2024 Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys

SUPER ATTORNEYS

JANUARY 26, 2024

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 31

32 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 26, 2024

LOCAL LAWYERS

SIGN OF THE TIMES What’s the law on posting Israeli hostage signs on utility poles?

ALEXANDRA GOLDEN agolden@cjn.org

S

igns drawing awareness about hostages being held

by Hamas are now included along with signs such as lost dog or cat, garage sale, political and business promotion signs – all of which are not legally allowed to be placed on public utility poles and boxes throughout Northeast Ohio.

Since the beginning of the surprise attack on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, when 1,200 people in Israel were killed and about 240 were taken hostage by Hamas, signs with the faces of the hostages have been placed in public places, including on utility poles and boxes, trees and bus stops.

“Our ordinances say that no sign shall be attached to utility poles, street signs, traffic poles, etc.,” Beachwood City Interim Law Director Todd Hunt told the Cleveland Jewish

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News. “And since the city owns the rightof-way, it can regulate and say no signs are to be located in the public right-ofaway area or attached to utility poles in those areas.”

A city owns the public right-of-way, which includes tree lawns, where utility poles are located, and extends to the inside of a sidewalk, if there is one, against a private property, he said.

Cicero This rule applies to trees or fire hydrants that may be located on the tree lawn as well, Michael Cicero, city of University Heights prosecutor and assistant law director, told the CJN. Although signs are not permitted in the right-of-way, signs are permitted by property owners on their private property.

“I would just ask that individuals that want to put signs up, do so either on their Hunt own property or use alternative means of conveying the message,” Cicero said. “And almost every city, if not all, have the same prohibition on utility poles.”

It does not matter what the message is on the sign, whether it be a lost animal or a hostage sign, that is “irrelevant,” Cicero said. The cities are “trying to keep utility poles clean” and “stop rubbish from being blown around.”

If someone wanted to be allowed to put signage on a public utility, it would be “very difficult to apply for a variance from these zoning regulations,” said Hunt, who started in his role on Nov. 1, 2023. If someone applied for a variance, it would have to go to city council for approval, Cicero said.

“We can’t make exceptions based on content of the sign,” he said. “… You can’t say yes to somebody who is putting a sign in the right-of-way and no to somebody else. So, a variance would probably not be warranted.”

Prior to the 2020 election, a FirstEnergy news release reminded the public “not to hang signs or flags on utility poles or electrical equipment.”

“Fixtures embedded in the pole can lead to a line worker snagging or piercing a hole in their personal protective equipment, like the insulated rubber gloves that keep them safe when they work with high-voltage electrical equipment,” the release stated. “Tampering with a utility pole also puts an individual at risk of making accidental contact with energized power lines, which is why we urge the public to stay far away from our equipment.”

There can be different violations and fines depending on how many offenses there are, Cicero said. In University Heights, the first offense is a minor misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100, the second offense is a $250 fine with a possible 30 days in jail, and a third offense or more involves a $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail, Cicero said. This does not mean one sign staying up in the same place for multiple days, but rather a person or a company putting up signs after getting their first minor misdemeanor citation, he said.

SIGN | CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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JANUARY 26, 2024

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An Israeli hostage sign is affixed to a utility box in University Heights. | CJN Photo / Bob Jacob SIGN | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

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Cities may differ on who specifically is in charge of taking down signs, but the “general policy” in Beachwood is that the service department employees take signs down “right away,” Hunt said.

Recently, social media posts claimed a Beachwood school crossing guard was responsible for removing hostage signs from utility poles and boxes. However, a CJN reporter observed a city employee removing hostage signs as Hunt outlined.

In University Heights, the building department usually handles the complaints, Cicero said.

However, several hostage signs have remained up for weeks on utility poles and elsewhere in University Heights.

“As a member of the Jewish community, I am extraordinarily sympathetic to what is going on in the Middle East, but we must still abide by the city’s laws,” Cicero said.

“And I would just ask that people express their views in a lawful way.”

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36 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 26, 2024

LOCAL LAWYERS

Myriad factors cause firms to expand out of state ALEXANDRA GOLDEN agolden@cjn.org

D

ifferent factors and reasons exist as to why law firms expand outside of their home state. Some firms combine with other firms, while some open new offices of the same company in another state. Firms can do this to follow existing clients to their new locations or to acquire new clients.

Robert “Kip” Danzinger, co-president and partner at Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill Co., LPA, and Stan R. Gorom III, CEO and managing partner at Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, both in Cleveland, discussed the reasons why firms expand into other states.

“Often (firms) will combine with another firm or they’ll see a practice group that they really want and use that to sort of create their beachhead in that new city,” Gorom told the Cleveland Jewish News.

Most firms are organized into practice groups, so with expanding, they can add

Danzinger

Gorom

different areas to cover, he said.

Some firms may choose to have an employee from their home office go to help establish the office to “keep a consistent culture across all of the offices,” Gorom said.

Continuing to have one culture across all the offices is something Gorom said firms need to be “mindful of,” so that it does not become a drawback of expansion. One of the “most important things” is people see it not just as a firm with multiple offices, but just one firm, he said.

For some companies, there are no determinants to expanding, Danzinger said.

“It has only been a benefit and it’s been a benefit to us only because it’s been a benefit to our clients,” he said.

Firms might expand due to clientele.

In some cases, firms will expand to where clients may have other homes or businesses, for example, Florida where Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP has offices in Naples and Fort Myers, Gorom said. It also has offices in Columbus, Chicago and San Diego.

“We have a San Diego office where we were asked by one of our largest clients to have a presence on the West Coast, so we worked with them to create that office” Gorom said.

In cases like this, “following” clients can take firms to where there is a “great strong market,” he said.

For firms similar to Danzinger’s that represent clients that own commercial properties and help them lower their tax assessments, the need for expansion may

be due to clients investing or developing outside of the state, he said.

In this case, firms can also become part of national groups, such as the National Property Tax Group, which Danzinger’s firm got involved in almost 17 years ago, to expand its practice nationally, Danzinger said. This does not involve having offices outside of the state, but partnering with other firms to work jointly in the area, he said.

“The reason we did it is because of our clients finding more and or better opportunities outside of Ohio, which required us to expand our expertise outside of Ohio,” Danzinger said.

Depending on the law firm and practice area, lawyers may have to take the bar exam to become licensed in the state they are expanding to.

“You really can not have people open those offices who do not also have licensure in that particular state,” Gorom said.

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JANUARY 26, 2024

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 37

14 Elk+Elk Attorneys Named to 2024 Ohio Super Lawyers, Rising Stars

LEFT TO RIGHT: Jay Kelley†, John O’Neil, Phillip Kuri, Marilena DiSilvio†‡, R. Craig McLaughlin, Gary Cowan, Matthew Carty, Amy Papesh, William Price†, William Campbell, Kevin Lenson+, Curtis Fifner, Ian Fijalkovich*, Katherine McCormick* *CHOSEN TO 2024 RISING STARS; †TOP 100 OHIO & TOP 50 CLEVELAND; ‡TOP 50 WOMEN OHIO & TOP 25 WOMEN CLEVELAND; +10 YEARS

Elk + Elk is excited to share that 14 of our attorneys have been selected to the 2024 Ohio Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars lists.

Kelley, DiSilvio, and Price were included in the Top 50 Cleveland Super Lawyers and Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers.

2024 Ohio Super Lawyers: Partners Jay Kelley, John O’Neil, Phillip Kuri, Marilena DiSilvio, & Craig McLaughlin. Attorneys Gary Cowan, Matthew Carty, Amy Papesh, William Price, William Campbell, Kevin Lenson, & Curtis Fifner.

DiSilvio was selected to the Top 50 Women Ohio Super Lawyers and Top 25 Women Cleveland Super Lawyers.

2024 Ohio Rising Stars: Ian Fijalkovich and Katherine McCormick.

These exclusive lists feature attorneys with high peer recognition and professional achievement degrees. The Super Lawyers list recognizes up to 5% of attorneys in each state. The Rising Stars list recognizes at most 2.5% of attorneys in each state.

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38 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 26, 2024

LOCAL LAWYERS

What to consider before choosing path to law school LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

“If you think that you’re interested in law school, it would be smart to explore volunteer opportunities.

It’s great to read about it and learn about it.”

M

aking the decision to go to law school is not one that should be taken lightly. While a law degree can open doors into careers one might not have considered, it’s also a commitment of time and effort.

Barbara Andelman, assistant dean of admissions at Cleveland State University, and Freda Levenson, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio in Cleveland, explained what someone should think about before applying to law school and what the application process looks like.

“If you think that you’re interested in law school, it would be smart to explore volunteer opportunities,” Levenson told the Cleveland Jewish News. “It’s great to read about it and learn about it.”

For students looking to learn about the legal field, she suggests listening to podcasts or reading books and articles that offer a perspective into the field.

People that have completed their undergraduate degree, or are just looking into an undergraduate degree, should know that there isn’t a specific degree that law

Freda Levenson Andelman

Levenson

school admissions offices are looking for in their applicants, she explained. All the admissions team is looking for is rigorous academic preparation and that the applicant is trained in thinking and writing, she added.

“You can go into so many different kinds of careers with a law degree, so they should investigate and determine what they want to do with their degree,” Levenson said. “And perhaps there are internships in their field they should explore. Just appreciate the versatility of it and explore that.”

Those applying to law school should put the strongest application that they can forward, Andelman told the CJN. People don’t have to stick out for any particular reason, they just have to indicate that they are a strong student and future lawyer, she

added.

An important aspect of the law application process is the personal statement, she said. The personal statement is an opportunity to give the admissions team a good first impression, Andelman added.

The personal statement is not a creative writing assignment or a narration of the resume that was submitted, she explained.

“What we really want to hear is how whatever you’ve done, good or bad, has affected you, impacted you and made you the person you are today,” Andelman said.

People should also be conscious of their grammar in their statements and ensure it’s not “sloppy” and “thrown together,” Andelman said. It may convey to the admissions team that you either don’t care about the school or that the applicant may

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be a sloppy lawyer in the future, she added.

The admissions team reviewing the applications are not looking for quantity when it comes to internships, they’re looking for quality, she explained. They understand that people work during college, so they don’t have the time to pursue certain extracurricular opportunities, Andelman added.

Knowing the kind of law you want to practice right away is also not required, she explained. People will learn and try many different things at law school, she added.

“Law schools don’t have majors,” Andelman said. “You don’t come out of law school an immigration lawyer, corporate lawyer or a prosecutor. You’re just coming out as a lawyer armed with tools that will help you no matter what area of law you want to practice.”

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ON THE AIR Scharf ‘Talking Foreign Policy’ as host on CWRU law school radio, podcast LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

S

ince 2012, “Talking Foreign Policy,” a radio show and podcast, has been presented by Michael Scharf, codean of Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland. Scharf – who has known about his “radio voice” since college – serves as the program’s host and

producer and he is assisted by Drew Maziasz as technical producer.

Each episode of the show focuses on an issue that can be categorized as international relations.

“I thought it would be a really good thing for our local radio station, the city of Cleveland, and for me and the law school,” Scharf told the Cleveland Jewish News.

As producer, Scharf, who celebrated his bar mitzvah

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at The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood, selects a topic and finds guests that have experience in international relations to bring on the podcast, which isn’t difficult considering his resume. He is the president of the American branch of the International Law Association, has served in the U.S. Department of State in the office of the legal adviser, served as an assistant to Scharf the chief prosecutor at the Cambodian Genocide Tribunal, argued a case before the International Criminal Court and co-founded the Public International Law and Policy Group.

He also writes the script of questions for the show, which consists of a minute-long teaser to get people interested and dividing the topic into three sections to conform to station breaks. Overall, it takes him a “long weekend” to put the show together, he said.

As host, he follows his script and talks with his guest, whether that be virtually or in person.

Scharf, whose late father, Harry Scharf, was general manager of the CJN for nearly 20 years, took his idea for the show to two producers at Ideastream Public Media, which broadcasts the show. The first episode’s topic of conversation was Somali pirates and how the world was dealing with “modern-day piracy” at the time, he said.

While the producers saw the potential of the show, he was told that he was “too enthusiastic” for the average listener, he said. The producers advised him to listen to NPR over the next week and learn what the hosts’ voice and tone sound like and to try to capture it in the second recording.

“Then we did the second pilot and they said, ‘This is terrific, that’s great,’” Scharf said.

Over time, his voice reverted to the enthusiastic one he originally recorded with, he said.

Scharf has asked other producers if he should begin using his second voice again, but they’ve told him not to change, he said. He has developed his own style the listeners enjoy, he said.

As a student at Duke University in Durham, N.C., Scharf began hosting a rock and roll radio show on the college’s AM station, which is where he developed a love for the craft, he said.

“Talking Foreign Policy” airs quarterly and will begin airing monthly – due to increased popularity – in July when Scharf steps down as co-dean of the law school.

Scharf plans to remain involved with the college as associate dean for global legal studies and by running the law school’s international law program.

The show can be found on WKSU 89.7 FM or at bit.ly/3NVrFkk.

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Bar association creates Cleveland Legal Collaborative KEVIN CORVO

W

ith the goal of closing the “justice gap,” the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association has established the Cleveland Legal Collaborative.

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A second cohort is scheduled for January 2025, and another cohort each January thereafter.

“Our goal is for the collaborative to become the first 34305 Solon Road, Suite 110 modest-means law firm in Cleveland” CMBA CEO Becky Ruppert McMahon told the Cleveland Jewish News.

Solon, Ohio 44139 The focus of the initiative is to make legal services P: 440-836-3066 accessible to people who do not qualify for free legal assistance through agencies such as the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, said Kari Burns, CMBA’s chief strategy officer.

E: kate@katewilliamslaw.com The “justice gap” is ever-widening, McMahon said, owing www.katewilliamslaw.com to a confluence of factors that include a growing number of people who do not qualify for free legal aid because they

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“We are looking at tapping into the new generation of lawyers who want to be on the front line of tackling the inequalities in our society and doing good things in their communities.”

Becky Ruppert McMahon earn just enough money so as not to qualify for free services, yet do not earn nearly enough to afford to retain legal representation.

Further, Legal Aid Society branch offices often cannot handle cases because of understaffing, or in some instances cannot accept cases concerning subject matter that conflicts with regulations tethered to the federal funding the branch offices receive, McMahon said.

In its role as a referral service, CMBA members also took note of the frequency at which those inquiring about legal services failed to obtain them.

The CMBA receives about 13,000 calls each year from people seeking a referral and many are in need of social services rather than legal services. Only 3% of those in need of legal services ever obtain a lawyer, McMahon said.

As early as 2016, member attorneys of the CMBA began to look at how other large cities in the United States were tackling the issue of closing the “justice gap.”

“We began to put together the framework for the collaborative and was close to launching it when COVID struck,” McMahon said.

Now, nearly four years later, the program is “back on the front burner,” she said.

While all qualified candidates are to be considered, the ideal fellow is an attorney who has been in practice five years or less, or a law school graduate with pending bar admission status.

Experience working on social justice issues and within marginalized and diverse communities are also ideal qualities, McMahon said.

The six attorneys will be housed at the offices of the CMBA and paid during the course of the fellowship, after which they would enter into a solo practice or as a member of a firm, while handling a caseload that includes clients who pay the market rate, but some clients who qualify on a sliding scale for financial assistance, McMahon said.

The initiative is also meant to identify altruism in those who choose to participate in the fellowship.

“We are looking at tapping into the new generation of lawyers who want to be on the front line of tackling the inequalities in our society and doing good things in their communities,” while not focused only on billable hours, McMahon said.

For further information about the Cleveland Legal Collaborative, visit clemetrobar.org.

Kevin Corvo is a freelance journalist.

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Take precautions to avoid health care identity theft ALEXANDRA GOLDEN agolden@cjn.org

W

hen it comes to health care identity theft, it can fall under the subcategories of health care fraud and general identity theft. Once someone’s information is stolen or misused, it can be difficult to recover it and may affect what services they are able to receive in the future.

Madelyn Grant, attorney at Friedman Nemecek & Long, L.L.C. in Cleveland, and Andrew Zashin, founding partner of Zashin Law in Mayfield Heights, spoke with the Cleveland Jewish News about the different forms of health care identity theft and the different ways it can be stolen.

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“Health care identity theft falls under a larger umbrella of just health care fraud in general,” Grant said.

With health care fraud, the “most common things” people would think of are doctors improperly coding for the wrong service, “upcoding” for services that were not completed or are more expensive, or the theft of the health insurance information, social security information, Medicare numbers and using that information to submit fraudulent claims to the health insurance, she said.

It can also fall under the subcategory of general identity theft, Zashin said. This can be a person wanting someone else’s health care or health care related items, medicine or treatment that “they might not be able to have gotten themselves” or that they “just want the benefits from another person,” he said. These benefits include drugs, services or treatments, Zashin said.

Having information stolen can hinder future services and care because someone else used them before you had the opportunity to, Zashin said.

People might assume that health care identity theft affects only the older population as they often fall victim to scams over the phone, which is one of the ways people obtain information, Grant said.

“I think it’s because they’re not, understandably so, used to somebody calling to try to scam them out of their information,” Grant said. “I think that the younger generation is a little more nervous about things like that and they’re not so quick to give out their information over the phone or over email.”

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Although the elderly are impacted, it can affect anyone. But, the two categories of people that are mainly impacted are minors and people who are getting treatment more regularly, Zashin said. The ones regarding minors “typically fall under the radar” because “of the nature of their treatments” and “parents aren’t expecting to review the benefits that minors might receive,” he Grant said. Moreover, minors are not getting credit reports which make it harder for parents to figure out if their insurance is being abused, he said.

“Those people who are getting lots of treatment might miss people who are using their services inappropriately,” Zashin said. “They might miss certain treatments that have been poached from their basket of available services.”

There are different ways that Zashin information can be stolen and obtained.

It is still the same crime whether someone voluntarily or involuntarily gives the information, Grant said. One of the ways is from a party that has the information being hacked, she said.

“My insurance carrier could get hacked and my information could be leaked that way. Or my insurance information, which is potentially submitted through an employer, that employer could get hacked and my information could be fraudulently used or obtained that way,” Grant said.

The information could have been stolen by “general sloppiness,” by people not paying attention or someone “inappropriately” trusting someone else with it, Zashin said.

“People need to be very careful with their information, keep secure and in a proper place ... and not trust people ... with what would otherwise be confidential,” he said. “Not be too trusting with confidential information. Not even about your condition or what the nature of your treatment.

Just as you would protect your credit card numbers and your financial information, keep your insurance and health information private.”

When information is stolen, it can be “very difficult” to recover. People should take the same steps as they would in an identity theft situation, but there is no “one-size-fits-all” rule for that, Zashin said. People should try to figure out where someone could have obtained their information by retracing their steps, he said.

A way to prevent information being stolen is to never give it out over the phone or email, Grant said. If information is needed over email, Grant recommends sending information in separate emails, so it is not all together in one, or verifying with the sender that they are the ones who sent the email, she said. People should also watch over their insurance bills to make sure they are being billed for the services they received, she said.

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Akron University to continue law prep week program LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

I

n June 2023, The University of Akron School of Law hosted Akron Law Prep Week, a weeklong a pipeline program for college students from underrepresented groups to learn about law school and the admissions process.

The free program will return in the summer and the application process will open in early February.

“We wanted to continue to bring students, especially from underrepresented groups, to the law school to introduce them to the legal profession,” Emily Janoski-

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Haehaln, dean of the law school, told the Cleveland Jewish News.

The idea for Akron Law Prep Week came after hosting the LSAC Prelaw Undergraduate Scholars, PLUS, program from 2018 to 2021, she said. During the monthlong program, participants would stay at the school and learn about law and law school.

The school brought in members of the Akron Bar Association, Brouse McDowell LPA and other local firms to speak with students and participate in the program.

The program was originally funded by a grant from LSAC, but the large scale was difficult to fund internally without the grant, Janoski-Haehaln said.

“We found that students could get a lot of impact out of just one week with us, rather than four weeks,” JanoskiHaehaln said. “And some undergraduate students need to work in the summer, so we know that their time is limited.”

Continuing the program on a smaller scale allows the university to fund the program internally, while still introducing interested students to law school.

The Akron Law Prep Week program was developed by a team of faculty members, including Michael Gentithes, associate dean of academic affairs, Charles Oldfield, dean of students, Alisa Benedict O’Brien, dean of career services, Barbara DiGiacomo, associate dean of admissions, and Anthony Colucci, III, director of admissions.

Together, the team decided what parts of the program would be in person or virtual, what attorneys and judges

would be invited to teach in the classroom and what law firms the students would visit, Janoski-Haehaln said.

“It came together fairly easily because we have so many wonderful community partners that were willing to give up their time, come speak to the students and allow us to visit their law Janoski-Haehaln offices and court rooms and give these individuals a great experience,” she said.

During the Akron Law Prep Week program, students learn from attorneys in the local community through mock trials, classes, social events and an etiquette lunch. Students also participate in preparation for the Law School Admission Test, LSAT, and learn what the admissions process works and how to apply to law school.

In 2023, the program ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, but this year the program may also include some weekend sessions, Janoski-Haehaln said.

To make the 2024 program more accessible to students, some sessions will be held online or be fully asynchronous, Janoski-Haehaln said.

Students that complete the program get their Akron University School of Law application fee waived, she said.

The school is also one of eight universities in Ohio to offer the Law and Leadership program for high school students interested in a career in law, according to its website.

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50 years later, US v. Nixon returns to spotlight ALEXANDRA GOLDEN agolden@cjn.org

O

n July 24, 1974, United States v. Nixon found that a president is not above the law and cannot claim executive privilege if there is a legitimate legal case and they are subpoenaed.

Subodh Chandra, managing partner at the Chandra Law Firm LLC, and Michael Goldberg, criminal defense lawyer and owner of the Goldberg Law Firm, both in Cleveland, discussed the decision that took place almost 50 years ago and how it is still being used in the United States government.

“United States v. Nixon addressed the issue of whether a president’s executive privilege, which has limited application, would render a president’s decision making and communications entirely immune from being reviewed by federal courts,” Chandra said. “And the answer to that question was no. That even though a limited executive presidential privilege exists, it is not absolute and that due process of law in the fair administration of justice requires a president to obey subpoenas and, in that case, produce tapes and documents.

And the courts could review that and determine whether or not that could be used as evidence, ultimately in case against President Nixon.”

The ruling led to the release of the tapes related to Watergate. When this ruling was passed, it was done so by a “more liberal court” and was a unanimous decision, Goldberg said.

Around two weeks after the ruling on Aug. 8, 1974, Nixon resigned from office.

“It became very clear that the audio recordings and documents that were going to prove the extent of his criminal conspiracy within the White House were going to be made public and at that point, he had no choice but to resign,” Chandra said.

Goldberg said the ruling showed, “presidents are not above the law.” That means presidents cannot “claim executive privilege” if they were to get subpoenaed for a criminal case, he said.

The ruling also showed presidents “ultimately must yield to the power of the courts to investigate” or “to administer justice,” Chandra said.

This inserted the power of checks and balances within the three branches of government, which include the legislative, executive and judicial branch, and proved

Chandra

Goldberg

“Presidents are not dictators, and they are not above the law.”

Subodh Chandra that “the president is not king,” Goldberg said.

Although the ruling states executive privilege cannot be used for all instances, Goldberg added, “executive privilege is important.”

Presidents “should not have to testify about decision making,” but when it comes to “hiding the outcome of a crime,” that is not an instance where executive privilege could be used, he said.

Although this happened 50 years ago, it is still relevant in government today. Former President Donald Trump tried and argued executive privilege during a hearing about Jan. 6, 2021, Goldberg said, when the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., was stormed by hundreds of Trump supporters in an attempt to overturn results of the presidential election.

This may not be the first time a president has tried to claim executive privilege since Nixon, but what has not been seen before “is the sweep of criminal allegations directed at a president” that are “so extensive” and “in so many jurisdictions” that the U.S. v. Nixon precedent needs to be discussed “over and over again,” Chandra said.

“Presidents are not dictators, and they are not above the law,” he said. “And that is a principle that I think most Americans, regardless of their political persuasion, tend to agree with. They may disagree on the application but that is a bedrock principle in American law and in the American forms of government.”

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Law firms rebrand for variety of reasons ALEXANDRA GOLDEN agolden@cjn.org

A

law firm’s rebranding can indicate – and include – many different things.

From visual aspects like graphics and logos, to cultural and value updates, rebranding can even be a partial refresh. Maria Porter Elliott, digital marketing director at Taft Stettinius & Hollister, based out of the Indianapolis office and which also has an office in Cleveland, and Corrina Wright, director of marketing and communications at Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP in Cleveland,

spoke to the Cleveland Jewish News about firm rebrands and the different forms they can take.

“Firms or companies would rebrand because they want to establish a new identity for whatever reason, or they want to maybe alter the perception of their identity,” Wright said. “… So, you go back to the drawing board. You think about the image you’re presenting through your logo, your design, your messaging and everything that goes along with your brand.”

Rebranding can include visual aspects, including a shortening of a name, a new logo, website or social media graphics, but it can also be internal with a refresh of education, standards or culture, Porter Elliott said.

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When it comes to why firms rebrand, Porter Elliott said, “a good brand is always a little bit aspirational,” meaning that the brands are working to “be the best version of the organization.”

As there are “right reasons” to rebrand, including articulating a new identity to align with the missions and values of the current brand or target audience, there are also “wrong Porter Elliott reasons,” such as being tired of a logo or colors, Wright said.

“When people recognize a brand’s colors, logos, look and feel, it builds a sense of familiarity and trust,” she said.

It can be risky to rebrand a really established brand because it could alienate your audience and disrupt your brand recognition, Wright said.

Porter Elliott, who has been with Taft for over 11 years, said Taft has never Wright rebranded, but has sharpened the focus of its brand, she said.

“We’ve only really just continued to move the brand forward and sort of sharpen the standards, sharpen the messaging, improve the education (and) improve the guidelines that we go by,” she said.

Wright, who has been with Benesch for nine months, said the company did a brand refresh in 2019, with a new website along with specific brand guidelines, fonts, colors and “everything that goes along with a brand style guide.”

“Benesch’s brand has been around for a while, but over the years, it has evolved along with our firm, and we have built upon what we have while remaining true to who we are,” she said.

For companies that are rebranding or refreshing and sharpening the focus of the brand, Porter Elliot said companies need to be careful to remain “authentic to who the organizations truly is,” so the firms “don’t lose” who they are or the relationships they have built.

Any businesses considering a rebrand or a refresh shouldn’t be afraid to bring in industry experts who can help advise and guide the company through the process, Wright said.

“They can help ensure you’re telling the right story, attracting the right audience and appropriately reflecting who you are,” she said.

“We’ve only really just continued to move the brand forward and sort of sharpen the standards, sharpen the messaging, improve the education (and) improve the guidelines that we go by.”

Maria Porter Elliott

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Looking back at ‘bedrock cases’ of marriage rights LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

I

n 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, ultimately making the historical decision to legalize same-sex marriage across the country that June 26. However, there were many cases heard by the Supreme Court throughout the years that affected the outcome of Obergefell v. Hodges.

Chad Eggspuehler, partner and cochair of the lgbTE employee resource group at Tucker Ellis LLP in Cleveland, and Ellen Mandell, an attorney at the Law Office of Ellen S. Mandell in Beachwood, spoke with the Cleveland Eggspuehler Jewish News about what led to the landmark Supreme Court decision.

“There were a number of cases coming out of Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, which is the federal 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, where various issues related to same-sex couples were having to do with death certificates and other things,” Mandell told the CJN. James Obergefell, who lived in Ohio Mandell but had been married to his husband

in Maryland – which recognized same-sex marriage while Ohio did not – had been denied the ability to be listed as “spouse” on his husband’s death certificate after he died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. As a result, Obergefell filed a case against former Ohio Gov. John Kasich. The case was then combined with other cases to be heard in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, Mandell explained.

Thus, Obergefell v. Hodges was a mix of multiple different cases that had to do with legal issues surrounding samesex marriage, Mandell noted. Obergefell, one half of the case’s namesake, and the others involved with the case were granted a hearing in January 2015.

While this case was monumental in LGBTQ history, it wasn’t something that simply appeared one day, but was a case that built upon others heard by the Supreme Court, Eggspuehler told the CJN. In 2013, U.S. v. Windsor was heard by the Supreme Court and struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, which stated that marriage was between one man and one woman and same-sex married couples wouldn’t receive the same rights, protections and benefits as heterosexual married couples – even if their home state recognized same-sex marriage, Eggspuehler explained. However, after this decision was made to strike down DOMA, same-sex marriage was not yet legal in all 50 states.

“When Windsor was decided, it was not clear that samesex marriage was going to become the law nationwide,”

Eggspuehler said. “But there was reason to think that may be where the law was headed someday.”

At the same time as U.S. v. Windsor, the Supreme Court was deciding Hollingsworth v. Perry, Eggspuehler said. It ruled that California’s Proposition 8, which passed in 2008 and stated marriage was between one man and one woman, was unconstitutional in 2013.

The U.S. v. Windsor case and the Hollingsworth v. Perry case also built upon past Supreme Court decisions, he added. For example, the Supreme Court ruled that Texas’ “Homosexual Conduct” law, an anti-sodomy law, was unconstitutional as a result of the Lawrence v. Texas case heard in 2003. And before that, a Colorado law prohibiting municipalities, or cities that have corporate statuses and local governments, from enacting protections for LGBTQ people was struck down in Romer v. Evans in 1996, Eggspuehler said.

“Each of those (cases) are recognizing some sort of constitutional violation from a law that discriminates against gay and lesbian citizens,” Eggspuehler said. “So when you get to Obergefell v. Hodges, each of those cases is part of the bedrock that the court looked to in questioning whether the marriage rights that are being sought by the same-sex couples in Obergefell are essentially the same rights enjoyed by straight citizens.”

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LOCAL LAWYERS

Recording on your property and expectations for privacy ALEXANDRA GOLDEN agolden@cjn.org

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hen it comes to having a security camera on your property, such as a Ring camera or doorbell, notifying visitors that recording is in progress is not required. Homeowners are free to have a camera on the outside of their property as long as there is no expectation of privacy.

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Michael Briach, associate attorney at Dooley Gembala McLaughlin Pecora in Sheffield, and Rob Glickman, managing partner at McCarthy, Lebit Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA in Cleveland, spoke to the Cleveland Jewish News about the laws behind security cameras along with the difference between video and audio recordings.

There is no federal law in place Briach involving video surveillance, Glickman said, which means laws vary by state.

“Generally, in Ohio, there’s really not any state-specific laws on residential cameras, Ring doorbells, things like that,” Briach said.

