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