editorial Intern at the Cleveland Jewish News.
Firms announce new partners, shareholders FRANTZ WARD LLP Attorneys Michael Frantz and Melissa Jones became partners, effective Jan. 1. Frantz has been with the firm for more than six years and practices in the construction industry. He has experience with assisting his clients with any issues, like preparing and reviewing contract documents, developing and implementing risk avoidance procedures, closing out projects and managing product-related claims such as breach of contract claims, delay and acceleration claims, differing site condition claims and defective work/ defective design claims. Frantz received his Juris Doctor from Villanova University School of Law in Villanova, Pa., and his bachelor’s degree with high honors from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. Jones has practiced with Frantz Ward for more than 17 years after teaching internationally and initially served in an administrative role while attending law school. She specializes in creditor’s rights, with a focus on commercial credit management, complex collection and default remedies to assist businesses within the health care, surety, manufacturing and waste management industries. Jones received her Juris Doctor from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and her bachelor’s degree with honors from The Ohio State University in Columbus. Frantz Ward is in downtown Cleveland. HAHN LOESER & PARKS LLP Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP elected Christina T. Hassel to partnership based on her professional achievements at the firm, her legal experience and her commitment to clients. Hassel practices commercial litigation in the Cleveland office. She also has experience negotiating commercial agreements in areas like information technology, real estate leasing, intellectual
property, licensing, marketing and human resources. “We are excited to elevate Christina to the partnership here at Hahn Loeser,” said Stanley R. Groom III, partner-in-charge of the Cleveland office. “Christina is a dedicated lawyer who develops unique solutions to her clients’ complex litigation needs as we look forward to her continued success. Hassel earned her law degree and her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in Columbus. Hahn Loeser & Parks is in Cleveland. MEYERS, ROMAN, FRIEDBERG & LEWIS Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis promoted Anne Fantelli to partner. Fantelli has been a member of the divorce and family law group since 2014. In addition to traditional family law matters, she has experience in drafting prenuptial agreements. “We are so proud to add Anne to leadership at Meyers Roman,” said Barbara Roman, chair of the firm’s divorce and family law practice. “Anne’s legal skills bring significant depth to our family law team. As partner, she will further promote the firm’s strong commitment to our clients and their families.” Fantelli received her bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Ind., master’s degree in public policy from H. John Heinz School of Public Policy at Carnegie Melon in Pittsburgh and her law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis is in Woodmere. REMINGER CO., LPA Reminger Co., LPA elevated six attorneys: Arthur Brumett II, Kenneth Finley, Jennifer Jabroski, Taylor Knight, Danielle Lewis and Acacia Brush Perko to shareholder status. Brumett practices in the Cleveland
office and provides counsel to employers dealing with day-to-day human resources issues, revises and drafts employee handbooks to ensure businesses stay compliant with the frequent changes in employment laws and handles directors and officer’s liability defense matters. Knight practices in the Toledo office and specializes in areas like medical malpractice, professional liability, oil, natural gas, energy, directors and officers, and employment practices. Perko, who practices in the Columbus office, has experience handling litigation, including pre-suit investigation, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, trial preparation and trial. Finley, who is in the Lexington, Ky., office, has represented small to large corporations, as well as individuals throughout Kentucky and Ohio. He specializes in complex business and commercial litigation, construction and product liability. Jabrosk, who works in the Lexington and Fort Mitchell, Ky., offices, specializes in medical negligence, professional liability, premises liability, products liability, trucking and transportation litigation, and insurance matters. Lewis, who practices in Louisville, Ky., specializes in employment, medical malpractice, nursing home litigation and professional liability insurance. She also has experience in the defense of trucking liability, products liability, workers’ compensation and retail and hospitality matters. Reminger Co. LPA has law offices in Cleveland, Akron, Sandusky, Youngstown, Toledo, Columbus, Fort Mitchell, Lexington, Louisville, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Ind., and Evansville, Ind.
TAFT, STETTINIUS & HOLLISTER LLP Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP’s Cleveland office named Jill Helfman and
Adrian Thompson firm leaders. Helfman has been with the firm for 17 years and Thompson has been with the firm for 11 years. The pair will succeed Kevin Barnes, becoming the co-partners in charge and making Helfman the first woman to be in charge of a Taft office. The changes were effective Jan. 1. To read about the announcement, visit bit.ly/2DxMRuT. TUCKER ELLIS LLP Tucker Ellis LLP elected five attorneys to the firm’s partnership, effective Jan. 1: Ann Caresani, Seth Linnick, Nate Newman, Tod Northman and Scott Stitt. “Providing our clients and everyone we encounter with a different and better experience is the hallmark of our firm,” managing partner Joe Morford said. “These five accomplished lawyers and terrific people consistently do that, and we’re excited and proud to welcome them into our partnership.” Caresani specializes in employee benefits, ERISA, ESOPs and executive compensation. She counsels employers and service providers on the design, administration and termination of these programs and litigates disputes regarding them. Caresani received her law degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and her undergraduate and Master of Business Administration from Cleveland State University. Linnick represents businesses in disputes in state and federal courts throughout the country, handing aspects of both the defense and plaintiff-side commercial litigation. He received his law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in Columbus and his undergraduate degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Newman specializes in litigation involving toxic torts, products liability,
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Buckley King expands into Kentucky
Buckley King is expanding into Louisville, Ky., and has hired Bill Mabry to lead the initiative, expanding the firm’s footprint as well as its offerings to clients, particularly in the area of health care. Mabry, formerly a partner with Frost Brown Todd, has represented health care facilities and providers across the United States and in England, including hospitals, physicians, home health care agencies, nursing homes, provider-sponsored organizations, teaching institutions, diagnostic centers and ambulatory centers. “Bill continues Buckley King’s dedication to building its practice around the needs of our clients,” said Brent M. Buckley, Buckley King’s managing partner. “We are thrilled to welcome an attorney reputed for his knowledge, skill and finesse in the health care field.” Mabry received his Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky School of Law, his Master of Public Administration from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky.,and his Bachelor of Science degree from Morehead State University in Morehead, Ky.
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association to hold fundraiser
The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association will hold its annual fundraiser, Rock the Foundation 13, from 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 10 at Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave. in Cleveland. Frank Sullivan, chairman and chief executive officer of RPM International, Inc., will receive the 3rd annual Richard W. Pogue Award for Excellence in Community Leadership & Engagement. Following the presentation, Nitebridge will perform upstairs and acoustic guitarist Nate Jones will perform downstairs. There will be a raffle, an open bar and multiple food stations. Rock the Foundation benefits the Lawyers Giving Back community and pro bono legal service programs of the Cleveland Bar Association. These programs promote equal access to justice, diversity and inclusion, law-related education and community service provided by members of the legal community. VIP, main event and late-night tickets are available at bit.ly/2Eu0rv2.
Bar Association to hold summit on high-profile cases
The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association will host a media and law summit from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. tentatively on June 14. Introductory remarks will be given by Clevelander Justin Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. The event will feature hour-long panels, the first being a journalist panel moderated by Jan Leach, associate professor in the school of journalism and mass communication at Kent State University, covering high-profile trials and the ethical concerns that arise. This panel will feature Greg Korte from USA Today and Wes Lowery and Matt Zapotosky from The Washington Post. Lowery is a Shaker Heights High School graduate. There also will be an attorney panel moderated by Tom Hodson, director of the WOUB Center for Public Media at Ohio University in Athens, on participating in high-profile trials. Speakers include Clevelanders Carole Rendon, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio who is with BakerHostetler, and Bridget Brennan, chief of criminal division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as trial attorney Nathaniel Lee of Indianapolis. A third panel is in consideration about ethics, the law and media in the social age, which would feature University of Dayton law professor Thaddeus Hoffmeister.
Kaufman & Company, David A. Lewis Law form relationship
Trial and litigation law firm Kaufman & Co., PLLC formed a relationship with David A. Lewis Law PLLC.
FIRMS | 56 business disputes in federal and state courts across the country and regularly counsels businesses on best practices for complying with consumer-friendly statutes and regulations. He received his law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu, Calif., and his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. Northman has experience in commercial law, business transactions, contract negotiation and dispute resolution, mergers and acquisitions and real estate, with expertise in aviation law. He earned his law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in
Columbus and his undergraduate degree from Boston University in Boston. Stitt specializes in ERISA criminal and civil disputes in state and federal courts across the U.S. He also practices in employment and business disputes, including claims for breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. He received his law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and his undergraduate degree from Boston University in Boston. Tucker Ellis LLP has offices in Cleveland, Columbus, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and St. Louis. ULMER & BERNE Ulmer & Berne added Amanda
CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 57 David A. Lewis Law represents lawyers and law firms in legal ethics, professional liability, risk management, disciplinary exposure, financial risk and conflicts of interest. “David is a respected authority on disciplinary complaints, malpractice suits and a myriad of disputes between lawyers, their firms, and their clients,” managing member Steven S. Kaufman said. “David’s thorough and carefully considered approach provides the guidance that puts clients on the right track, which will be a valuable asset at our firm particularly in matters of professional liability within the law firm practice area.” Lewis earned his bachelor’s degree from Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y., and law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. Kaufman & Company also announced its appointment of David Lewis as of counsel in the firm’s New York office. Kaufman & Company has offices in downtown Cleveland, Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Tucker Ellis LLP promote nine to counsel
Tucker Ellis LLP promoted nine attorneys to counsel, effective Jan. 1: Patrick Barkley, mass tort, product liability, health care and commercial matters; Brandon Cox, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in mass tort and individual cases; Katya Cronin, commercial litigation and contract disputes, patent infringements, and medical and pharmaceutical litigation; Chad Eggspuehler, appellate and legal issues; Daniel Finer; defends manufacturers of industrial and commercial products in mass tort and product liability claims; Christopher Gardino, product liability, toxic tort and general litigation matters; Sarah Stover, defends doctors, nurses, hospitals, long term care facilities and pharmaceutical companies; Brenda Sweet, defends pharmaceutical drug and medical device manufacturers in product liability actions; and Charissa Walker, defends pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers and health care service providers in product liability actions. “Unlike many law firms that have associates and a two-tier or multiple-tier partnership, we chose what we believe is a better system for our clients, our attorneys, and the practice of law in general,” said Joe Morford, managing partner. “At Tucker Ellis, we have associates, counsel, and partners – period – and the earning of each promotion is a meaningful step in our attorneys’ career development. With that in mind, we are exceptionally proud of these nine talented, hard-working attorneys.”