Briach said is it legal to have a camera pointed toward a homeowner’s yard, or even a neighbor’s yard or driveway.

However, there are some situations Glickman where there is an expectation of privacy, including a camera pointing directly into a neighbor’s bedroom or a bathroom and if someone is using that for sexual gratification or voyeurism, it is a misdemeanor crime in Ohio and a felony if a minor is involved, he said.

“So, there can be potential criminal implications if you’re purposely videoing your neighbor, although it’s kind of difficult to prove, but it still is there,” Briach said. “So, while there’s nothing truly stopping you from doing it, if you go too far, you could run into some criminal trouble.”

Expectation of privacy translates to a homeowner’s property as well. Homeowners cannot use cameras to record in places where guests would “ordinarily consider that space to be private,” Glickman said. So, just like a camera cannot be pointed directly into a neighbor’s bathroom, a camera cannot be placed in a homeowner’s bathroom, he said.

Other places where there are expectations are any places “we presume we are alone” or “we are talking to people where we have an expectation those communications are going to be kept private,” including a doctor’s office, lawyers office or locker room, Glickman said.

“A lot of it’s common sense,” Glickman said in regard to where a camera can be pointed toward.

For those who are renting and do not own their property, the rules fall back to what is listed in the lease and the landlord’s discretion, Briach said.

“If you’re a renter and you want to install either video or audio, you should be looking at your lease to make sure you’re permitted to do that,” Glickman said.

When it comes to video, no consent is required to record, but audio is a different story, Briach said. With Ohio being a one-party consent state, only one person needs to know an audio recording is happening and has to consent, Briach said.

For example, if someone was recording a conversation outside their home and the person recording it was not there, they could run into trouble if it was posted, he said.

But if one person knows and consents, it is legal, he said.

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JANUARY 26, 2024

CSU launches wrongful conviction clinic LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

C

leveland State University College of Law has launched its Terry Gilbert Wrongful Conviction Clinic under the school’s Criminal Justice Center. The clinic accepts claims from incarcerated individuals in Ohio that have been convicted of a felony that believe they have a case for wrongful conviction.

The spring 2024 semester will be the first semester when students are involved with the clinic. It officially started operations in September 2023.

“Our law clinics, and this wrongful conviction clinic, are a great example of engaged learning or what we would also call experiential learning for our students,” Jonathan Witmer-Rich, professor of law and co-director of the Criminal Justice Center, told the Cleveland Jewish News.

The six students participating in the clinic this semester will review claims of wrongful conviction, both actual innocence and manifest injustice, Laura Greig, director of the Terry Gilbert Wrongful Conviction Clinic, told the CJN. Students reviewing the claim will look for new witnesses, evidence

Greig

Witmer-Rich

and leads in the same way a licensed and practicing attorney would if they were investigating.

Prior to a full investigation, students perform a preliminary investigation, where they search the internet to find information about the case, Greig said. During this phase, they will also search to find anything that may prevent them from fully investigating the case.

The claims submitted to the clinic may come from either the incarcerated individual themselves or from attorney referrals, Greig said. Claims will be reviewed if they are submitted through a client intake form, a 20page document that includes an information release waiver and questionnaire about the situation, available on the law school’s

website.

“They (the students) are creating and practicing real life lawyering skills and techniques and helping incarcerated individuals at the same time,” Greig said.

The Terry Gilbert Wrongful Conviction Clinic serves as a chance for students to get real-world experience and as a class. There is a weekly seminar where students will learn about wrongful conviction topics, including the Ohio post-conviction relief available and the six reasons that contribute to wrongful conviction, Greig said.

The clinic also offers opportunities for community engagement through partnerships with local grassroots organizations to educate the communities most affected by wrongful convictions, Greig said.

Students attending CSU College of Law are required to have six experiential learning credits to graduate, Greig said. At least three of those credits have to be from one of the law school clinics or another extracurricular, Witmer-Rich said.

The CSU College of Law also offers the David H. Braff Animal Law Clinic, the Appellate Practice Clinic, the Civil Litigation Clinic, the Community Advocacy Clinic, the Pardon, Clemency and Reentry Clinic, the

“They (the students) are creating and practicing real life lawyering skills and techniques and helping incarcerated individuals at the same time.”

Laura Greig Pretrial Justice Clinic and the Transactional Law Clinic.

For students to be accepted into a clinic, they must apply and rank the clinics in the order they would like them, Greig said.

After the application closes, the students go through an interview process to earn a position in one of the clinics.

The wrongful conviction clinic was named in honor of Terry Gilbert, a 1973 graduate of the CSU College of Law who dedicated his legal career to promoting justice and civil rights, according to a Nov. 29 news release. Gilbert is also in the law school’s hall of fame.

To file a claim with the clinic, visit bit.ly/3SipB8F.

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JANUARY 26, 2024

What passage of Issue 2 means for Ohioans LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

T

he issue of legalizing recreational adult use of marijuana was on the ballot for Ohio voters in the Nov. 7, 2023 election. Issue 2 passed with 57% of voters casting ballots in support of the citizen-initiated statue and 43% voting against.

Medical use of cannabis was legalized in Ohio in 2016. The legalization of medical marijuana in the state came after other states began doing the same.

Kevin Murphy, managing partner of Walter Haverfield, and Larry Zukerman, managing partner of Zukerman, Lear & Murray Co., LPA, both in Cleveland, explained how Issue 2 came to be and what Ohioans can expect in the future.

“In 2016, voters legalized medical cannabis,” Murphy said. “And that has evolved to the point where over half the states in the country have legalized it in some form, and states like Michigan, which are directly adjacent to us, have recreational use.”

The passage of Issue 2 will lead to

Murphy

Zukerman

marijuana being regulated like alcohol, meaning in order to partake in legal recreational use someone must be at least 21 years old, he explained. This regulation was used in the campaign to get Issue 2 on the ballot and pass it.

Those over the age of 21 will no longer need a license to purchase marijuana from dispensaries, he said, once the infrastructure is in place in the state. They are also able to possess marijuana up to an unspecified amount going forward, he added.

In the current program, there are different licenses for the cultivation and possession of marijuana, Murphy said.

Any previous convictions of possession will not be wiped away, as there was

no amnesty or official pardon for those convicted of a political offense attached to the statute, he explained.

As time passes, up to 40 more dispensary licenses will be awarded, Murphy said. The new dispensary licenses will go to “social equity applicants,” he said.

“We don’t know exactly what that means, yet – they (the legislature) still need to define that,” he said. “But it could include minority applicants, economically disadvantaged applicants and female applicants.”

In some states, such as New York, having a prior conviction doesn’t disqualify someone from applying for and obtaining a dispensary license, he said.

Since Issue 2 wasn’t passed as a constitutional amendment, the Ohio legislature has the ability to make changes to the law, Murphy said.

However, the legislature has not yet given any guidance as to how they are planning on implementing the newly passed law, Zukerman said. While the legislature is working to implement the law, there isn’t a set timeline on when it will be implemented fully, he said.

“We don’t have any clarity as to how

“We don’t have any clarity as to how someone can obtain, use or possess marijuana at this point in time. The only way for somebody to legally obtain marijuana in Ohio is through a dispensary.

To do so, a person must have a medical marijuana card.”

Larry Zukerman someone can obtain, use or possess marijuana at this point in time,” he said.

“The only way for somebody to legally obtain marijuana in Ohio is through a dispensary.

To do so, a person must have a medical marijuana card,” Zukerman said.

Consult attorney quickly when mulling malpractice case ALEXANDRA GOLDEN agolden@cjn.org

“... The client must have suffered significant damages to pursue the case.”

W

hen it comes to malpractice, specific instances must be in action for it to be considered a case. When it comes to the need for an attorney due to malpractice, it’s best to act sooner due to the one-year statute of limitations in Ohio.

Brian Eisen, president of the Eisen Law Firm Co., L.P.A., and Scott Rumizen, owner at Rumizen Weisman Co. LTD., both in Beachwood, spoke to the Cleveland Jewish News about malpractice and what people should know before retaining an attorney.

There are different types of neglect, such as nursing home neglect cases Rumizen has handled, but he said medical malpractice is the most common.

Knowing when to take legal action for malpractice is “not that simple,” he said.

Malpractice litigation is “expensive” because there are “usually multiple experts involved and there may be statutory caps,” or maximum compensation limits, that could apply, he added.

Scott Rumizen Eisen

Rumizen

“Therefore, the client must have suffered significant damages to pursue the case,” Rumizen said.

In order to have a successful malpractice case, three elements are needed, said Eisen, a medical malpractice attorney.

There needs to be an act or failure to act which results in an actual injury that causes “significant” damages in order to proceed with a case, he said.

He said an example “is you go to the emergency room with chest pain and the doctors fail to evaluate you for a possible acute coronary syndrome, a heart attack or an aortic dissection, some real emergent condition.”

“And they send you home and you go out, you go home and you unfortunately have a massive heart attack or a cardiac arrest and die,” he said.

Eisen suggested calling a lawyer to consider a possible malpractice case if someone suffered “significant injury” that might have been the result of a mistake.

“Call a lawyer and let the lawyer listen to your story,” he said.

While the statute of limitations in a medical malpractice claim is typically one year from the date of the malpractice, it can be up to two years for a wrongful death claim, Rumizen said. The one-year timeline starts from the date of the last treatment with the doctor, he said.

“Therefore, if someone is injured or harmed due to nursing home, doctor or hospital’s negligence, they should seek out

legal representation as soon as possible,” Rumizen said.

When preparing a malpractice case, it is important to have the key dates written down and, if they know them, the key health care personnel involved, Eisen said.

Along with having key dates, medical records are what the lawyers “start with” and what they need to review to determine if there is a case, Rumizen said.

“But if you have the key dates, maybe in a little timeline with a little narrative description that always helps get the lawyer up to speed faster,” Eisen said. “But if that feels overwhelming in light of what’s going on in your life, then just call the lawyer and have a conversation and let the lawyer ask the right questions.”

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CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 53

JANUARY 26, 2024

Say what and when? It varies by city council, school board ALEXANDRA GOLDEN agolden@cjn.org

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hen it comes to city council and school board meetings, they can choose whether they have a section for the public to address them during public comments.

There is no overall law cities must follow.

The Cleveland Jewish News asked lawyers and city council members about public comments and what public entities can decide.

J. Michael Murray, managing partner at Berkman Gordan Murray & DeVan in Cleveland, and Peter Pattakos, civil rights attorney at Pattakos Law Firm LLC in Fairlawn spoke to the CJN, while Alec Isaacson, Beachwood City Council president, Nancy Meany, vice mayor for the city of Solon, and Michele Weiss, vice mayor for the city of University Heights, wrote to the CJN about the regulations and rules that each of their city council’s follow regarding public comments.

“Every city council and every school board promulgate their own rules as to how to conduct their meetings,” Murray said. “And included in those rules, usually, is a portion of the meeting and the guidelines and procedures that apply when citizens want to publicly comment in the course of those meetings.”

For the cities of Beachwood, Solon and University Heights, each has a five-minute rule for speakers, but the total time allotted differs by city. For Beachwood, there is an “absolute limit of 30 minutes” which council adopted in its rules of procedures in 2020, Isaacson said. For Solon, there is “no time limit,” Meany said. For University Heights, there is a 15-minute section, but the “vice mayor can decide to elongate the 15 minutes,” Weiss said.

No governmental body is required to allow public comments, but by doing so it shows accountability to the voters and shows that the elected officials care about “what your constituents want” and that they care about “being responsive to the will of the voters that elected you,” Pattakos said.

“I would be suspicious of any elected official or any governing body that was not open to public comment,” Pattakos said. “And I think as a matter of good practice for democracy in America, where again speech is essential …., that it is un-American to not allow public comment.”

When it comes to public meetings, it comes back to what kind of forum is occurring, Murray said. The different types of forum are traditional public forum, designated public forum and limited public forum, he said.

Generally, school board and city council meetings are considered limited public forums where it is limited to groups and people who want to talk about “certain subject matters,” Murray said.

Murray

Pattakos

“They can restrict the speech so long as it doesn’t discriminate on the basis of viewpoint and so long as it’s reasonable in light of the purpose served by the forum,” he said.

If it is a public forum, such as a street or sidewalk, where the government has the “least power” to censor speech, then the First Amendment applies in “full scope,” Murray said.

A designated public forum is a public property that the state has opened up for use by the public for express activity, he said. In this, people can not pick and choose based on content what they allow.

“The board president and council president seem to have plenty of discretion to shut down public comments if they want to because these provisions are very vague and broad,” Murray said.

With presidents or vice mayors, they can decide to stop public comments, but this runs into the violation of the First Amendment, Murray said. This is something that the city of Cleveland is dealing with and an issue the city of Beachwood had in September 2023.

At the Sept. 25 Cleveland City Council meeting, Chris Martin’s microphone was cut off by council president Blaine Griffin, as he read aloud campaign contributions made to council members by a political action committee that Griffin controls, Cleveland.com reported. Griffin filed a lawsuit in December over the incident and council struck a “temporary truce” in the lawsuit.

Along with the lawsuit, the city of Cleveland is reconsidering its public comments portion, which started at the city’s Oct. 4, 2021, meeting after nearly a century of no public comments, due to the calls for a ceasefire in the IsraelHamas war and criticism of Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s support of Israel that have persisted in public comments at council meetings since Israel launched a ground invasion in Gaza following the Oct. 7 Hamas surprise attacks on Israel, the CJN previously reported. Cleveland only allows 10 registered speakers per meeting.

At a Sept. 18, 2023, Beachwood City Council meeting, Howard Darvin, who was running for council at the time, was denied the opportunity to speak after two Beachwood City Council members criticized him over public comments

he made at prior meetings, the CJN previously reported. Before Darvin’s mic was turned off, Isaacson had asked him to step away, saying the 30-minute time limit had elapsed. The CJN reviewed a recorded video of the meeting which showed that 26 minutes of the 30 minutes were used when Darvin attempted to speak.

“Based on Dr. Darvin’s and my council colleagues’ demeanors, I felt that ending citizens’ remarks to maintain order was in the best interests of all concerned,” Isaacson wrote the CJN following the meeting.

Prior to that meeting, Isaacson would ask others in attendance if they wanted to speak before closing citizen’s remarks, but now is following councils rules of procedures to only allow those who signed in before the meeting to speak, he said.

“After that happened, I decided to more strictly follow the rules of procedure (including section 7.3 which requires people to sign in) and to no longer exercise the discretionary power granted in section 7.2,” Isaacson wrote. “Council does have the right to override that decision by a simple majority vote which they can take at any time, including during citizen’s remarks.”

Council’s rules of procedure Rule 7.2 says: “In total, the citizen’s remarks portion of the meeting shall continue no longer than thirty (30)

minutes unless so extended at the discretion of the president or a majority of council” Although council or boards cannot restrict a certain viewpoint, they are allowed to regulate speech and only allow comments for certain subjects, which are called time, place or manner restrictions, Pattakos said. With this, they can regulate the time that each person gets or decide when they decide to have the public comments portion, he said.

It does not matter what rules there are as long as they are “reasonable” and “enforced consistently,” he said.

For University Heights, according to Chapter 200.11, comments from the audience come before reports and agenda items.

In Solon, at the beginning of the agenda there is a section for comments regarding agenda items and at the end of the agenda, there is a section for comments from the audience regarding any item, Meany said.

Beachwood council rules section 1.8 requires public comments to be heard before council votes on legislation, Isaacson said.

“What is prohibited is viewpoint-based discrimination when the government targets not the subject matter, but particular views taken by the speakers on a subject,” once the forum is open for speech, Pattakos told the CJN.

ALIZA

Her Story at 10 Years

Aliza: Her Story at 10 Years A podcast from the Cleveland Jewish News

All episodes now streaming on all podcast platforms To read about the life, legacy and and unsolved murder of Aliza Sherman, visit cjn.org/sherman

54 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 26, 2024

LOCAL LAWYERS

Oberlin College, Carnegie museum return artwork to Holocaust victim’s heirs ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK – New York prosecutors on Jan. 19 returned two pieces of art they say were stolen by Nazis from a Jewish performer and collector murdered in the Holocaust.

The artworks were surrendered by museums in Oberlin and Pittsburgh, but prosecutors are still fighting in court to recover a third artwork by the same artist, Austrian expressionist Egon Schiele, that was seized from a Chicago museum at the same time.

On Jan. 19 in Manhattan, the estate of Holocaust victim Fritz Grünbaum accepted “Portrait of a Man,” which was surrendered by the Carnegie Museum of Art and “Girl with Black Hair,” surrendered by the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College. Prosecutors have collectively valued the two pieces at around $2.5 million.

Ten of Schiele’s works have now been returned to the family, but “Russian War Prisoner” remains at the Art Institute of Chicago, which maintains it was legally acquired.

Grünbaum was the son of a Jewish art dealer and law school student who began performing in cabarets in Vienna in 1906. As the Nazis rose to power, he mocked them, once saying on a darkened stage, “I can’t see a thing, not a single thing; I must have stumbled into National Socialist culture.”

In 1938, he was captured by Nazi officials, who created a trail of paperwork. Manhattan prosecutors say they forced

him to give power of attorney to his wife, and then forced her to sign away the art – including around 80 Schiele works – to Nazi officials. Some of the art was sold to fund the Nazi war effort, they say. Elizabeth and Fritz Grünbaum died in concentration camps.

Prosecutors say the works reappeared in 1956 in Switzerland, part of a shady art deal with members of the Nazi regime, that led to them being sold in New York galleries.

On Jan. 19, one of Grünbaum’s heirs thanked leaders at Oberlin College and the Carnegie Institute, saying they “did the right thing.”

“This is a victory for justice, and the memory of a brave artist, art collector and opponent of Fascism,” said Timothy Reif, Grünbaum’s great-grandnephew and a federal judge in New York City, in a statement released by the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “As the heirs of Fritz Grünbaum, we are gratified that this man who fought for what was right in his own time continues to make the world fairer.”

A New York judge ruled in 2018 that other two works by Schiele had to be turned over to Grünbaum’s heirs under the Holocaust Expropriated Recovery Act, passed by Congress.

In that case, art dealer Richard Nagy said he was the rightful owner of the works because Grünbaum’s sisterin-law had sold them after his death. But the judge in the case ruled that there was no evidence that Grünbaum had

given them to her voluntarily, writing it was “a signature at gunpoint.”

The Art Institute of Chicago, however, disputes the case. It argues that “Russian War Prisoner,” a pencil and watercolor piece, was legally acquired.

“We have done extensive research on the provenance history of this work and are confident in our lawful ownership of the piece,” said Art Institute of Chicago spokesperson Megan Michienzi.

Michienzi pointed to a prior 2010 ruling from another federal judge that she said “explicitly ruled that the Grünbaum’s Schiele art collection was ‘not looted’ and ‘remained in the Grünbaum family’s possession’ and was sold by Fritz Grünbaum’s sister-in-law.”

Reif and his relatives had been fighting in a separate federal civil court case for the return of the work. The Art Institute of Chicago had the case thrown out in November on technical grounds, successfully arguing that, unlike the Nagy case, the family had missed a lawsuit deadline under the Holocaust Expropriated Recovery Act. After that case was dismissed, Bragg’s office earlier this month asked a Manhattan court to authorize the return of the artwork.

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JANUARY 26, 2024

An introduction to some of Ohio’s law schools

T

he Cleveland Jewish News asked Ohio’s law school deans about their programs: what makes your law school unique; beyond the classroom, how does your school prepare students for their first job; and what three questions should a prospective student ask

The University of Akron School of Law 150 University Ave. Akron, OH 44325 800-425-7668 lawadmissions@uakron.edu.

Uakron.edu/law

EMILY JANOSKI-HAEHLEN Special to the CJN What makes your law school unique?

Akron is the only law school in Ohio to offer entering J.D. students the option to begin in the spring, summer or fall semester.

Part-time evening students can complete all required courses with just two nights a week of on-campus classes through our blended online program. We offer a study

a dean. All Ohio schools were asked to participate and some did not respond to requests or elected not to submit.

abroad program trips to unique locations such as Vietnam and South Africa exclusively for current Akron Law students. We offer guaranteed admission to the J.D. program for any Ohio resident Janoski-Haehlen applicant who meets or exceeds an LSAT score of 151 and a GPA of 3.4.

professionalism training credit hours and 30 pro bono hours. We offer five live client clinics, mock trial and moot court teams, and a variety of externships and simulation courses. Our career services team offers one-on-one counseling for all students and alumni. We provide resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, job search resources, job fairs, professional development programs and networking opportunities. Our 2022 graduating class had a 97% employment rate.

Beyond the classroom, how does your school prepare students for their first job?

We focus on practical training, experiential learning and professionalism with a goal of producing practice-ready graduates. We have degree requirements of six experiential learning credit hours, 12

How should prospective students check out a law school?

We strongly encourage students to visit any law school they are considering. Speak with professors, staff and current students and sit in on a few classes to be sure that the school is a good fit. Note whether the

school’s location is conveniently near courthouses, law firms and government and corporate offices.

What three questions should a prospective student ask a dean?

• What are some ways in which the school takes extra steps to be supportive of the students?

• What were the employment rates and bar passage rates of the three most recent graduating classes?

• How important are issues of justice and social responsibility at the law school and among the students and faculty.

Emily Janoski-Haehlen is dean of The University of Akron School of Law.

Content provided by law schools.

Michael P. Scharf and Jessica Berg Case Western Reserve University School of Law 11075 East Blvd.

Cleveland, OH 44106 216-368-8700 case.edu/law jessica.berg@case.edu michael.scharf@case.edu

BakerHostetler provides sophisticated counsel to help you manage risk and take advantage of every opportunity to grow your business.

JESSICA BERG AND MICHAEL P. SCHARF Special to the CJN What makes your law school unique?

Case Western Reserve is one of the nation’s oldest law schools, with a historic commitment to racial and social justice. Our alumni include Fred Gray, the 2022 Presidential Medal of Freedom winner who served as counsel to the rev.

Martin Luther King, Jr. during the civil rights movement. And SCHOOLS | CONTINUED ON PAGE 56

bakerlaw.com

56 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG SCHOOLS | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55

we have one of the largest endowments of any law school in the nation, enabling us to provide generous scholarships to over 90% of our students. US News and World Report ranks us among the top 10 law schools “that offer the most tuition help.”

Beyond the classroom, how does your school prepare students for their first job?

We are one of the national leaders in experiential education. Our innovative curriculum provides students hands-on experience and client contact during all three years of law school, culminating in a capstone semester in which students choose an intensive clinical experience or an external externship. Through our nine mock trial and

Cleveland State University College of Law 1801 Euclid Ave., LB 138 Cleveland, OH 44115 -2214 216-386-8688 lee.fisher@csuohio.edu law.csuohio.edu

LEE FISHER Special to the CJN What makes your law school unique?

It’s not typical that lawyers and law students rave about their law school experience, but our students and alumni do – that’s why we have one of the most active and engaged alumni networks in the country. CSU Law’s unique connection to its alumni and Northeast Ohio legal community create opportunities for our students to make immediate connections between the classroom experience and real-

University of Dayton School of Law Keller Hall, 300 College Park Dayton, OH 45469 937-229-3391 lawinfo@udayton.edu @UDaytonNews

VICTORIA VANZANDT Special to the CJN What makes your law school unique?

University of Dayton School of Law students can receive a part-time online or full-time residential Juris Doctor.

Launched in 2019, our online program was among the nation’s first ABA-accredited programs. It has been a success, with the first graduates passing the bar on their

JANUARY 26, 2024 moot court teams, our students hone litigation skills and strategies. And through our dozen labs and clinics, our students are making an impact in the local community and around the world. For the past three years, PreLaw Magazine ranked us in the top 10 law schools in the nation for practical training.

How should prospective students check out a law school?

Selecting a law school is a personal decision that is not just about rankings and statistics. A prospective student needs to find a place where they will enjoy learning the law, while attaining the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century legal practice. They should start by perusing the law school’s website. Next, they should schedule a visit, during which they should take a tour of the school and campus, sit

in on a class, and be sure to meet with students and faculty.

And finally, they should have coffee with a recent graduate or two to get their perspective.

What three questions should a prospective student ask a dean?

• How much hands-on experience and client contact will I get as part of my law school education?

• How accessible are your professors to the students outside of class and what role do they play in assisting students in obtaining internships, clerkships and jobs?

• Tell me about the aspirations of your law school – its priorities and goals for the future?

Jessica Berg and Michael P. Scharf are co-deans of the Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

world lawyers. Each student is matched with an attorney mentor, and our classrooms are filled with practicing attorneys who teach a variety of upper-level elective courses in their areas of specialty.

We also provide Fisher cutting edge opportunities – we were one of the first law schools in the country to create a Center for Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection, Global Space Law Center, and a Leadership and Law Program teaches leadership skills.

and drafting classes. In the Transition to Practice course, students learn skills like problem-solving, interviewing, counseling, and negotiating. CSU Law gives students a chance to learn through live-client work in eight different clinics focusing on animal law; appellate advocacy; civil litigation; community advocacy; pardon, clemency and reentry; pretrial criminal justice; transactional law and wrongful conviction.

We offer externships in over 45 different legal employment settings, offering students the opportunity to work on-site at legal organizations under the supervision of a licensed attorney, where they develop their core lawyering skills.

Beyond the classroom, how does your school prepare students for their first job?

Our graduates are practice-ready.

Courses include simulated lawyering experiences in trial and appellate advocacy courses, arbitration and mediation courses

How should prospective students check out a law school?

Visit. Attend a class. Talk with students, faculty and alumni to get the unvarnished truth – ask what’s it like to be a student here?

We offer in-person as well as virtual open

first attempt at a 92% pass rate. In addition to JD programs, we offer graduate degrees in American and transnational law, as well as an M.S.L. in government contracting and procurement VanZandt law. Our programs are committed to inclusivity, service and justice inspired by our Catholic, Marianist heritage.

career options aligning with individual interests and skills, developing successful job search techniques, resume and cover letter review, and mock interviews. Alumni support of our students and graduates – through job/internship/clerkship opportunities, among others – serves as an enormous asset, resulting in employment rates placing the University of Dayton School of Law among the top quarter of law schools nationally in this category.

Beyond the classroom, how does your school prepare students for their first job?

Our career services office is dedicated to offering students and alumni comprehensive career planning and counseling services – job listings, identifying

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How should prospective students check out a law school?

Prospective students should take advantage of all available information to make the right decision for them. I suggest observing in-person or virtual classes, participating in admitted student events, talking to students and alumni about their

houses, regular Zoom office hours with the assistant dean for admissions and tours throughout the year. And if you want to talk directly with Dean Lee Fisher, no problem – he talks to prospective students almost every day.

What three questions should a prospective student ask a dean?

• Describe your law school’s culture.

How do students treat each other and how do faculty, staff and alumni treat students?

• What do you think students would tell me about your law school?

• What would you do if I came to you and told you that I was having trouble getting a job?

Lee Fisher is dean of the Cleveland State University College of Law.

experiences at a particular law school, and definitely visiting campus and the surrounding areas. A wealth of information about schools also can be found on schools’ Standard 509 Disclosure required by the American Bar Association.

What three questions should a prospective student ask a dean?

• Why should I choose your law school?

• What are the characteristics of the typical law student at your school?

• What are the faculty/student interactions like in and out of the classroom?

Victoria VanZandt is the interim dean of the University of Dayton School of Law. Content provided by law schools.

SUPER ATTORNEYS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 57

JANUARY 26, 2024

Rachel Bagnolo

Jessica Berg

Gallagher Sharp

Case Western Reserve University

W

hile Rachel Bagnolo didn’t always plan on becoming a lawyer, she did know she wanted to serve others.

It was studying criminal justice and psychology at West Liberty University in West Virginia that led her to discovering a passion for law.

“I wasn’t one of those people that always wanted to be a lawyer,” Bagnolo said. “It’s not something I thought about from a young age necessarily. But I always knew I wanted to work with people, though, and do something in some capacity either helping or serving others, and the law was the natural progression of my interests and passions.”

Originally from West Virginia, she found her way to Ohio when she attended The University of Akron School of Law. She received her license in 2018, starting her career in Columbus before settling in Westlake in 2020.

Bagnolo works at Gallagher Sharp’s Cleveland office in its general litigation and professional liability practice groups. Gallagher Sharp also has offices in Columbus, Detroit and Toledo.

In professional liability, she mainly defends other lawyers in legal malpractice and disciplinary proceedings – a practice she said she finds complex and demanding, but also meaningful.

“General litigation encompasses a much larger scope, such that, you can see anything come through your door,” Bagnolo said. “I might be defending a wrongful death case arising from an occupational accident one day to attending a very serious fire loss claim the next. I appreciate the variety of cases it offers, and it always keeps me on my toes.”

Bagnolo, a former NCAA Division II soccer player, stays active by playing in an adult soccer league and a lawyers softball league. While she did not grow up in a large Jewish community, she was excited to get involved in Cleveland and is starting her first term on the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Young Leadership Division board.

Her experience as an athlete has translated to her career, teaching her time management and discipline, as well as that “there’s no substitute for hard work.” She also carries the Jewish values of tzedakah, or charity, and tikkun olam, or repairing the world, into her work.

“I think they both (tzedakah and tikkun olam) translate directly to the law,” Bagnolo said. “I mean, that’s what I do every day – literally is to represent the interest of other people and take their problem on as mine. So, those are really the two driving posts for me.”

While only six years into her career, she shared three pieces of advice for new attorneys:

A

About Rachel Name: Rachel Bagnolo Age: 31 Hometown: Westlake Undergraduate: West Liberty University Law School: The University of Akron School of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A FBI agent.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Passover My pet peeve is: Complacency Object I can’t live without: My two French Bulldogs (Rambo and Ravioli) and my morning (and afternoon) coffee.

When I was in high school, I: Was a three-sport athlete – soccer, basketball and track.

In my retirement, I will: Read for fun and travel.

You can disagree without being disagreeable, don’t ever send anything angry and seek out good mentors. And in her short career, Bagnolo has already accomplished a lot, including receiving a nomination for the Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Star for the second year in a row.

“That’s a big accomplishment for me, especially I would say being as young as I am,” Bagnolo said. “I’m 31, and being a woman in the field, I still get asked am I the court reporter, or am told that ‘I tried cases before you were born,’ comments like that. It can be difficult to be taken seriously. It’s a hard industry in general, but especially for younger, female lawyers. It’s made me mentally stronger and taught me how to command respect, but in such a way that is graceful and professional. So, being nominated this early on by my peers is something I’m really proud of.”

– Courtney Byrnes

s a college student, Jessica Berg was unsure of her education’s direction.

In the office of her undergraduate adviser at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., she considered studying philosophy and toyed with the idea of medical school.

Her career in law was “kind of a fluke,” said Berg, co-dean of the Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland.

“My adviser said, ‘Maybe you should think about law school, it’s a really versatile degree and worst-case scenario is you use it for something besides practicing law,’ and I thought, ‘OK, sounds good to me,’” she said.

In her third year of law school, Berg took a mental health law course with Richard Bonnie, a scholar and professor focused on criminal law, bioethics and public policies relating to mental health and more. This connection gave her the opportunity to become a Fellow at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and the Institute of Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville after graduation and continue working with Bonnie and the late John Fletcher, professor emeritus of biomedical ethics, in bioethics, she said.

“I discovered these areas (law and bioethics) were the perfect combination,” she said, continuing to fuse law and medicine throughout her career.

Berg went on to work for the American Medical Association, served as a consultant for various professional organizations including the American College of Physicians and the American College of Cardiology. Berg also taught many courses in law schools, medical schools and graduate programs at the University of Chicago Law School and Northwestern University Law School in Chicago.

She joined the faculty at Case Western Reserve University in 1999 as a professor of bioethics and professor of public health, with a joint appointment in Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine.

“They recruited me for this really phenomenal position that was joint between the law school and the medical school to do bioethics and law,” said Berg, who had never been to Cleveland before her interview.

Berg, a first-generation American, was born in Chicago. Her mother was born in a Displaced Persons camp in Italy and her maternal grandparents, Holocaust survivors, immigrated to the United States. Her father’s side came to the United States right before.

In her childhood, Berg grew up all over the northeast side of the United States as her parents completed their educations as mental

About Jessica Name: Jessica Wilen Berg Age: 54 Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: “No specific one. We attend all over the place.”

Undergraduate: Cornell University Law School: Cornell Law School

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: Too many other things to count. I had lots of interests, law was just one.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Purim.

Mmmm ... apricot hamantaschen.

My pet peeve is: Blaming others rather than looking for a solution.

Object I can’t live without: Digital calendar.

When I was in high school, I: Was focused on math and science.

In my retirement, I will: Volunteer as a children’s librarian.

health professionals.

In November 2013, Berg was appointed co-dean of the CWRU Law School with Michael P. Scharf.

“I loved working with students, I loved the teaching, I loved the intellectual pursuit,” Berg said about her career in education. “I loved the fact that I get to work across multiple disciplines, and I think those are some things that captivate me. It was what attracted me in the first place and what I still continue to find really interesting and exciting.”

Their decade-long tenure ends this summer. Berg is unsure of her next step, but said she hopes to figure that out on her oneyear sabbatical.

– Abigail Preiszig

58 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

LOCAL LAWYERS

JANUARY 26, 2024

Marc Bloch

Yelena Boxer

Walter Haverfield Attorneys at Law

Boxer Law LLC

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F

ith over 50 years of experience, Marc Bloch’s career has provided opportunities he never thought were possible, he said.

Bloch, a partner at Walter Haverfield Attorneys at Law in Cleveland, represents private and public-sector clients in all aspects of labor relations, in the firm’s labor and employment group, and has served as chief negotiator on more than 1,000 collective bargaining agreements.

“I am the spokesman for the company, and I articulate the company’s desires, plans and philosophies across the table to the union and respond to the union’s demands,” Bloch said.

In the area of employment law, Bloch provides strategic counsel on day-to-day contract administration and interpretation, with a focus on avoiding costly litigation through arbitration, a form of mediation to settle a dispute, whenever possible. In court, he defends companies against allegations including harassment, discrimination and wrongful termination, according to the Walter Haverfield website.

Manischewitz, a traditional kosher food manufacturer, was one of Bloch’s most memorable clients he represented in negotiations with various unions around the country, he said.

“This was your standard negotiation where each side had demands and requests, a little different than what you use today,” said Bloch, who has seen the economy change from the 1970s to present day.

In the early days of his career, management was “in the catbird seat,” they made the demands. Today, while there is less of a union movement, companies are looking to retain employees and pay enough to keep them, he said.

Throughout the economic changes of the last five decades, always listening to others and hard work have been Bloch’s philosophy, he said.

“Oftentimes, you’re not the smartest person in the room, but if you’re willing to work harder than most, which I thought I was, you can overcome any of those deficiencies and you have to be honest with yourself and honest with the people that you’re dealing with,” Bloch said.

Bloch is grateful to his mentor, Bob Duvin, an employment and labor attorney in Cleveland, who taught him hard work, no excuses and honesty, he said.

“I had a really good mentor, and he was a tough taskmaster, but he was instrumental in setting up my career,” Bloch said.

An aspect of his career he has enjoyed most is interacting with people “from all walks of life”

About Marc Name: Marc J. Bloch Age: 80 Hometown: South Russell Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A historian.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Chanukah My pet peeve is: I don’t have one.

Object I can’t live without: Smartphone When I was in high school, I: Was totally lost.

In my retirement, I will: Keep on traveling.

and the opportunity to travel, which he never thought he’d do, Bloch said.

“I traveled all over the United States for these companies and met a variety of people, different races, different religions, totally different backgrounds and it was just fun, interesting and challenging to deal with these people,” he said.

For years, he also traveled around the country to present at meetings, including the American Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Association, on labor negotiations or topics regarding labor law.

But his favorite reason to travel is to go fly fishing, a specialty fishing technique using a fly rod and artificial lures, for which he has gone all over the world, he said.

– Abigail Preiszig

or Yelena Boxer, the COVID-19 pandemic opened her eyes to the possibility of working from home and gave her the push she needed to start her own practice.

“I realized how much I could do just from my own computer, that I would be able to support clients, and so the pandemic just sort of proved the case for me,” Boxer said.

In July 2022, she founded Boxer Law LLC, a venture 20 years in the making.

Her goals were simple: provide attentive service to a larger variety of small business and individuals in the region and allow more flexibility in life and work, she said.

“The bottom line is really to be able to give the kind of service I wanted to individuals and to companies, and to give flexibility not only in representation but also in life,” said Boxer, who has enjoyed the extra time she gets to spend with her husband and two teenagers.

Since 1999, Boxer worked for large law firms like Benesch in Cleveland, with offices internationally, and Ulmer & Berne LLP in Cleveland, with offices throughout the United States. These firms allowed her to get to a place where she had the experience and ability to practice on her own, she said.

In her previous work, Boxer focused on large complex contract cases including intellectual property or employment cases that involved either class actions, few individuals or a number of companies involved in some kind of dispute, she said.

She now serves a larger variety of small businesses and individuals doing a “hodgepodge” of different legal issues including contract disputes and employment matters, Boxer said.

Her inspiration to practice law “always boils down to service.” Her Jewish faith has also guided her ethically and given her an understanding of right, wrong, truth and justice, she said.

“Generally, when they’re (clients are) involved in litigation, it’s a very challenging time and I want to make it easier and I want to make it so that people can go on and continue whatever it is in their lives that they do and focus on,” said Boxer, adding that tikkun olam is a guiding ideal.

Additionally, lashon hara, the idea of not having derogatory speech, is something she has always connected with law and is

About Yelena Name: Yelena Boxer Age: 52 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A psychologist.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Passover My pet peeve is: Misinformation Object I can’t live without: The Cleveland Jewish News.

a very difficult thing to achieve in the legal community, she said.

“I’ve always taken that in as well, to give people the benefit of the doubt,” Boxer said. “To always expect better not only for myself, but from others and to raise the practice and I do think that it’s something that definitely comes from my background and from being in the Jewish community.”

Boxer is the only employee at Boxer Law LLC, but she hires contract attorneys for specific cases and works collaboratively with other law firms, including her prior law firm, she said.

As her practice continues to grow and expand, Boxer wants to put more focus on mediation and resolving conflicts and eventually bring in more attorneys, she said.

– Abigail Preiszig

SUPER ATTORNEYS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 59

JANUARY 26, 2024

Josh Friedman

Sarah Gabinet

Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

Kohrman Jackson & Krantz

J

osh Friedman did not intend to become a lawyer when he started college at The Ohio State University in Columbus for his undergraduate degree in electrical and computer engineering.

“I graduated undergrad and then was kind of unsure what I wanted to do with myself,” Friedman said. “And I considered maybe going to grad school to do video game creation or something along that route and ended up just kind of taking a job doing programming independently in town.”

However, after a few years, he said he “got bored with it” and felt he “did not interact with people enough.”

At the time, there was a big contract dispute at the company he was working at and he looked into the legal aspects of technology, copyright and patents, Friedman said.

After reading articles about it, he said he realized the legal aspects were something he was interested in and he started the process of applying to law school. In 2013, he graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland.

Now over a decade later, Friedman is a partner at Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP in Cleveland with a focus on intellectual property law and patents.

“Most of what I do is litigation,” said Friedman, a Shaker Heights resident. “So, court disputes over trademarks and patents and trade secrets mostly.”

Copyrights, trademarks and patents are “similar but all different,” he said.

Copyright relates to ideas that are put in a medium or “put into a concrete form” that prevents people from copying them, Friedman said. Trademarks prevent other people from using the same name for similar goods or services, he said.

Most of the work Friedman does is regarding patents, which people can apply for if they invent something new. He said a patent is a “very detailed explanation of their invention.”

“It is always good to help a client,” Friedman said in regard to his favorite part of the job.

“They come up with some kind of invention, and they’re looking to start a business and make some kind of money on it, get it out there in the world and get people to use their invention,” he said.

“And being able to see someone do that and to help them through that process is pretty gratifying.”

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About Josh Name: Josh Friedman Age: 42 Hometown: Shaker Heights Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: An inventor.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Passover because of family time.

My pet peeve is: People not being kind to one another.

Object I can’t live without: My phone.

When I was in high school, I: Was kind of a nerd.

In my retirement, I will: Travel.

Friedman said he does quite a bit with Chinese clients because his company is international. One such foreign company is Qingdao Ecopure Filter Co. Ltd., which makes water filters for pitchers or a refrigerator, he said.

One local company Friedman worked with is RPM International Inc. in Medina, which has the brands Moen and Master Lock, he said.

Besides having clients in Ohio and internationally, the firm does work in a number of other states including Arkansas, Florida and Texas.

“I’m doing work for a company now that’s in Arkansas ... they make software that handles all kinds of stuff in jails, which has been kind of an interesting thing to learn about,” he said.

– Alexandra Golden

hile working as a lawyer at Kohrman Jackson & Krantz in Cleveland for 40 years, Sarah Gabinet has picked up ballroom dance and hockey, both involving her son, Nathan Siegel.

She played hockey for 20 years as an adult, starting in her early 40s, and got into ballroom dancing eight years ago, which has turned into her performing competitively. “(It) takes a lot of concentration and high attention to detail,” Gabinet, a resident of Shaker Heights, said about how the legal field and ballroom dancing overlap.

When her son was preparing for his wedding, some of Gabinet’s friends suggested that she and her friends learn how to dance because “our kids are getting married and we need to dance at the wedding,” she said.

Learning how to dance turned into something Gabinet became “obsessed about” and grew from a hobby to being a competitive dancer, she said.

There was a bit of overlap between the years Gabinet was a hockey player and a ballroom dancer, but inevitably, she decided to keep pursuing dance.

“I decided I was going to get clobbered playing hockey, but I wouldn’t get clobbered dancing,” she said.

Gabinet, a congregant of The TempleTifereth Israel in Beachwood, was a figure skater growing up, so playing hockey was not her first experience on the ice. The idea to compete on a team came from a group of hockey moms she was part of. The moms wanted to see if they could form a team after hockey became popular all over the country in the 1990s and early 2000s, she said.

“I used to kid that I could get my aggressions out on the ice rink,” Gabinet said, with a laugh.

Not only did her son play hockey, but Gabinet grew up in a hockey family with her brother and father playing the sport. She called becoming a hockey player a “natural progression.”

Her father, Leon Gabinet, was also a lawyer and a law professor at Case Western Reserve University. However, he did not really have an influence on her becoming a lawyer, she said.

She volunteered to be a witness in a friend’s trial tactics class in college and thought to herself she could do a better job than they were doing, even though she hadn’t attended law school. Afterward, she thought about going to law school and eventually enrolled at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Now, she has been a lawyer for 41 years.

About 30 years ago, she developed her practice area at the firm in domestic relations/family

About Sarah Name: Sarah Gabinet Age: 70 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Undergraduate: Oberlin College Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A party planner for themed parties.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Passover My pet peeve is: People who say “like” all the time.

Object I can’t live without: My reading glasses, but I also can’t live without my ballroom dance shoes.

When I was in high school, I: Was a swim leader. We timed events for the boy’s swim meets.

In my retirement, I will: Dance more and spend more time with my two grandchildren.

law.

“It really allowed me to combine an interest in financial issues and personal family dynamics,” she said about her practice area.

When Gabinet looks back on all the things she has achieved in her career as a lawyer, she said she achieved a balance between the things that are the “most important” to her.

“Being a lawyer, being a Jew and being a wife and mom,” Gabinet said. “And I think I did pretty well balancing it all out.”

- Alexandra Golden

60 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 26, 2024

Michael Goldberg

Jeff Heller

Goldberg Law Firm

Nurenberg Paris

W

hen Michael Goldberg was in the sixth grade, he joined the afterschool activity of wrestling to keep his “very rambunctious, energetic” self occupied. That after-school activity became a “turning point” in Goldberg’s life, which led him to receive a full scholarship to the University of Cincinnati for his undergraduate honors degree in history. He then went to law school and eventually passed the bar examination in1988.

Being a lawyer and a wrestler are “super hard work” with a competitive aspect to both, Goldberg said regarding the similarities of the two.

Beachwood wrestling coach Domenick Iammarino was “instrumental” for Goldberg because he showed interest in him, and Goldberg felt wrestling was something he “could excel in.”

“I learned a lot of discipline and a lot of what it takes to succeed in something where I wasn’t doing it in English class,” said Goldberg, a Pepper Pike resident. “But I learned that if I worked really, really hard at something and listen to my coach and practice that I could be good.”

This led him to be state runner-up his senior year. About a month before going to college, the Cincinnati head wrestling coach showed up at Goldberg’s door to offer him a full scholarship because the student he originally gave it to was no longer attending the university, Goldberg said.

Although Goldberg “didn’t really try very hard” in high school, he wanted to change that in college. He accepted a scholarship offer and ended up getting a 4.0 GPA, but he “didn’t put all the energy into wrestling,” he said.

This changed at the beginning of his sophomore year in 1982 when “a miracle of miracles” occurred, Goldberg said.

“Title IX kicked in and Cincinnati had to cut men’s programs to try to even the scholarships between the men’s and the women’s and wrestling was one of the first rounds of cuts,” said Goldberg, a congregant of Congregation Shaarey Tikvah in Beachwood and Jewish Family Experience in University Heights.

With his program being cut, Goldberg was able to keep his scholarship, due to signing a national letter of intent prior, and was able to focus on school, he said.

After learning about constitutional law in a constitutional history class, law school was a “natural progression” even though Goldberg did not have an “overwhelming desire to be a lawyer.”

Now, 36 years later, Goldberg is a criminal

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About Michael Name: Michael Goldberg Age: 60 Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah and Jewish Family Experience Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A wrestling and football coach.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Sukkot, I love being with friends and family and the celebration aspect of it.

My pet peeve is: People taking up two parking spaces.

Object I can’t live without: My phone.

When I was in high school, I: Was very lucky to have great coaches.

In my retirement, I will: Do more Jewish learning and spend more time as possible with my family.

defense lawyer and is the owner of the Goldberg Law Firm in Cleveland.

Going back to his Beachwood roots, Goldberg went on to coach wrestling at his alma mater for a few years and was involved in the program for 20 years. He then was approached to help start the wrestling program at the Fuchs Mizrachi School in Beachwood, where he was head coach for four years.

Although he was involved in the wrestling program for 20 years, Goldberg said he does not think he will coach again due to the physical aspects of it.

“At my age, my body just cannot do it,” he said.

– Alexandra Golden

hen Jeff Heller transitioned from being a prosecutor in Cuyahoga County to the private sector in 2017, he knew there were only a few areas of law that would allow him to spend most of his time in trial and litigating cases, which he “really enjoyed doing most.” Fortunately, an opportunity arose at Nurenberg Paris, a personal injury and medical malpractice firm in Cleveland.

“I’m really lucky that I represent human beings,” said Heller, a Solon resident. “A lot of lawyers represent corporations and companies and businesses, I represent actual people. I get to help them through some of the most horrible circumstances you could imagine.”

Some of the circumstances he deals with can be permanent and life-changing injuries, or involve the death of a family member. But all the cases Heller represents are different, he said. Some involving children are for medical malpractice “birth trauma cases,” which are injuries to babies during delivery, he said. There’s a “huge variety” of other types of cases including car crashes, truck crashes, injuries due to defect on property, product liability, defective products and explosions, Heller said.

More than 75% of the cases Heller has handled are in Ohio, but he has covered cases nationally in states including Nevada, Florida, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky.

While Heller represents people and not companies, he has a special focus on representing children in cases that are “unfathomable,” he said.

“You wouldn’t believe what injured children will have to go through for the rest of their lives,” Heller said. “But I have been fortunate to be successful for a long time and obtained really substantial results for families and children and family members of loved ones who have been injured.”

For example, for children the result can include getting medical care they’ll need for the rest of their lives paid for, or getting their education paid for so they don’t have to worry about it, he said.

A profession like this can be “tough” emotionally, Heller said, because he develops relationships with his clients and is usually with them for years, “because that’s how long these cases take.”

“I have a job to do first and foremost,” Heller said. “I tell my clients all the time, ‘You hired me because you wanted the best

About Jeff Name: Jeff Heller Age: 40 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A professional golfer, obviously. Is a 16 handicap good?

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Passover My pet peeve is: Absent-mindedness.

Object I can’t live without: My Fitbit.

When I was in high school, I: Was the mascot, Benny the Bison.

In my retirement, I will: Retirement?

I’m not even in my prime yet.

of the best to resolve this case the best way possible, to handle it the best way possible.’

Whether that’s a settlement, whether it’s a trial, I’ve got a job to do, and I really try to keep my head down and focus on winning and getting the best results.”

When it comes to Nurenberg Paris, where Heller is a partner, he noted the firm is one of the top personal injury law firms in Ohio.

“It’ll be our 100th year in business in just a couple of years from now, and that should speak for itself,” he said. “It is just based on continued success, our reputation, what we do for our clients, how we treat them, the effective service we provide and obviously the results that we get.”

– Alexandra Golden

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CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 61

JANUARY 26, 2024

Jason Hillman Cleveland Cavaliers

B

efore he became the vice president of basketball operations/team counsel of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jason Hillman spent three years working in sports broadcasting on television and radio in Detroit. However, he found that he wasn’t happy with the way his future in broadcasting appeared.

While he was deciding what else he might want to do, he was looking into where his skill set would be transferable, he said. He eventually found that the skills he developed as a sports broadcaster – speaking, writing and examining facts – would be useful as a lawyer.

“When I made the decision to go to law school, there was always an idea in the back of my head that I wanted to combine my two backgrounds somehow,” Hillman said. “I didn’t have a definitive plan of when or how long I would do that.”

Hillman began attending the Wayne State University Law School in Detroit during the fall semester of 1998. He continued to do radio on a part-time basis as a way to keep himself involved with sports and the NBA, he said.

Today, he has combined his background in sports broadcasting with his law background.

Hillman’s responsibilities for the Cavaliers consists of drafting the player and staff contracts in compliance with the National Basketball Association’s rules, assists in shortand long-term roster strategy and contract negotiation strategy, he said. He also works on the budget and serves as one of the primary liaisons to the business side of the team’s staff.

However, before joining the Cleveland basketball team’s business side in 2005, he had a four-year associate career at a Detroit area law firm, Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss, P.C., practicing real estate law, he said.

Hillman enjoys the collaborative transaction between people with “adverse interests,” such as a buyer and a seller, he said.

“At the core, you’re working towards a transaction – a sale, a loan, a player contract,” Hillman said. “I enjoy the collaborative part of doing that and being able to shake the other person’s hand at the end of it.”

In his current position, he also enjoys the competition, camaraderie and being a part of a team environment, even though he isn’t on the court with the players, he said.

This past October, the Cleveland Cavaliers played a preseason game against Maccabi R’anana, a basketball team from the Israeli National League. Hillman was involved in hosting the team, including taking the owner,

About Jason Name: Jason Hillman Age: 51 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Undergraduate University: Michigan State University Law School: Wayne State University Law School

Paul J. Singerman

gary S. DeSberg

ronalD J. TePliTzky

evan S. HirScH

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A sports broadcaster.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Rosh Hashanah My pet peeve is: Selfishness Object I can’t live without: My piano.

When I was in high school, I: Told my schoolmate, Chris Webber, that someday we would be in the NBA together.

In my retirement, I will: Spend a lot of time with hopeful grandkids.

general manager and head coach of the team to dinner, which was an “emotional, incredible experience,” he said.

Hillman was raised Jewish and the values, including doing the right thing, treating people with respect and helping others where it’s possible for him, ingrained in him, while he doesn’t consider them uniquely Jewish, still impact the way he approaches his career.

“The opportunity to work both on the business side and the basketball operations group with this organization, in this city has been, and continues to be, one of the greatest blessings of my life,” Hillman said.

– Lydia Kacala Publisher’s Note: Jason Hillman’s wife, Meredith, is a member of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company Board of Directors.

Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz prides itself on bringing a wide range of substantial experience to structuring and executing business and real estate transactions for our clients. Our goal is to provide our clients with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their counsel is single-mindedly looking out for their best interests.

Experience . . . peace of mind.

3333 Richmond Road, Suite 370 • Beachwood, Ohio 44122 (216) 292-5807 • www.smdklaw.com

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JANUARY 26, 2024

Seth Linnick

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough

S

eth Linnick, a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough in Cleveland, knew from an early age he wanted to enter the field of law.

The seed was planted by his father’s friend, Dan Plumly, a partner at Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston in Wooster.

“He and I would debate each other constantly,” Linnick said.

Linnick, who grew up in Wooster, was active with the Wooster High School speech and debate team. He placed 10th in the national speech and debate competition, and was the state champion in his 2000-01 school year.

“That reaffirmed my desire to pursue a career where I was making arguments and speaking on my feet,” he said.

During law school, most of his coursework was geared toward litigation, or courtroom work. It was the kind of law he never thought he wanted to do, but he pursued the path and didn’t deviate from it, Linnick said.

Currently, his practice focuses on plaintiffside business disputes. He routinely leads teams prosecuting complex business cases arising from commercial contract disputes involving suppliers or vendors, and he has experience prosecuting and defending post-transaction claims for breaches of representations and warranties and fraud, according to Nelson Mullins’ website.

The most interesting case for Linnick to work on was a dispute between two business partners over “special gloves,” he said.

“It was interesting to me both because of legal issues, but also because when you work in large law firms, which I always have, you typically represent large corporations and this was just a guy in a dispute with his business partner and his entire livelihood was at stake,” Linnick said.

His other cases may involve more money, but this case felt critical and personal because the individual’s means of living rested in the case, Linnick said.

Practicing law since 2008, the biggest lesson Linnick learned is to be kind, he said.

“There’s a reason that lawyers tend to be unhappy, and if you want to make that better, be nice to the people that you work with and even the people you go up against,” Linnick said.

He worked for John Q. Lewis, also a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough in Cleveland, since his career began, he said.

“He has mentored me throughout my entire development,” Linnick said.

From mentee to mentor, Linnick stays

LOCAL LAWYERS

Deborah Michelson Buckley King

W

About Seth Name: Seth Linnick Age: 41 Hometown: Cleveland Undergraduate: The George Washington University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: NBA general manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Passover My pet peeve is: Dishes left in the sink.

Object I can’t live without: Phone When I was in high school, I: Thought I was smarter than everyone.

In my retirement, I will: Finally work at my golf game.

committed to guiding younger lawyers. For a number of years, he has worked with a group of lawyers who have become mid-level associates and even entered partnerships, he said.

“I feel like I’ve been able to pass on lessons that I’ve learned to them,” Linnick said.

He tells young lawyers it is important to not make their identity their job, he said.

“They need to make sure that they find happiness outside of it (being a lawyer),” he said.

Linnick said he finds happiness outside of his career by connecting with his family, “just spending time together.”

– Abigail Preiszig

hen Deborah Michelson was completing her undergraduate studies at Northwestern University, she wasn’t sure of what she wanted to do after graduation. While she had always wanted to be a lawyer, during her undergraduate studies she thought she might do something else, such as teaching or acting.

After she graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., she applied to graduate programs in teaching, acting and law. She got into all three programs, but ultimately decided to accept the offer from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland to study law.

“I always had a sense that I would need to be a financial supporter, so teaching and acting didn’t seem stable,” she said. “And I always loved the law, and I love being a lawyer.”

Michelson moved back to Cleveland to attend law school with her then-husband and their one child. She had three children in total, which made her place a priority on supporting her family financially so her children could have things such as braces and haircuts.

Michelson has been working in the field of law for over 30 years and works at Buckley King LPA as an attorney practicing in business disputes and complex commercial litigation.

Michelson, who was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and first moved to Cleveland with her family at 10 years old, said she believes that part of being a lawyer is that you owe public service to your community.

She devotes time outside of working hours to the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland as a volunteer lawyer. The Legal Aid Society provides no cost legal representation and assistance for people that have a low income and may not be able to afford a lawyer otherwise.

“Community is important and you need to be part of the community,” she said.

“Whether it’s being a volunteer lawyer, being something within a temple or being involved with the schools, I have to do something outside myself and my own family.”

Michelson, who was a founding member of The Heights Synagogue prior to merging with Beth El, uses her Jewish values in her everyday life and as a lawyer. Her faith instilled a sense of importance of the values of tikkun olam, along with justice, mercy, tolerance, learning, thinking and listening within her, she said.

Tikkun olam, or repairing the world, drives her in her field and volunteerism and she said she hopes that she has had a positive

About Deborah Name: Deborah Michelson Age: 61 Hometown: Cleveland Heights Synagogue: Beth El-The Heights Synagogue Undergraduate University: Northwestern University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A teacher or an actor.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Passover My pet peeve is: Liars and bullies.

Object I can’t live without: Nothing When I was in high school, I: Was part of NELFTY Jewish group and was active in the theater department.

In my retirement, I will: Do a million things.

impact on people’s lives.

Michelson has found through her volunteer and pro bono work, that sometimes people simply need someone that is willing to listen to them and not push away their concerns, she said. They want someone to take them seriously and may not know who to go to for help.

She enjoys being able to help people by giving them someone to turn to when they need legal help and have no one to turn to.

“It helps me personally and professionally, but also it’s helping another person,” she said.

“You never know how you touch that life – maybe not very much, maybe a lot or maybe it’s a ripple effect, but you just have to hope that it helps somebody somehow.”

– Lydia Kacala

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CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 63

JANUARY 26, 2024

Lawrence E. Oscar

Here for you then...

Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP

Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill Co., LPA

I

n the 1980s, an art collection began at Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP’s Cleveland office. While he didn’t start the collection, Lawrence E. Oscar, partner at the firm, was involved in the curation of the collection.

The collection was started by Oscar’s mentor, Richard Zellner, and when the idea was mentioned to him, Oscar said he was happy to participate.

The collection honors the firm’s art law practice, in which Oscar has done some work, and its connection to the Cleveland Museum of Art. “I, personally, have been a lifelong fan of both the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art,” Oscar said. “So when this mentor of mine wanted to start an art collection, I volunteered to join him.”

The majority of pieces displayed at the firm are in the Cleveland School art style, he said.

The Cleveland School style comes from painters and artists that were taught at the Cleveland Institute of Art from the 1920s through the 1950s.

Everyone in the office enjoys the work that is displayed, with some going as far as choosing a specific conference room because they like a specific piece of art that lives in the space, he said.

Oscar is now an honorary board member of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland, after serving on the board since 2000. He served for 20 years and spent three years as president – from August 2018 to July 2021 – of the board.

During his time on the board, Oscar provided leadership and guidance throughout the museum, but he was sure to not intrude on any artistic decision making of museum leadership, he said. He also participated in fundraising, helped set the mission of the museum and was involved with reviewing and increasing diversity, equity and inclusion within the museum.

Oscar is also involved with other areas of the arts and leadership in Cleveland, including The Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Leadership Center, and the Greater Cleveland Partnership organization.

While he enjoys spending his free time in the Cleveland art scene, he also enjoys being a lawyer, he said.

“It’s a never-ending group of problems and everyone’s problem is slightly different, or more than slightly different,” Oscar said. “You get to tackle a new situation every time you get a new project to work on.”

While attending the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, the business school, he was required to take a business law class,

About Larry Name: Lawrence E. Oscar Age: 67 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Law School: New York University School of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: a Cultural critic. I would love to get to go to art shows, plays, movies and write my opinion about them.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Rosh Hashanah because it’s a nice blend of family and going to synagogue.

My pet peeve is: When people don’t listen.

Object I can’t live without: Nothing When I was in high school, I: Went to Cleveland Heights High. I loved high school.

In my retirement, I will: Spend more time with family and friends, and travel more. We hope to get to New Zealand.

which he “particularly enjoyed,” he said. He was also guided by his father, who practiced law before Oscar was born and raised him with a legal and analytical way of thinking.

As a corporate lawyer, Oscar said he puts an emphasis on honesty, integrity and respect in his practice – what he refers to as the “golden rule.” These values are what he takes away from his Jewish faith.

“That’s how I try to treat the people that I’m representing and people that are on the other side of the table, as well,” Oscar said.

– Lydia Kacala

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LOCAL LAWYERS

JANUARY 26, 2024

Shawna Rosner

Kevin Sandel

Direct Recruiters, Inc.

Sandel Law Firm

A

n interest in political science paved the pathway for Shawna Rosner to become an attorney who today helps identify the best attorneys to join law firms and businesses across the United States.

As partner and director of legal solutions group at Direct Recruiters, Inc. in Solon, Rosner manages the recruitment of attorneys for placement at law firms across the United Sates and as in-house counsel at corporations and businesses.

Founded in 1983, Direct Recruiters, Inc. is a relationship-focused search firm that assists top-tier organizations with recruiting, acquiring, and retaining highimpact talent for mission-critical positions, according to its website.

When Rosner joined Direct Recruiters six years ago, she helped launch the company’s legal division and start the practice of recruiting attorneys for placement at firms and businesses.

“I lead a team that manages the process of finding the attorneys who are a best fit for our clients,” said Rosner, a Solon resident.

While an undergraduate student, Rosner majored in political science at Tulane University in New Orleans and put it to further use in graduate school at the University of Illinois-Chicago School of Law. She interned at the U.S. Coast Guard, drafting civil appeals and decisions under the Coast Guard’s Maritime Law Division.