Tucker Ellis launches corporate blog
Tucker Ellis LLP launched its new corporate blog, Lingua Negoti, or “language of business,” co-edited by partners Christopher Hewitt and Jayne Juvan. In addition to offering a view on recent developments in corporate, mergers and aquisitions, and securities law matters, the blog’s primary goal is to create a common language of business as it relates to these topics. Other Tucker Ellis attorneys and colleagues from public and private companies, accounting firms, private equity firms, and venture capital firms, will contribute to the blog. “Too many attorneys tend to speak in ‘legalese.’ What clients really want is for their attorneys to speak the language of business,” Hewitt said. “In addition to a common vernacular, speaking the language of business encompasses understanding how busy executives approach and solve business problems.” Juvan added, “If we can create a common language and practice around routine issues, we can more properly focus time and resources on resolving issues that create value for an enterprise. “The title, Lingua Negoti, conveys our desire to help transform the practice of corporate law from simply providing legal advice to helping our clients achieve their business objectives and drive high performance.” Lingua Negoti went live Jan. 22 at tuckerellis.com/lingua-negoti-blog.
Martinsek to its Cleveland officer as a partner. She has 25 years of experience managing commercial disputes and joins Ulmer from Ice Miller LLP. “We are excited to welcome Amanda to Ulmer, where her expansive litigation skill set, business acumen, and passion for impeccable client service will be a tremendous asset to our clients,” said Patricia A. Shlonsky, partner-in-charge of Ulmer’s Cleveland office. “Amanda has a reputation among Cleveland trial lawyers as a consummate pro, and we are thrilled to have her on our team.” Martinsek has practiced in areas like class actions, shareholder derivative claims, breach of contract disputes, product liability claims and other litigation matters. She always regularly
represents public and private clients in administrative proceedings. “It is an honor to join Ulmer, a firm with a sterling reputation in Cleveland and throughout the Midwest, as well as a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive law firm culture,” Martinsek said. “Ulmer has deep bench strength across a number of different practices and industries and I look forward to helping our clients navigate complex disputes and further their business goals.” Compiled by Becky Raspe, Special section staff reporter
Information was provided by firms
58 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG
JANUARY 26, 2018
LOCAL LAwyers
Lawyers, firms receive recognition 2018 Super Lawyers, Rising Stars BUCKLEY KING Super Lawyers: Brent Buckley, Richard Bain, Jeffrey Baddeley, J. Timothy Bender, Elizabeth Crosby, Theodore Dunn, Jr., Harry Greenfield, Lisa Arlyn Lowe, Rosemary Sweeney and Jeffrey Toole Rising Stars: Heather Heberlein FRANTZ WARD LLP Super Lawyers: Keith A. Ashums, Brett K. Bacon, T. Merritt Bumpass, Jr., Michael N. Chesney, Gregory R. Farkas, Michael J. Frantz, Patrick F. Haggerty, Joel R. Hlavaty, Christopher G. Keim, Brain J. Kelly, John F. Kostelnik, James B. Niehaus, Mark L. Rodio, Marc A. Sanchez and Daniel A. Ward Rising Stars: Thomas E. Cardone, Angela D. Lydon, Christina E. Niro, Bradley D. Reed, Allison Taller Reich, Adam J. Russ, Ryan T. Smith and Gregory L. Watkins KAUFMAN & COMPANY Super Lawyers: Steven Kaufman TUCKER ELLIS LLP Super Lawyers: Rita Maimbourg, John McCaffrey, Keith Raker, Ernest Auciello, Heather Barnes, Henry Billingsley, Ann Caresani, Harry Cornett, Stephen Ellis, Laura Hong, Irene Keyse-Walker, Brian Laliberte, John Lewish, Mark McCarthy, Daniel Messeloff, Joseph Morford, Matthew Moriarty, Glenn Morrical, Carl Muller, Brian O’Neill, Thomas Ostrowski, Anthony Petruzzi, Susan Racey, Keith Raker, Dustin Rawlin, Benjamin Sassé, Patricia Seifert, Ronald Stansbury, Scott Stitt, Robert Tucker and Kevin Young Rising Stars: Justin Eddy, Jonathan Feczko, Erica James, Paul Janowicz, Jayne Juvan, Seth Linnick, Jennifer Mesko, Chelsea Mikula Tomko, Tom Peppard, Chelsea Smith, Christine Snyder and Seth Wamelink ULMER & BERNE Super Lawyers: Inajo Davis Chappell, Robert, E. Chudakoff, Timothy J. Downing, Jeff S. Dunlap, William D. Edwards, Bill J. Gagliano, Frances Floriano Goins, James A. Goldsmith, Howard M. Groedel, Manju Gupta, Lori A. Pittman Haas, Richard T. Hamilton, Jr., Richard G. Hardy, Stephen H. Jett, Mark D. Katz, Joshua A. Klarfield, James N. Kline, David W. Leopold, Mary Forbes Lovett, Kip Reader, Peter A. Rome, Patricia A. Shlonsky, Stephanie Dutchess Trudeau, Michael S. Tucker, Michael M. Ungar, Frederick N. Wilden, Reuel D. Ash; John F. Bennett, Paul “P.J.” Cosgrove, Frederick M. Erny, K.C. Green, John M.
Handis, James D. Houston, Michael A. Marrero, Jeffrey F. Peck, Eric M. Robbins, Gina M. Saelinger, Frederic “Fritz” X. Shadley, Michael J. Suffern, Joseph P. Thomas and Alexander M. Andrews Rising Stars: Candice L. Musiek Capoziello, Stephanie M. Glavinos, Daniel A. Gottesman, Paul R. Harris, J. Matthew Linehan, Daniela Paez, Stanley D. Prybe, Jennifer Monty Rieker, Gregory P. Stein, Andrea Stone, Matthew T. Wholey, Nicholas B. Wille, Kimberly L. Beck, Megan B. Gramke, Lisa Mario Kuhnell, Yvette R. Simpson, Vance V. VanDrake, III and Sarah Miller Benoit ZASHIN & RICH Super Lawyers: Andrew Zashin
2018 U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyers Buckley King Joseph P. Alexander, Brent M. Buckley, Jeffrey Baddeley, Richard M. Bain, J. Timothy Bender, J. Scott Broome, Theodore M. Dunn, Jr., Harry W. Greenfield, Rosemary Sweeney and Jeffery C. Toole. Frantz Ward LLP Michael J. Frantz, Best Laywers 2018 Labor Law-Management Lawyer of the Year in Cleveland; Keith A. Ashmus, Brett K. Bacon, T. Merritt Bumpass, Jr., Michael N. Chesney, Gregory R. Farkas, Ian H. Frank,Carl H. Gluek, Patrick F. Haggerty, Craig T. Haran, Joel R. Hlavaty, Brian J. Kelly, Christopher C. Koehler, John F. Kostelnik, Hans L. Larsen, Andrew J. Natale, James B. Niehaus, Mark L. Rodio, Marc A. Sanchez, Michael E. Smith, Mark J. Stockman and Daniel A. Ward. Kadish, Hinkel and Weibel Scott Kadish Reminger Attorneys at Law Adam Fried, Mark MacDonald; Hugh J. Bode, Joseph E. Cavasinni, Mario C. Ciano, Andrew J. Dorman, Daniel R. Haude, Roy Hulme, Barbara B. Janovitz, Frank Leonetti III, Clifford C. Masch, William A. Meadows, Russell J. Meraglio, Jr, Jeanne M. Mullin, John Patrick, Christine Santoni, James J. Turek, Stephen E. Walters and Leon A. Weiss. Roetzel & Andress LPA Susan S. Box, Helen S. Carroll, Anna Moore Carulas, Jeffrey J. Casto, G. Frederick Compton, Jr., Steven St. L. Cox, John M. Coyne III, Elizabeth Nocera Davis, Shane A. Farolino, Laura (Megan) Faust, Terrence S. Finn, Stephen Funk, Joseph E. Herbert, Michael J. Hudak, Paul L. Jackson, R. Mark Jones, Ronald S. Kopp, Ronald B. Lee, Brian J. Moore, Randall J. Moore, Christopher P. Re-
uscher, John J. Rutter, Albert N. Salvatore, George R. Sarkis, Mark L. Sarlson, Donald S. Scherzer, Bruce R. Schrader II, Douglas E. Spiker, Roger J. Stevenson, Diana M. Thimmig and Bradley A. Wright. Tucker Ellis, LLP Thomas Baker, Henry Billingsley, Ann Caresani, Jonathan Cooper, Harry Cornett, Corine Corpora, Richard Dean, Stephen Ellis, Robert Hanna, Michael Harris, Jeffrey Healy, Christopher Hewitt, Laura Hong, Peter Igel, Irene KeyseWalker, Eugene Killeen, Joseph Koncelik, John Lewis, Rita Maimbourg, John McCaffrey, Mark McCarthy, Erica McGregor, Daniel Messeloff, Joseph Morford, Matthew Moriarty, Glenn Morrica, Carl Muller, Brian O’Neill, Thomas Ostrowski, Anthony Petruzzi, Susan Racey, Keith Raker, Thomas Simmons, Ronald Stansbury, Edward Taber, Robert Tucker, Victoria Vance, S. Peter Voudouris, Jane Warner and Kevin Young. Ulmer & Berne, LLP John M. Alten, John F. Bennett, Kristin W. Boose, Inajo Davis Chappell, Jason P. Conte, Paul J. Cosgrove, Timothy J. Downing, Jeffrey S. Dunlap, William D. Edwards, Frederick M. Erny, Bill J. Gagliano, John C. Goheen, Frances Floriano Goins, James A. Goldsmith, K.C. Green, Lori A. Pittman Haas, John M. Hands, Richard G. Hardy, Alan J. Hartman, Stephen H. Jett, Scott P. Kadish, Ronald L. Kahn, Mark D. Katz, Clayton L. Kuhnell, David W. Leopold, David L. Lester, Jesse R. Lipcius, Mary Forbes Lovett, Stephen A. Markus, Michael A. Marrero, Christopher C. McCracken, Robin D. Miller, Donald J. Mooney, Jr., Andrew W. Owen, Jeffrey F. Peck, Harold H. (Kip) Reader, Jodi B. Rich, Eric M. Robbins, Megan K. Roberts, Peter A. Rome, Gina M. Saelinger, Alan W. Scheufler, Douglas K. Sesnowitz, Frederic X. (Fritz) Shadley, Patricia A. Shlonsky, Michael J. Suffern, Stuart S. Susskind, Richard D. Sweebe, Joseph P. Thomas, Stephanie Dutchess Trudeau, Michael S. Tucker, Michael N. Ungar, Vance V. VanDrake III, Frederick N. Widen, Thomas M. Williams and Alan M. Wolper. Wolf and Akers Law Marshall J. Wolf and Deborah (Rowley) Akers-Parry.
2018 U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyers Practice Areas Frantz Ward LLP Commercial litigation, construction law, employment law – management,
mass tort litigation/class actions – defendants, bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights, health care law, labor law – management, litigation – antitrust, litigation – intellectual property, litigation – labor and employment, and litigation – real estate. Reminger Attorneys at Law Personal injury litigation – defendants, appellate practice, elder law, insurance law, legal malpractice law – defendants, litigation – trusts and estates, medical malpractice law – defendants, personal injury litigation – defendants, product liability litigation – defendants, professional malpractice law – defendants, transportation law, workers’ compensation law – employers, medical malpractice law – defendants, commercial litigation, construction law, corporate law, litigation – intellectual property, trusts and estates law, employment law – individuals, employment law – management, and labor law – management. Ulmer & Berne, LLP Bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights, commercial litigation, construction law, employment law – management, insurance law, labor law – union, litigation – antitrust, litigation – finance and banking, litigation – bankruptcy, litigation – construction, litigation – ERISA, litigation – labor and employment, litigation – real estate, litigation – regulatory enforcement, litigation – securities, litigation – trusts and estates, mass tort litigation/ class actions – defendants, patent law, product liability litigation – defendants, tax law, trademark law and trusts and estates law.
2018 Benchmark Litigation State Litigation Stars Ulmer & Berne, LLP Jeffrey S. Dunlap, in generation commercial litigation, Frances Florian Goins, in securities litigation, Linda E. Maichl in product liability, Jeffrey F. Peck, in product liability, Frederic X. (Fritz) Shadley in business and commercial litigation, construction and product liability, Joseph P. Thomas in product liability and Michael N. Ungar in general commercial litigation and securities litigation.
Information for this list was provided by law firms
SUPER ATTORNEYS
JANUARY 26, 2018
CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 59
LOCAL LAWYERS / SUPER ATTORNEYS Meet some noteworthy Jewish attorneys* Name: Jeffrey Appelbaum Name of firm(s): Thompson Hine, LLP and Project Management Consultants, LLC Field of specialty: Construction Undergraduate university: Cornell University Law school: Cornell University Law School Year of law school graduation: 1977 Name: Fred Arnoff Name of firm: Weston Hurd, LLP Fields of specialty: General business law, commercial law, real estate law, employment law, creditors’ rights, bankruptcy and estate planning Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: University of Akron Year of law school graduation: 1975 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy being with my family, reading, and following the Indians, Cavaliers and Browns. Name: James Aronoff Name of firm: Thompson Hine, LLP Field of specialty: Real estate Undergraduate university: Bowdoin College Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1984 Name: Richard Bain Name of firm: Buckley King Fields of specialty: Business litigation and business counseling Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1979 When I’m not practicing law: I am mayor of Pepper Pike.
Name: Todd Behrens Name of firm: Medley, Behrens & Lewis, LLC Field of specialty: Intellectual property Undergraduate university: Duke University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2005 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I love spending time with my wife, Stacey, and two sons, Evan and Andrew. I also enjoy taking on home improvement projects and cheering for the Indians, Cavs, Browns, Duke basketball and Ohio State football. Name: Virginia “GiGi” Benjamin Name of firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP Fields of specialty: Public law and finance Undergraduate university: Smith College Law school: Boston University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1976 When I’m not practicing law: I am keeping up with my granddaughters or playing golf. Name: Jeffrey Berenholz Name of firm: Jeffrey S. Berenholz, LLC Fields of specialty: Estate planning and business litigation/ collections Undergraduate university: Brooklyn College, N.Y Law school: Hofstra University School of Law, N.Y. Year of law school graduation: 1998 Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my kids and family, volunteer with Green Road Synagogue and go scuba diving.
Name: Aaron Berg Name of firm: Caravona & Berg, LLC Field of specialty: Personal injury Undergraduate university: Wittenberg University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2001 When I’m not practicing law: I am spending time with my wife, Courtney, and our five children. Name: Jordan Berns Name of firm: Berns, Ockner and Greenberger, LLC Fields of specialty: Real estate, land use and zoning Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1990 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I am enjoying my family, listening to music, cooking with my wife or cheering on the Cavs or Indians (not so much the Browns). Name: Sheldon Berns Name of firm: Berns, Ockner & Greenberger, LLC Fields of specialty: Zoning, land use, real estate, construction law and eminent domain Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1960 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my wife, four children and 11 grandchildren. Name: Matt Besser Name of firm: Bolek Besser Glesius, LLC Fields of specialty: Employment discrimination, civil rights and appellate law
Undergraduate university: The George Washington University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2004 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am teaching appellate practice at Case Western Reserve University Law School, working on a 2018 statewide campaign and spending time with my two little boys and my wife, Gayle Horwitz. Name: Michael Blumenthal Name of firm: McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC Fields of specialty: Environmental and white-collar defense Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1987 When I’m not practicing law: I spend my time working with the recovering community. I have worked with the recovering community for the past 18 years and have seen countless miracles in which peoples’ lives are transformed from hopelessness to hopeful. I am grateful to be part of it all. Name: Abby Botnick Name of firm: Shapero & Roloff Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Plaintiff’s personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home malpractice and civil rights Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2004 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I serve on the Cleveland Heights-University Heights library board of trustees and Mercer Elementary School PTO board, exercise at the Mandel JCC and spend time with my husband and two young children.
60 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Name: Robert Botnick Name of firm: The Botnick Law Firm, LLC Fields of specialty: Criminal, DUI/OVI and traffic defense Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2004 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congreation When I’m not practicing law: I am coaching youth baseball, experimenting in the kitchen or on the grill and tastetesting craft beers from across the country. Name: Seth Briskin Name of firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Fields of specialty: Labor and employment law Undergraduate university: Cornell University, I&LR school Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1995 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am listening to music, playing music, going
LOCAL LAWYERS
JANUARY 26, 2018
to concerts, playing sports, working out, traveling, eating interesting foods and being a father to my two kids and husband to my wife of 18 years. Name: Peter Brosse Name of firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Fields of specialty: Business and corporate law Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: University of Toledo School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1984 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Name: Sandra Buzney Name of firm: Sandra J. Buzney Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Elder law, Medicaid planning and applications, estate planning, probate administration, special need planning and trust and probate administration Undergraduate university: University of Cincinnati Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Year of law school graduation: 1999 Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah When I’m not practicing law: I garden, walk in the Cleveland Metroparks, read, play golf and play with my cats. Name: Morgan Caruso Name of firm: Morgan R. Caruso, Attorney at Law Field of specialty: Criminal defense Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2012 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I am happily hanging at home with my husband, Anthony, and chasing around our 1-year-old son, Carson, who is excited to become a big brother in July.
Name: Robert Chudakoff Name of firm: Ulmer & Berne, LLP Field of specialty: Intellectual property Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1987 Synagogue: Oheb Zedek-Cedar Sinai Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy spending time with family, playing ball with our golden retriever and watching sports and movies. Name: David Cohen Name of firm: David R. Cohen Special Master Law Fields of specialty: Mediation, arbitration and federal special master Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1991 Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami When I’m not practicing law: I practice tai chi and kung fu.
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SUPER ATTORNEYS Name: Mark Cohn Name of firm: Mark B. Cohn, LPA Fields of specialty: Civil litigation and criminal tax defense Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1973 Synagogue: Temple Shalom in Naples, Fla. When I’m not practicing law: I participate in the projects of my Rotary Club and spend time with my family. Name: Carolyn Cole Name of firm: Thompson Hine, LLP Field of specialty: Product liability litigation Undergraduate university: Queen’s University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2014 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I like to go to brunch with my friends, see musicals with my family and work out. Name: Margaret Cooper Name of firm: Margaret E. Cooper, LLC Field of specialty: Business law Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1999 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I crave being with my family, exercising and cooking. Name: Marc Dann Name of firm: Dann Law Fields of specialty: Mortgage litigation and lender liability Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1987 Synagogue: Beth Israel-The West Temple When I’m not practicing law: I hike and travel.
JANUARY 26, 2018
CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 61
Name: Robert Danzinger Name of firm: Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill Co., LPA Field of specialty: Property tax Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1992 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I am not practicing law: I am dealing with my midlife crisis by taking drum lessons with the goal of forming an 80’s rock band by the year 2030.
Name: Stanley Dub Name of firm: Stanley M. Dub Co., LPA Field of specialty: Franchise law Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1975 Synagogue: Suburban Temple Kol Ami When I’m not practicing law: I teach franchise law at Case Western Reserve University Law School. I’m also a longtime tournament bridge player. I’m active in Kol Israel, as my parents were both Holocaust survivors.
Name: Gary Desberg Name of firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A. Field of specialty: Real estate Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1985 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I am devoting my time to serving as president of the Ohio region of ORT America, spending time with my family and friends, golfing and cheering on Cleveland sports teams.
Name: Brandon Duber Name of firm: Bentoff & Duber Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Personal injury, workers’ compensation and criminal defense Undergraduate university: Skidmore
Name: Steven Dettelbach Name of firm: BakerHostetler Fields of specialty: White collar defense, corporate investigations and commercial litigation Undergraduate university: Dartmouth College Law school: Harvard Law School Year of law school graduation: 1991 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am traveling the great state of Ohio and talking with its incredible people. Name: Michael Diamant Name of firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP Field of specialty: Business litigation Undergraduate university: Case Institute of Technology and Case Western Reserve University Law school: Harvard Law School Year of law school graduation: 1971
When I’m not practicing law: I am spending time with my wife, Amber, and our dog, Cameron, and my wonderful family – unless it’s golf season. Name: Marcel Duhamel Name of firm: Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, LLP Fields of specialty: Litigation (consumer class action defense, privacy and commercial) Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University Law school: University of Chicago Year of law school graduation: 1993 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I brew beer, ride my bicycle and spend time with my wife and daughters.
College Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2005 Synagogue: Park Synagogue
HAHN LOESER PROUDLY WELCOMES FOUR-TIME OHIO RISING STAR*
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WHO JOINS THE FIRM AS A PARTNER WITH OUR CONSTRUCTION LAW TEAM
Aaron’s experience in construction law, real estate and zoning, along with that of Super Lawyer® Andy Natale, adds significant strength to Hahn Loeser’s Construction Law practice. At Hahn Loeser, we are committed to excellence, client service and results that exceed expectations. HAHN LOESER & PARKS LLP | HAHNLAW.COM AARON EVENCHIK | AEVENCHIK@HAHNLAW.COM | 216.274.2450
*2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
62 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Name: Joel Eagle Name of firm: Thompson Hine, LLP Field of specialty: Environmental Undergraduate university: University of Iowa Law school: ChicagoKent School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2007 When I’m not practicing law: I spend quality time with my wife and two young boys (ages 5 and 2), work on home projects, go antiquing and exercising – currently yoga and swimming. Name: Mark Edelman Name of firm: McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC Field of specialty: Consumer financial services compliance Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1986 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I work out at King’s Gym, take bicycle rides with my wife, root for Michigan football and travel with my family.