After graduating from law school, Rosner worked as an insurance defense litigator for a Chicago law firm handling cases involving product liability, construction negligence and medical malpractice.

After relocating to Cleveland, she continued as a practicing attorney, but also in supporting the Jewish community, heading the summer internship program at Cleveland Hillel Foundation.

It was there she gained the experience of recruiting that she uses in her current position at Direct Recruiters.

Supporting the Jewish community in the Cleveland area, and Chicago while

A

About Shawna Name: Shawna Rosner Age: 54 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate: Tulane University Law School: University of IllinoisChicago School of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A writer.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Passover My pet peeve is: Not loading a dishwasher properly.

Object I can’t live without: My family.

When I was in high school, I: Was editor of the yearbook.

In my retirement, I will: Learn to relax more.

she lived there, is following the example set by her parents, said Rosner, who is a congregant of Solon Chabad.

When not recruiting attorneys, Rosner enjoys swimming, reading and participates in Pelotonia each summer, a bicycle ride that raises money for cancer research and treatment.

Rosner and her husband, Matt, have four sons between the ages of 15 and 23.

– Kevin Corvo Kevin Corvo is a freelance journalist.

s a student at Miami University in Oxford, personal injury lawyer Kevin Sandel didn’t foresee a career as an attorney, but his acumen as successfully arguing any given point – from the use of the designated hitter in baseball to whether pilsners or IPAs taste better – sowed the seeds of Sandel becoming a lawyer.

“In college, my roommates and I would argue about a lot of things, and the way I would argue and kind of slice them up, I began to see it as a no-brainer that I should be a lawyer,” Sandel said.

Today, Sandel argues on much weightier things than the biggest sports dynasty.

“My job is to get people back to the level of physical, emotional and financial health” they enjoyed before a personal-injury accident, said Sandel of Sandel Law Firm in Fairlawn.

Most of Sandel’s clients are those injured in automobile accidents but includes pedestrians stuck by vehicles, motorcyclists and people injured in accidents involving semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles.

His practice does not include cases involving on-the-job accidents or worker’s compensation claims.

But it was the loss of a job that put Sandel on his current career path.

Until 2008, Sandel worked at a large insurance company as an adjuster but after he was laid off in the depths of the Great Recession that year, he came out working for the other side.

“When I was working as a claims adjuster, I was doing the exact opposite of what I am doing today. It was (my) job (then) to have (the company) pay as little as possible,” Sandel said.

“I use my evil powers for the good, now,” negotiating settlements for clients who have been wrongfully or negligently injured, Sandel said.

Unlike some attorneys in probate, family law or criminal defense who are often kept on retainers by clients, he said his clientele is often in immediate need.

“No one keeps (personal injury attorneys) on retainer because no one expects to get hurt in a crash. They call in the time of extreme need and they do not know what to do,” Sandel said.

“You can’t fight billion-dollar insurance

About Kevin Name: Kevin S. Sandel Age: 54 Hometown: Copley Synagogue: Beth El Congregation Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: The University of Akron School of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A personal trainer My favorite Jewish holiday is: Chanukah My pet peeve is: People who do not put away weights at the gym Object I can’t live without: My phone When I was in high school, I: Played basketball and baseball In my retirement, I will: Have a golf club in one hand and an umbrella drink in the other

companies on your own, which is where I help my clients,” Sandel said.

Until he was let go by one such insurance company and began “seeing what else was out there,” Sandel said he had not considered the plaintiff’s side in such cases.

“Now, I wouldn’t go back,” he said.

Sandel is a solo practitioner and is licensed only in Ohio.

He and his wife, Lori, have two adult sons, two adult daughters, and one grandchild.

– Kevin Corvo Kevin Corvo is a freelance journalist.

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CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 65

JANUARY 26, 2024

Niki Schaefer ReliabilityFirst Corporation

N

iki Schaefer once imagined herself living in Italy, immersed in the culture on the Mediterranean Sea. “I didn’t plan for going to law school,” Schaefer said.

As a senior at Cornell University in 2001, she wanted to work as a nanny and English teacher for a family in Italy after graduation.

Then 9/11 happened.

“The world suddenly felt scary,” said Schafer, who reconsidered her plans of living abroad in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks.

Today, Schaefer is vice president and legal counsel for ReliabilityFirst Corporation.

While the law she practices won’t provide the plot for a John Grisham novel or the script for an episode of “Law & Order,” she said her work is important: it keeps your lights on and your computer powered to read and watch Netflix.

ReliabilityFirst Corporation is one of six organizations the United States government tasks with regulating the reliability of the country’s providers of electricity. Such companies regulate American Electric Power and other electricity providers in the wake of the Northeast blackout of 2003, Schaefer said.

The origins of the blackout began on Aug. 14, 2003, when consumers in the Northeastern United States, owing to excessive heat, turned on air conditioners and fans, pushing the capacity of power grids to their capacities, Schaefer said. Power lines sagged, and in some places, came to close to treetops, disturbing the flow of power.

Furthermore, software glitches prevented alarm systems from alerting providers about overloaded transmission lines and prevented a redistribution of power loads.

As a result, a cascading domino effect resulted in power loss for much or all of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Ontario, Canada, for as little as two hours or as long as three days.

While the power loss was an inconvenience in many instances, and generators allowed for some services to remain unaffected, the blackout affected public transportation in many metropolitan areas and disruptions in other critical services.

Until then, utilities like electricity providers were self-regulated, but that changed after the blackout, Schaefer said. It was found some companies were “cutting corners” to maximize profits when it came to maintaining safeguards against the particular series of events that happened in just the wrong sequence to trigger the blackout, she said.

“The government decided maybe it should

We protect more than your loved one’s assets, we protect their dignity.

Representing the injured and their families for over 50 years David Steiger

About Niki Name: Niki Schaefer Age: 43 Hometown: Chagrin Falls Synagogue: Celebrating Jewish Life Undergraduate: Cornell University Law School: Case Western School of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A personal stylist My favorite Jewish holiday is: Chanukah My pet peeve is: People not discussing important things Object I can’t live without: My morning Starbucks latte When I was in high school, I: Was trying to be cool In my retirement, I will: Travel

regulate (the) reliability,” of utilities, she said.

To that end, ReliabilityFirst works with approximately 275 companies providing electricity in 13 states, including Ohio. It works with auditors, lawyers and engineers on operations, planning, and cybersecurity to ensure the electric providers are meeting standards for reliability.

“We make sure these regulations are enforced (and) when necessary, address violations,” all done administratively without the need for trials, Schaefer said.

Prior to working at ReliabilityFirst, Schaefer was a business lawyer and corporate litigator.

“It wasn’t what I first planned, but I ended up loving it and it ended up being the right choice,” Schaefer said of her law profession.

Schaefer and her husband, Brian, have two sons, Noah, 14, and Lane, 12. Her hobbies include snowboarding and cooking.

– Kevin Corvo Kevin Corvo is a freelance journalist.

The lawyers at Karp Steiger have been representing injured individuals throughout Ohio for over 50 years. The mission of the firm has been consistent from day one: to pursue justice for injury victims with care and tenacity. We are fully committed to providing a comfortable environment for our clients, through 24-7 direct attorney support, 365 days a year. Since 1969 Karp Steiger has been leveling the playing field against insurance companies, employers, and the State of Ohio through knowledgeable and laser focused representation.

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JANUARY 26, 2024

Joseph Simms

Kim Stein

Reminger Co. LPA

Ulmer & Berne LLP*

A

K

s a senior at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Joseph Simms was already working as a stockbroker. His future, it seemed, could have been set, except for one thing.

“I actually didn’t like being a stockbroker,” Simms said.

He took the LSAT and entered Cleveland State University College of Law. He graduated in 1996, and a few years after practicing in the domestic relations sector, his experience as a stockbroker provided some value, after all.

“The tech bubble burst, and everybody started suing their stockbrokers,” Simms said.

“I thought I could probably defend them. I’ve been doing that ever since.”

Simms specializes in complex securities litigation and arbitration at Reminger in Cleveland. Also under his umbrella is financial institution litigation, regulatory investigations and broker-dealer liability defense. He has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for commercial litigation and has been named to the Ohio Super Lawyers list.

“From a practice area, my satisfaction comes from the fact that licensed and registered individuals and entities is a highly-regulated business,” Simms said. “My job is to apply the applicable laws and regulations so they can do business in a way that means they are fulfilling their obligations and serving their customers.”

Something you should know about Simms: he has a past that he’s surprised anyone remembers. Starting in elementary school and through law school, Simms was musically-inclined. He loved playing the guitar and ended up playing in a heavymetal band.

“It was just sort of as a hobby,” said Simms, who is now retired from the heavy-metal business.

Much of Simms’ free time is now taken by his pursuit of aiding children.

“More generally, I can tell you my satisfaction I take from the practice of law sometimes has absolutely nothing to do with the practice of law,” Simms said. “It affords me the ability to participate with organizations that foster the education, health and well-being of children in our community, particularly underprivileged children, children with medical or emotional needs. That’s not a function of anything I do for a living, but what I do has afforded me those opportunities.”

Simms has been involved with a number of youth-related foundations and serves on the board of LifeAct, which is based in Chagrin Falls and works in suicide prevention and stress management. He was also general counsel and

About Joseph Name: Joseph S. Simms Age: 52 Hometown: Sagamore Hills Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer I would be: Working in an animal shelter.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Passover My pet peeve is: Being late.

The object I can’t live without: Like everyone else, my iPhone.

When I was in high school: I wasn’t bald.

In my retirement, I will: Travel

executive board member at The Leprechaun Foundation, which grants dreams to terminally and chronically ill children.

“At the risk of sounding too pessimistic, I tend to be (drawn) to children and animals, more than most adults,” Simms said. “Everyone has soft spots for places they volunteer for. Not too many people want to roll up their sleeves and do the things necessary to really help children, so I’ve looked for those opportunities.”

A potential spark in this realm came from Simms’ initial legal work in domestic relations.

“I saw how the interests of children were impacted by litigation, whether from a custody fight, divorce court, or abuse from some kind of dependency,” Simms said.

Speaking of children, a picture created by Simms’ daughter Emma, now 18, is displayed prominently in Simms’ office. The drawing, from when Emma was 5, depicts two girls, one Black and one white, holding hands. It emanated from discussions Emma was having with Simms’ wife, Susan, who was teaching Emma about Martin Luther King Jr., Day. The drawing says, “Be nice to everyone.”

– Steve Mark Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

im Stein’s secret for a successful attorneyclient partnership is simple.

“I never sign an engagement letter with a client until I have coffee with them first,” she said.

One cup of coffee speaks volumes about how Stein has become a renowned trust and estate attorney, she said.

“There have been plenty of instances where we have that coffee and I say to the potential client, ‘I would be happy to work with you and I’ve enjoyed meeting you, but I think you might actually do better or your family might do better with a colleague of mine,’ who is excellent from a technical perspective and maybe there’s just a better personality or lifestyle match,” she said. “...

It’s important for everyone to see because things that you talk about are so personal, and the moment at which you engage with families in a more in-depth way are not always, but in many cases, emotionally charged moments.”

When she earned her law degree at Cornell Law School in Ithaca, N.Y., she initially thought she would be a labor lawyer. But, she took some advice from her father-in-law, Richard Stein, a trust and estates lawyer in Stamford, Conn.

“I realized that I wanted to do labor law when it was radical and interesting, and once I started learning about the practice, it didn’t have the same appeal to me any longer,” Stein said. “What brought me to trust and estate work in particular was actually a discussion with me at a Passover seder one year during law school.

“He talked about how, first, he enjoyed the intellectual rigor of it. Secondly, how he saw it as one of the only practice areas where you can come to the table and elevate everyone, where you can make the whole group better off by your participation. I have been very lucky to have found that to be true in my practice, as well as in life.”

She’s done so for the last year-and-a-half at Ulmer, and during the prior 14½ years at Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP in Cleveland.

“There’s been a handful of instances ... over the years in the progress of a client relationship that I find most rewarding,” Stein said. “It’s when there’s a big family meeting where you are introduced to the next generation. Then, I ask, ‘What is this project that we’re all engaged in, and how can we all be productive participants in it?’

“I think the intergenerational relationship and the evolution of the role of the younger generation is a really fascinating part of the process. Sometimes, when the younger, younger generation is in their 20s, and sometimes when the younger generation is in their 60s, that first meeting sets the stage for a really robust conversation and a really productive entry of

LOCAL LAWYERS

About Kim Name: Kim Stein Hometown: Moreland Hills Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah, Solon Chabad Undergraduate: University of Rochester Law school: Cornell Law School

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A recipe tester.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Sukkot My pet peeve is: Women’s clothing made without pockets.

Object I can’t live without: Coffee maker When I was in high school, I: Was a big nerd (still am).

In my retirement, I will: Roam the world and read all the books.

those next-generation individuals.”

Stein was named to the “Best Lawyers in America” list for trusts and estates and tax law.

She said she takes great pains to ensure her work does not turn adversarial.

“Well, it can be,” she said. “I’ve been very lucky with my clients that everyone has been, for the most part, professional and cordial.”

Stein’s husband, Greg, is a data privacy lawyer with Cleveland Clinic.

She said she places a premium on community involvement. A past board member of the Anti-Defamation League, she is on the professional advisory council of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. She is also on the board of directors of Gross Schechter Day School.

“I have leadership responsibilities with Schechter and also with the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland and the Cleveland (Metropolitan) Bar Association,” Stein said.

“The time has not really permitted me to be as engaged as I would have liked, certainly.”

– Steve Mark Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

*Ulmer & Berne LLP recently announced that, as of February 1, 2024, the firm will combine with Greensfelder Hemker & Gale PC to create UB Greensfelder.

SUPER ATTORNEYS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 67

JANUARY 26, 2024

Jerry Weiss

COMET-EPSTEIN LAW & MEDIATION

Mediation Inc.

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J

erry Weiss teaches classes in problem solving at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. One of the first things he shows his new students is a picture of Eugene and Alice Weiss, his late parents, who lost their parents in the Holocaust.

“I carry that with me,” Weiss said. “They were in the prime of their lives with swastikas stamped on the pictures. Show that to people and it usually quiets them down. It’s a dramatic way to describe visualization and ways to start thinking of different things.”

In fact, it is the Holocaust’s impact on his family heritage that shapes much of Weiss’ life.

Certainly, it has an imprint on his long career as a mediator, he said.

“Absolutely, it would shape the way I view the world,” said Weiss, 77, president of Mediation Inc. “Our dinner table at home was very much informed by that.”

The Erie, Pa., native began his law career in criminal defense. Weiss then morphed into taking on projects for the U.S. Department of Justice, and then was a trial lawyer in the civil world. His most fulfilling venture in the legal field has been that of a mediator. Weiss became the first lawyer in the Cleveland area to specialize in mediation, he said.

“Some of the best mediators are not lawyers,” Weiss said. “The way we teach lawyers can be a very binary methodology. I started doing mediations in 1990 and by the end of that decade, I was part of the original federal panel of neutrals that was assigned by a federal judge here in Cleveland who was sort of a trailblazer in terms of dispute resolution.

“I think it’s very difficult to do both legal practice and mediation. I thought that I should have had one foot in the canoe and one on the dock, as they say. The dock was becoming very uncomfortable for me, so I jumped in, and the rest is history.”

Weiss is adept at navigating the challenges of being a mediator. Most challenging was navigating the law and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While it could disturb the most important manner of communication, I also think that it took people out of old habits,” he said. “They were very comfortable with the old habits, very uncomfortable coming into the new habits, anxious to get back to the old habits.”

When asked to describe the satisfaction of mediating between parties, Weiss uses the term liberation.

“Most lawyers are advocates, and they go on these fungible disputes,” he said. “That dispute gets replaced with another dispute. The nature of the profession, I think, for the disputing

you’re interested in a constructive and cost-effective divorce, find out if dissolution, mediation or Collaborative Divorce is right for you. Professionally guided processes can help you and your spouse make well-informed decisions about your family and finances without court intervention. Respectful divorces can result in stronger, more satisfying agreements, better post-divorce relationships, and emotionally healthier children.

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About Jerry Name: Jerry Weiss Age: 77 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Congregation Sharrey Tikvah Undergraduate: Syracuse University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A veterinarian or diplomat.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Passover and its abundant renewals.

My pet peeve is: People taking, when it is so much easier and more rewarding to give. Also, people not acknowledging that we are all in this together.

Object I can’t live without: My computer, ‘honey, I’m going upstairs to write one more email.’

When I was in high school, I: Had a blast.

In my retirement, I will: Refirement, not retirement. I will travel as long as I can and continue to engage young and hungry minds that want to know how to better solve problems.

parties, is they are all generally gratifying when they can get resolved because there really is a real sense of liberation, though people are never able to acknowledge that during the dispute.

People have written about how liberated that experience was for them and how they never expected that to feel that way.”

The Ohio Mediation Association designated Weiss as a “Distinguished Practitioner,” saying “Jerry has had a knack of finding the human elements behind the numbers commonly exchanged in civil mediation.”

– Steve Mark Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

216-464-1610 • cometepsteinlaw@gmail.com

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68 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 26, 2024

Larry Zukerman

Jeff Zimon

Zukerman, Lear & Murray, Co. LPA

Zimon LLC

A

B

fter graduating with a law degree in 1985 from Case Western Reserve University Law School in Cleveland, Larry Zukerman found himself working with a “brilliant criminal defense lawyer” who was assigned the first case in Pennsylvania to use the battered woman syndrome defense.

Taking the case on a pro bono basis, the firm obtained a not-guilty verdict for their client.

That experience had a “profound” effect on him and the direction he would take his law career, he said.

“It shows how hard-working, industrious and smart people can assist someone in achieving justice,” said Zukerman, of Beachwood. “In this case, she had been a victim of horrendous violence and the jury saw the reality of the situation.”

Zukerman also gave credit to his mother, Marlene Zukerman, as “it’s because of her that I even got the job at the law firm.”

Now the managing partner of Zukerman, Lear & Murray, Co. LPA in Cleveland, Zukerman’s criminal defense practice centers on white-collar crimes, computer/internet crimes, sexual assault and federal narcotics crimes. Zukerman said becoming a criminal defense lawyer goes back to “our existence (as Jews) as an oppressed people.”

“We’re always having to fight to protect ourselves and our rights to practice Judaism and protect Israel,” said Zukerman, who is a congregant at Solon Chabad. “It goes back to the basics of liberty, and there is still a need to help people preserve their liberty.”

For Zukerman, no career is static, especially one spent in the courtroom. Recognizing that leads to many reflective moments, he said there are several he would consider a turning point.

One of those moments was in 2004 when Zukerman served on the defense team of Imam Fawaz Damra, the former spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of Cleveland. Damra, who was known locally for his interfaith efforts after the 9/11 attacks, was convicted in 2004 for concealing ties to terrorist organizations on his citizenship application 10 years earlier. He was ultimately denaturalized and deported.

“I knew that everyone is entitled to a strong, effective defense, and my passion should be applied to everyone,” he said. “I didn’t succumb to the pressures of the Jewish and outside communities to cease my representation of him. I don’t regret representing him. It made me a strong person and lawyer.”

Considering his experiences and his professional inclination to operate on “speed 10 on the treadmill from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep,” Zukerman said young

About Larry Age: 63 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate: Washington & Jefferson College Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: Half the time, my first choice was to become a doctor. But if I could do it all over again, I would be a ski bum in Colorado.

My favorite Jewish holiday is: Shabbat. It brings the week to an end and gives me time to enjoy privacy with my family and recharge for the next week.

My pet peeve is: Disingenuous people. But professionally, it’s people who are not prepared.

Object I can’t live without: Not an object, but my family and my three dogs.

When I was in high school, I: Was active in Jewish youth groups and in the Jewish community. During the summers, I worked at the JCC at the Emma Kaufman Camp. I also would go to a ski resort called Seven Springs near Pittsburgh to ski in the winter.

In my retirement, I will: Not retire, according to my wife.

lawyers interested in criminal defense should “leave no stone unturned.”

“Fight aggressively for your client,” he said.

“If you’re not going to do the work and fight hard, don’t take on the task. Regardless if you’re someone on speed 10 or speed one, you need to be just as effective.”

– Becky Raspe

efore starting his law career over 30 years ago, Jeff Zimon worked in an ambulance while he considered a career in medicine.

Being there for people during their most vulnerable moments spoke to him on a personal level, but he realized he had an intellectual interest past providing treatment, he said.

“The things I liked about that work was not the idea of sick and injured people, but it was working with police and testifying in court,” said Zimon, who lives in Pepper Pike. “I have a lot of lawyers in my family and only one doctor. I was influenced by that, and was attracted to the legal side more than the medical side.”

Now the founder of Zimon LLC in Pepper Pike, Zimon’s practice focuses on employee benefits, benefits disputes and litigation, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or ERISA. With the myriad of practice areas available to pursue, Zimon admitted he “fell into” his practice.

“I worked as a paralegal at a large Boston firm early in my career, and the position available when I applied was to become an ERISA legal assistant,” he recalled. “I wanted the job, so I just fell into it. And it kept going and I never changed out of it.”

Zimon said the best part of focusing on employee benefits and ERISA is that it is so specialized “most people don’t know what it is.”

“It is extremely detail-oriented and I liked that,” he said. “Depending on your position, most would think, ‘ERISA? Bleh.’

But, it turned out to be a good decision on my part.”

That specialized nature of his practice area is what he finds most rewarding too, as it requires constant critical thinking and problem solving, Zimon said.

“It fundamentally is about complicated problem solving,” he said. “What I love most is when we have solved the most complicated problems, meaning success for our client. This is simply a puzzle with rules. And solving those puzzles means a successful outcome for our clients. That is what it is all about.”

As a Jewish lawyer, the concept of following rules and operating under a set legal structure is something Zimon finds inherently Jewish, he said. He is a congregant of B’nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike.

LOCAL LAWYERS

About Jeff Age: 60 Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: Brandeis University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

My favorites If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be: A real estate developer My favorite Jewish holiday is: Passover My pet peeve is: When people don’t think and just accept things as being true.

I can’t live without: My cellphone.

Aside from having all of my resources and contacts, things happen and I need to be able to communicate quickly.

When I was in high school, I: Could be found studying at home.

In my retirement, I will: Spend a lot more me time and a lot more family time.

“In many cases, law is created because of a societal need. That sounds like Mt. Sinai to me,” he said. “Every day, I am proud of my Jewish heritage and that it has led to a structure of law and governance. ...

I am not in this practice to solve the problems of the world, nor am I healing it through my practice. But the notion of charity and healing the world is generally in play in everything I do.”

For young lawyers, Zimon stressed the importance of finding a mentor.

“Law school doesn’t teach you to become a lawyer but to become an appellate judge and there are only so many positions,” he said. “So what young lawyers need to do is find a mentor who will show you the ropes and teach you how to think like a lawyer. From the day I started as a legal assistant to my first years as an attorney, it’s all about mentors. That is critical.”

– Becky Raspe

SUPER ATTORNEYS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 69

JANUARY 26, 2024

Local firms announce lawyers receiving honors SUPER LAWYERS Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP: M. Patricia Culler, Rocco I. Debitetto, Daniel A. DeMarco, Christina D’Eramo Evans, Robert J. Fogarty, Stephen H. Gariepy, Steven A. Goldfarb, Eric B. Levasseur, Andrew J. Natale, Lawrence E. Oscar, Rob Remington, Dennis R. Rose and Christopher B. Wick Ulmer & Berne LLP: Jennifer Lawry Adams, Jeffrey S. Dunlap, Dolores (Lola) Garcia, Frances Floriano Goins, James A. Goldsmith, Howard M. Groedel, Lori Pittman Haas, Richard G. Hardy, Steven S. Kaufman, Joshua A. Klarfeld, David W. Leopold, Mary Forbes Lovett, Amanda Martinsek, Douglas K. Sesnowitz, Patricia A. Shlonsky, Michael S. Tucker, Michael N. Ungar, Frederick N. Widen and Robin M. Wilson Michael J. Shapiro, Inc.: Michael J. Shapiro Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy: Jonathan D. Mester, David M. Paris, Jamie R. Lebovitz, William S. Jacobson, Pamela E. Pantages, Kathleen J. St. John, Benjamin P. Wiborg, Jeffrey M. Heller, Jordan D. Lebovitz, Dana M. Paris and Brenda M. Johnson McCarthy Lebit Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA: Ann-Marie Ahern, Christian Patno, David Schaefer, Hugh Berkson, David Cuppage, Rob Glickman, Tobias Hirshman, Kimon Karas, Robert Kracht, Kenneth Liffman, David Lum, Michael Makofsky, Jack Moran, Charles Nemer, Andrey Perry, Richard Rabb and John Seich RISING STARS Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP: Matthew J. Ambrose, Christopher R. Butler, Dana Marie DeCapite, James M. Gianfagna, Matthew K. Grashoff, Rachel E. Kolecky, Casey J. McElfresh, Jacqueline A. Meese-Martinez, J. Thomas Nocar, James P. Oliver, Tara J. Rose, Katie L. Steiner, Gregory A. Thompson, Andrew J. Wolf and Jonathan C. Wolnik Ulmer & Berne LLP: Brett C. Altier,

Joseph J. Brennan, Michael J. Charlillo, Sara S. Dorland, Lauren K. Garretson, Georgia Hatzis, Sarah Katz, Abbie R. Pappas, Ashtyn N. Saltz, Emmanuel Sanders, Michael J. Scheiman, Halden R. Schwallie, Raymond D. Seiler and Mengxue Xie Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy: Joshua D. Payne and Regan J. Sieperda McCarthy Lebit Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA: Danielle Garson, Nicholas Oleski, Colin Ray and Carolyn Soeder BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA Buckley King: Steven E. Bacon, Brent M. Buckley, Peter R. Certo, Jr., Elizabeth A. Crosby, Theodore M. Dunn, Jr., Jay R. Faeges, Michael D. Goler, Kenneth M. Lapine, Steven J. Miller, Frank P. Nagorney, Rosemary Sweeney and Deborah D. Zielinski McCarthy Lebit Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA: Ann-Marie Ahern, Hugh Berkson, David Cuppage, Brian Farnan, Tracy Francis, Rob Glickman, Jennifer Hallos, Tobias Hirshman, Kimon Karas, Robert Kracht, Kenneth Liffman, David Lum, Michael Makofsky, Charles Nemer, Christian Patno, Andrew Perry, Richard Rabb, David Schaefer, John Seich and Mark Wallach BEST LAWYERS ONES TO WATCH McCarthy Lebit Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA: Danielle Garson, Frank George, Adam Glassman, Kyle Graham, Jack Moran, Nick Oleski, Colin Ray and Carolyn Soeder

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NATIONAL BLACK LAWYERS National Black Lawyers – Top 100 for Ohio: Craig Owen White, Hahn Loeser

Local law firms announce attorneys named to partnership Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP: Christopher R. Butler and James M. Gianfagna Tucker Ellis LLP: Kristen Baracy, Ashley Gault, Valeria Golodnitska, Peter Jones, Faustina Lee, Lindsey Sacher and Jay Shultz

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70 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 26, 2024

LOCAL LAWYERS

OSU Moritz College of Law wins Public Service Mock Trial COURTNEY BYRNES cbyrnes@cjn.org

L

aw students from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in Columbus won the Ohio Attorney General’s 11th annual Public Service Mock Trial Competition, according to a Dec. 4 news release.

Seven schools fielded 10 teams for the 2023 competition with The University of Akron School of Law (Team No. 2) finishing second and Capital University Law School in the Columbus suburb of Bexley in third, the release stated.

“The 2023 event was especially spirited,” Attorney General Dave Yost said in the release. “It’s good to see enthusiasm for public service as well as the impressive talents of our future lawyers.

Congratulations to the winning Buckeye

team.”

Other participating schools included University of Cincinnati College of Law and Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law in Ada, both with one team each, and University of Dayton School of Law and The University of Toledo College of Law, with two teams each.

The competition pairs teams with public service litigators who provide coaching. It is designed for law students interested in a career in public service, the release stated.

A case is released in early September and teams work with their coaches to then present the prosecution and defense sides of the case in separate rounds in mid- to late November, the release stated.

This year’s case centered on “an intriguing murder,” according to the release.

Federal and state judges and experienced litigators in public service serve as

judges. Students are “assessed on their understanding of the subject matter, demeanor in the courtroom and ability to think on their feet when something unexpected arises,” the release stated.

In addition to the team winners, the competition recognizes individual student performances. The 2023 honorees: Best attorneys from the morning trials • Bri Barnett, Toledo (Team No. 2) • Jacob Fabina, Capital • Ian McCarthy, Akron (Team No. 2) • Clay Owens, Ohio State • Sai Pandrangi, Akron (Team No. 1) Best attorneys from the afternoon trials • Diego De La Vega, Ohio State • Eric Kephas, Capital • Ionnis Kotrupas, Akron (Team No. 1) • Anna Marchiony, Cincinnati • Emily Rider, Ohio Northern

Best witnesses from morning trials • Grace Branson, Dayton (Team No. 2) • Diego De La Vega, Ohio State • Toney Dixon, Capital • Mindie Fish, Dayton (Team No. 1) • Emily Gellatly, Akron (Team No. 2) Best witnesses from afternoon trials • Mindie Fish, Dayton (Team No. 1) • Jamie Salazar, Ohio State • Kelly Schweikert, Cincinnati • Cassidy Triplett, Capital • Ryleigh Trietweiler, Toledo (Team No. 2) “This competition takes a village,” Yost said in the release. “There are dozens of working lawyers and judges from throughout Ohio who dedicate their time and talents to help make this annual event what it has become – top-notch. I thank each and every one of them for their contributions.”

Ulmer & Berne to merge with St. Louis’ Greensfelder law firm

U

lmer & Berne LLP in Cleveland will combine with Greensfelder Hemker & Gale PC, headquartered in St. Louis, effective Feb. 1, to create a new law firm, UB Greensfelder.

The merger will create an AM Law 200, Midwestfocused law firm with nine offices and 275 lawyers over five

states and Washington, D.C. The firm will have practices in corporate transactions, business litigation, financial services, real estate, health care, and several other practice areas.

Scott Kadish and Kevin McLaughlin will serve as comanaging partners.

To read more about this story, visit bit.ly/3SCA6UN.

Ohio Chamber of Commerce supports pharmacies in opioid lawsuit SUSAN TEBBEN | OHIO CAPITOL JOURNAL

I

n connection with a lawsuit alleging pharmacies are creating a “public nuisance” by dispensing opioid prescriptions, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce stood behind pharmacies in the state. The chamber argued it should instead be a “product liability” claim.