JANUARY 26, 2018 Name: Brian Eisen Name of firm: The Eisen Law Firm Fields of specialty: Medical malpractice and birth injury Undergraduate university: Harvard College Law school: Harvard
Law School Year of law school graduation: 1992 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy riding my Harley and attending my kids’ sporting events. When they were younger, I enjoyed coaching their baseball, softball and soccer teams. I am active in the community supporting causes relating to sports and children with disabilities. I also enjoy being outside with my dog. Name: Michael Eisner Name of firm: Elk & Elk Field of specialty: Personal injury Undergraduate university: Hobart College Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1995
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Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I am not practicing law: I enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf and assistant coaching youth baseball. I am also an avid Cleveland professional sports fan. Name: Arthur Elk Name of firm: Elk & Elk Field of specialty: Personal injury Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1973 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I am not practicing law: I enjoy riding my motorcycle, attending sports events and spending time with my wife and four children. Name: David Elk Name of firm: Elk & Elk Field of specialty: Personal injury Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University Law school: Case Western Reserve University Law School Year of law school graduation: 1964 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I am not practicing law: I spend my time being an active husband, father and grandfather to my wife, Marilyn; three children; granddaughters, Meredith, Madison and Celia; and grandson, Dylan. I am also a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan, and frequently attend games with family and friends. Name: Aaron Evenchik Name of firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks Fields of specialty: Construction, real estate and zoning Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2001 Synagogue: Waxman Chabad Center When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy exploring Cleveland’s parks, relaxing with my wife and playing music with my kids.
LOCAL LAWYERS Name: Bryan Farkas Name of firm: Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease Fields of specialty: Real estate tax and commercial law Undergraduate university: University of California Law school: Case Western Reserve School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2000 Synagogue: Young Israel of Greater Cleveland When I’m not practicing law: I am with my family, doing something Jewish and/ or playing sports. Name: Marc Feldman Name of firm: Feldman Law Firm, LLC Field of specialty: Real estate Undergraduate university: Michigan State University Law school: ChicagoKent College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2001 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy traveling and attending my kids’ sporting events. Name: Mark Frank Name of firm: Mark S. Frank/Attorney at Law, LLC Fields of specialty: Personal injury, probate law, traffic law – OVI defense and collections Undergraduate university: University of Cincinnati Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1981 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy playing golf, traveling and visiting my children and granddaughter.
SUPER ATTORNEYS Name: Dov Frankel Name of firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP Field of specialty: Creditor debtor rights Undergraduate university: Ner Israel Rabbinical College and University of Maryland Law school: University of Maryland School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1994 Synagogue: Young Israel of Greater Cleveland and Bais Avrohom When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my family, read about Jewish history and attend and teach classes on the Talmud, Jewish law/customs and the weekly Torah portion. For the last year and a half, I have served as a mentor in the Partners in Torah program at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, which I find very rewarding. Name: Adam Fried Name of firm: Reminger Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Estate, trust and probate litigation Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
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JANUARY 26, 2018 Year of law school graduation: 1995 Synagogue: Solon Chabad When I’m not practicing law: I am spending time with my wife, Sheri, and our two children, Harrison and Hallie, or playing golf. Name: Eugene Friedman Name of firm: The Gertsberg Law Firm Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Business law, nonprofit law, automotive law, trademark and real estate transactions Undergraduate university: Cleveland State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2013 When I’m not practicing law: I patronize Cleveland’s arts and cultural scene and travel the world.
Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1995 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I am doing yoga, spending time with my wonderful husband or trying to make sure my teenagers still find me interesting. Name: Ian Friedman Name of firm: Friedman & Nemecek, LLC Fields of specialty: Criminal, cyber and white-collar matters Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1997 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I am with my wife and two kids. We also have a little boy on the way.
Name: Heidi Friedman Name of firm: Thompson Hine, LLP Field of specialty: Environmental Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case
Name: Susan Friedman Name of firm: Friedman Law, LLC Fields of specialty: Estate planning, elder law, special needs, probate and charitable planning Undergraduate university: Washington University – St. Louis Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1996 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am a busy mother of two teenage daughters. Name: Joshua Fuchs Name of firm: Cohen, Rosenthal & Kramer, LLP Field of specialty: Civil litigation Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University Law school: Duquesne University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2010 When I’m not practicing law: You’ll probably find me on a bike ride or nature hike with my daughter.
CIANO & GOLDWASSER, L.L.P.
DEDICATED, DETERMINED AND DILIGENT REPRESENTATION OF CLIENTS IN HIGH-STAKES BUSINESS LITIGATION When individuals and businesses are facing high-stakes litigation, it is essential to work with attorneys who are laser-focused on their clients’needs and objectives. For almost two decades, Ciano & Goldwasser, LLP, has met the high standards of its clientele in“bet the company”litigation. For the fifth consecutive year, Phil Ciano and Andy Goldwasser have been recognized by their peers in the top 100 list for Ohio and Top 50 list for Cleveland. As a result of its growth, the Firm is pleased to welcome perennial SuperLawyer Brent Silverman, who has more than 20 years of business litigation experience.
Phil Ciano* Top 100 Ohio Top 50 Cleveland
Andy Goldwasser*+ Top 100 Ohio Top 50 Cleveland
Sarah Katz
As a boutique civil litigation firm, the attorneys handle a diverse range of matters, including business torts, commercial/employment litigation, investor claims, specialty torts, shareholder/partnership disputes, sports law, and health care. Most of their referrals come from former clients and fellow attorneys who know they possess the insight and tenacity to solve the problems at hand in the most effective way possible.
Ciano & Goldwasser, L.L.P.
101 Prospect Ave. West, Suite 1610 Cleveland, OH 44115 PH: 216-658-9900 www.cianogoldwasser.com
Brent Silverman*
Robert West *CHOSEN TO 2017 SUPER LAWYERS
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MR. GOLDWASSER IS ALSO A PARTNER OF RUMIZEN WEISMAN CO., LTD.
64 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Name: Robert Fuerst Name of firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Fields of specialty: Real estate, business and corporate and mergers and acquisitions Undergraduate university: University of Colorado Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1979
Name: Sarah Gabinet Name of firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Field of specialty: Domestic relations Undergraduate university: Oberlin College Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1982 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with family, ballroom dance, read and swim.
JANUARY 26, 2018 Name: Michael Gardner Name of firm: Meyers Roman Friedberg & Lewis Fields of specialty: Environmental and general counsel Undergraduate university: Ohio
University Law school: Case Western Reserve School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1992 When I’m not practicing law: I keep my mother, Pearl, safe and happy, make maple syrup, hay and cultivate chanterelles and watercress. I also like to golf and fish. Name: Marty Gelfand Name of firm: Gelfand Law, LLC Fields of specialty: Criminal Defense, family law and government relations Undergraduate university: St. John’s College Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1997 Synagogue: Beth El-The Heights Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am a
South Euclid city councilman, an office I was first elected to in 2011. I also like to spend time with my immediate and extended family, travel, read and attend live music, theater and sports events, especially when my daughter is some way involved. Name: Alexander Gertsberg Name of firm: Gertsberg Law Firm Fields of specialty: Business law and litigation Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2000 When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy my three children, read history, exercise, meditate, travel, write and create.
LOCAL LAWYERS Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1977 Synagogue: Revere Road Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I teach bankruptcy law at the University of Akron College of Law. Name: Robert Gilmore Name of firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Fields of specialty: Labor and employment Undergraduate university: University of Cincinnati Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1986 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I love playing tennis and reading history.
Name: Marc Gertz Name of firm: Goldman & Rosen Ltd. Fields of specialty: Bankruptcy and commercial law Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: The Ohio State University
Strategy.
Play to win. www.taftlaw.com Irv Berliner / Howard Bobrow / Michael H. Diamant / Dov Y. Frankel / Joshua B. Halpern / Jill Friedman Helfman Leigh A. Hellner / Eugene Roytberg / David S. Schindelheim / Eric M. Simon / Michael Wager
SUPER ATTORNEYS Name: Michael Glazer Name of firm: The Law Office of Michael A. Glazer, LLC Fields of specialty: Social security and disability Undergraduate university: Kenyon College Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2007 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I take my kids to various activities. Name: Robert Glickman Name of firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Fields of specialty: Civil litigation, white college and cybercrime and alternative dispute resolution Undergraduate university: University of North Carolina Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1992 Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy going to my kids’ sporting events, as well as exercising and traveling as much as I can. In addition to spending time with my family, I work with a few charities in the Greater Cleveland area. Name: Ira Goffman Name of firm: Rolf Goffman Martin Lang, LLP Field of specialty: Health care law Undergraduate university: State University of New York – Binghamton Law school: University of Toledo School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1981 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my family, volunteer or enjoy sports. Name: Michael Goldberg Name of firm: The Goldberg Law Firm Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Criminal defense, white collar and federal court Undergraduate university: University of Cincinnati Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz School of Law
JANUARY 26, 2018
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Year of law school graduation: 1988 Synagogues: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah and Jewish Family Experience When I’m not practicing law: I am active in organizations addressing the needs of families and individuals with special needs. Name: Steven Goldberg Name of firm: The Goldberg Law Firm Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Litigation involving personal injury, medical/hospital malpractice, nursing home abuse/neglect and asbestos cancer mesothelioma Undergraduate university: Arizona State University Law school: Capital University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1989 Synagogue: Solon Chabad When I’m not practicing law: I am with my family traveling, going to concerts, exercising, hiking, swimming and chauffeuring my middle and youngest daughters to dance, gymnastics and soccer. Name: Warren Goldenberg Name of firm: Hahn Loeser and Parks, LLP Fields of specialty: Corporate and technology Undergraduate university: State University of New York – Albany Law school: University of Michigan School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1981 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I visit my three sons in Arlington, Va., The Ohio State University and University of Michigan. Name: James Goldsmith Name of firm: Ulmer & Berne, LLP Field of specialty: Trusts and estate Undergraduate university: University of Denver Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1980 Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami When I’m not practicing law: I am working with various charitable and community organizations.
Miller Goler Faeges Lapine llp Strategic Counsel.Effective Advocacy.
SM
“At Rubin Guttman & Associates, we’ve been representing people who’ve been injured or disabled, or whose loved ones have been the victims of wrongful death as a result Rubin Guttman of serious car and truck accidents, medical malpractice or nursing home neglect and abuse since 1977. We’re proud that Rubin Guttman has been recognized by his peers as an Ohio Super Lawyer for the twelfth time.”
Rubin Guttman & Associates, L.P.A. 55 Public Square, Suite 1860 Cleveland, OH 44113 Phone: 216-696-4006 • Toll Free: 888-206-9682 • Fax: 216-696-2778 www.guttlaw.com
66 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG
Consumer Protection, Mortgage Litigation & Disability Access Claims
216.373.0539 * CoCounsel@DannLaw.com
When you’ve been injured, you need more than a personal injury lawyer. You need an advocate.