The lawsuit is one of many across the country that allege that “opioid manufacturers, opioid distributors and opioid-selling pharmacies and retailers acted in concert to mislead medical professionals into prescribing, and millions of Americans into taking, and often becoming addicted to, opiates,” according to court documents.

The case in Ohio pits Purdue Pharma, Walgreens, Walmart and CVS stores against Trumbull County and Lake County, where the counties claim the companies “created, perpetuated and maintained” the opioid epidemic by “filling prescriptions for opioids without controls in place to stop

the distribution of those that were illicitly prescribed.”

Doing so caused “an absolute public nuisance,” according to attorneys for the counties.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit is considering the appeal because a lower court ruled in favor of the counties, saying Purdue and the pharmacies should provide $650 million in damages because the “oversupply of legal prescription opioids … was a public nuisance.”

The Ohio Supreme Court got involved after a federal appeals court asked the state’s highest court to decide whether state law on public nuisance claims can be applied to product liability law.

The state chamber of commerce says claims that dispensing of opioids is a public nuisance are a misuse of the legal standard, and state product liability statutes “invalidate the county’s public nuisance claims.’”

Chamber president and CEO Steve Stivers, a former legislator, said the amicus

brief – or “friend of the court” brief – was filed “to stop the misapplication of our statutes from harming Ohio businesses and our state’s legal climate.”

An amicus brief is typically filed by parties who have an interest in the case, but are not a directly involved party.

Stivers has particular interest in the case since he sponsored legislation in 2004 that changed the way product liability cases are litigated.

In a statement, the chamber said the claims by the two counties should “proceed under Ohio’s product liability laws rather than relying on a public nuisance claim, which is traditionally reserved for litigation based upon someone’s use of land.”

The amicus brief used the example of a lawsuit filed against Sherwin Williams for manufacturing lead-based paint, after which the Ohio General Assembly in 2006 passed a law “to stop product liability lawsuits from masquerading as public nuisance lawsuits and to clarify all public nuisance claims based upon the sale of a product

are subject to the (Ohio Product Liability Act),” referencing the name given to Stiver’s original legislation.

The chamber filed the brief jointly with the Ohio Alliance for Civil Justice, which said in the brief it “supports stability and predictability in the civil justice system in order for Ohio’s businesses and other to know what risks they assume as they carry on commerce in this state.”

The Buckeye Institute also filed an amicus brief in the case, agreeing that state law did not support the use of public nuisance law in an opioid distribution case. The institute also argued that the court should limit how much government plaintiffs, in this case the counties, receive in legal compensation, and for what purpose.

“Allowing governments to fund themselves through litigation rather than legislation and appropriations creates its own risk of addiction,” attorneys for the institute wrote.

SUPER ATTORNEYS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 71

JANUARY 26, 2024

Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys Local Jewish attorneys included in this section completed a questionnaire that was emailed to attorneys and/or firms. The Q&A form was also available at cjn.org and was included in the Boker Tov e-newsletter. Some opted not to answer all questions and some answers were edited for clarity and brevity. To view the list of Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys online, including attorneys added after deadline, visit issuu.com/cjpc. Attorneys did not pay to be included in this directory. Please note: Ulmer & Berne LLP recently announced that, as of Feb. 1, 2024, the firm will combine with Greensfelder Hemker & Gale PC to create UB Greensfelder. Those attorney listings are noted with an asterisk. Compiled by Lydia Kacala.

Jack W. Abel Law Firm: Abel & Zocolo Co., LPA Age: 75 Hometown: Beachwood Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: University of North Carolina School of Law at Chapel Hill How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has taught me to always be inquisitive and open to new ideas.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I have an amateur radio license and am an avid golfer and fly fisherman. I also enjoy building and flying radio-controlled airplanes.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I turn off my cellphone.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: The old “Perry Mason” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Jack’s Deli and Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: You can advocate for your client and be a gentleman at the same time.

Hannah Albion Law Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Hometown: Cleveland Undergraduate: Bowling Green State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

Fred J. Arnoff Law Firm: Weston Hurd LLP Hometown: Cleveland Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: The University of Akron School of Law What advice would you give today’s law school students: A career as a lawyer is a special calling. As lawyers, we are in an extraordinary position to assist individuals and business organizations and promote the public good. Over 45 years of practice, my

clients have constantly challenged me with problems that are almost always different, intellectually stimulating and never boring.

Jennifer M. Atzberger Age: 51 Hometown: Bay Village Undergraduate: Occidental College Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I am more spiritual than religious, but my family and background have always taught me that you should do work that helps to lift others up.

That has been a guiding principal for me.

My grandfather came as a refugee from the Ukraine with his sister, so I feel a certain kinship with my immigrant clients.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am also a certified yoga instructor.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I just do my best and try not to take work stress home with me.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Legally Blonde” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: I recently went to ALEA for a birthday celebration and it was delicious!

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Take classes that interest you rather than taking them to study for the bar.

Rachel Bagnolo Law Firm: Gallagher Sharp LLP Age: 31 Hometown: Westlake Undergraduate: West Liberty University Law School: The University of Akron School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism guides my principles and morals in life and my career. I am guided by the principles of tikkun olam and tzedekah. As such, my goals are to serve others and do so with integrity and professionalism.

What would a client and your colleagues

be surprised to learn about you: I can come off as a girly girl, but was a three-sport athlete, played collegiate soccer, and am highly competitive in anything I do.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: It needs to be a conscious effort. Early on in my career, I didn’t have a balance. Now I make a proactive choice to put the same effort, care and time into my personal life and relationships as I have always done with my career.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar, Grumpy’s Cafe, Ginko Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Don’t be afraid to fail.

There’s more lessons in the hard times than the successes. And start to become comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Todd Behrens Law Firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP Age: 45 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: Duke University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Throughout my career, I try to embrace the concept of tikkun olam. I attempt to make the world a better place by helping others through my practice and providing resources to organizations, such as The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, which provide invaluable services to those who may be at a disadvantage in our community.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: During the pandemic, the extra free time and my engineering background lead me to develop my own perfect cookie recipes. I tinkered with the recipes through many batches until I was able to get it right. Making cookies for clients, family and friends has become a fun hobby of mine.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: While it isn’t a legal show, I really enjoy watching “Shark Tank.” As an intellectual property attorney, I love seeing

people’s creativity while attempting to commercialize their innovations.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: JoJo’s Bar What advice would you give today’s law school students: Always remember that we are in the relationship business. Take action to strengthen your relationships with your classmates, professors and future coworkers and clients. Additionally, find a mentor to help you develop as an attorney throughout your career.

Gayl Berger Law Firm: Gayl M. Berger l, Esq. Age: 62 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: Indiana University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism is a part of who I am. I carry it with me in everything I do.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I went to law school when I was 36.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I appreciate how hard I have worked and what I have accomplished. I allow that to guide me at work and at home.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Boston Legal” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Nighttown What advice would you give today’s law school students: Zero in on what parts of the law excite you. Work for different firms as allowed while in school to help in the decision-making process. Often the first job decides your career path.

Joshua Berggrun Law Firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold Age: 32 Hometown: Cleveland

72 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Hugh Berkson Firm: McCarthy Lebit Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Age: 55 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The longer I practice, the more I see litigation as an opportunity to engage in chesed — an effort to repair a wrong.

Litigation efforts should be directed to resolving a dispute, not making one worse.

What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: As much as I enjoy litigation in all forums and being the center of attention there, I’m inherently and incredibly shy.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Balance? What’s that?

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: None. I get enough of that at work.

What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Le Petit Triangle Cafe What advice would you give today’s law school students: A career in law can be incredibly difficult, but incredibly rewarding.

If you don’t really love it, it’s probably not the field for you.

Irv Berliner Law Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

Rob Boroff Law Firm: Gallagher Sharp LLP Age: 43 Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: Loyola University Chicago School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish upbringing emphasized the value of community, and in my industry, establishing connections and providing support to one another is critical.

What would a client and your colleagues

be surprised to learn about you: I am a strong supporter of the Allison Rose Foundation, established in honor of my niece who passed away from a nut allergy.

The Allison Rose Foundation is dedicated to changing the lives of food allergy families through education, awareness, research and advocacy, and has already positively impacted many individuals, schools, restaurants and organizations.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: While I work and travel often, I am fortunate to be able to have quality time with my family, including being able to coach their sports teams, attend their concerts and plays, and help with homework. It is also not uncommon for them to help out at the office.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: The Last Page What advice would you give today’s law school students: Find a mentor who is willing to train and support your development, work hard, ask questions, take initiative and manage up.

Abby Botnick Law Firm: The Botnick Law Firm LLC Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: A personal connection over Judaism helped me feel at ease interviewing for my first job out of law school. I’ve continued to find that connecting in this way with colleagues where possible helps to build rapport and that benefits my work and my clients.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Owning a law firm with my spouse, that is tough to do, but focusing on our kids and their activities helps draw a line. Also, setting myself specific but limited work tasks on weekends allows me to limit how much work bleeds into home life — I get to check things off my list while being intentional about my time.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: The original “Night Court” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Tommy’s Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Be open-minded and give yourself permission to change course. It’s hard to know what you will enjoy doing with your degree while you’re in law school. It’s good to find something that meshes with your personal strengths and personality.

JANUARY 26, 2024

LOCAL LAWYERS

Robert Botnick

Lori Brown

Law Firm: The Botnick Law Firm LLC Age: 46 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The pursuit of justice is an important tenet of Judaism that I incorporate into my everyday practice of fighting for our clients’ rights and liberties.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: Shortly before becoming a criminal defense attorney, I was a victim in a motor vehicle accident caused by an impaired driver.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Having your spouse as your law partner, sometimes the line between work and home life can become blurry. I find that the ritual of changing out of my suit and putting on my slippers helps in making the transition.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Ed” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Tommy’s Restaurant — they just have to try the shakes. My friend from Washington recently visited (he’s vegan and gluten-free) and he couldn’t get over how great the food was.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: I was so determined to achieve success on my own, I stubbornly refused to take up the networking recommendations from my family and friends.

In the end, it’s all about using your connections toward finding your path to success. There’s no need to tread the more arduous road when there are mentors and loved ones willing to help you on your journey.

Law Firm: Gallagher Sharp LLP Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: The University of Michigan Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has instilled in me a sense of justice and honesty and to treat my clients and opposing parties and counsel with respect.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I have always had a strong work ethic, but it takes more than just hard work to succeed in the practice of law and maintain a balance. My law firm has given me the flexibility I need to maintain a work life balance. My husband (an attorney) is supportive — he understands the demands of our profession and our need to work as a team to strike a balance between work and home.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: L’Albatros What advice would you give today’s law school students: Do not always rely on e-mail, a phone call goes a long way.

Adam M. Brown Law Firm: Zukerman, Lear & Murray Co., LPA Age: 34 Hometown: Cleveland Undergraduate: Ohio University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Exercise, travel, golf and spending quality time with my family and friends.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Wrongfully Accused” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar

Morgan R. Caruso Law Firm: Caruso Law Offices, LLC Age: 38 Hometown: Pepper Pike Undergraduate: Ohio University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My kids really enjoy attending Chabad Jewish Center of Solon and seeing so many of their school friends celebrating being Jewish.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I love to scuba dive.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: We’re lucky we have lots of help at home, otherwise I couldn’t possibly run my business and mother my three awesome kids.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny,” and of course, “Legally Blonde” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: ML Tavern. My husband and I love it there for the great vibe, food and service.

SUPER ATTORNEYS What advice would you give today’s law school students: You won’t get anywhere without hard work. Don’t worry what anyone else is doing. Identify your goals and go out and achieve them.

Brandon S. Collier

Firm: David R. Cohen Co. LPA Age: 64 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: On Oct. 8, I emailed my kids, “Unfortunately, the older you get, the more you realize there really is evil in the world and closer than you think. History shows antisemitism comes in waves and they are increasing lately. It can sometimes come from people you thought you knew, or see all the time. You should be proud of your history (both biblical and recent) and realistic about the world. Hold to your Jewish values.”

Law Firm: Collier & Associates Co., L.P.A. Hometown: Shaker Heights Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law; Masters of Tax at New York University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: It provides a moral compass and helps ensure we treat everybody fairly.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I’m secretly addicted to pickleball.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I have a spouse who is also an attorney and works a similar schedule.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Dante or L’Albatros What advice would you give today’s law school students: For those pursuing a future career on the business side, get a good grasp of tax and accounting.

Deborah A Coleman

Sharon Comet-Epstein

Law Firm: Coleman Law LLC Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah and Park Synagogue Undergraduate: Harvard University Law School: Harvard University Law School How has Judaism played a role in your career: I take to heart the commandment, “Justice, justice shall you pursue.”

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I took shop rather than home ec in seventh grade — and was the first girl in the county to do so.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I do the best I can. It became a lot easier after my children were grown.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Locally owned restaurants, like EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant, Sasa, and Batuqui.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Take every opportunity to learn lawyering outside the classroom, including joining a law school clinic, working in a firm, or interning for a judge.

Law Firm: CometEpstein Law & Mediation Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I ensure that what I do in every case is consistent with my Jewish values of fairness, justice, integrity and compassion.

I even include terms for a get in every divorce case with Jewish spouses. I advise them, “You never know who you’ll want to marry in the future, and you don’t want to have to chase an ex-spouse who may not be cooperative or easy to locate.” My clients appreciate my candor and integrity.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: My practice focuses only on divorce, dissolutions and out-of-court negotiation/ settlement cases through mediation, collaborative and attorney negotiation.

I strive for peaceful, cost-effective and satisfying outcomes for my clients, who find that the results of constructive resolution processes are far better than those from destructive, contentious litigation. I’m cochair of the collaborative practice group of the Center for Principled Family Advocacy,

David R. Cohen

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 73

JANUARY 26, 2024

vice president of the Mediation Association of Northeast Ohio and active in International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Depends on the situation. I don’t mind taking calls responding to client concerns after-hours or on weekends to alleviate my clients’ stress while they’re going through a divorce or other difficult family law situation. My clients appreciate my responsiveness and attention to their case, so when I have personal or family matters to attend to, they understand. I also have an understanding husband who practices law the same way. Works for us.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Presumed Innocent,” “Erin Brockovich” and “The Good Wife” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Some place in Chagrin Falls.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Depends on what you want to do with your law degree. Spend time shadowing different lawyers in different areas of law or business, for profit and nonprofit, to see what areas interest you most.

Try practice clinics, law clerking, etc.

Margaret E. Cooper Law Firm: Margaret E. Cooper, LLC Age: 52 Hometown: Orange Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism defines righteousness as the fulfillment of all legal and moral obligations. As a Jewish lawyer, I am committed to doing what is just and right for my clients to provide stability throughout the representation.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: A client would be surprised to know that I am an equally talented artist who enjoys painting, thread-work and photography.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: As a solo practitioner, striking a balance can sometimes be a challenge when meeting court deadlines. I find that balance comes from maintaining a consistent, organized approach to completing my work. Then it isn’t a problem.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits.” But “Lincoln Lawyer” (the television series) is a close runner-up.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Sasa What advice would you give today’s law school students: Follow your passion in law.

There are so many avenues to pursue with a law degree. You can be a litigator, lobbyist,

judge, professor, HR manager, etc. I think the best thing to do is to figure out how you want to use your degree and follow that path.

Gary Cowan Law Firm: Elk + Elk

Marc Dann Law Firm: Dann Law Age: 61 Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Beth IsraelThe West Temple Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Fairness and the rule of law are central tenants of Jewish law.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I’m part of an improv troupe.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Not very well.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Civil Action” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Salt What advice would you give today’s law school students: Consider representing people instead of corporations.

Robert “Kip” Danzinger Law Firm: Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill Co., LPA Age: 57 Hometown: Bainbridge Township Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Growing up in a Jewish household, I was taught the importance of working hard, being honest and ethical and treating people with respect. During my 30 years in practice, I have strived to maintain these basic tenants of Judaism in all aspects of my career.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: At age 57,

74 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG I am still competing in triathlons, albeit very slowly.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I leave the office when my wife yells at me to get home.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “LA Law” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Guido’s Pizza Haven What advice would you give today’s law school students: In addition to learning the coursework, equally focus on networking and getting involved in legal related organizations.

Gary S. Desberg Law Firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A. Age: 63 Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “To Kill a Mockingbird” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Mish Mosh Eclectic Eatery & Spirits

Michael H. Diamant Law Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Law School: Harvard Law School

David Drechsler Law Firm: McDonald Hopkins LLC Age: 60 Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Jewish people have been oppressed for generations and have learned how to survive and thrive. Having been through that myself I can relate to clients who may have also been oppressed and help them not only survive but thrive.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: New clients are surprised how available and responsive I am to them. Colleagues are

JANUARY 26, 2024

surprised to the depth of experience I have in several areas of law.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Never easy but after practicing for over 33 years, I am far better at it. It still can snap you when least expected.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: Too many to list. Some include “The Verdict,” “The Accused,” “My Cousin Vinny” and “Suits.”

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Used to take them to Corky & Lenny’s Restaurant & Deli, but it has sadly closed. Need a new go-to.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Take a course in or learn how to counsel clients, as it is a must nearly every day and was not really taught in law school. And learn the code of professional responsibility and ethics and live it. Also comes up all of the time.

Stanely Dub Law Firm: Law Office of Stanley M. Dub Co. LPA Age: 73 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I’m proud of my Judaism, but I don’t think it has played a role in my career.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: Tournament bridge is my hobby. I’m one of the better players in town.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: People ask me when I plan to retire, but my work gets me out of the house and that helps me stay sane.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Shtisel” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Taki’s Greek Kitchen What advice would you give today’s law school students: Enjoy the ride — your possibilities are unlimited.

Brandon Duber Law Firm: Bentoff & Duber Co., LPA Age: 44 Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: Skidmore College Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Marcel C. Duhamel Law Firm: Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP Age: 55 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Law School: University of Chicago School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I apply my Jewish values to my practice, in the way I interact with my colleagues, my clients and my opposing counsel.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I’m a huge fan of Dungeons & Dragons.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I make a conscious effort to separate work and home. It’s difficult, and rarely do I feel that I’ve achieved the correct balance at any given moment, but over the span of my career I believe I’ve maintained a pretty fair balance.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Be flexible and adaptable.

Much of my current practice involves areas of the law — privacy, for example — that did not exist as practices when I graduated from law school. Let opportunity be the guide for your career path.

Daniel S. Ehrenreich Law Firm: Ehrenreich and Associates Age: 50 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Undergraduate: Yeshiva University Law School: Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I frequently study Jewish texts to facilitate my understanding of the many aspects of complex legal issues.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I enjoy basketball.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I often help my wife with household chores so that my sons can learn how to treat their own families some day.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV

LOCAL LAWYERS series: “Law & Order” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Mendel’s KC BBQ What advice would you give today’s law school students: Follow your own instincts regarding what area of law to practice.

Leonard Ehrenreich Law Firm: Ehrenreich and Associates Age: 76 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Undergraduate: The University of Akron Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I treat clients with honesty and respect.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I make the best margaritas.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I am a workaholic and do not often strike a balance.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Perry Mason” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Mendel’s KC BBQ What advice would you give today’s law school students: Always keep reading and educating yourself.

Rochelle Prashker Ehrenreich Law Firm: Ehrenreich and Associates Age: 72 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Undergraduate: Brooklyn College Law School: Fordham University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: It is the basis for ethical and logical choices.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I studied belly dancing as a teenager.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I sometimes work from home so that I am able to multitask.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Shawshank Redemption” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Mendel’s KC BBQ What advice would you give today’s law school students: Prepare yourself to be patient with clients in ferreting out all aspects of a new case.

SUPER ATTORNEYS

JANUARY 26, 2024

Brian N. Eisen

Jeffrey Eisenstodt

Law Firm: The Eisen Law Firm Age: 57 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: Harvard University Law School: Harvard University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My entire professional life has been devoted to helping people whose lives have been shattered by catastrophic injuries. I try to listen to every potential client and offer what help I can, even when the circumstances cannot justify a lawsuit.

This is consistent with the Jewish value of chesed, meaning caring for others and helping people in need. My Jewish values are in the background of all the professional decisions I make.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I spent a year studying ethology at Cambridge University. This long-bearded, Harley-riding attorney has a soft spot for bird watching.

Things aren’t always as they seem, an adage I keep in mind when analyzing a client’s medical records in pursuit of the truth in a medical negligence case.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Focus, focus, focus. I am laser-focused at work, which enables me to get a lot accomplished and still have time to be at home with family and friends. It also helps that my practice itself is laser-focused on one area of the law’s medical negligence.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: I literally laughed out loud when I watched “Jury Duty.” In fact, I wrote a blog about this television show. I have tried many medical negligence cases before many juries.

Funny things inevitably happen, even in these very serious cases, but nothing quite so funny as (spoiler alert) “chair pants.”

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: I changed my eating habits several years ago and am now vegan.

I enjoy exploring the Cleveland food scene in search of good vegan options. Zhug, Cleveland Vegan and the Market Hall at Van Aken offer many terrific options. I am thrilled when I find good vegan food, anywhere.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Help the little guy. The big guy doesn’t need you. That, and you only have one reputation — don’t screw it up.

Law Firm: Zukerman, Lear & Murray, Co. LPA Age: 35 Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Georgetown University Law Center

Michael Eisner Law Firm: The Law Offices of Michael L. Eisner, LLC Age: 55 Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: Hobart College Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Having moved from a predominately Jewish community to one were I was a distinct minority in 10th grade, I gained greater empathy for those who are different.

I learned a greater level of empathy, and realized that those with different backgrounds (whether racial, religious, or socio-economic) have more in common than we realize. This, together with the Jewish education and morals, has taught me to find common ground when seeking resolution of often emotional disagreements.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I practice yoga to keep grounded and maintain balance and equanimity in my life. I use these tools in my practice to prevent my opponents’ button pushing from affecting what I do for my clients.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I focus on being present in the immediate situation. When I am with my family or participating in sports or social events, I leave my work at the office, and when I am at the office, I don’t allow whatever is happening at home to affect my efforts.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Erin Brokovich” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Luca West What advice would you give today’s law school students: Follow your passion. If you are doing what you love, you will overcome whatever challenges are currently facing you, and your hard work will provide you with greater satisfaction.

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 75 Arthur Elk

Mindy Elk

Law Firm: Elk + Elk Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: It is the balance and symmetry in my career.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I enjoy riding motorcycles.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I try to leave work at work, but that can be difficult at times.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Billions” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: ML Tavern What advice would you give today’s law school students: Pursue your visions.

Law Firm: Elk + Elk Hometown: Highland Heights Undergraduate: Arizona State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has helped me to be more empathetic with people and the challenges they’re facing.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I rode horses and competed in horse shows for most of my childhood.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I try to adjust my schedule and workload when needed to accommodate both work and family.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: L’Albatros What advice would you give today’s law school students: Find a mentor to help guide you through the first few years after law school.

David Elk Law Firm: Elk + Elk Hometown: Moreland Hills Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: It taught me how to care about people and how important it is to give back to the community.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I played Class C hardball and JCC softball while attending college.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I try to spend as much time as possible with my family and it truly helps that my wife Marilyn, daughter, Mindy, and brother, Art, also work at the firm.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Lincoln Lawyer” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: The Reserve What advice would you give today’s law school students: Listen to what your client is telling you and always do your best for your client.

Michael A. Ellis Law Firm: Buckingham Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC Age: 70 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania Law School: Duke University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: To practice tikkun olam and to try and ensure all parties are heard and their wishes honored, if at all practical.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I recognize that I value my sense of humor more than others do.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: A difficult question, but the scales are tipping more towards home as I age.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Inherit the Wind” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Giovanni’s What advice would you give today’s law school students: Learn to listen more and speak less.

76 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Aaron S. Evenchik Law Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP Age: 47 Hometown: University Heights Synagogue: Chabad House of Cleveland and Bais Dovid Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I am visually Jewish — kippah, tzitzis and beard, so I’m easy to spot in court, business meetings and construction industry conferences. I am aware of that visibility and how my actions and strategies are viewed by clients, judges and others. I also use Torah stories to analogize and explain positions to fact finders.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I like to sketch art and play music to relax. I also wrote a guide to Cleveland, featuring all of the fun local activities my family likes to do on Sundays and days off.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I don’t strike the balance well during the week. I devote significant time to handling client matters. However, on Shabbos and Jewish holidays I am completely offline and focused on family and community.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Boston Legal” and “Suits” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Mendel’s KC BBQ or Kantina.

I’m also thrilled Mamilla opened downtown.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Work hard, be patient and follow the path G-d sets for you to travel during your career.

Lee Fisher Dean Cleveland State University College of Law Age: 72 Hometown: Cleveland Heights Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Undergraduate: Oberlin College Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The tenets and teachings of Judaism, particularly tikkun olam, have guided my public, private, nonprofit and academic careers.

What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I love to play Frisbee, jet ski, swim, run and do pilates.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: While I love my career as dean of a great law school, I also love the quiet of an evening reading a book or watching a movie with my wife, Peggy.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “West Wing.” “Seinfeld” is a close second.

What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Nighttown is back.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: When the days are long and the pressure is intense, remember your why. You chose to spend these years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can be a guardian of justice like most people can’t.

Mark S. Frank Law Firm: Mark S. Frank, Attorney at Law, LLC Hometown: Solon Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me fairness, honesty, integrity and compassion.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: My parents both were Holocaust survivors and came here with very little. They worked hard to provide me with an education and always taught me to think of others before myself.

My father would have been a great attorney, but did not have the opportunity to complete his schooling. My mother taught me math and Yiddish and even tossed the ball with me as my father was always working for the family.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: As a sole practitioner I have the luxury of working when I need to and not have to answer to anyone as to time spent at the office, although I am there most of the time. I have moved my office close to home and I can participate with family events without being absent for too long.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Presumed Innocent,” “My Cousin Vinny,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Justice” to name a few.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: The Standard, L’Albatros What advice would you give today’s law school students: Keep studying and be prepared. Try to get a clerkship so you can experience the law outside of the classroom.

Take a business course to assist you in running your practice.

JANUARY 26, 2024

Dov Y. Frankel Law Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP Age: 54 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Young Israel of Greater Cleveland Undergraduate: University of Maryland Law School: University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

Adam Fried Law Firm: Reminger Co. LPA Age: 54 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The ideas of compassion and service have helped me find direction.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I used to work as a clerk in a pharmacy.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I’m trying to strike a balance, but I don’t really strike much of a balance.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Law and Order” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar What advice would you give today’s law school students: Find a good mentor. Not all law students practice law and lawyers who practice law go into very divergent fields: corporate, business, non-profits and litigation, as examples. A good mentor will help you sort through the potentials and chart a path that fits your goals.

Ian Friedman Law Firm: Friedman, Nemecek & Long, LLC Age: 53 Hometown: Chagrin Falls Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: Ohio University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The principles of Judaism and history of the Jewish people are always present, shaping my drive toward ultimate

LOCAL LAWYERS fairness.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: The countless life stories which far exceed the 75-word limit.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: By always recognizing that tomorrow is not guaranteed, I force myself to leave the office and put myself in a situation that is meaningful. Sometimes to rest, I must travel out of the country and other times, the couch suffices. It really depends on the day and level of stress. A forced relaxation is guaranteed with James Taylor playing in the convertible though.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: I did watch and enjoy “The Staircase” and “Lincoln Lawyer” series, but I rarely watch legal shows. Law by day and law on the screen usually equals too much law for me.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar What advice would you give today’s law school students: Begin your networking early and do not stop. It will always pay off.

Begin your financial planning at the start of your career so that you have options down the road. Treat your clients with care. They are people who have come to us because they need help.

Josh Friedman Law Firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP Age: 42 Hometown: Shaker Heights Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The values I learned being raised in the Cleveland Jewish community have been essential to the way I approach my job and the way I treat clients and coworkers. Plus, what I remember of Hebrew comes in handy from time to time.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I used to be a licensed football referee.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I find taking time for myself and my family makes me a more efficient worker.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Cordelia What advice would you give today’s law school students: Try as many different kinds of legal jobs as you can until you find something you love.

SUPER ATTORNEYS

JANUARY 26, 2024

Susan Friedman

Danielle Garson

Mitch Gecht

Law Firm: McCarthy Lebit Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Age: 39 Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel Undergraduate: University of Maryland Law School: University of Illinois Chicago School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has shaped my values in fairness and social justice, as well as giving back to the community.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I was in litigation for the first five years of my career.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I try to be fully present either at home or at work. With my kids, I’m giving them my full attention, without cellphone distraction or looking through emails that are not time-sensitive. I have to allow myself to prioritize family when we’re together. At work, my focus is on my work and my clients.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Legally Blonde” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Zhug What advice would you give today’s law school students: Work hard, treat everyone with respect and own up to your mistakes.

Your reputation is everything and second chances are often hard to come by.

Law Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP Age: 36 Hometown: Orange Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: It’s the foundation of my personal and professional community.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What advice would you give today’s law school students: Take advantage of the legal community surrounding your school.

I leaned on the legal community for advice and support as a student and as an attorney I’ll never say no to a student reaching out.

Law Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Undergraduate: Washington University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Joshua Fuchs Firm: The Moskowitz Firm LLC Age: 40 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I don’t have to — I work from home.

What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Jade

Sarah Gabinet Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Hometown: Clevleland Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel Undergraduate: Oberlin College Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism informs how I conduct myself with clients, colleagues, other attorneys and judges. It is an essential part of who I am.

What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I played adult ice hockey for 20 years and now am a competitive ballroom dancer.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I committed to being home for dinner and there for our son’s events and activities, even if it meant working at odd hours.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Taste What advice would you give today’s law school students: Know when you don’t know something, but try to solve the issue yourself before asking for help.

Anna Gecht Law Firm: Tucker Ellis, LLP Age: 33 Hometown: Orange Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I love rowing on the Cuyahoga River.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Litigation is demanding, so some days are harder than others. I aim to be present in whatever I’m doing. So, when I’m with my family, I try to turn work “off.”

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Goliath” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Astoria Cafe & Market What advice would you give today’s law school students: Build relationships with your classmates, professors and practicing attorneys. They could end up being your colleagues, co-counsel, opposing counsel, or even the judge presiding over your case.

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Terry Gilbert Law Firm: Friedman, Gilbert & Gerhardstein Age: 75 Hometown: Cleveland Heights Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism taught me the importance of social justice for all people.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: Nothing, my life has been an open book.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: By being semi-retired.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Justice for All” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Jack’s Deli and Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Follow your passion, not your pocket book.

Steven R. Gill Firm: Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill Co., LPA Age: 57 Hometown: Mayfield Heights Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My connection to the community is

very important, especially now.

What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I enjoy my job.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: It’s hard, since the invention of cellphones, everyone is reachable at all times. It’s difficult to shut down and I am working on doing a better job of not feeling like I am “on call” all the time. It seems like the best way to strike the balance is to retire.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Superior Pho What advice would you give today’s law school students: Go to medical school.

Robert Gilmore Law Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has a very strong foundation in the law. The search for justice is something I learned early on as part of my Jewish education at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple. I believe this played a large part in my decision to be a lawyer.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I love to play tennis. That is one of my passions — trying to keep up with the young guys on the court.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I set time on my calendar for personal activities such as playing tennis and working out. That way I feel committed to these and try to keep them at all costs.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: I loved “The Verdict” with Cleveland native Paul Newman. For TV shows, I was a fan of “LA Law.” Next up for me is to watch “Suits.”

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Cru Uncorked What advice would you give today’s law school students: Make sure you are going to law school for the right reasons. Yes, you can make a nice living, but you need to have the passion for the profession. Law School is hard, and so is the practice of law. Figure out your “why” before you commit yourself.

But, I still believe that being a lawyer is an honor and a privilege and can be incredibly rewarding.

78 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Adam Glassman

Michael Goldberg

Law Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Age: 30 Hometown: Beachwood Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Lincoln Lawyer” is a great movie and has proven to be an entertaining show, as well.

What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Luca Italian Cuisine What advice would you give today’s law school students: Take as many experiential learning classes or opportunities as possible.

Law Firm: The Goldberg Law Firm Age: 60 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience and Congregation Sharray Tikvah Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I draw on “Ethics of the Fathers” constantly.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I try to study Torah everyday.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Travel, study, shul, movies, reading history, but mostly my family and dog.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Breaking Bad” and ”Better Call Saul” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Zhug What advice would you give today’s law school students: Find a mentor now.

Ira S. Goffman Law Firm: Rolf Goffman Martin Lang, LLP Age: 67 Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: State University of New York at Binghamton Law School: University of Toledo College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has shaped my life and played an important role in my career. I have tried to follow halakhah and value justice, fairness, the rule of law and make moral decisions while zealously representing clients and dealing with people.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I continue to play full-court basketball with a group of guys, many of them in their 20s and 30s at the Mandel JCC of Cleveland at 6 a.m. three days a week.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Try to be realistic as far as timing of being able to deliver products or responding to clients so as to not disappoint them and understanding and recognizing that my most important job is not at work but is at home with my family.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Lockkeepers What advice would you give today’s law school students: Understand that law school does not really teach you substantive law, but rather, it helps you learn how to think like a lawyer, how to spot and analyze issues, how to organize and express your thoughts and how you must prepare and work hard to be successful.

Steven M. Goldberg Law Firm: Goldberg Legal Co., LPA Age: 61 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate: Arizona State University Law School: Capital University Law School How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has influenced my career as a lawyer by instilling in me a strong sense of ethics, justice and the importance of advocating for fairness and equality in all legal matters.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: Clients and colleagues might be surprised to learn that I’m an avid ballroom dancer outside of work. It’s a passion that provides a fun and energetic contrast to my professional life as a lawyer.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Balancing work and home life involves setting boundaries and prioritizing time for both. I make a conscious effort to establish clear work hours and stick to them, prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently at work, and allocate quality time for family and personal activities.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Billions.” It’s a captivating series that combines drama, humor, and legal intrigue, making it an enjoyable watch for

JANUARY 26, 2024 both legal professionals and the general audience.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Giovanni’s What advice would you give today’s law school students: Stay organized, engage actively and build a strong network.

Prioritize time management and care for your well-being. Seek practical experience, stay updated on legal developments and remain committed to your goals.

Warren Goldenberg Law Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP Age: 66 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: University at Albany, SUNY Law School: University of Michigan School of Law

Andy Goldwasser Law Firm: Ciano & Goldwasser, LLP Age: 54 Hometown: Solon Undergraduate: The Ohio State University and the University of Akron Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I have especially appreciated the sense of community felt amongst the Jewish people.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: Probably nothing. I live a boring yet fulfilling life.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: From my wife, whom I met in high school, to my law partner for 24 years (Phil Ciano), to my office manager/legal assistant for 18 years (Quenna Bell), I am blessed to be surrounded by incredible and supportive people.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Don’t work remotely. Show up. Work hard.

Michael D. Goler Law Firm: Buckley King LPA Age: 71 Hometown: Cleveland Undergraduate: Union College Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

LOCAL LAWYERS How has Judaism played a role in your career: Concepts of fairness, social justice and respect for the opinions of others has helped me in relating to and working with people on the other side of matters.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I won two Grammy awards and a Grand Prix du Disc with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: It is a continuing balancing act, but it’s important to keep a separation between the two in order to keep both situations fresh and relevant. Keeping cellphone time to a minimum when not working is one important key.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “12 Angry Men” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Keep an open mind as to all the different areas of the law you could try and remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side, just a different shade.

Madelyn Grant Law Firm: Friedman Nemecek & Long, LLC Age: 31 Hometown: Tremont Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I take great pride in being Jewish and with that comes the responsibility of representing the Jewish community well in both my personal and professional life.

Because of that, I work hard in to display my core Jewish values of strength, compassion, and kindness, to my clients, the courts and opposing counsel every day.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am old school and still love going to the movies.

Watching at home just isn’t the same. Plus, it helps to fuel my addiction to diet coke.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Well, some would say I don’t. I try to spend a few minutes in the car outside of my house to breathe and shed the stress of each day before walking in the door.

However, it’s much easier said than done.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Lincoln Lawyer,” the movie.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Astoria What advice would you give today’s law school students: Take advantage of every

SUPER ATTORNEYS opportunity you are offered. The networking, mentorship, internships and clerkships that come your way in law school are so invaluable and you never know where any one experience or conversation will lead.

Brian Green Firm: Shapero & Green LLC Age: 54 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience Undergraduate: Indiana University Law School: Washington University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The study of the Torah requires one to critically think, analyze and question — all of which are integral to the practice of law.

What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: Very little, I am pretty transparent.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Still a work in progress, but my wife is terrific adjusting to my schedule.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Lockkeepers What advice would you give today’s law school students: Pick an area of the law that interests you.

Bradley L. Greene Law Firm: The Life Care Planning Offices of Bradley L. Greene Age: 60 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience Undergraduate: Bowling Green State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I am proud to be a part of the Cleveland Jewish community and a great many of my clients are Jewish.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am also licensed to practice law in California, New York and Washington, DC. How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Some guys (and lawyers in particular) live to work. I work to live.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Paper Chase” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: L’Albatros What advice would you give today’s law school students: Love what you do because you’re going to be doing it for a very long time.

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JANUARY 26, 2024

Todd Gurney Law Firm: The Eisen Law Firm Age: 44 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: Indiana University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My career is guided by the Jewish concept of tikkun olam. My entire practice is devoted to helping people and families repair their lives after they have suffered a devastating harm or loss.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: Despite all the vicious rumors, I’ve actually changed many diapers.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: The article, “20 Years From Now, the Only People Who Will Remember That You Worked Late Are Your Kids,” reminds me to be thoughtful about striking a balance between work and home life. I think of this often and purposefully schedule my time to focus on either my work or my family life.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: My favorite legal movie is “My Cousin Vinny.” It is supposed to be a comedy, but it might be the most accurate legal drama I’ve ever seen. The courtroom scenes are spot-on, and the way Joe Pesci’s character is forced to adapt to a hostile environment and figure out how to win a tough case against all odds really resonates with me as a trial lawyer.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: My 16-year-old daughter just got her first job as the hostess of a local restaurant, Gigi’s, and she just loves (read: is totally embarrassed) when her parents come in, so naturally it is now our go-to spot for drinks and dinner.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Preparation is everything.

Barry Guttman Law Firm: Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff, LLP Age: 37 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Undergraduate: New York University Law School: Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law How do you strike a balance between work and home life: As best I can. It’s not easy, but nothing I do would be possible without

the love, support and understanding of my wife and family.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Seek out mentors who invest in your career. When you find them, soak up as much as you can. They want to help you grow. Learn from their experience.

Don’t be afraid of constructive criticism.

Rubin Guttman Law Firm: Rubin Guttman & Associates, LPA Age: 71 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Undergraduate: Brooklyn College Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: It is the foundation for who I am and who we are as a family. I have been very active in Federation, Fuchs Mizrachi School and Green Road Synagogue as well as Israel Bonds and others throughout my career.

All of this has provided great meaning, satisfaction and balance throughout my career. I’m proud to say that our adult children are now following the same satisfying path.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am an avid student of history and a model railroader.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: When my children were younger and at home I made a point of being home for dinner and helping with homework, except when I was actually in trial. As an Orthodox family, Shabbat and the chagim meant that we were together at those times, which were enhanced by the absence of TV and computers.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Law & Order” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Mendel’s KC BBQ What advice would you give today’s law school students: Always make time for family, friends and serving your community.

You’ll make a difference and enjoy your life that much more.

Jill Friedman Helfman Law Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP Age: 61 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law School: Case

Western University School of Law How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Prioritization is key. I set aside specific time for work at the office, work on and for boards, and my home/ family life. Then I aim to set boundaries for each and communicate those boundaries when conflicts arise. Every year I continue to further refine those boundaries; it is a work in progress.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Although success in law school is important, keep in mind that law school is just the beginning of a long and rewarding career. In the meantime, take time out for yourself — eat, sleep, exercise and maintain a social life. Setting priorities while you are in law school will help you to maintain a balanced life one you enter the legal field.

Jeff Heller Law Firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Co., LPA Age: 40 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I coach my kids’ sports travel teams, which ensures that I see them at least several days a week in the early-late evening. My wife and I also specifically plan time to be together.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Johnny Mango What advice would you give today’s law school students: The cliches are true: hard work pays off, working on the things you don’t want to do is how you get to do the things you want to do, and integrity above all else.

Mike Heller Law Firm: Mike Heller Law, LLC Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid Undergraduate: Hawaii Pacific University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am an Ohio Department of Health licensed lead clearance technician, performing lead

80 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG clearance examinations on Cleveland-area rental properties.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I’m single with no kids. I work a long day, then go home and relax and unwind for a couple hours to de-stress.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Forensic Files” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Geraci’s Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Organization, record keeping and professional ethics are as important as any legal subjects.

Joseph Hendlin Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP Age: 30 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Judaism brought me to Israel, where I served in the Israel Defense Forces.

Those experiences taught me about global and local Jewish communities and how to best connect and communicate with my people, no matter where they are.

My Judaism facilitated great mentoring relationships in the U.S. and Israel. Most importantly, being Jewish helped me become a more ethical and steadfast advocate.

What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I will cook you the perfect steak.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I once read that one should try to be the absolute best in their profession while at work and they should try to be the absolute best spouse or parent once they get home (or done working remotely). I try to remember that being a lawyer is not the only set of serious responsibilities that I have — my family is a priority.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Firm” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Zhug — phenomenal Mediterranean food.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: First, try to explore transactional law, even if you are completely set on litigation, you might be surprised with what you discover. Second, law school is not the real world, do not be dissuaded from a career because of xyz. Keep working towards your goals. Finally, do not let your exercise routine fall by the wayside — everyone needs it, especially lawyers.

Evan Hirsch Law Firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A. Age: 42 Hometown: Orange Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: Boston University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Mostly in the lens of trying to live a righteous life and doing the right things.

What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I was a hair model in college.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Fortunately, my office is close to my home, so I am generally able to be present.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Knight Rider” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Chez Francois What advice would you give today’s law school students: Try to get as much “real world” legal experience as possible by working part time during the school year, as well as during the summer.

Alan Hochheiser Law Firm: Maurice Wutscher, LLP Age: 60 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: State University of New York at Albany Law School: Case Western University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has played a major role in shaping the way I deal with clients, colleagues and court room adversaries. It has provided me an opportunity to continue expand my values and beliefs and carry them over to the practice of law.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I once had a 15-minute conversation with Jim Brown about lacrosse, not football. We were both Long Island High School lacrosse players.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I have always made sure that I was home for dinner when the kids were growing up and never missed a school play or athletic event. Although work is always with you, I try to make sure I spend quality time with my wife and with friends.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV

JANUARY 26, 2024 series: “A Few Good Men” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Shuhei What advice would you give today’s law school students: Communicate. The most important thing is to communicate with your clients, your colleagues and your courtroom adversaries. I would also recommend finding a mentor so you can reach out to someone when you are dealing with difficult legal and law firm issues.

Benjamin Hoen Law Firm: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA Age: 47 Hometown: Cleveland Heights Synagogue: Congregation Zemach Zedek Undergraduate: Central Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitz Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Overall, Judaism has influenced me to be committed to community welfare and my commitment to upholding moral and ethical standards within my practice.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: A wise person once told me, keep Shabbat and Shabbat will keep you. Observing Shabbat can provide a valuable sanctuary, fostering a balance that is crucial in the demanding field of law.

The intentional pause allows for meaningful connections with family, community and spiritual commitments. This practice not only rejuvenates the spirit but also reinforces the significance of prioritizing what truly matters in life amid the hustle of a legal career.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Mendel’s KC BBQ What advice would you give today’s law school students: Ethics should be the core of your practice. Prioritize integrity in every aspect of your legal career.

Michael Hoenig Law Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Undergraduate: New York University College of Arts and Science Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

LOCAL LAWYERS Debbie Hoffman Professor at Cleveland State University College of Law Age: 53 Hometown: Cleveland and Orlando, Fla. Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law School: Albany Law School How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has helped me form alliances among my peers and grapple with issues that particularly affect Jewish people. It has also helped me as a mentor growing talent, and earlier in my career as a mentee. I also gained board service as an executive member of the JCC of Greater Orlando board, and early on as the president of my law school Cardozo’s Society for Jewish law students.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am the daughter and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. My mother, Aleena Rieger, wrote a book about her parents and her survival and escape during World War II. It is called “I Didn’t Tell Them Anything.”

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: In addition to supporting my family and children in their pursuit and growth, I personally work hard and play hard! In addition to being very diligent about strategy and goals in my work, I allow myself to relax through exercise (cycling and yoga) and to “rock out” at many live concerts throughout the year.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: There are a few, but the one that sticks out is “Ally McBeal” because it was very popular when I was a younger attorney growing through the ranks.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Sarita What advice would you give today’s law school students: Law school is hard work, but if you pace yourself, you can manage it and then find the legal career that best suits you and gives you joy. Make sure to find “me” time — whatever that means to make you feel happy and satisfied. In addition to hitting the books everyday, make sure to move your body — find something that also makes you somewhat happy, whether that’s sports, walking or dancing.

Gary H. Hoffman Law Firm: Gary H. Hoffman Law Office Age: 72 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania

SUPER ATTORNEYS Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The Jewish values of compassion and justice have shaped how I’ve conducted my life and career.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I’m a fitness enthusiast.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I spend half of my work week in my home office.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Jack’s Deli and Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Your efforts will pay off.

Ari H. Jaffe Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Age: 63 Hometown: University Heights Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Undergraduate: Brandeis University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism requires continuous education, discipline, respect, diligence, compassion and generosity. These are all outstanding values for the practice of law and any form of community service.

What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I blow glass, am a decent cook, have a couple of fun cars and love music.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Yeah, that balance thing never really works out when your goal is to improve the world.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinnie,” “A Civil Action,” “The Rainmaker” and “Boston Legal” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: A great cut of meat from Tibor’s Kosher Meats and barbecue in our backyard. If you are really lucky you will get invited back for Shabbat dinner, Sukkot or seder.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Practicing law requires ethical dedication and service to clients, partners, associates, staff, opposing counsel, judges and the legal system. It is never about you — it is always about your client, your role, your word, your professionalism and your community.

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JANUARY 26, 2024

Barbara Bellin Janovitz

Doron Kalir

Law Firm: Reminger Co., LPA Age: 65 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania Law School: New York University School of Law

Professor at Cleveland State University College of Law, Appellate Practice Clinic Hometown: Pepper Pike Undergraduate: Hebrew University Law School: Columbia Law School How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has much to say about the law. I’ve studied Jewish law for four years at the Hebrew University Law School and wrote a long article about same-sex marriage and Jewish law. I think that, primarily, the notion that every person was created in the image of God has left a huge impression on my legal philosophy.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I love to practice yoga.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: It was much harder when the kids were younger. Now that they’re in their mid-teens, it is me who chases them for attention.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: John Grisham. Anything.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Taza What advice would you give today’s law school students: Be flexible. The days of joining a law firm after school and staying there until retirement (like my dad did) are long gone. Think of three to four separate roles in your first 10 years of practice. Then you can settle in on the direction you choose.

Rachel Kabb-Effron Law Firm: Kabb Law Firm Age: 50 Hometown: Woodmere Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism is always a compass for how to interact with others. Justice is important, but so is kindness and tikkun olam. When you can help one family through the very stressful long term care system, you can really make a difference.

What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I love choral singing. I also take an improv class at the Beck Center for the arts. I get enormous peace and calm from the Arts.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Because I work for myself, I have always been able to balance work and family. I have always done my best to attend school functions and games. Mainly I have learned that being there emotionally is the most important thing.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny,” “Civil Action,” “Erin Brockovich,” “Win Win” What local restaurant would you take outof-towners to: EDWINS Restaurant or Batuqui What advice would you give today’s law school students: With a kid in law school, I give a lot of advice. The main thing is to resist the pressure. Remember that you are smart and can compete with the best of them. The material is hard, but not as hard as the competition which one must resist.

Matthew F. Kadish Law Firm: Frantz Ward, LLP Hometown: Hudson Undergraduate: Williams College Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Charles Israel Kampinski Law Firm: Kampinski & Roberts, LPA Age: 76 Hometown: Moreland Hills Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism instilled in me my values and has made me want to be a fighter for the underdog.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I was a high school drop-out. During my time in the Navy, I obtained my GED. How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Unfortunately, it is impossible to have a balance in this line of work. My work goes where I go.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Verdict” What local restaurant are you taking

out-of-towners to: Cru Uncorked What advice would you give today’s law school students: Always put the interest of the client first.

Talia Sukol Karas Law Firm: Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP Age: 37 Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: University of Toronto Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish education taught me to engage in deep inquiry and debate, both of which now enable me to serve my clients, evaluating their positions from multiple angles and identifying best strategies for achieving our goals. Judaism recognizes the humanity in all individuals and understanding my clients’ own priorities and values helps me to counsel them more effectively.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I worked in the dairy on Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu in the Jordan Valley in Israel. I speak Hebrew with my children. My husband and I won first place in the Planned Parenthood reproductive health trivia night fundraiser.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: My husband, Andy, is the rock that keeps our family humming dayto-day. With two toddlers, I try to focus on work when I’m at work and on my children when I’m with my children. It is satisfying to flex my professional muscle and I bring that enthusiasm home with me at the end of the day. And the hours away during the day make my family time that much sweeter.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Michael Clayton” and “Jury Duty” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Amba, Larder Delicatessen and Bakery, Abundance Culinary, Blue Point Grille and Mitchell’s Ice Cream What advice would you give today’s law school students: Your classmates can become lifelong friends and colleagues, so invest in those relationships. Take advantage of networking opportunities — down the road you will need advice, job search support, and mentoring. Treat everyone you meet with respect. Join an academic activity, like journal, mock trial, or Innocence Project, to practice your legal skills outside the classroom. Practice self-care — it does not get easier once you enter practice and it’s critical for overall success.

82 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Svetlana Kats

JANUARY 26, 2024

Brett Krantz Law Firm: The Law Office of Svetlana Kats Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Oheb Zedek Cedar Sinai Synagogue Undergraduate: Kharkov Law Academy Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Ester Khaykin Law Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP Age: 27 Hometown: Cleveland Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Better Call Saul” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar What advice would you give today’s law school students: To always keep the end goal in mind and enjoy the journey.

Lee Korland Law Firm: Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP Age: 47 Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: Brandeis University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me the importance of justice, fairness, lifelong learning and giving back to the community.

These are core beliefs I’ve strived to incorporate into my practice.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I love exploring national parks. I’ve been to 15 so far (and counting).

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I’m very grateful to have spent my career at a firm that encourages a healthy balance and offers flexibility so that I can make time for myself and my loved ones.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar

Jordan D. Lebovitz Law Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Undergraduate: Dartmouth College Law School: University of Chicago Law School

Law Firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Co., LPA Age: 35 Hometown: Moreland Hills Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law School: Chicago-

Law Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP Age: 27 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

Kent College of Law How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Striking a balance between work and home life is oftentimes very challenging, but is absolutely necessary. I find it essential to carve out time to have dinner as a family, when I’m not traveling, knowing that I can always log back in after my kids are asleep. That time together is invaluable.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Vero Pizza Napoletana What advice would you give today’s law school students: To do whatever you can to get inside a courtroom, to listen and learn from those trying cases, and to seek a practice area that you are passionate about, as you will undoubtedly achieve greater results for your clients if you have passion for the field.

Hannah Kraus

Jacob A. H. Kronenberg Law Firm: Kronenberg + Belovich Law, LLC Age: 72 Hometown: Cleveland Undergraduate: Kenyon College Law School: George Washington University School of Law

Kenneth M. Lapine Law Firm: Buckley King, LPA Age: 81 Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Undergraduate: Dartmouth College Law School: University of Michigan School of Law What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I have been a practicing magician for over 50 years, performing for children for a career that has spanned my years in high school, college, law school and thereafter as “The Great Kabuki.”

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I leave my work at the office.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Forensic Files” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Giovanni’s What advice would you give today’s law school students: Focus on non-litigation courses, if possible, concentrate on businessoriented courses, as those will be more relevant to today’s economic environment.

Jeffrey Leiken Firm: Jeffrey Leikin, Esq., LLC Age: 64 Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: University of Colorado Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish studies have provided a solid foundation to my work as an attorney.

Teachings from the Torah formulate the basis to my commitment to help others and fulfill my obligations as a Jew tzedakah.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Family is my top priority.

While being successful at work may affect my financial situation and is important, nothing takes precedent over giving my family the time and support that is needed for all of us to succeed together.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Verdict” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Jack’s Deli and Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Study and work hard early in your career and hopefully attach yourself to a firm that values the same principles.

LOCAL LAWYERS Joshua Lemerman Firm: Gertz & Rosen, Ltd. Age: 41 Hometown: Copley Synagogue: Temple Israel Undergraduate: Washington University in St. Louis Law School: The University of Akron School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Not playing the stereotype and assisting the less fortunate.

What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: In the past, I was rather uncomfortable with public speaking.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I try not to take it home with me, which is still so difficult to do.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Breaking Bad” or “Better Call Saul” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Corky & Lenny’s Restaurant & Deli (until recently) or Momocho What advice would you give today’s law school students: Find a good mentor as law school does not teach you how to practice law or interact with clients.

Kevin Lenson Law Firm: Elk + Elk

David W. Leopold Law Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP* Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has informed my passion for legal ethics, social justice and reverence for the rule of law.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: The balance is struck by family, synagogue, exercise, photography and nature.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Gigi’s What advice would you give today’s law school students: Follow your heart.

SUPER ATTORNEYS Rebecca Kopp Levine Law Firm: Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, LLP Age: 48 Hometown: Westlake Synagogue: Beth IsraelThe West Temple Undergraduate: Purdue University Law School: Temple University Beasley School of Law What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: People are often surprised to learn that I started my career as a chemical engineer. It is a great background for learning how to analyze and evaluate a situation. In addition, I can assure my clients that I understand how their processes operate and understand their corporate culture, which is very useful in advising clients on workforce safety issues.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I do not believe balance is achievable. In some moments, work takes precedence and in other moments, taking care of my family has priority. My husband and I divide and conquer the duties. I believe it is important for my son to know that his mother is hard-working and multidimensional.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Pier W is my go-to for out of town guests.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: I would suggest law students to try to enjoy the moment and not worry about the future. In retrospect, law school was not nearly as stressful as other times of my life.

Kenneth B. Liffman Law Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Age: 69 Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The foundation of my career has been rooted in education, as is Judaism.

If I didn’t believe in education and if I hadn’t been educated, I wouldn’t be where I am today. In both my professional and philanthropic endeavors, my engagement has been motivated by the principle of tikkun olam.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I actually used to be a pretty good athlete.

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 83

JANUARY 26, 2024 How do you strike a balance between work and home life: It’s been a learning process and it continues to be. Throughout my career, I have had the support of my family and they have been the best teammates.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Giovanni’s What advice would you give today’s law school students: While it’s great to have all the technological tools, nothing beats responsiveness and providing outstanding service.

Michael A. Liner Law Firm: Liner Legal, LLC Age: 38 Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My job is to perform tikkun olam. My clients come to me at the worst time in their lives — they are sick, injured, ill and unable to support themselves financially as a result.

My job is to help them start to repair what has been broken.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I haven’t put on a suit in almost four years. I do my work most days with a sweatshirt and backwards ball cap on. In fact, my Instagram and TikTok channels, where I provide tips to the world on how to succeed in a disability case, are called “the backwards hat barrister.”

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: This is one of my biggest struggles. I try to be as present as possible when I’m at home, and as present as possible when I’m at work. I have two very important jobs. At work, my job is to lead my 40 employees for the benefit of the 4,000 active clients we are assisting across the country. At home, my job is also to be a leader, but for a different purpose.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: Hands down, “The Practice,” which ran on ABC many years ago.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar What advice would you give today’s law school students: Academics are important, but will only help you get your first job. To have a successful career, students should network in law school. I graduated in 2010 when it was almost impossible to get a job because of the economy. As a student, I

invested in networking in the Cleveland legal community. I was hired at a great firm and developed a book of business quickly — which led to starting my own firm.

Seth Linnick Law Firm: Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP Age: 41 Hometown: Cleveland Undergraduate: The George Washington University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The tenets of Judaism guide how I treat my clients, opposing counsel and coworkers, and the honesty and integrity with which I practice law.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am far more comfortable making an argument in front of a jury than I am mingling at a social gathering.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I try to remind myself that while some things at work seem like life and death in the moment, they aren’t. On the other hand, while some things at home seem routine and unimportant, my engagement can mean everything to my family.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Better Call Saul” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey, Choolaah and Panda Express.

My wife lives in Indiana, so when she comes to town, I like to really show off Cleveland’s culinary scene.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Don’t just accept the practice of law as it is presented to you.

Think critically about the norms of the profession and challenge them before you’re desensitized to their absurdity.

Kevin Lipman Law Firm: Spitz & Lipman, LLC Age: 54 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: University of Kansas Law School: University of Illinois School of Law in Chicago How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism and law are closely connected. Halacha is probably my first introduction to law. And of course there is Judaism’s underlying theme of justice. It

informs everyday of my practice.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I have a twin brother back in Chicago and an older brother who is a Polk County, Iowa magistrate.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: My first love is music. I have been playing piano since I was 5 years old and play nearly every day. And running outdoors as much as I can. Those activities really have helped ground me and be more myself when I am at home with my family.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Inherit the Wind” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Tommy’s Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: To enjoy it. You will look back fondly and realize it was actually fun.

Get to know your classmates — they will be friends and colleagues for life.

Eric Long Law Firm: Friedman, Nemecek & Long, LLC Age: 40 Hometown: Gates Mills Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My respect and love for the law is deeply rooted in my upbringing which included religious and cultural Judaic principles. The ideas of equality and fighting oppression have been instilled in me well before I made the decision to become an attorney.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I love to cook and entertain. Whether it’s an outdoor BBQ or grilling session, or a multi-course fancy dinner, I find cooking to be extremely relaxing and enjoyable. Sharing food brings people together like nothing else and being able to do so is incredibly rewarding.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I am not sure that everyone would agree that I have struck such a balance, but I do try to be home for dinner, even if it means going back to the office later in the evening. Having 24/7 client contact through phones and emails makes it difficult to step away, but carving out personal and family time is critical to keeping me at my best, personally and professionally.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: The most recent example would be “Lincoln Lawyer.” Having a legal drama from the perspective of a defense attorney is unique and the show highlights the importance of the work we do, while being

84 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG incredibly entertaining.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Floressa Cafe, Luca, Astoria Cafe & Market and Cents Pizza.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Be passionate and find enjoyment and satisfaction in the work.

Work hard, be open to absorbing as much as you can as you develop your own style.

Don’t be afraid to venture into different areas of law and always work on developing relationships within the legal community.

Maya Lugasy Law Firm: Brown Immigration Law Age: 33 Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Beth El-The Heights Synagogue Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The foundational Jewish value of welcoming and embracing the stranger appears 36 times in the Torah: “You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” I have always felt that my interest in immigration law was inextricably linked to the Jewish values my parents instilled in me. I think it is why I was drawn to this career path in the first place.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I can read and write in Arabic, but I don’t know any useful conversational phrases.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I can see my office from my apartment, and my apartment from my office. Balance.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Sichuan Hot Pot What advice would you give today’s law school students: You probably don’t need half the words in that sentence.

Michael Makofsky Law Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Age: 49 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel Undergraduate: University of Connecticut Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has helped me to cultivate empathy and appreciate the gift of resilience

in the face of adversity. Given the struggles of the Jewish people in our history, as well as ongoing concerns as a minority group, I really try to understand and empathize with a person’s unique situation.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Mindset is very important, as well as establishing priorities. I also try to be present in everything I do so that I can fully focus on work, but then also give my undivided attention to my family.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: Legal television series tend to be unrealistic. With that said, legal movies like A “Few Good Men” and “Primal Fear” are pretty compelling.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Understand not only the practice of law, but also the business of law. It is ultimately a service business so you must know how to sell yourself and add value.

JANUARY 26, 2024 What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: In the past, I was rather uncomfortable with public speaking.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I try not to take it home with me, which is still so difficult to do.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Corky & Lenny’s Restaurant & Deli (until recently) and Momocho What advice would you give today’s law school students: Find a good mentor as law school to not teach you how to practice law or interact with clients.

Ellen S. Mandell

Law Firm: McDonald Hopkins LLC Age: 51 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Kol Halev Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: For many years, I was a DJ hosting a soul, funk and rare groove format radio show called “On the One” on WRUW 91.1 FM Cleveland.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Better Call Saul” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Larder Delicatessen & Bakery What advice would you give today’s law school students: Meet as many attorneys in town as possible. Make the effort and you will get a true insight into what it is like to practice certain types of law in differentsized firm practices. Attorneys are very enthusiastic about sharing with proactive law students the wisdom of experience.

Firm: Law Office of Ellen S. Mandell Hometown: Beachwood Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish education has taught me to do justice. I try to see issues from all sides and to approach my cases from that perspective, while achieving my clients’ goals.

What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I’m a sucker for any dog.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I try to remember that I need “me time” if I am going to be able to help my clients.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Twelve Angry Men.” That movie has stuck with me since I was a child. It shows the power of one person to use reason and persuasion to achieve a just result.