Park Center I 23215 Commerce Park Rd. Suite 109 Beachwood, OH 44122 www.bentoffspero.com sspero@bentoffspero.com (216) 861-9899
mauricewutscherad2018.ai Scott A. Spero
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Name: Andy Goldwasser Name of firm: Ciano & Goldwasser, LLP Field of specialty: Personal injury Undergraduate university: University of Akron Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1997 When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy spending time with my family, boating and hiking. Name: Alan Goodman Name of firm: Alan I. Goodman Co., LPA Field of specialty: Employment law Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1969 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my wife of 53 years, play tennis regularly, ride my bike and enjoy cultural activities. Name: Daniel Gottesman Name of firm: Ulmer & Berne, LLP Field of specialty: Real estate Undergraduate university: Yeshiva University Law school: Fordham University Year of law school graduation: 2008
Delivering superlative defense and a resultsoriented approach to every matter. Alan C. Hochheiser Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Law mauricewutscher.com
a civil rights and criminal defense firm, dedicated to the protection of civil rights and fighting for justice for over 40 years
friedmanandgilbert.com Gordon S. Friedman Terry H. Gilbert Sarah Gelsomino Jacqueline C. Greene 55 Public Square, Suite 1055 Cleveland, Ohio 44113-1901 P: (216) 241-1430 F: (216) 621-0427 Se habla español.
LOCAL LAWYERS Name: Howard Groedel Name of firm: Ulmer & Berne, LLP Field of specialty: Business law Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: George Washington University Law School Year of law school graduation: 1982
Name: Marc Groedel Name of firm: Reminger Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Medical malpractice and professional liability defense Undergraduate university: University of Toronto Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1979 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I am reading and playing tennis. Name: Joan Gross Name of firm: Hahn Loeser & Park, LLP Field of specialty: Estate planning Undergraduate university: Boston University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1976 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I practice yoga, workout, read and enjoy my family and friends.
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Name: David Grant Name of firm: Grant & O’Malley Co., LPA Field of specialty: Criminal defense in municipal, state and federal court Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: University of Akron Year of law school graduation: 1976 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I read, follow Cleveland sports and travel. Name: Bradley Greene Name of firm: The Estate & Life Care Planning Offices of Bradley L. Greene Field of specialty: Elder law Undergraduate university: Bowling Green State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1989 Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience When I’m not practicing law: I hang out with my wife, Heather, and kids, Jacob and Charlie, or workout at the Mandel JCC.
Name: Norman Gutmatcher Name of firm: Benesch Field of specialty: Commercial real estate Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: University of Cincinnati School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1971 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I read fiction – usually two or three novels a week. I also enjoy wine, particularly California Cabernets, Syrahs and Zinfandels. I am always interested in new technology, particularly if the technology relates to commercial real estate and how to be more efficient and productive. Name: Barry Guttman Name of firm: Benesch Fields of specialty: Commercial real estate transactions and finance Undergraduate university: New York University Law school: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2013 Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my wife, play basketball, enjoy the theater and watch too many television shows and movies.
SUPER ATTORNEYS
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JANUARY 26, 2018
Name: Rubin Guttman Name of firm: Rubin Guttman & Associates, LPA Fields of specialty: Personal injury, including auto and trucking accidents, motorcycle and bicycle accidents and medical malpractice Undergraduate university: Brooklyn University – The City University of New York Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1977 Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my family and do as much as I can to help build Jewish Cleveland. Name: Thomas Hausman Name of firm: Law Office of Thomas I. Hausman, LLC Fields of specialty: Tax, partnerships, estate planning and tax controversies Undergraduate university: University of Colorado Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1973 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I swim, read and practice yoga. Name: Jill Friedman Helfman Name of firm: Teft Stettinius & Helfman, LLP Field of specialty: Family law Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1987 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling to new places and volunteering.
Name: Michael Hennenberg Name of firm: Dinn, Hochman & Potter, LLC Field of specialty: Criminal defense Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1974 Synagogue: The Shul When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy spending time with my family and playing golf. Name: Matthew Henoch Name of firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks Field of specialty: Trusts and estates Undergraduate university: Washington University – St. Louis Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2005 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I am cooking and coaching my sons’ Shaker Youth soccer games.
Name: Evan Hirsch Name of firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Business and real estate Undergraduate university: Boston University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Year of law school graduation: 2006 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I am entertaining my wife and kids. Name: Alan Hirth Name of firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Field of specialty: Business litigation Undergraduate university: City College of New York Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1973 Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid When I’m not practicing law: I read murder mysteries, watch movies and play with my dogs. Name: Alan Hochheiser Name of firm: Maurice Wutscher, LLP Field of specialty: Bankruptcy Undergraduate university: State University of New York at Albany Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1988 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy playing tennis, volunteering in the Jewish community and spending time with my family.
Collective Experience. Individual Excellence.
Name: Jeffrey Heller Name of firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Field of specialty: Personal injury Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2011 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I attempt to help my wife, Rachel, take care of our two boys, Jacob, 3 and Ryan, 1. Any time left after that is devoted to community organizations.
Marc B. Merklin
Managing Partner, Business Restructuring, Bankruptcy & Commercial mmerklin@brouse.com
Name: Leigh Hellner Name of firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP Field of specialty: Real estate Undergraduate university: Northwestern University Law school: University of Pennsylvania Law School Year of law school graduation: 1996
Irving B. Sugerman
Partner, Real Estate & Litigation ibsugerman@brouse.com
Congratulations to Marc and Irv on being selected to the 2018 Ohio Super Lawyers list.
Cleveland
Akron
Youngstown
Lorain County
216 -830 -6830
www.brouse.com
68 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG
JANUARY 26, 2018 Name: Jason Hochman Name of firm: Dinn, Hochman & Potter, LLC Fields of specialty: Real estate and business transactions Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2005 Synagogue: Temple Emanu El When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy spending time with my two sons, Noah and Nash, and my wife, Jessa.
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3250 3250 W. W. Market Market St. St. Suite Suite 103 103 Akron, OH 44333 Akron, OH 44333 PERSONAL INJURY • WRONGFUL DEATH • AUTO ACCIDENT • MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY • WRONGFUL DEATH • AUTO ACCIDENT • MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
Kushner & Hamed
TRIAL AND APPELLATE ADVOCACY
Name: Mark Hoffman Name of firm: Law Offices of Mark L. Hoffman Fields of specialty: Estate planning, probate and property Undergraduate university: George Washing University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1976 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I play trumpet in the Workmen’s Circle Klezmer Orchestra and other bands. Name: Jon Hyman Name of firm: Meyers Roman Friedberg & Lewis Field of specialty: Labor and employment Undergraduate university: Binghamton University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1997 When I’m not practicing law: I am working as an unpaid roadie for the burgeoning rock ’n’ roll careers of my two kids.
PHILIP S. KUSHNER We bring experience and judgment to complex civil and white-collar criminal litigation. Kushner & Hamed Co., LPA
One Cleveland Center | 1375 East Ninth Street | Suite 1930 Cleveland, Ohio 44114 Phone: (216) 696-6700 | Email: pkushner@kushnerhamed.com Website: www.kushnerhamed.com
Name: Ron Isroff Name of firm: Isroff Mediation Services, LLC Field of specialty: Mediation/arbitration – dispute resolution Undergraduate university: Boston University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1967 When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy visiting with my five grandsons in Chicago and New York (and their parents too).
LOCAL LAWYERS Name: William Jacobs Name of firm: Thompson Hine, LLP Field of specialty: Business litigation Undergraduate university: Michigan State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1976 When I’m not practicing law: I spend time kayaking on Lake Erie, biking, traveling and spending time with family. Name: Ari Jaffe Name of firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Field of specialty: Litigation Undergraduate university: Brandeis University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1986 Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am an active volunteer with several Jewish, medical and social service agencies. I love to read, blow glass and am a pretty decent cook. Name: Barbara Bellin Janovitz Name of firm: Reminger Co., LPA Field of specialty: Estate planning Undergraduate university: University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School Law school: New York University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1983 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I serve as a member of Beachwood city council and volunteer within the community. Name: Rachel Kabb-Effron Name of firm: The Kabb Law Firm Field of specialty: Elder law Undergraduate university: University of Cincinnati Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1998 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my family.
SUPER ATTORNEYS
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JANUARY 26, 2018
Name: Daniel Karon Name of firm: Karon, LLC Fields of specialty: Plaintiffs’ and defense class-action litigation and other complex litigation Undergraduate university: Indiana University – Bloomington Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1991 Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience When I’m not practicing law: I am writing and teaching.
Name: David Kaufman Name of firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP Fields of specialty: Labor and employment Undergraduate university: Georgetown University Law school: Emory University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2004 When I’m not practicing law: I serve on the board for the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. I also enjoy sailing.
Name: Grant James Keating Name of firm: Dworken & Bernstein Co., LPA Field of specialty: Business litigation Undergraduate university: Ithaca College Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2005 When I’m not practicing law: I am not getting enough exercise and probably enjoying our local restaurant scene a bit too much.
Name: Mark Katz Name of firm: Ulmer & Berne, LLP Fields of specialty: Employment and labor Undergraduate university: State University of New York – Buffalo Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of La Year of law school graduation: 1974
Name: Steven Kaufman Name of firm: Kaufman & Company, LLC Fields of specialty: Financial services, real estate, breach of contract, intellectual property and professional/fiduciary liability Undergraduate university: Colgate University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1975 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my family and sleep.
Name: Ross Kirchick Name of firm: Benesch Fields of specialty: Commercial financing and banking Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2000 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I read and play tennis.
Name: Darya Jeffreys Klammer Name of firm: The Klammer Law Office Ltd. Field of specialty: Family law Undergraduate university: Cleveland State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1997 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and trying out the great restaurants and shopping Cleveland has to offer. Name: Joshua Klarfield Name of firm: Ulmer & Berne Field of specialty: Product liability Undergraduate university: Yeshiva University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2005 Synagogue: Young Israel of Greater Cleveland
Congratulations to our 2018 Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars™
Ann-Marie Ahern Super Lawyer
Hugh Berkson Super Lawyer
David Cuppage Super Lawyer
Rob Glickman Super Lawyer
Toby Hirshman Super Lawyer
Chuck Kampinski Super Lawyer
Kimon Karas Super Lawyer
Bob Kracht Super Lawyer
Ken Liffman Super Lawyer
Chris Patno Super Lawyer
Richard Rabb Super Lawyer
David Schaefer Super Lawyer
John Seich Super Lawyer
Katie Arthurs Rising Star
Danielle Garson Rising Star
Chris Klasa Rising Star
Jack Moran Rising Star
With special mention to Christian R. Patno, who was ranked Top 5 Cleveland, Top 10 Ohio, Top 50 Cleveland and Top 100 Ohio; as well as David A. Schaefer, who was included in the Top 50 Cleveland and Top 100 Ohio lists.
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Trusted Advisors. Respected Advocates. www.mccarthylebit.com
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70 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Name: Jared Klebanow Name of firm: Dinn, Hochman & Potter, LLC Field of specialty: Business litigation Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: University of Tennessee College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2014 Synagogue: Temple Emanu El When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy watching sports, playing golf and spending time with my wife, Lindsey. Name: Roger Kleinman Name of firm: Cavitch, Familio and Durkin Field of specialty: Domestic relations Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1984 When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my wife and family.
Name: James Kline Name of firm: Ulmer & Berne, LLP Field of specialty: Product liability Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1984 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I do things with the family, do chores and fall asleep on the couch with our dog, Murray. Name: Laurie Koemer Name of firm: Dworken & Bernstein Co., LPA Field of specialty: Family law Undergraduate university: Hiram College Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2008 When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy hiking, reading, baking and spending time with family and friends.
CONGRATULATIONS Ohio Super Lawyers Top 100 List | 2018 Andrew Zashin
Super Lawyers List | 2018 Brad Bennett, Deanna DiPetta, Michele Jakubs, Stephen Zashin, 10 years: Jon Dileno, Jeffrey Wedel, 15 years: George Crisci, Jonathan Downes, Andrew Zashin
workplace & family law
Rising Stars List | 2018 Christa Heckman, Amy Keating, Ami Patel, Drew Piersall, David Vance
Best Lawyers | 2018 George Crisci, Jon Dileno, Deanna DiPetta, Jonathan Downes, Amy Keating, Christopher Reynolds, Jonathan Rich, Jeffrey Wedel, Andrew Zashin, Stephen Zashin cleveland 216.696.4441 | columbus 614.224.4411 | zrlaw.com
JANUARY 26, 2018
LOCAL LAwyers
Name: Lee Kohrman Name of firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Fields of specialty: Organization and governance of not-forprofits Undergraduate university: Harvard
Name: Philip Kushner Name of firm: Kushner, Hamed & Grostic Fields of specialty: Complex civil and white-collar criminal litigation Undergraduate university: Yale
College Law school: Harvard Law School Year of law school graduation: 1953 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I serve on a number of not-for-profit boards. My work has enabled me to meet remarkable people in dozens of countries throughout the world, almost all of whom are decent and kind. Name: Lee Korland Name of firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff, LLP Field of specialty: Commercial real estate Undergraduate university: Brandeis University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2003 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am spending time with my family, traveling or cheering on all of my favorite Cleveland sports teams. Name: Roy Krall Name of firm: Cavitch, Familio and Durkin Fields of specialty: Estate planning and probate Undergraduate university: University of Pennsylvania Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1989 When I’m not practicing law: I visit out of town children and play tennis. Name: Brett Krantz Name of firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Field of specialty: Litigation Undergraduate university: Dartmouth College Law school: University of Chicago Law School Year of law school graduation: 1990 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple
University Law school: The University of Chicago School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1985 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I play piano in a rockabilly band, Galaxie Deluxe, act and sing in a lawyer’s lampoon group, the Court of Nisi Prius, drink wine, read, travel, play tennis and swim. Name: Donald Lampert Name of firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP Field of specialty: Workers’ compensation Undergraduate university: University of Pittsburgh Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1986 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I am keeping up with political affairs, sports and classical music. Name: Jack Landskroner Name of firm: Landskroner Grieco Merriman, LLC Fields of specialty: Personal injury litigation and consumer class actions Undergraduate university: Boston University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1992 When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my family and play music.
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Name: Kenneth Lapine Name of firm: Miller Goler Faeges Lapine, LLP Fields of specialty: Real estate and consumer credit Undergraduate university: Dartmouth College Law school: University of Michigan School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1967 Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami When I’m not practicing law: I am investing in real estate projects and other income producing ventures. Name: Anthony Lazzaro Name of firm: The Lazzaro Law Firm, LLC Fields of specialty: Employment, overtime and minimum wage law Undergraduate university: Vanderbilt University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2004 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my family, practice as a home barista, collect and create artwork and tend to my reef aquarium. Name: Jamie Lebovitz Name of firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Fields of specialty: Aviation and mass transportation disasters Undergraduate university: Cleveland State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1982 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am enjoying time with my family, traveling, golf, reading novels, flying, serving on nonprofit boards as a director and officer. Name: Jordan Lebovitz Name of firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Field of specialty: Truck crash litigation Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: Chicago-Kent College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2013 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, skiing, exploring Cleveland’s restaurant and nightlife scene and playing a maximum of 12 holes of golf. Name: Jeffrey Leikin Name of firm: Jeffrey Leikin, Esq., LLC Field of specialty: Civil litigation Undergraduate university: University of Colorado Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1984 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I spend a lot of time with my family, rooting on Cleveland sports teams and the teams at Orange High School.
Name: Kevin Lenson Name of firm: Elk & Elk Field of specialty: Personal injury Undergraduate university: University of Wisconsin Law school: University of Toledo College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1996 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I am not practicing law: I enjoy spending time with my family, working out and playing basketball. Name: David Leopold Name of firm: Ulmer & Berne, LLP Field of specialty: Immigration Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1985 Synagogue: Solon Chabad When I’m not practicing law: I am a photographer, cyclist and traveler. Name: Alan Lepene Name of firm: Thompson Hine, LLP Fields of specialty: Business restructuring, creditors’ rights and bankruptcy Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: University of Michigan School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1971 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I like to spend time with my family and travel. Name: Scott Lepene Name of firm: Thompson Hine, LLP Fields of specialty: Business restructuring, creditors’ rights and bankruptcy Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: Vanderbilt University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2003
the choir loft at Park Synagogue or at a nursing home with an adult show choir, or found at any random location in Northeast Ohio walking or jogging with my two devoted beagles, “The Ladies,” as they are known at the office. Name: Gary Lieberman Name of firm: Lieberman, Dvorin & Dowd, LLC Fields of specialty: Real estate – development, buying and selling, leasing, financing and real estate investments Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1981 When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy bike riding, reading and just hanging out with my family. Name: Kenneth Liffman Name of firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Fields of specialty: Real estate & construction, business & corporate, mergers & acquisition and banking & finance Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1979 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I really enjoy spending time with my family and grandchildren. In my free time, I like to give back to the community that we live in.
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Name: Jeffrey Levinson Name of firm: Levinson, LLP Field of specialty: Bankruptcy Undergraduate university: Northwestern University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1990
Name: Scott Lewis Name of firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Fields of specialty: Mergers and acquisitions, franchising and business law Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: University of Chicago School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1984 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I can be found signing in
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72 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Name: Tanya Linetsky Name of firm: Tanya M. Linetsky & Associates, LLC Field of specialty: Immigration Undergraduate university: Cleveland State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2005 Synagogue: Oheb Zedek Cedar Sinai Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: My husband and I are raising three boys, ages 13, 11 and 2. I also teach at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law as a clinical adjunct. We enjoy traveling with our children and frequently getting together with our big family. I also am an active member in my community. Name: James Lowe Name of firm: Lowe Eklund Wakefield Co., LPA Field of specialty: Product liability for plaintiffs Undergraduate university: University of Pennsylvannia Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1972
JANUARY 26, 2018
Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I travel with my wife Teresa, ride our Harley, visit with our 12 grandchildren and enjoy our home in Florida. Name: Lisa Lowe Name of firm: Buckley King, LPA Fields of specialty: Financial services and community and economic development Undergraduate university: University of Florida Law school: University of Denver Year of law school graduation: 1979 Synagogue: Temple Emanu El When I’m not practicing law: I am working with HFLA of Northeast Ohio to ensure that those in our community without access to traditional lending sources receive a “hand-up,” or I am baking or cooking for a crowd. Name: Franklin Malemud Name of firm: Reminger Co., LPA Field of specialty: Probate and trust litigation Undergraduate university: The Ohio
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State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1997 Synagogue: Kol HaLev When I’m not practicing law: I am spending time with my family, coaching my sons’ teams, seeing live music, DJ’ing and enjoying watching films. Name: Jack Malkin Name of firm: Jack S. Malkin, Esq. Field of specialty: Small business Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: University of Akron School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1981 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am an avid golfer and tennis player. Name: Ellen Mandell Name of firm: Law Office of Ellen S. Mandell Fields of specialty: Family law and professional ethics Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1977 When I’m not practicing law: I spend lots of time walking my dog. Name: Kevin Margolis Name of firm: Benesch Field of specialty: Environmental law Undergraduate university: Northwestern University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1989 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I am spending time with my family. Name: Daniel Messeloff Name of firm: Tucker Ellis, LLP Fields of specialty: Commercial litigation and labor and employment Undergraduate university: Washington University – St. Louis Law school: Fordham University School of Law
LOCAL LAwyers Year of law school graduation: 2001 Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am spending time with my family and/or reading. Name: Donald Messinger Name of firm: Thompson Hine, LLP Field of specialty: Corporate transactions and securities Undergraduate university: Colgate University Law school: Duke University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1968 When I’m not practicing law: I visit my three sons, their wives and my seven grandchildren, who live in Beverly Hills, Calif., Bexley, Ohio, and Chevy Chase, Md., with my wife, Sally. We participate with community organizations and also hold season tickets to Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Broadway Series and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Name: Anne Meyers Name of firm: Meyers Roman Friedberg & Lewis Fields of specialty: Business and construction law Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School Year of law school graduation: 1977 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I like to travel, especially on missions with the American Jewish Committee, read and spend as much time with my family as possible. Name: Steven Miller Name of firm: Miller Goler Faeges Lapine, LLP Fields of specialty: Business litigation and strategic analysis Undergraduate university: Brown University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1981 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I am a longstanding editor of the ABA’s Litigation Journal, an enthusiastic Cleveland sports and culture fan, and an active community member.
SUPER ATTORNEYS Name: Aaron Minc Name of firm: Minc, LLC Field of specialty: Internet defamation Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2010 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I love to spend time with my wife and two kids, ski and golf.
Name: Steven Moss Name of firm: Benesch Field of specialty: Labor and employment law Undergraduate university: Ithaca College Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1991 Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience When I’m not practicing law: I am traveling, reading and spending quality time with my family.
Name: Howard Mishkind Name of firm: Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Plaintiff personal injury and medical negligence Undergraduate university: University of Cincinnati Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1980 Synagogue: Temple Emanu El When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking and attending sporting events.
Name: Susannah Muskovitz Name of firm: Muskovitz & Lemmerbrock, LLC Fields of specialty: Labor and employment and arbitration Undergraduate university: McGill University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1984 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I am hiking, biking or skiing. I love to be outside no matter the season.
Name: Richard Mitchell Name of firm: Roetzel & Andress Field of specialty: Business litigation Undergraduate university: Tulane University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1984 Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah Name: Suzann Moskowitz Name of firm: The Moskowitz Firm Fields of specialty: Trademark, copyright and technology transactions Undergraduate university: Cornell University Law school: Stanford Law School Year of law school graduation: 2003 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I am usually spending time with my two boys (generally watching, playing or driving them to/from soccer) or plotting my next adventure.