What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Zhug What advice would you give today’s law school students: Follow your passion.

Jack S. Malkin

Dale H. Markowitz

Franklin Malemud

Law Firm: Jack S. Malkin, Esq. Age: 68 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate: Ohio University Law School: University of Akron School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Not playing the stereotype and assisting the less-fortunate.

Law Firm: Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan Age: 73 Hometown: Pepper Pike Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

LOCAL LAWYERS Marc B. Merklin Firm: Brouse McDowell, LPA Age: 63 Hometown: Akron Synagogue: Beth El Congregation Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The ideal of tikkun olam has guided me in using my professional skills to assist nonprofits and community and civic organizations locally and nationally. Jewish ethics have also provided me a sound basis on providing competent but ethical legal service to my clients.

What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am an avid collector of autographed sports memorabilia, primarily related to Cleveland professional sports, including the Cavaliers, Browns and Guardians. I enjoy attending sporting events for those teams with my son, who also practices law with me in my firm.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I am better at this than I was 30 years ago, but I’ve learned that in this world of 24/7 access, you serve your clients better and provide better advice when you have down time to recharge and reset your thinking. The key word is balance, which suggests that an ideal is the proper mix between your business life and your personal life.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Diamond Grille What advice would you give today’s law school students: Chase excellence, problem-solving, responsiveness and client service and not dollars. If you provide excellent problem-solving legal advice and make your client’s problems your priority, the dollars will follow.

Joel W. Meskin Law Firm: McGowan Program Administrators Age: 65 Hometown: Beachwood Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles Law School: Southwestern University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has always been a major part of my life and guides my ethics and empathy in all the work I do. My work

SUPER ATTORNEYS involves community association voluntary boards helping them properly govern and protect their assets. My Judaism helps me work with people nationwide across the spectrum of all backgrounds, religions and how to include Torah in my work.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I spent a year after receiving my B.A. attending the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College before going to law school. I was raised in a home heavily involved in the Recontructionist movement and Conservative movement.

Also, that I have spoken in over 35 states and have written over 100 articles.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Jewish observance has played a significant roll in this balancing act.

However, if you ask my family, they would say that even as a empty nester, this is still a work in progress.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: I am a fan of the movies adapted from John Grisham books – “The Firm,” “Pelican Brief,” “Rainmaker,” and now the current television series.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: They all wanted to go to Corky & Lenny’s, but that is no longer possible. Village Diner.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: First, it is all about the people you work with and who you want to learn from. Avoid the seduction of large white shoe firms. Find what you think is your passion and pursue it. Finding a field you are passionate about will turn your job into a fulfilling life and you will meet people you want to work with. Remember, a law degree opens many doors other than a law firm.

Donald Messinger Law Firm: Thompson Hine, LLP Hometown: Washington, D.C. Undergraduate: Colgate University Law School: Duke Law School How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish values. I’m reliable (I do what I say I’ll do), honest (I don’t deceive or cheat) and respectful (I treat others with respect).

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I helped my wife Sally deliver our second son in the car on our way to the hospital.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: When I’m not practicing law, my wife, Sally, and I visit our three sons, their wives and seven grandchildren in Beverly Hills, Calif., Bexley, Ohio, and Chevy Chase, Md. We support everything Cleveland — the

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JANUARY 26, 2024 Maltz Museum, art museum, Children’s Museum and Zookeepers Circle at the Zoo, where Sally is a Zoo Society board emeritas, and we also have season tickets to Cleveland Pops and Broadway Series at Playhouse Square.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “To Kill a Mockingbird” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Nighttown What advice would you give today’s law school students: Pay attention, ask questions and answer your phone on the first ring. Clients and other lawyers will appreciate your genuine interest and respect for their time and concerns.

Jonathan Mester Law Firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Age: 53 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: Syracuse University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism aligns with my practice of helping those people and families in need.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I had no interest in being an attorney until I was 23 years old.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: By not missing important home life events, except when unavoidable and working after hours when I am free.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: Tie between “Better Call Saul” and “The Simpsons” episodes with the attorney Lionel Hutz character.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Pizzeria DiLauro What advice would you give today’s law school students: When looking for your first job, consider more than starting salary and prestige. Consider whether you will like the work, will receive meaningful opportunities and can grow and be successful in the long term.

Deborah Michelson Law Firm: Buckley King LPA Hometown: Cleveland Heights Synagogue: Beth El-The Heights Synagogue Undergraduate: Northwestern University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Steven J. Miller Law Firm: Buckley King, LPA Age: 67 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel Undergraduate: Brown University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Each is a sacred, covenant-based relationship.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That, for decades, I wore a suit and tie to work every day.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Clients come first and family comes first. Everything, and everybody, else comes second.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Michael Clayton” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Rumi’s Market & Turkish Grill and JADE Steak and Sushi What advice would you give today’s law school students: Success and happiness can be yours: Invest yourself to master something (the facts, the law, the documents, the technology — anything!), speak and write clearly and simply, think and act strategically, not impulsively, strive to exercise good judgment and, amidst all the publicity, Always maintain the strictest of secrecy and confidentiality.

Aaron M. Minc Law Firm: Minc Law Age: 39 Hometown: Moreland Hills Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: Case Western Reserve School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has been a cornerstone of my career, particularly in its emphasis on justice and ethical conduct. My work at Minc Law, especially in combating online defamation and harassment, is often guided by the principles of tzedakah (justice) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). These Jewish values inspire me to advocate fiercely for my clients, ensuring fairness and integrity in the digital landscape.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I regularly geek out on nonfiction books. I typically read stuff related to business (leadership, management, etc.) and self-improvement. I

always enjoy learning about new things.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Striking a balance between work and home life requires a lot of disciplined time management and setting clear boundaries. It’s never perfect, but I try to prioritize quality time with my family, ensuring our weekends are free for activities like skiing and tennis. At work, I focus on efficiency and delegation, trusting my team.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Swenson’s Drive-In What advice would you give today’s law school students: Being an attorney is both a profoundly difficult and rewarding career.

It takes a tremendous amount of energy, effort and commitment. However, the ability to help your clients and the impact that can have on their lives is incredibly meaningful and brings a lot of purpose you can’t find with other careers.

Sam Mintzer Law Firm: Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff, LLP Age: 32 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law What advice would you give today’s law school students: Try and do the little things well, and everything will fall into place. Pay attention in class, thoughtfully prepare for meetings and do not procrastinate. Most of all, have fun and be yourself!

Howard Mishkind Law Firm: Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., LPA Age: 68 Hometown: Kirtland Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

Suzann Moskowitz Law Firm: The Moskowitz Firm LLC Age: 47 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: Cornell University Law School: Stanford

86 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Law School What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I have a growing collection of international banana label stickers.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I promoted Josh from husband to partner.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Cordelia What advice would you give today’s law school students: In the long run, building trust is more important than billing hours.

Susannah Muskovitz Law Firm: Muskovitz & Lemmerbrock, LLC Age: 64 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple and Har El in Jerusalem Undergraduate: McGill University Law School: Case Western Reserve School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism recognizes social justice, human dignity and the importance of improving the world through one’s work. I have spent my entire career advocating for and representing working men and women to achieve these goals.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am an avid bicyclist and hiker and I love the outdoors. I especially love being outdoors in the winter (even in very cold weather). I love snow.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Balancing work and home life requires good organizational skills and the ability to establish priorities. It is critical for lawyers to take time to get away from work and to see the world in order to be able to focus on work when appropriate.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “12 Angry Men” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Xinji Noodle Bar, Pacific East, Batuqui, Mallorca and anything ethnic.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Research, writing and critical analysis are the most important skills to learn in law school. Pursue your passion.

And, no matter what everyone else tells you, there are still union-side labor law jobs out there.

JANUARY 26, 2024

LOCAL LAWYERS

Richard A Naegele

Tod Northman

Brad Ortman

Law Firm: Wickens Herzer Panza Age: 72 Hometown: Huron Synagogue: Agudath B‘nai Israel Synagogue Undergraduate: Ohio University Law School: Case Western Reserve School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I admire the concept of tikkun olam to try to repair and improve the world.

Additionally, I belong to a national group of tax attorneys many of whom are Jewish. Being Jewish provides an additional common bond.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I hitchhiked across the U.S. and backpacked in Europe and Mexico.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I exercise every day to decompress from work and to stay healthy.

My wife, Jori Bloom Naegele, is also an attorney, so we both appreciate the stress of the profession.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Anatomy of a Murder” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: The Wine Vault What advice would you give today’s law school students: Study hard, try to do some good in the world and make time to exercise.

Law Firm: Tucker Ellis, LLP Age: 57 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Undergraduate: Portland State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has provided moral clarity and the observance of Shabbat has provided a weekly break, which has helped me stay refreshed.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: How much time I spend walking our dog.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Working with a great team, so we can shift responsibilities as needed.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: I watched a lot of “Perry Mason” growing up, but “A Civil Action” has stuck with me throughout my career.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Mendel’s KC BBQ What advice would you give today’s law school students: Keep at it. Knowledge compounds and the best lawyers are those who keep improving.

Law Firm: Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC Age: 55 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law School: George Washington University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Definitely — my choice to devote my career to immigration law has been influenced by Jewish teachings of welcoming the stranger and our Jewish history of being accepted into the U.S. as immigrants.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I’m a long-distance runner, having done several marathons and half marathons.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: This has always been important to me from the earliest days of my career. I’m a better husband, father, lawyer and person by having balance between work and home life.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Orange is the New Black” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Zhug What advice would you give today’s law school students: Work hard. Find balance.

Be ethical.

Steve Nobil Law Firm: Fisher Phillips, LLP Age: 76 Hometown: Aurora Synagogue: Beth Shalom Congregation Undergraduate: Baldwin Wallace University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism espouses equality, social justice, fairness and a belief in one God. I have nurtured my entire approach to the practice of law with those principles in mind.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am a self-taught piano player.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I make my work and home life equal priorities.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Boston Legal” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Blue Point Grille What advice would you give today’s law school students: Good enough is never good enough.

Jill G. Okun Law Firm: Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, LLP Hometown: Orange Undergraduate: Tufts University Law School: Boston College Law School How has Judaism played a role in your career: Jewish values and culture form the cornerstone of my principles and outlook.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I played high school varsity basketball as a point guard.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Now that I have three grandchildren out of state I try to make trips as frequently as possible.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits” and “How to Get Away with Murder” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Amba, Cru Uncorked and L’Albatros What advice would you give today’s law school students: Follow your heart and get as much practical experience as you can.

Lawrence E. “Larry” Oscar Law Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP Age: 67 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Undergraduate: Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania Law School: New York University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has provided grounding and guiding principles.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I love trying different street foods while traveling.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I am all in on each. Balance is an illusion. I go where the need is at a particular time.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Breaker Morant” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Amba What advice would you give today’s law school students: Return phone calls and emails promptly.

SUPER ATTORNEYS Abbie Pappas Law Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP* Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Honors Program Law School: Columbia Law School How has Judaism played a role in your career: My involvement in the Jewish community has helped me develop a client base and a specialization in halachic estate planning.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Shabbat really helps.

I love being offline for 25 hours a week and spending that time with my family and friends.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: The original “Law & Order” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Definitely Mendel’s KC BBQ

Joshua Payne Law Firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel Undergraduate: College of Wooster Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has instilled in me a profound duty to champion fairness, compassion and social responsibility. Guided by these core principles, I firmly believe that individual actions, both inside and outside the courtroom, have the power to create meaningful change, contributing to a safer and more just world.

What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I love whitewater kayaking.

Maxwell Peltz Law Firm: Zukerman, Lear & Murray Co., LPA Age: 29 Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: Ohio University Law School: The University of Akron School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: In 2014, I was arrested for standing

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JANUARY 26, 2024 up to antisemitism. The charges were ultimately dismissed. However, the arrest and subsequent court hearings helped me figure out that I wanted to be a lawyer one day.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I try to play basketball as much as I can to stay fit. I play in numerous leagues and pick-up groups. And I’m not too bad at it.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I make sure that when I spend time with my fiance or family I try to put my phone away, however, I know that at any moment there can be a call from a client where I am needed immediately. It’s also important for me to find one hour a day that I can disconnect from work, whether that be going to dinner or the basketball court.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Better Call Saul” and “Suits” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Pier W, Lago East Bank, Slyman’s Restaurant, Nate’s Deli & Restaurant, Dina’s Pizza & Pub, Winking Lizard Tavern and Yours Truly Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Participate in every club and/or group that interests you. Make as many friends as you can. Meet your professors outside the classroom. The people you meet in law school will be the beginning of your legal network. And make sure you stay in contact with them after you graduate.

Elizabeth Perla Firm: The Perla Law Firm, LLC Age: 42 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: In my career, and every facet of my life, I aspire to have good middot — to be kind, compassionate, honest and humble.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Thankfully, my area of practice — estate planning, elder law and probate — is conducive to a predictable schedule. I also have amazing staff that help me stay on top of my workload.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: If you are lucky, your career will be long. Find an area of practice that suits you and that you enjoy.

Katherine Poldneff

Cynthia Port

Law Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP* Hometown: Broadview Heights Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University Law School: New York University School of Law What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: In high school, I earned a black belt in karate and I write fiction in my free time.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: It’s a toss-up between “Philadelphia” and “A Few Good Men,” both of which have riveting courtroom scenes for different reasons. “Philadelphia” appeals to my inherent sense of justice.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: L’Albatros What advice would you give today’s law school students: In your third year, give some serious thought to why you chose to be an attorney and what you would like to do with your career. It’s very easy to fall into a particular path early merely because it presents itself and then let inertia carry you forward. Making deliberate choices and practicing mindfulness in your career early on will help to ensure you get where you want to be.

Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP Age: 54 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate University: University of Maryland Law School: American University Washington College of Law What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: Before law school, I went to nursing school.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “LA Law” and “Suits” What advice would you give today’s law school students: Seek out a mentor and actively maintain that relationship.

Matt Pollack Law Firm: McDonald Hopkins LLC Age: 45 Hometown: Highland Heights Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That in my free time I enjoy building Legos with my 5-year-old son.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: It is always hard to balance work and home life, especially with three little kids, I make an effort to be at the important events for the kids even if it means working late or starting early.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Lincoln Lawyer,” I love his car What advice would you give today’s law school students: Have an open mind when exploring area of practice, and try and get as much practical experience as possible.

Robert Port Law Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP Age: 57 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: Drexel University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: In all of my practice, I am guided by the underlying principal of tikkun olam. I try to conduct my practice and representation with the goal to leave the world in a better place than it was before, even if that improvement is marginal.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: Clients or colleagues might be surprised to learn that I have a musical background, am a guitar player and that I recently began playing the banjo — or trying.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: As a litigator, subject to court deadlines and litigating a docket of multiple cases, finding a work-life balance is often beyond your control. With that understanding, I’ve learned to take advantage of the times where I have that control to take time for both myself and my family. That said, regardless of how busy I’ve been at work, I made it a point to have a family dinner.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Amba or Jack’s Deli and Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: To be successful in the practice of law, in addition to technical proficiency, it is very important to foster

88 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG and maintain relationships with classmates and other lawyers and business folks in the community. These external relationships will be to your benefit in the future.

Richard Rabb Law Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Age: 60 Hometown: Cleveland Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: As a young person, much of my Jewish learning was at Fairmount Temple and I developed relationships there that I still have today. Zeta Beta Tau allowed me to extend those contacts. I have always enjoyed the traditions. They give me a break from work and allow things to be in perspective.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I always wanted to be a park ranger.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I learned to turn off my phone and not read emails after work.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Devil’s Advocate” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Flour Restaurant, The Standard and Shuhei Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Show a willingness to learn and a desire to be part of the firm.

Step out of your office. Ask older lawyers to help you learn how to develop business.

out-of-towners to: Anatolia Cafe What advice would you give today’s law school students: Focus on serving your clients well and with integrity and the rest will take care of itself.

Julia German Radefeld Law Firm: The Belles Group, P.C. Age: 35 Hometown: Hudson Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Law School: The University of Akron School of Law How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I block my schedule with time allocated to work, time allocated to my family and time allocated to myself.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Legally Blonde” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Controversial opinion: Skyline Chili.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Treat law school like a full-time job, attend local legal networking and Cleveland events and find a mentor (either through an organized program or informally).

Alan Rauss Law Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Undergraduate: Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Law School: University of Michigan School of Law

Julie Rabin Law Firm: Rabin & Rabin Co., LPA Age: 67 Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate: Northwestern University Law School: New York University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism guides my moral principles.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: My hobby is music and I really enjoy playing the piano.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: When my children were young, I worked part time. Now, I don’t work on Friday because I take care of my grandchild. I think that you can have it all, but you can’t have it all at once.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men” What local restaurant are you taking

JANUARY 26, 2024

Allen Reis Law Firm: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA Age: 72 Hometown: Gahanna Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The ethical and moral requirements necessary to be a good lawyer are the same teachings Judaism is based upon.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Long-term goals mean that there is a lack of balance in the short term.

The obligation of the practicing lawyer is to make sure that the balance will emerge as time goes on.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV

series: “Law and Order” What local restaurant are you taking outof-towners to: The Rail What advice would you give today’s law school students: Concentrate on developing your research and writing skills. Modern technology is not an excuse to ignore spelling, grammar and development of coherent arguments in writing.

LOCAL LAWYERS Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism provides an ethical framework for my law practice. Jewish law provides guidance for how we should behave in business and remains relevant today. I am also grateful for the support and mentorship of my Jewish partners and co-workers.

Stephen Richman

Carole Rendon Law Firm: BakerHostetler Age: 61 Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: Northwestern University Law School: Northwestern University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The Jewish imperative of tikkun olam has been the foundation of my career-long commitment to the justice system as both a federal prosecutor and as a defense attorney.

By working to ensure that justice for all really means something, I hope I am doing some small part to help to repair the world.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: When I headed off to college, I intended to pursue a career on Broadway. Happily, I did not end up as a starving waitress in New York City.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: My top priority always has been my family. To balance work and home, I have tried to set firm boundaries. When I am home, I want to be fully present. When I am at work, that is my sole focus. My family has been a source of tremendous support for a career that has been challenging, stressful, and very fulfilling. I couldn’t do one without the other.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What advice would you give today’s law school students: Seek out as many experiences as possible before you decide which area of the law most interests you.

Never forget the obligation to use your talent, education, wisdom and judgment to give back to the community and to help those in need.

Jodi Rich Law Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP* Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: The George Washington University Law School: Case

Law Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Hometown: Moreland Hills Undergraduate: University of Miami Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism, and its core principle of mitzvot was at the heart of my choosing the legal profession for my career. Whether mitzvot is defined literally, as commandments by G-d, or figuratively, as voluntary, good deeds, I have always been committed to give back, “pay it forward” and serve others. The legal profession provides the perfect avenue to do just that.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: My mostly hidden talent of voice impressions, including a “spot on” Louis Armstrong on karaoke night.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: My recent strategy has been to secure a part-time position with the firm that I used to work with on a full time basis.

Fortunately, KJK was receptive and values attorneys of all ages and experience levels.

Working part-time allows me to help watch our new granddaughter and spend good quality, family time; while at the same time being productive for my colleagues and our clients.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Gandhi,” while not traditionally thought of as a “legal movie,” “Gandhi” chronicles the life of the iconic Indian leader who dedicated his life to combat British imperialism, poverty, and discrimination through non-violent protest.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Melt Bar and Grilled What advice would you give today’s law school students: I would advise that whether or not one chooses a legal career, law school can lead to increased job opportunities, a higher earning potential and critical thinking and communication skills, which can add a competitive edge to any career. I would tell aspiring lawyers that in spite of statistics indicating that the legal profession is “overloaded” there is always room for good, principled lawyers who want to make a positive difference to society.

SUPER ATTORNEYS

JANUARY 26, 2024

Heidi Gorovitz Robertson

Larry R. Rothenberg

Cleveland State University College of Law Hometown: Cleveland Heights Synagogue: Kol HaLev Undergraduate: Tufts University Law School: University of Wisconsin, Columbia Law School How has Judaism played a role in your career: We were taught in Sunday school to be scholars and to use texts and apply them to a problem. That’s what lawyers do.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: Probably lots of things.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: It’s not easy, but I’ve always been lucky to have a great support system and lots of help.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: There are so many nice and fancy ones — but my out-of-towners “go-to” is Tommy’s. RIP Corky’s.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Get to know your professors.

We’re pretty nice and can be very helpful.

Law Firm: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA Age: 70 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla Undergraduate: Ohio University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I teach Shotokan karate.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Mendel’s KC BBQ or Kantina What advice would you give today’s law school students: Seek perfection of character. Be faithful. Endeavor to excel. Respect others. Refrain from negative or inappropriate behavior.

Sandra J. Rosenthal Law Firm: Sandra J. Rosenthal Attorney at Law Hometown: Beachwood Undergraduate: Syracuse University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has provided an ethical framework and need for compassion in dealing with the legal and personal interactions involved in my client centered practice.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I enjoy cooking a good Asian dish.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I arrange my schedule when possible to accommodate time with family and friends.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Verdict,” starring Paul Newman What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: L’Abatros What advice would you give today’s law school students: I would advise them to be good to themselves and to look at challenges as learning opportunities.

Eugene Roytberg Law Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP Age: 38 Hometown: Solon Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Seinfeld” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Superior Pho What advice would you give today’s law school students: Try to get experience in the area of law you would like to practice.

Bruce Rutsky Law Firm: Petronzio Schneier Co., LPA Age: 66 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: Indiana University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Charity, honesty and treating my clients the way I would like to be treated, all of which I have learned from my Jewish upbringing.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I was a nationally ranked weightlifter as a teenager.

How do you strike a balance between work

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 89 and home life: I try to make time for me, whether it be family time, workout time, meeting with friends or just reading a book.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Better Call Saul” What local restaurant are you taking outof-towners to: Geraci’s Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Take as many clinical courses as you can to see what the practice of law is about. Network, network, network.

Joy B. Savren Law Firm: Law Offices of J.B. Savren Age: 66 Hometown: Cleveland Heights Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me to highly value justice, equity and fairness.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: Most of my critical thinking and problem solving occurs when I am out walking my dogs.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I choose not to work on weekends or evenings.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What local restaurant are you taking outof-towners to: 17 River Grill What advice would you give today’s law school students: Take time to breathe, sleep, socialize with your classmates and experience life outside of law school.

Alan Schabes Firm: Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Young Israel of Greater Cleveland Undergraduate: Duquesne University Law School: Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University How has Judaism played a role in your career: It is the foundation for everything.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: My family is the foundation of everything. My work is extremely important to me, but — when I have to choose — there really is no question which has the highest priority.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: I don’t watch TV. What local restaurant would you take

out-of-towners to: Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ What advice would you give today’s law school students: Work hard, study hard, have a significant degree of common sense and critical thinking skills and, above all, be a mensch.

David A. Schaefer Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Hometown: Cleveland, Orange Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Mostly I work and the rest is at home.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Paper Chase” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar What advice would you give today’s law school students: When you graduate, keep your options open.

William E. Schonberg Law Firm: Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff, LLP Age: 69 Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: Ohio University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

Patricia A. Shlonsky Law Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP* Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism keeps me grounded and helps me keep in mind the importance of always doing the right thing and helping others. Jewish values have made me a better person, a better lawyer and a better member of the community.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am a serious reader and read at least a

90 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG novel a week. I have a book review blog, frombriefstobooks.com, where I review some of the books I read.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: I do not watch anything involving the law. I live it.

Jenna Sholk Law Firm: McCarthy Lebit Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Undergraduate: Rutgers University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I find value and balance in being present in what I am doing. I maximize time and energy spent being fully engaged in my work. Similarly, I make a point to prioritize quality time with family and friends with minimized distractions.

Brent S. Silverman Law Firm: Ciano & Goldwasser LLP Age: 57 Hometown: Hudson Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: DePaul University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism emphasizes the importance of justice, responsibility, philanthropy and fairness, all of which I have incorporated into my life and law practice.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: In college, I boxed and was a competitive power lifter.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I have always prioritized being present for family activities, celebrations, events, holidays and vacations, which requires good planning and sometimes a bit of sacrifice!

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “LA Law,” “Law & Order,” and “Better Call Saul” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Downtown 140 What advice would you give today’s law school students: Find an area of the practice of law that you are passionate about and develop relationships with good mentors.

Joseph Simms Law Firm: Reminger Co., LPA Age: 52 Hometown: Northfield Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The values and beliefs I was taught and raised with as a Jewish kid in Northeast Ohio — to always stand up for what’s right, to help those in need, to value family, friends and colleagues — guide everything I do, and I believe have made me a better lawyer for my clients and a better partner and colleague to my coworkers.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am a huge fan of horror movies and sciencefiction shows.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Balance? What balance? All kidding aside, I work very hard during the week and try to leave the weekends open for family and friends.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Lager & Vine Gastropub & Wine Bar What advice would you give today’s law school students: Find an area of law that you love. Practicing law is hard, time consuming, stressful and often thankless.

If you love what you do, though, the time, stress and aggravation is a truly small price to pay.

Eric M. Simon Law Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP Age: 62 Hometown: University Heights Undergraduate: Cleveland State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I believe that Judaism’s emphasis on education laid the foundation for my career and for me to practice in an ethical and just manner.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I’m a Shul Boys, Cleveland’s Jewish motorcycle club member.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I really don’t. I work much more than I should and always have. A trait

JANUARY 26, 2024 that I unsuccessfully intended to not pick up from my father.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “LA Law” while I was in law school What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Mabel’s BBQ What advice would you give today’s law school students: Work as hard as you can in law school because class rankings will have a large impact on the future of your career.

Whether or not you like it, it is a competition.

LOCAL LAWYERS and the remake on HBO. What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Larder Delicatessen & Bakery What advice would you give today’s law school students: Work hard, sacrifice now and it will pay off.

Jeremy Sosin Law Firm: Sosin Law LLC What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “To Kill a Mockingbird” What local restaurant are you taking out-oftowners to: Momocho and Amba

Paul J. Singerman Law Firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A. Age: 65 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid and Solon Chabad Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has provided a moral compass that has guided my career. It has taught me honesty and integrity.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am pretty much an open book. There is nothing really surprising about me.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Candidly, I have not been that good at striking a work-life balance throughout my career.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: ML Tavern, Giovanni’s or Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar What advice would you give today’s law school students: Work as hard as you can because grades are very important.

Loren M. Sonkin Law Firm: Loren M. Sonkin, Esq. Age: 65 Hometown: Pepper Pike Undergraduate: Purdue University; Case Western Reserve University, MBA Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has given me a firm moral base for approaching life and business.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Try to keep organized and prioritize home life.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Perry Mason,” both the old series

Scott Spero Law Firm: Bentoff & Spero Co., LPA Age: 59 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel Undergraduate: Indiana University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: What I do as a personal injury attorney is somewhat akin to the concept of tikkun olam: helping my clients obtain justice.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I’m a percussionist at night and a triathlete and marathoner on the weekends.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: When working, I focus on work. When at home, I focus on home. When the two converge, I hope for the best.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Work hard and play hard.

Use all 24 hours a day to its fullest.

Brian D. Spitz Law Firm: Spitz, The Employee’s Law Firm Hometown: Beachwood Undergraduate: American University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: As a Jew, I was drawn to represent people who face discrimination and did not have the ability to protect themselves.

Protecting minorities from discrimination gives me the opportunity to speak out, because if I do not, who would be left to speak out for me.

SUPER ATTORNEYS What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: While winning matters, people matter more.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I work at home.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men” and “Franklin & Bash” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Jack’s Deli and Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Do the little things right, like research and writing. Learn to work with people.

David Steiger Firm: Karp Steiger, Co., L.P.A. Age: 57 Hometown: Cleveland Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Capitol University Law School How has Judaism played a role in your career: Always be available to anybody that I can help — from the biggest macher to the average Joe. What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I will karaoke if asked.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Prioritize that which is most important at that particular moment.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Sopranos” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Shuhei Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Do the next right thing.

Deana S. Stein Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Copland & Aronoff LLP Age: 37 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Congregation Shaaray Tikvah Undergraduate: Boston University Law School: Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism is all about asking good questions to find the right answer. I spend so much of my practice asking myself questions to better understand my client’s position, as well as my opponent’s.

What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I have a degree in classical music (voice) and still sing when possible. I currently sing with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra Chorus and we

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JANUARY 26, 2024 have a great time making music together.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I strive to have family time each weekday evening, which usually involves dinner and my kids’ bedtime and bath time. My husband and I both aim to “unplug” during this time and we typically return to work after the kids go to bed. We often put in a lot of late nights, but it means that we have daily uninterrupted blocks of time as a family.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Luigi’s Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Get to know as many people as possible. These people will not just be your classmates for three years, but they will probably be your colleagues for life.

Kimberly Stein Law Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP* Hometown: Moreland Hills Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah and Solon Chabad Undergraduate: University of Rochester Law School: Cornell University School of Law What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Ally McBeal” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Amba

Laurel G. Stein Law Firm: Nee Law Firm, LLC Hometown: Solon Undergraduate: Washington University Law School: University of Memphis School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me the importance of doing mitzvahs for others and working with clients who could not otherwise afford an attorney.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: It can be challenging to strike a balance between work and home life in this field, but I try not to check emails or take calls after 6 p.m. and I try not to work too much on the weekends.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Lincoln Lawyer” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar What advice would you give today’s law

school students: I would advise today’s law school students to explore several different areas of the law before settling on one area of practice.

Talia Stewart Law Firm: Dworken & Bernstein Age: 26 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: University of Maryland Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has been a guiding force in my career as an estate planning and probate attorney, instilling in me a strong commitment to the importance of legacy, family and ethical considerations in navigating legal matters. I take a valuesdriven approach to assisting clients in planning for their futures.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey.

Marc L. Stolarsky Law Firm: Marc L. Stolarsky Law LLC Age: 62 Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid Undergraduate: Ohio University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has guided me in my morals and ethics.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I’ve never consumed alcohol.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I have set times to work and be with my family.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “To Kill a Mockingbird” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Slyman’s Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Make as many contacts as possible and never make enemies.

Susan Stone Law Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My career focuses on helping students in crisis, which is my part of tikkun olam. I am so lucky that I can support families when they are the most vulnerable. I feel blessed that I have the capacity to support those in their darkest hour, and both my personal life experience and Judaism has given me the strength to navigate those in need.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I always try to maintain a sense of humor. Laughter can really be a useful tool to make a great legal point or to break the tension.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I understand that balance does not mean 50/50. I try very hard to focus on what’s important, put out any fires and stay present wherever and whenever I am needed. I try to give myself grace when I feel out of balance.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: I am still stuck in the eighties sometimes and reminisce about the old “L.A. Law” days when lawyers had a little glam to them.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Anyone who knows me understands that I always support the local restaurants in Little Italy. You can typically find me at Wolf Pack Chorus, Tutto Carne, Etna Restaurant or Valerio’s.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Be excellent no matter how hard it can be sometimes. A lot of being a great lawyer means grinding away. Nobody is naturally brilliant — hard work will always win over thinking that you can just wing it.