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Name: Steven Nobil Name of firm: Fisher Phillips, LLP Field of specialty: Labor and employment Undergraduate university: Baldwin Wallace University Law school: Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1972 Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom When I’m not practicing law: I workout, golf and am on boards of charitable organizations. Name: Tod Northman Name of firm: Tucker Ellis, LLP Fields of specialty: Transactional aviation and artificial intelligence Undergraduate university: Portland State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1994 Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I stay as physically active as possible. I run, bike, lift weights or walk my dog – nearly always while listening to podcasts.
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Attorney at Law 29525 Chagrin Boulevard, Suite 250 Pepper Pike, Ohio 44122 Phone: 440.462.6501 | Mobile: 216.346.8896 ak@kdglegal.com
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74 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG
JANUARY 26, 2018
Name: Andrew November Name of firm: Liner Legal, LLC Field of specialty: Disability litigation Undergraduate university: University of Cincinnati Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2009 When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my wife, Keri, exploring old Cleveland, walking through Ohio City and Tremont, enjoying local restaurants and meeting new people.
Name: Brad Ortman Name of firm: Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper Field of specialty: Immigration law Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: George Washington University Year of law school graduation: 1995 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation When I am not practicing law: I enjoy running, playing ultimate Frisbee and spending time with family and friends.
Name: Benjamin Ockner Name of firm: Berns, Ockner & Greenberger, LLC Fields of specialty: Zoning, land use, real estate litigation and business litigation Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Georgetown University Law Center Year of law school graduation: 1986 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I read, write, relax, listen to music and try to make my family laugh.
Name: Lawrence Oscar Name of firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP Fields of specialty: Corporate, mergers and acquisitions, and financially troubled enterprises Undergraduate university: University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School Law school: New York University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1981 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
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When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy community engagement, attending cultural events, traveling, golf and bridge. Name: Lauren Paige Name of firm: Davis & Young Field of specialty: Civil litigation Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2013 When I’m not practicing law: I can be found on my yoga mat. Name: Dana Paris Name of firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Field of specialty: Personal injury Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2012 Synagogue: Suburban Temple Kol-Ami When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy spending time with my family and staying physically active by running, doing yoga and skiing. Name: David Paris Name of firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Field of specialty: Personal injury Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1978 Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami When I’m not practicing law: I am enjoying time with my family. Name: Samuel Pearlman Name of firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kaunts, LPA Field of specialty: Real estate Undergraduate university: University of Pennsylvania Law school: University of Pennsylvania Law School Year of law school graduation: 1966 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I am spending time with family and friends and volunteering.
LOCAL LAWYERS Name: Miriam Pearlmutter Name of firm: Walter Haverfield Field of specialty: Education law Undergraduate university: Barnard College Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2011 When I’m not practicing law: I beat my friends and family at Cards Against Humanity. Name: Elizabeth Perla Name of firm: The Perla Law Firm, LLC Fields of specialty: Elder law, estate planning, probate and family law Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2007 Synagogue: Heights Jewish Center When I’m not practicing law: I am busy with my husband and three children or writing fiction. Name: David Pomerantz Name of firm: Pomerantz and Crosby Co., LPA Field of specialty: Personal injury Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1985 Synagogue: When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy taking long-distance biking, skiing, traveling and spending time with my family. Name: Howard Rabb Name of firm: Dworken & Bernstein Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Estate planning and bankruptcy Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1986 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am with family or friends enjoying Cleveland or traveling.
SUPER ATTORNEYS Name: Julie Rabin Name of firm: Rabin & Rabin Co., LPA Field of specialty: Bankruptcy Undergraduate university: Northwestern University Law school: New York University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1981 Synagogue: Beth-El The Heights Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I study Hebrew and play the piano. Name: Carole Rendon Name of firm: BakerHostetler Fields of specialty: White collar defense, corporate investigations, FCPA, commercial litigation, privacy and data protection Undergraduate university: Northwestern University Law school: Northwestern University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1987 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy spending time with my husband, Michael, and our three amazing sons.
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JANUARY 26, 2018 I give back to the greater Cleveland community and stay actively involved in the legal community through participation in various organizations. Name: Melvyn Resnick Name of firm: Dworken & Bernstein Co., LPA Field of specialty: Commercial transactions Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1966 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy playing golf and tending to my garden. Name: Steve Richman Name of firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Field of specialty: Real estate Undergraduate university: University of Miami Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1985 When I’m not practicing law: I am serving my community as a councilman for the
Village of Moreland Hills, participating in other charitable/civic causes, spending time with my family, reading and listening to my vinyl collection. Name: Richard Rivitz Name of firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP Field of specialty: Real estate Undergraduate university: Cornell University Law school: Harvard Law School Year of law school graduation: 1967 Name: Barbara Roman Name of firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Field of specialty: Divorce and family law Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1977 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I travel internationally, practice photography and enjoy my grandchildren.
Name: Peter Rome Name of firm: Ulmer & Berne, LLP Fields of specialty: Mergers and acquisitions Undergraduate university: Tufts University Law school: George Washington University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1984 Name: Robert Ross Name of firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff, LLP Fields of specialty: Mergers and acquisitions, private equity and international transactions Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Georgetown University Law Center Year of law school graduation: 1985 When I’m not practicing law: I am home with family, running errands locally or at spinning class. I travel for a living so when I’m in town, I like to stay close to home and spend time with friends and family.
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Once again, the attorneys at Bentoff & Duber have been proudly recognized for their incredible dedication and commitment to law in Northeast Ohio. Congratulations to Michael J. Duber and Glen S. Richardson for receiving the 2018 Super Lawyers Award, and Brandon T. Duber for receiving the 2018 Super Lawyers Rising Star Award.
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76 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Name: Steven Roth Name of firm: Dworken & Bernstein Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Mergers and acquisitions, corporate transactions, real estate, sports, media and entertainment law and intellectual property law Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2012 Synagogue: Temple Emanu El When I’m not practicing law: I am spending time with my wife, daughter and our two labradoodles, or exercising. Name: Larry Rothenberg Name of firm: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA Field of specialty: Real estate Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1978 Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla
JANUARY 26, 2018
When I’m not practicing law: I am teaching karate at Heights Jewish Center Synagogue.
Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I love to golf, travel and spend time with my family.
Name: Karen Rubin Name of firm: Thompson Hine, LLP Fields of specialty: Business litigation and legal ethics Undergraduate university: Cleveland State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1985 Synagogue: Beth El-The Heights Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I love to read biographies and memoirs and to spend time with our four adult children and my grandson.
Name: Bruce Rutsky Name of firm: Petronzio Schneier Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Personal injury and criminal law Undergraduate university: Indiana University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1982 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I am working out, running or spending time with family and friends.
Name: Scott A. Rumizen Name of firm: Rumizen Weisman Fields of specialty: Personal injury and nursing home neglect Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: University of Toledo College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1991
Name: Richard Rymond Name of firm: Reminger Co., LPA Field of specialty: Civil litigation defense Undergraduate university: Macalester College Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1982
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Name: Mark Sack Name of firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Fields of specialty: Estate planning, business and corporate law Undergraduate university: Brandeis University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1996 Synagogue: Solon Chabad When I’m not practicing law: I am a fulltime high school teacher at Cleveland Heights High School. I teach Advanced Placement psychology and Lessons of the Holocaust. Name: Michael Saltzer Name of firm: The Skolnick Weiser Law Firm Field of specialty: Personal injury – plaintiff Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: The University of Akron Year of law school graduation: 1988 Synagogue: Solon Chabad When I’m not practicing law: I like to spend time with my family.
LOCAL LAWYERS Name: Kevin Sandel Name of firm: Sandel Law Firm Field of specialty: Personal injury Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: University of Akron School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1995 Synagogue: Beth El Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my family and golf (a little bit). Name: Alan Schabes Name of firm: Benesch Fields of specialty: Health care and life sciences Undergraduate university: Duquesne University Law school: Hofstra University Maurice A. Deane School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1981 Synagogue: Young Israel of Greater Cleveland When I’m not practicing law: I am learning Jewish texts or playing with my grandchildren. Name: David Schaefer Name of firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Fields of specialty: Litigation and alternative dispute resolution Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law When I’m not practicing law: I’m watching sports or spending time with family. Name: Roy Schechter Name of firm: Weltman Weinberg & Reis Field of specialty: Creditors rights litigation Undergraduate university: Arizona State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1986 When I’m not practicing law: I like to golf, ski, see live music, spend time with family and follow Cleveland sports.
SUPER ATTORNEYS Name: Sara Scheinbach Name of firm: Benesch Field of specialty: Energy litigation Undergraduate university: University of Maryland Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2016 Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy hiking, reading and taking advantage of the arts in Cleveland. I love seeing shows at Playhouse Square and listening to the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. Most of all, I love spending time with my husband Adam, and my two sons, Itai and Zev. Name: William Schonberg Name of firm: Benesch Field of specialty: Corporate creditors’ and debtors’ rights Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1979 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple
JANUARY 26, 2018 When I’m not practicing law: I endeavor to enrich myself and my experiences through reading, outdoor exercise, interesting travel and interacting with people. Name: Aaron Schwartz Name of firm: Law Office of Aaron A. Schwartz Fields of specialty: Domestic relations, family law and criminal defense Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2002 When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy spending time with my wife, Ali, and my two daughters, Eden, 4 and Ivy, 1. I also enjoy listening to historical podcasts and watching the Indians. Name: Anna Seiger Name of firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP Fields of specialty: Complex commercial litigation, construction litigation and property torts Undergraduate university: The Ohio
CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 77 State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2016 When I’m not practicing law: I play the role of sous-chef. My husband is quite impressive in the kitchen. I also indulge in the occasional Netflix binge (I am currently hooked on “Mad Men”), and I enjoy spending time with my family. Name: Neal Shapero Name of firm: Shapero & Roloff Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Plaintiff’s personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect and civil rights trial practice Undergraduate university: Kent State University Law school: University of Akron School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1984 Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah When I’m not practicing law: I love taking bike trips with my wife, Cheri. I am an actively involved board member of the Anti-Defamation League. In addition, I enjoy exercising daily at the Mandel JCC.
Name: Debra Shifrin Name of firm: Shifrin Newman Smith, Inc. Fields of specialty: Social security and disability Undergraduate university: American University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1981 Synagogue: Beth-El Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I like to spend time with my family, cook, read and sing. I also collect cookbooks. Name: Patricia Shlonsky Name of firm: Ulmer & Berne, LLP Field of specialty: Employee benefits Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1984 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I am reading.
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78 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Name: Michael Shroge Name of firm: Plevin & Gallucci Field of specialty: Personal injury Undergraduate university: Cleveland State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2000 When I’m not practicing law: I spend time on the sidelines of soccer games. Name: Marvin Sicherman Name of firm: Marvin Sicherman, Attorney Fields of specialty: Bankruptcy and commercial law Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1961 When I’m not practicing law: I teach bankruptcy law at Case Western Reserve’s law school or play bridge. Name: Paul Singerman Name of firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz, Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Real estate, banking and business Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1983 Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid When I’m not practicing law: I like to exercise, play golf and spend time with my family. Name: Warren Sklar Name of firm: Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar Field of specialty: Intellectual property Undergraduate university: Case Institute of Technology Law school: The George Washington University – National Law Center Year of law school graduation: 1970 Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla When I’m not practicing law: I am visiting children, grandchildren and other friends and relatives, reading, taking classes at Siegal College/CWRU Lifelong Learning, Jewish Learning Connection and the Jewish Learning Institute.
JANUARY 26, 2018
Name: Howard Skolnick Name of firm: The Skolnick Weiser Law Firm, LLC Fields of specialty: Nursing home negligence, wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1992 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am riding motorcycles, traveling, collecting art and enjoying nature and the outdoors. Name: Roni Sokol Name of firm: Sokol Law Firm Field of specialty: Personal injury Undergraduate university: University of California Los Angeles Law school: Southwestern University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1995 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I hang out with my teenage kids, attend rock concerts and read for pleasure.
Name: Scott Spero Name of firm: Bentoff & Spero Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Personal injury and medical malpractice Undergraduate university: Indiana University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1989 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I keep in shape by swimming, biking and running, spend time with my family, play drums, do triathalons and run marathons, and volunteer in community organizations. Name: Daniel Steiger Name of firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Fields of specialty: Estates and trusts and real estate Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1987 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I spend time with my family and friends, exercise, read and watch movies.
University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1976 When I’m not practicing law: I am thinking about practicing law.
Name: Loren Sonkin Name of firm: The Law Firm of Loren M. Sonkin Fields of specialty: Estate planning, probate and elder law Undergraduate university: Purdue University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1989 When I’m not practicing law: I am a winemaker and part owner of SonkinCellars, a boutique winery located in Napa, Calif. I also write about wine for intowine.com.
Name: Marc Stolarsky Name of firm: Marc L. Stolarsky Law, LLC Fields of specialty: Estate planning, probate and family law Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1996 Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid When I’m not practicing law: I weight lift, travel, practice photography, attend sports events and theater.
Name: Jeremy Sosin Name of firm: Sosin Law, LLC Field of specialty: Commercial real estate Undergraduate university: Indiana University Law school: Valparaiso University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1997 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I serve on the boards of trustees for Youth Opportunities Unlimited and the Mandel JCC.
Name: Michael Stovsky Name of firm: Benesch Fields of specialty: Technology transactions, intellectual property, global data security and privacy and crypto-currencies and blockchain Undergraduate university: Northwestern University Law school: University of Pennsylvania Law School Year of law school graduation: 1991 Synagogue: The Temple Tifereth Israel
Jeremy--40
LOCAL LAWYERS When I’m not practicing law: I am spending time with my wife Jill and our three kids, Lexi, Matt and Tyler, and our dogs, Ollie and Bailey. I also serve on non-profit and corporate boards, enjoy working out, cycling, running and swimming, reading, going to the movies and traveling. Name: Roger Synenberg Name of firm: Synenberg & Associates, LLC Fields of specialty: Trial litigation and white-collar defense Undergraduate university: American
Name: Ronald Teplitzky Name of firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., LPA Fields of specialty: commercial lending and business transactions Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1987 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple When I’m not practicing law: I am rooting for the Indians, Cavs and Browns or spending time with my family. Name: Michael Tucker Name of firm: Ulmer & Berne, LLP Field of specialty: Bankruptcy Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Case Western Reserve School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1986 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I am spending time with my family or playing softball.
SUPER ATTORNEYS
CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 79
JANUARY 26, 2018
Name: Peter Turner Name of firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Field of specialty: Business litigation Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1981 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I try to stay active and manage my spare time so as to spend it with family and friends, especially my granddaughter Shay, and on issues of importance to me where I might make a difference. Name: Michael Ungar Name of firm: Ulmer & Berne, LLP Field of specialty: Litigation Undergraduate university: Boston University Law school: Boston University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1984
Name: Mark Wachter Name of firm: Wachter Kurant, LLC Fields of specialty: litigation and alternative dispute resolution Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: American University Washington College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1976 Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla When I’m not practicing law: I run, bike, ski and spend time with my wife, children and five grandchildren. Name: Mark Wallach Name of firm: Thacker Robinson Zinz, LPA Field of specialty: Business litigation Undergraduate university: Wesleyan University Law school: Harvard Law School Year of law school graduation: 1974 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I walk my dog, read history, science fiction and biographies, watch movies and go to Indians games. Name: Eric Wasserman Name of firm: Reimer Law Co. Field of specialty: Representation of creditors Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1969 Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel When I’m not practicing law: I travel, go to the movies and enjoy theater.
Name: Steven Wasserman Name of firm: Weston Hurd, LLP Fields of specialty: Business, banking and real estate law Undergraduate university: University of Cincinnati Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1978 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I play golf and ride motorcycles. Name: David Waxman Name of firm: McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC Field of specialty: Real estate, business and environmental Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: The University of Toledo College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1986 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I play tennis, attend concerts, and enjoy spending time with my wife and children.
Name: Joseph “Jake” Weinberg Name of firm: McDonald Hopkins, LLC Field of specialty: Commercial finance Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: University of Miami School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2013 When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy cheering on the Buckeyes, Cavs, Indians and even the Browns. I also love taking my basset hound, Tress, on long walks and staying active. Name: Craig Weintraub Name of firm: Law Offices of Craig T. Weintraub Field of specialty: Litigation Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1987 Synagogue: Temple Emanu-El When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy cros-fit training, weight training, running, golf and time with my family, friends and three Bernese Mountain dogs.
Dinn, Hochman & Potter, LLC wishes to congratulate Steven B. Potter, David Weiner, Jason Hochman, Ben Carnahan, Jared Klebanow, Michael C. Hennenberg, Of Counsel, and Justin Withrow for their inclusion as 2018 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.
Steven B. Potter Super Lawyer
Benjamin D. Carnahan Rising Star
Jason D. Hochman Rising Star
Michael C. Hennenberg Of Counsel, Super Lawyer
Jared S. Klebanow Rising Star
David C. Weiner Of Counsel, Super Lawyer
Justin Withrow, Associate Rising Star
Established for over 30 years, our firm provides effective legal solutions, strength in litigation, and innovative business solutions, providing corporations, business of all sizes and their owners with sophisticated business law, real estate, estate planning, and litigation representation that is tailored to their needs and goals. Of Counsel to the firm, Mr. Hennenberg, and his Associate, Justin Withrow, use an early and aggressive Team Defense strategy in representing individuals, business entities and licensed professionals in grand jury investigations, embezzlement, theft, health care, insurance, tax, mortgage fraud, cyber and drug crimes, public corruption, expungements and judicial release before Ohio and Federal Courts and professional licensing boards. Mr. Weiner’s practice focuses on commercial litigation and during his 40 years as an attorney, he has successfully represented businesses and individuals in a wide variety of litigation settings. Dinn, Hochman & Potter, LLC is AV ® rated and ranked in 2018 as one of the Best Law Firms ® in Ohio.
80 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Name: Jerome Weiss Name of firm: Mediation Inc. Fields of specialty: Mediation and alternative dispute resolution Undergraduate university: Syracuse University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1971 Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah When I’m not practicing law: I am teaching aspiring lawyers at Case Western Reserve University School of Law and speak nationally and abroad about mediation. I also love good music of many varieties and spend lots of time in the kitchen cooking my latest food fixations. Name: Leon Weiss Name of firm: Reminger Co., LPA Field of specialty: Estate and trust litigation Undergraduate university: Bucknell University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1966 Name: Scott Weltman Name of firm: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA Fields of specialty: Creditors’ Rights and commercial and consumer collections Undergraduate university: University of Southern California Law school: University of Southern California School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1989 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am exercising, traveling and spending time with my family. Name: Frederick Widen Name of firm: Ulmer & Berne, LLP Field of specialty: Tax Undergraduate university: Cleveland State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1981
JANUARY 26, 2018
Name: Kyla Williger Name of firm: Williger Legal Group, LLC Fields of specialty: Estate Planning & Elder Law Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Year of law school graduation: 2010 Synagogue: Temple Israel When I’m not practicing law: I enjoy volunteering with local community theaters performing musical theater. Name: Stephen Williger Name of firm: Thompson Hine, LLP Fields of specialty: Business litigation and corporate crisis management Undergraduate university: Ohio University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Year of law school graduation: 1982 When I’m not practicing law: I am performing in a band with my brother or hitting the Cleveland Metroparks or the gym. Name: John Wirtshafter Name of firm: McDonald Hopkins, LLC Fields of specialty: Executive compensation and employee benefits Undergraduate university: Indiana University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1984 When I’m not practicing law: I can’t get enough of being with my family and friends. I also enjoy riding my bike, particularly the one with the large motor on it, hiking in the woods, playing tennis and reading.
Name: Marshall Wolf Name of firm: Wolf and Akers, LPA Field of specialty: Family law Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1967 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I play softball. But after 53 years of playing, I am now limited to playing in the annual “Legends” game of the Beachwood Softball League, where I played for 35 years. Name: Melissa Yasinow Name of firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Field of specialty: Litigation Undergraduate university: Mount Holyoke College Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 2011 Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Name: Eric Zagrans Name of firm: Zagrans Law Firm, LLC Field of specialty: Business litigation – trial and appellate Undergraduate university: University of Notre Dame Law school: Harvard Law School Year of law school graduation: 1977 Synagogue: Agudath B’nai Israel and Taylor Road Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I am visiting with my family, reading, listening to music and coaching football. Name: Andrew Zashin Name of firm: Zashin & Rich Co., LPA Field of specialty: Ohio, national and international family law Undergraduate university: Brown University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1993 Synagogue: Solon Chabad When I’m not practicing law: I read newspapers and history books about the U.S.A., Israel, Cleveland and baseball.
LOCAL LAWYERS Name: Stephen Zashin Name of firm: Zashin & Rich Co., LPA Field of specialty: Labor and employment law Undergraduate university: University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1995 Synagogue: Park Synagogue When I’m not practicing law: I play in a rock band called Faith & Whiskey. Name: Jeffrey Zimon Name of firm: Zimon, LLC Fields of specialty: Employee benefits and compensation/ ERISA Undergraduate university: Brandeis University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1992 Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation When I’m not practicing law: I am probably fixing something, using some type of power tool, or otherwise. Name: Olga Zullig Name of firm: Olga Y. Zullig, Attorney-atLaw, LLC Field of specialty: Immigration law Undergraduate university: Case Western Reserve University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Year of law school graduation: 1997 When I’m not practicing law: I practice pilates at the Mandel JCC and cook.
* Attorneys included in this section completed a questionnaire that was emailed to attorneys and/or firms by the Cleveland Jewish News. The questionnaire also was available at cjn. org and included in our Boker Tov daily e-newsletter. Some opted not to answer all questions.