Ronald J. Teplitzky Law Firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A. Age: 62 Hometown: Bainbridge Township Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: Ohio University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The Jewish ethical obligation of tzedakah has always been very important

92 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG to our family — and our law firm. Helping others always brings you back to your moral compass.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I attended Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camp in 2007 and batted against Bob Feller. Sadly, I grounded out to Brook Jacoby.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: We spend as much time as possible with our three grandchildren who all live in Solon. It is the greatest joy in our lives to see their faces light up when they see us.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: The Sleepy Rooster What advice would you give today’s law school students: Truly care about your clients and their legal issues. Learn what keeps them up at night and provide realworld solutions.

Michael S. Tucker Law Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP* Hometown: Solon Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law What advice would you give today’s law school students: You can never meet too many people, so get involved in professional activities that you enjoy. Never compromise your integrity or your professionalism — they define you as a lawyer and how others will view you.

Michael N. Ungar Law Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP* Hometown: Cleveland Heights Synagogue: Central Synagogue Undergraduate: Boston University Law School: Boston University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Tikkun olam is a part of my DNA. I try to pay it forward and engage in forms of action that help improve our world. I try to lead by example.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I’m a total “softie” when it comes to my daughters, Katherine and Sarah, and now my grandchildren, Noah and Sylvie. I melt when I see them.

How do you strike a balance between work

JANUARY 26, 2024

and home life: I can do better at this, and am working on it.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” — there are some lines from that classic movie that I’d love to use in court, yet probably never will!

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Etna What advice would you give today’s law school students: The president of the American Bar Association recently wrote, “We have seen our democracy stretched to the breaking point.” She predicted that “things are likely to get worse before they get better.” New generations of lawyers need to understand the fact that we, as lawyers, have important roles to play in preserving our democracy. And I’d hope that law students dedicate themselves to this noble cause in whatever manner they deem appropriate.

Mark Wallach Law Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Age: 74 Hometown: Cleveland Undergraduate: Wesleyan University Law School: Harvard Law School How has Judaism played a role in your career: The Jewish emphasis on actions, rather than statements of beliefs, has motivated my approach to practicing law, as well as my other activities.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am a passionate advocate for collecting solar energy in space, and transmitting it to earth as microwaves.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I’ve never taken a job that would have forced me to neglect my family.

There are very few jobs that are worth that.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Witness for the Prosecution” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Shuhei Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Look for somewhere to work that reflects your values, not for the firm that pays the most. What you’ll be proud of later in your career is the work you did that mattered, not where you did it.

Michael Ward Law Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff, LLP Age: 37 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: The TempleTiffereth Israel Undergraduate: Ohio University

Law School: Chicago-Kent College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism teaches you to think critically. Thinking critically is a huge portion of what I do in my day-to-day role.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I try to always take one day of rest and spend that time with family.

Our job is demanding so making sure you balance family life with work is important to your longevity.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Ginko Restaurant or Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar

Jake Weinberg Law Firm: McDonald Hopkins LLC Age: 35 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: University of Miami School of Law What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: The Reserve

Craig T. Weintraub Law Firm: The Law Offices of Craig Weintraub Hometown: Moreland Hills Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has impacted my daily choices and judgment. I have learned to be patient and understanding of other’s issues.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am a guitar player.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Engage in hobbies and enjoy my loved ones and dogs.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Lincoln Lawyer” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: L’Albatros What advice would you give today’s law school students: It’s a hard business that requires much discipline and good manners.

LOCAL LAWYERS Dana Weiss Law Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP Age: 48 Hometown: Solon Undergraduate: University of Texas in Austin Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me to seek more knowledge and ask questions. Living by these traits in my practice enables me to understand my clients’ business objectives and craft better solutions to achieve those objectives.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am a terrible skier (I learned late in life), but I am going to keep working to get better.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Understanding and accepting that balance does not mean you do both things equally at all times.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar What advice would you give today’s law school students: Talk less and listen more to your clients. You will be a better counselor for it.

Robert B. Weltman Law Firm: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA Age: 86 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Hard-working, continue to listen and learn be passionate in what I do.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: As the world continues to go paperless, I still have physical files.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I love them both — work hard, play hard.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Lockkeepers What advice would you give today’s law school students: Give it your all. Never give up. Separate your work life from your home life. Be passionate in what you do. Love what you do.

SUPER ATTORNEYS Frederick Neil Widen Law Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP* Age: 69 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Undergraduate: Cleveland State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I would say that my career has resulted in me knowing quite a bit more about Judaism and Jewish law.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I attend mincha afternoon prayers. My son is a better golfer than me.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: When I am not working, I try to have a home life, exercise and go on vacations.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “12 Angry Men,” I also liked “L.A. Law,” Stuart Markowitz was a tax lawyer’s hero.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Jack’s Deli and Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Try to know a body of knowledge other than law to set your self apart.

Jonathan Z. Wilbur Law Firm: Jonathan Z. Wilbur, Esq., LLC Age: 49 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla Undergraduate: New York University Law School: Fordham University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The ancient Talmudic proverb, “whoever saves one life, saves the entire world,” implies that every life is inherently valuable and is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to care for and protect others, in particular those who are vulnerable, such as children. After becoming a guardian ad litem in 2014, advocating for children quickly became my life’s work and fit squarely with priorities in my own life, namely my own children.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I worked in law firms for a number of years prior to having a change of heart midway through my career when I turned to guardian ad litem work. I established my own firm 10 years ago and have dedicated my practice exclusively to representing children. To date, I’ve advocated for hundreds of minors in

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JANUARY 26, 2024 custody and abuse/neglect cases.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Finding a work-life balance has been one of my most difficult challenges, especially given that my own kids were the impetus for my decision to advocate for children in the first place. Every so often balance is restored when I’m able to take a moment to be appreciative and grateful for my time with my family and the work I do for my wards.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Trial of the Chicago 7” What advice would you give today’s law school students: Treat clients as you would want to be treated, which, when applied to children in emotionally taxing situations such as a divorce, takes on a whole new level of importance and diligence.

Scott J. Wilkov Law Firm: Tucker Ellis LLP Hometown: Solon Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel Undergraduate: American University Law School: University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Throughout my career, I have actually worked in offices with very few other Jews. It has often been necessary to try to educate others on our unique beliefs and practices. But, more significantly, my religious faith has instilled in me a deep ethical responsibility to practice with honesty and to help the less fortunate through pro bono activities. So, building on my military background, I have been accredited to assist veterans with benefits claims.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am a military veteran, having served on active duty as a Judge Advocate General officer in the U.S. Air Force. That role afforded me a range of experience as diverse as training deploying service members on the law of war, negotiating contracts, employment law, environmental law, treaty interpretation, criminal defense and prosecution of some of the Air Force’s most serious criminals.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: The pandemic made it easier — I learned how to work from home and gained a new appreciation for the importance of spending time with friends and family.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men,” notwithstanding its necessary over-dramatization, it handled some of the procedural aspects of defending a court-martial fairly well. It also did a

nice job of developing some of the unique characters that comprise the U.S. Armed Forces. And, it allows me to tell people that I am often confused for Tom Cruise!

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Luca Italian Cuisine What advice would you give today’s law school students: Try to obtain some experience outside of a law firm. Get as much practice as you can dealing with regular people so you remember how non-lawyers talk and what is important to potential clients. It will make you more interesting and relatable. And, if you are interested in trial work, it will enhance your jury-appeal.

Ryan Willen Law Firm: Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper LLC Age: 27 Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: Washington & Jefferson College Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

Andrew Zashin Law Firm: Zashin Law Age: 55 Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Chabad Undergraduate: Brown University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My understanding and study of Judaism is central to how I view the world and my place in it. Everything flows from that. Judaism is my core and my compass. No one is perfect, but I try to improve myself and do what I can to make the world a better place.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I have a soft spot for dogs.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Working on it.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Intolerable Cruelty” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Mendel’s KC BBQ What advice would you give today’s law school students: Learning how to think is the most important part. It sounds like a platitude, but it’s not. Learning the law is important, but simply knowing the law without understanding how to assemble persuasive arguments and use them is worthless.

Rob Zimmerman Law Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP Age: 47 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: I have had the privilege of being a partner at two historically Jewish law firms and began my career working at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office under a Jewish attorney general, Lee Fisher. I have had great Jewish attorney role models and have tried to carry on their wisdom in my practice.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: That I can name the final score of every Ohio State v.

Michigan game since 1968, though I’m trying to forget the last 3.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: The most important thing is not to bring any tension home from my law practice. Matters come and go, but family is forever.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Caine Mutiny” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Not Corky & Lenny’s Restaurant & Deli, so I guess Blue Point Grille.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Don’t go to law school to figure out if you want to be a lawyer. You could be taking the spot of someone who does. Go to law school because you want to be a lawyer and otherwise need a law degree in your chosen field.

Jeffrey Zimon Law Firm: Zimon LLC Age: 60 Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate: Brandeis University Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Fundamentally, our legal system is derived from the core of Torah principles.

From that, our values of day-to-day governance is similar to, or identical to, our Jewish Faith. I am guided by my Judaism every day.

What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about

94 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG you: I am what one would describe as “handy,” and I have a complete tool and equipment workshop in the basement. I do a lot of construction/repair and related work.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: A constant challenge. I have to work at not working.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Star Trek” or “NCIS” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse What advice would you give today’s law school students: Become a mentee to an experienced lawyer, learn and think (and think) every day about the fundamental skill of lawyering.

Larry Zukerman Law Firm: Zukerman, Lear and Murray Co., LPA Age: 63 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate: Washington and Jefferson College Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My earliest recollection of growing up in Pittsburgh involve visiting with my grandparents at shul, participating in Seders and other religious events with my family. Jewish experience instills the fight to win and be the best and never relent to oppression, tyranny or bullying. Judaism also clarifies that you have to balance this with a fair process yet never succumb in a fight. Criminal defense lawyers are liberty’s last champions.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: When I’m not in court, I enjoy spending time with my three granddaughters and attending tot Shabbat with them at Green Road Synagogue. Also, I’m an ardent Zionist who fights for Israel’s right to exist and am vocal about my love of Judaism and my heritage.

Many people died for our right to be Jews and we shouldn’t take that in vain. I also believe that intermarriage is the slow death of Judaism.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: My family and I enjoy spending weekends in Chautauqua during the summer months. We enjoy boating in the summer and skiing in the winter. We also enjoy attending baseball and basketball games. My wife, Norma, also prepares Shabbos dinner every Friday where we often host family and friends.

What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Marble Room Steaks &

Raw Bar remains one of the most beautiful restaurants we’ve ever experienced with an amazingly stunning interior, perfect service and phenomenal food. Every guest who we’ve taken there, from the U.S., Israel and elsewhere always wants a return visit.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: Students today should always be prepared, study hard and aim to be the best. They should use the law school experience to hone their skills to develop and perfect their work ethic. In so doing, students should realize that being at the top of the profession is more rigorous than doing well in law school.

Ami Zukowsky Law Firm: Zukowsky Law, LLC Age: 38 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla Undergraduate: Yeshiva University Law School: Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Yiddishkeit is an essential component of every decision I make. This includes and is prominent in my career decisions, as legal practice regularly requires ethical decision making.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I am a good whistler and I’ve been known to tell a joke or two from time to time.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I do the work for my wife and kids. I remind myself of this often, but should remind myself of it more.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Verdict” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: Mendel’s KC BBQ. What advice would you give today’s law school students: Talk to lots of lawyers.

– Compiled by Lydia Kacala *Ulmer & Berne LLP recently announced that, as of Feb. 1, 2024, the firm will combine with Greensfelder Hemker & Gale PC to create UB Greensfelder. Those attorney listings are noted with an asterisk.

JANUARY 26, 2024

The following attorney listings were prepared after deadline and just prior to publication.

Paul A. Bayer Firm: Paul Allen Bayer Co., LPA Age: 72 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Jewish Secular Community of Cleveland Undergraduate: Ohio University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Everything I do, including my career, is a product of my upbringing which was focused around Jewish culture. My family taught me how to be an ethical Jew, stand up for the oppressed and people who couldn’t always have access to representation.

What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I was a social worker for many years before going to law school.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: Both work and home life are important – perhaps home life is a bit more important.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “Perry Mason,” the movie.

What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: EDWINS Restaurant What advice would you give today’s law school students: Take care good care of your clients, success will follow.

Gary Cowan Law Firm: Elk + Elk Hometown: Shaker Heights Undergrad: University of Ottawa Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: In the province of Ontario, I played on the fourth top-ranked high school curling team.

What advice would you give today’s law school students: You can learn a lot from an experienced trial lawyer. They will be able to provide a guide for being a successful lawyer.

LOCAL LAWYERS Alexander Gertsburg Firm: Gertsburg Licata Age: 48 Hometown: Chagrin Falls Undergraduate: Miami University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Spirituality has been an ever-present force in my life. It’s given me the gifts of love, presence, trust and authenticity. It’s both the seed and the fruit of those aspects of my life. So long as I water it and consume it mindfully, I am able to attain happiness and joy without conditions.

What would a client or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I served in Iraq and I have seen Phish in concert over 200 times.

How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I prioritize home and family above all else.

What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “LA Law” What local restaurant would you take out-of-towners to: Boom’s Pizza and Luna Bakery and Cafe

Jamie R. Lebovitz Firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

Kevin Lenson Law Firm: Elk + Elk Hometown: Moreland Hills Undergrad: University of Wisconsin, Madison Law School: University of Toledo College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has kept me focused on speaking the truth, treating others with kindness and being striving to being humble.

What would a client and your colleagues be surprised to learn about you: I can name all the U.S. presidents in order in under 30 seconds How do you strike a balance between work and home life: I try my best to separate work from home life, however I am available to my clients 24/7 so sometimes, they overlap.

SUPER ATTORNEYS What is your favorite legal movie or TV series: “12 Angry Men” What local restaurant are you taking out-of-towners to: JoJo’s What advice would you give today’s law school students: You learn a lot more about the law and yourself practicing law then you do in law school.

So, it is best to secure a clerkship or internship while in law school because what you will learn is invaluable.

Dana M. Paris Firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

David M. Paris Firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

Scott Perlmuter Firm: Tittle & Perlmuter Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin in Madison Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Jeromy Simonovic In-House Counsel for Digital Forensics Corp.

Age: 35 Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

JANUARY 26, 2024

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 95

Moreno faced discrimination lawsuits, AP finds JULIE CARR SMYTH | ASSOCIATED PRESS

B

ernie Moreno, a Trump-backed candidate for Ohio’s crucial U.S. Senate seat who touts his success in business, faced multiple lawsuits alleging discrimination against employees in the run-up to the sale of his highend Cleveland car dealership, an Associated Press review has found.

Three discrimination suits were filed in Cuyahoga County between 2015 and 2017. Two Moreno accused Moreno and Bernie Moreno Cos. of gender and age discrimination, respectively. The third, in which Moreno was not named, alleged race discrimination against a dealership run by a BMC subsidiary.

A campaign spokesman said that the two employees who sued Moreno directly now support his Republican U.S. Senate campaign and that Moreno, who was born in Bogotá, Colombia, prided himself on giving equal opportunities to all his workers.

Moreno’s performance in business was cited by former President Donald Trump as he endorsed Moreno in the three-way primary with Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and state Sen. Matt Dolan in December 2023.

“Bernie Moreno, a highly respected businessman from the great State of Ohio, is exactly the type of MAGA fighter that we need in the United States Senate,” Trump said, using the acronym of his “Make America Great Again” slogan.

The discrimination claims come to light as Republican support has begun to coalesce behind Moreno since Trump’s endorsement, with recent endorsements by U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan and former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. The winner of the GOP primary March 19 will face third-term Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, among Democrats’ most vulnerable incumbents this year in the narrowly divided Senate.

Brown characterizes his fight for “the dignity of work” as a key policy and campaign priority, while Moreno has said he is running for the Senate to support policies “good for American workers and families.”

All three lawsuits identified by the AP were settled out of court, and terms of any resulting settlement deals were kept private. Often, such deals include a clause preventing either side from disparaging the other.

The first lawsuit, filed in 2015, accused BMC and Moreno of gender discrimination.

Female former dealership supervisor Cara Wilson, then of Streetsboro, alleged Moreno repeatedly belittled her about being a mother, sometimes in front of her peers.

She told the court Moreno called her “a bad leader but a better mother” and once, when she approached him about her flex time arrangement, he said, “Lots of people are single parents, put your kids in f—-ing daycare.”

The lawsuit alleged Wilson was stripped of her flex time schedule, was blamed for her dealership’s poor performance despite being deprived of the leeway given to male counterparts to make key decisions and was wrongfully fired.

Reached by phone, Wilson said she and Moreno “are great friends now” – as evidenced by the fact she hosted a fundraiser for his campaign last fall — and declined to comment further.

In a 2017 lawsuit, a Black former service manager at an Akron

Infiniti dealership operated by BMC subsidiary M9 Motors, alleged that he was targeted for discipline and then demoted after taking concerns to human resources about white peers and a subordinate being paid the same or more than him.

Ronell Thompson claimed racial discrimination led to his demotion and eventual wrongful termination. Reached by phone, he referred a reporter to his lawyer, Peter Mapley, who confirmed in a statement that his Cleveland-area law firm represented Thompson and that the matter “has been resolved” – which suggests Thompson is limited by a settlement agreement from discussing details.

In the third lawsuit, filed against BMC and Moreno the same year, an award-winning, top-performing saleswoman who was 67, alleged gender and age discrimination. Dolores Wolfe, then of Rocky River, claimed that she was repeatedly passed over for promotions in favor of white males, some in their 20s.

She told the court she was preparing to take a new job in New York when Moreno flew in to meet with her and persuaded her not to resign by offering a promotion complete with increased salary, benefits and bonuses. She said she passed up the out-of-state position and stayed, only to have the promotion never materialize. She told the court her treatment caused her economic and emotional distress and physical sickness.

In an interview, Wolfe said that her lawsuit “had to do with business issues” and that Moreno is a tremendous businessman who would make a great U.S. senator.

“Every female who worked for him, and every age group who worked for him, were generously treated,” she said.

Moreno campaign spokesman Conor McGuinness said in a statement that Moreno knows Wolfe and Wilson personally and “they have all moved past any previous misunderstandings.”

He said Moreno is “a proud minority businessman” who based his company “on the colorblind principles of merit and hard-work.”

“As someone who has previously experienced discrimination himself, Bernie has always been committed to giving opportunities to all of his workers, regardless of race, color, gender or creed,” his statement said.

Robert Foehl, a professor of business law and ethics at Ohio University, said multiple lawsuits against a company “doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something systemically wrong.”

“The devil’s in the details,” he said.

Foehl said it’s not unreasonable to expect a company of BMC’s size to have a robust anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation training program for its managers.

“It’s really incumbent on the employer in these traditionally male-dominated industries to be sure that they’re working within the bounds of employment law, ensuring that they’re providing those opportunities to, not just the men in the work setting, but also women in the work setting, and ensuring equal opportunity for all those based on their protected characteristics,” he said.

In response to the AP’s reporting, the Moreno campaign produced an open letter signed by 23 former female employees vouching that he treated them fairly and respectfully.

A BMC subsidiary, M10 Motors, also faced a lawsuit in Florida unrelated to discrimination. The civil rights class action brought

by Andres Gomez, who is blind, alleged a Coral Gables Infiniti dealership’s website was inaccessible to the visually impaired, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. A settlement agreement was reached in the case in 2020.

96 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 26, 2024

LOCAL LAWYERS

Pastor, small Ohio city tussle over legality of 24/7 homeless ministry PATRICK ORSAGOS AND MARK SCOLFORO | ASSOCIATED PRESS

A

Christian church in Bryan, Ohio, filed a federal lawsuit this week after its pastor was charged with violating city ordinances when he opened up the sanctuary around the clock for homeless people and others to find shelter.

Police this month filed 18 criminal charges against Dad’s Place church Pastor Chris Avell over allegations the rented church building – located next to a separate homeless shelter along Main Street in the city of about 8,600 in northwestern Ohio – was violating the zoning ordinance, lacked proper kitchen and laundry facilities, and had unsafe exits and inadequate ventilation.

An attorney for Avell and the church, Jeremy Dys, said he thinks city leaders don’t want the ministry in the middle of town, describing it as a “not in my backyard” issue and accusing officials of inventing problems.

“Nothing satisfies the city,” Dys said Jan. 22, hours after the lawsuit was filed. “And worse – they go on a smear campaign of innuendo and half-truths.”

During an initial meeting with the federal judge and lawyers for Bryan on the morning of Jan. 23, both sides agreed to maintain the status quo, Dys said. As a result, he said, the

church will remain open to those who seek its religious services until at least March 4, when the judge will consider its request for an injunction against the city.

Avell, who pleaded not guilty in municipal court Jan. 11, said his church wants to welcome anyone, regardless of the time of day.

“I truly believe that everyone who walks through the door of Dad’s Place walks out a better citizen,” Avell said in an interview Jan. 23, adding that closing down the around-the-clock ministry “would lose what is actually a beacon of light downtown.”

The defendants are the city, Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade and other Bryan officials.

“We absolutely deny any allegation that the city has treated any religious institution inappropriately,” said Bryan city attorney Marc Fishel, noting that Schlade supported the church opening in the building four years ago. “The city has been and continues to be interested in any business, any church, any entity complying with local and state law.”

The church’s lawsuit said its leaders decided in March to remain open at all hours as a temporary, emergency shelter

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This image taken from video provided by WTVG shows Pastor of Dad’s Place Chris Avell, right, sitting inside Bryan Municipal Court on Jan. 11 in Bryan, Ohio. | WTVG via AP “for people to go who have nowhere else to go and no one to care for them.” Eight people stay there on a typical night, they say, and a few more when weather is bad.

“It was city police officers who would bring people by,” Avell said. “The local hospital would call and bring people by.

Other homeless shelters would call and bring people by.”

The church’s policy has been to let anyone stay overnight and doesn’t ask them to leave “unless there is a biblically valid reason for doing so or if someone at the property poses a danger to himself or others,” according to the complaint. Held from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m., the church’s “Rest and Refresh in the Lord” ministry includes Johnny Cash’s reading of the Bible piped in under dim lights, and anyone is allowed to come or go.

Two volunteers stay there and keep an eye on things, Avell said: “One is kind of a peacemaker and one is kind of a security guard.”

The city said in a news release that police calls to investigate inappropriate activity at the church began to increase in May, giving as examples criminal mischief, trespassing, theft and disturbing the peace.

Bryan’s planning and zoning administrator gave the church 10 days to stop housing people, saying it was in a zone that does not permit residential use on the first floor. After an inspection about two weeks later, charges against Avell for code violations were sought by the local police in early December.

Since then, the lawsuit claims, “the city

has repeatedly attempted to harass and intimidate the church,” while the church has tried to address the city’s complaints by making changes that include installation of a new stove hood and a decision to shut down laundry facilities.

The charges were unexpected, Avell said.

“It was humiliating. I didn’t anticipate it in any way,” he said.

Dys said that the church is not permitting criminal activity to take place and that the police calls there have been made to sound more serious than they actually were, or to seem related to church activity when they were not.

“The city is creating problems in order to gin up opposition to this church existing in the town square,” Dys said.

The church wants a federal judge to protect what it says are violations of constitutional rights to free exercise of religion and protections against government hostility to religion.

“No history or tradition justifies the city’s intrusion into the church’s inner sanctum to dictate which rooms may be used for religious purposes, how the church may go about accomplishing its religious mission, or at what hours of the day religious activities are permitted,” the lawsuit said.

The church wants a federal judge to issue a restraining order or an injunction to keep the city and top officials from “enforcing or applying the city’s ordinances to burden the plaintiff’s religious exercise.” It also seeks damages and attorneys’ fees.

SUPER ATTORNEYS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 97

JANUARY 26, 2024

South Africa accuses Israel of genocide: What this means for the Jewish state LARRY W. ZUKERMAN AND MAXWELL Y. PELTZ Special to the CJN

I

n a case that has stirred intense debate on the global stage, Israel faces formal accusations of committing genocide against Palestinians, a claim vehemently denied by Israeli authorities. This complex situation has prompted the Israeli government to engage with the International Court of Justice to defend its international reputation, breaking from its usual stance of boycotting such proceedings, citing bias concerns.

The accusations, brought forth by South African lawyers at the ICJ, center around the assertion that the recent Gaza war is part of a longstanding pattern of Israeli oppression against Palestinians. Adila Hassim, a South African lawyer, presented evidence suggesting a “plausible claim of genocidal acts” based on a perceived pattern of conduct and related intention.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded strongly, rejecting the allegations and emphasizing that Israel is fighting against the militant group Hamas, responsible for the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israeli communities. Netanyahu stated “(t)his is an upside-down world – the state of Israel is accused of genocide while it is fighting genocide,” highlighting what he

sees as the hypocrisy of the charges.

Israel contends that its military campaign in Gaza is in response to a fierce enemy, with the Israeli leaders asserting compliance with international law and a commitment to minimizing harm to civilians. The country places blame, and with good reason, on Hamas for operating within residential areas, contributing to a high civilian death toll. Hamas has a history of using schools and medical institutions as military bases, that way when Israel targets their military bases, Hama can spread propaganda that Israel targets the old, the weak, and the young. The Israeli army goes above and beyond when attempting to avoid civilian deaths as the army leaves leaflets throughout the areas Israel is targeting to

Zukerman

Peltz

warn Gazan civilians to avoid those places.

Hamas leaders urge the civilians not to leave those targeted areas.

If the ICJ were to rule in South Africa’s favor, the ICJ would implement interim measures that would put a legal obligation on Israel to end its defense against Hamas.

Israel could still ignore any rulings as the ICJ does not have a way to enforce its rulings.

This previously happened when Russia dismissed an order from the ICJ to pause its war with Ukraine. However, if Israel were to ignore the potential ruling, it would continue to deteriorate Israel’s image in the court of public opinion. Furthermore, Israel could incur U.N. sanctions if Israel were to ignore the ICJ’s ruling, however, the U.S.

has the power to veto any sanctions against Israel.

If the ICJ were to decide not to implement interim measures against Israel, the ICJ can still decide it has jurisdiction and proceed with the case. This avenue could take years to come to a final ruling.

As the ICJ navigates this sensitive case, the international community watches closely, aware that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Israeli government’s decision to address the court signals a willingness to engage and defend against the accusations and present the truth, emphasizing the complexity of the situation and the importance of considering multiple perspectives in this deeply rooted and challenging geopolitical issue.

Larry W. Zukerman is the managing partner of Zukerman, Lear & Murray, Co., LPA in Cleveland and Maxwell Peltz is an associate attorney.

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Ohio public education supporters look to 2024, lawsuit to hold private voucher system accountable SUSAN TEBBEN | OHIO CAPITAL JOURNAL

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hile marijuana legislation and other bills still sit on the horizon in the second year of this term’s General Assembly, education policy can always be counted on to be a part of the discussion. 2024 should be no different.

Ohio’s private school voucher program has been a source of strong debate among legislators and education advocates of all kinds since the 1990s, when the program began as a way to allow lower-income students to access private schools, proposed as an effort to improve education outcomes in poor-performing public school districts.

But as public school advocates still hope to see full funding of the Fair School Funding Plan for districts across the state, they saw eye-popping increases in private school funding through vouchers that worry them almost as much as the foot-dragging that they believe has occurred when talking of public school funding.

“You should be funding the public schools,” said Stephen Dyer, former state representative and former chair of the Ohio House Primary and Secondary Education subcommittee for the House Finance Committee. “If you want to fund the private schools, fund the private schools, but there’s no reason you can’t do both.”

The Ohio Department of Education reported 23,272

participants in the voucher expansion for the 2023 fiscal year, up from the 20,702 reported in 2022 and even more from the year prior, when 17,155 students participated in the state-subsidized program.

In 2021, 85% of the voucher expansion participants were below 200% of the federal poverty line, and 93% of 2022 participants were below 250% of the poverty line.

In 2023, language on the ODE data changed to “lowincome qualified” to “not low-income qualified,” removing the breakdown of federal poverty percentages. In this year’s report, 67% of participants were “low-income qualified” and 32% were “not low-income qualified.”

With the most recent state budget, passed this summer, a GOP-led effort to expand eligibility for private school vouchers led to a ballooning of the poverty level allowed for the voucher program to 450% of the poverty line, or a household income of $135,000 or less for a family of four.

Those receiving a scholarship can move to a private school with $6,165 in state funding for K-8 students, and $8,407 for high schoolers.

Families with incomes above the $135,000 threshold can still be eligible for at least 10% of the maximum scholarship, even with a higher income, Senate President Matt Huffman’s office said when the budget was passed.

Public school advocates took issue with the expansion, saying the Fair School Funding Plan, seeking to support

public school districts based on their individual needs, should be the focus, considering the vast majority of students in Ohio attend traditional public schools.

Since the most recent voucher participation numbers were released, Dyer did his own analysis of the voucher program, finding “a very different goal” compared to when it began.

“It’s now going to wealthier, white families to subsidize the decisions they’d already made to send their kids to private schools,” Dyer told the OCJ. In an analysis he posted to his blog, Dyer said ODE data showed nearly nine in 10 new applications to the voucher expansion went to white students, and more new vouchers for high schoolers went to families making more than $150,000 annually than went to families making less.

Dyer also makes an argument that has been made before by those opposing the voucher expansion: increasing private school voucher program causes “resegregation” in the public schools, with the number of white students who are leaving for private schools, vouchers in hand.

“It’s frankly a perversion of the idea behind a voucher, which was sold as allowing poor students, students of color, students who haven’t traditionally had access to private schools, to have access,” Dyer said in an OCJ interview.

A deadline for documents and evidence in the case was Nov. 30, 2023, and the court has requested “expert reports” from both sides by Feb. 23, with a trial date set for Nov. 4.

98 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 26, 2024

LOCAL LAWYERS

The Cleveland Jewish News is turning

60

1 0 • 3 0 • 24

6 p.m. at Landerhaven

Save the Date for our monumental milestone!

Join the Cleveland Jewish News Foundation for an extravagant birthday celebration featuring a silent auction, exquisite cocktail reception and sit-down dinner at Landerhaven.

Bluewater Kings Band will entertain guests throughout the evening with music from the past six decades.

Co-Chairs

Ida Haber

Debbie Rothschild

Additional information available soon at cjn.org/60. Contact Adam Mandell at amandell@cjn.org for sponsorship and tribute ad opportunities.