2023 Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys

FAMILY AFFAIR Nurenberg Paris Injury Lawyers all in when it comes to nepotism

STEVE MARK

Alaw o ce is like any other business; nepotism is sometimes frowned upon, or even banned. Somewhere else, the practice is cherished.

According to Reference for Business, antinepotism rules at corporations debuted in the 1950s. Despite legal challenges over the years, these rules are not illegal, though often criticized.

e Cleveland law rm Nurenberg Paris Injury Lawyers embraces nepotism. e company has two family connections on the attorney roster, and considers this a form of continuity that has value to clients.

“Sure, some rms have an anti-nepotism policy, but we don’t,” said Jamie Lebovitz, 65, a partner and whose son, Jordan, joined the rm in 2013. “It has worked extremely well for us.”

Adjacent to his o ce is Jordan Lebovitz’s, who specializes in trucking accidents.

“He got to see rsthand about the business, and it rubbed o on him.”

Jordan Lebovitz can verify that.

“My father played a tremendous role in my decision to become an attorney,” Jordan, 35, said.

“I grew up listening to the tragic stories of families who lost loved ones or were catastrophically injured due to no fault of their own. Having the opportunity to watch my father play such a meaningful role in getting these families answers as to why the tragedy took place, and then seeking justice for what

happened, taught me the importance of our speci c legal practice and helping others.”

Jordan Lebovitz is a partner in the rm as well.

“Working in the same rm as your father may be challenging for some, but it has been one of the greatest bene ts and privileges for us,” he said. “ ere is a di erent level of trust when you have a good relationship with your family member who is also your business partner, and I’m very lucky to have that type of relationship.

“Even more so when my partners, who also have familial relationships within the rm, have great relationships as well. It’s a special dynamic.”

ey work together, and worship together, too. Both Jordan and Jamie belong to Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights and Pepper Pike.

David Paris has been practicing law at Nurenberg Paris for 43 years. He has two daughters in the legal eld; one of them, Dana, is a partner. Like Jordan Lebovitz, she joined the rm in 2013.

“We always encouraged both of our daughters to pursue their passions,” David Paris, 70, said. “ ey saw our commitment to the law, our clients and their cases and this resonated with Dana. When she decided to attend law school, her goal was to make a di erence in people’s lives. As she has grown into her role as a trial lawyer and taken on greater challenges, she is meeting that goal on a regular basis. I see it in her interactions with her partners in the

o ce, hear about it from her opposing counsel as well as the judges before whom she appears and in the written Google reviews authored by her clients.”

Later this year, Dana Paris, who was honored by the Cleveland Jewish News as a member of the 2018 class of CJN 12 Under 36: Members of the Tribe, will be installed as the next president of the Cleveland Academy of Trial Attorneys. David Paris held that o ce 20 years ago.

“Now that’s rewarding,” he said.

“Nachas is how I feel about practicing with Dana,” David Paris said. “Although we only occasionally work together as a team on cases, when we do it’s a learning experience for both of us. Sometimes we nish each other’s sentences, or I’ll call her with a suggestion and she’ll say, ‘I was just going to call you with the same suggestion.’

“She teaches me how to integrate technology into our cases and improve our trial presentations. Even though constant collaboration is a critical component to our rm’s success, it’s a little sweeter when I can share the treasures of this profession with her and watch her carry the torch forward. Our law rm has been serving this community for 95 years. In those years, there have been six family legacies. Most rms have a nepotism policy, but this legacy component has given our rm strength and a greater sense of permanence.

“ e law rms of many great lawyers fade or fold because named partners on the masthead retire, or a transition plan was never put in place

or the next generation did not possess the same skill sets, were not mentored or were unable or unwilling to carry on the same traditions that perpetuated a successful practice. Dana, Jordan and our next generation of Nurenberg Paris lawyers understand full well the rm’s culture and are poised to play it forward,” David Paris said.

David Paris lives in Moreland Hills and is a member at Suburban Temple-Kol Ami in Beachwood. His wife, Michelle, is a lawyer and judge.

Other family dynamics have been at play in the rm. Both William Jacobson and managing partner Jonathan Mester had parents at the rm.

“How we fathers kvell,” Jamie Lebovitz said.

Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

To read more about Dana Paris, visit cjn.org/12under36.

David Paris and his daughter, Dana Paris | Submitted photos

Jordan Lebovitz and his father, Jamie Lebovitz

“Sure, some firms have an anti-nepotism policy, but we don’t. It has worked extremely well for us.”

Jamie Lebovitz

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MAN, LEAR & MURRAY, CO., L.P.A

We’ll never rest

Moreland Hills man sues Walmart claiming deceptive trade practices

STEVE MARK

AMoreland Hills man has led a lawsuit against Walmart, alleging the chain engaged in deceptive trade practices.

Kevin Adelstein, 64, claims in his suit that Walmart is charging di ering prices for some products sold on its website as opposed to prices in stores. Adelstein is a distant relative to Kevin S. Adelstein, president of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company and publisher and CEO of the Cleveland Jewish News. Adelstein, who manages a dermatology practice in Twinsburg, did not seek to resolve his di erences directly through Walmart. He is pursuing a

remedy as a class-action suit.

“I was looking to purchase a product online, and I decided to pick it up at an actual store instead,” Adelstein told the CJN. “I’m a former accountant and numbers stick in my mind. In the store, I noticed the price online was lower than what was showing in the store.

“I spent about a half an hour going down the aisles, comparing the prices to what I would pay online. I found three items that had similar di erences. I purchased about $100 worth of items that had inconsistent prices. If their prices are even just a couple of cents o , that’s a lot of money they are deceiving people about.”

Adelstein said Walmart o ered him a settlement of “$600, which is over 30 times the amount” in the di erence of the prices, but he refused the o er.

“I want them to not do this anymore, and I want an injunction against Walmart doing this,” he said. “My interest is in them guring out where they are deceiving people and being held accountable for that.”

Attorney Ron Frederick of Frederick & Berler, LLC in Cleveland, who concentrates in consumer law, is representing Adelstein. e case was led in Bedford Municipal Court. It was then transferred to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.

“Walmart removed the suit to federal court, and we have just led a motion to return the case to state court,” Frederick told the CJN.

Walmart’s media relations department did not return multiple inquiries via phone and email from the CJN.

Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

“My interest is in them figuring out where they are deceiving people and being held accountable for that.”

Kevin Adelstein

2023 Ohio Super Lawyers & Rising Stars

2023 Ohio

Lawyers & Rising Stars

Super Lawyers & Rising Stars

2023 Ohio Super Lawyers & Rising Stars

2023 Ohio Super Lawyers & Rising Stars

14 ELK + ELK ATTORNEYS SELECTED

14 ELK + ELK ATTORNEYS SELECTED

Elk + Elk is proud to announce that 14 attorneys were included in the 2023 Super Lawyers ® and Rising Stars lists.

Elk + Elk is proud to announce that 14 attorneys were included in the 2023 Super Lawyers ® and Rising Stars lists.

Elk + Elk is proud to announce that 14 attorneys were included in the 2023 Super Lawyers ® and Rising Stars lists.

Partners Jay Kelley, John O’Neil, Phillip Kuri, Marilena DiSilvio and R. Craig McLaughlin were selected to the 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers list.

Elk + Elk is proud to announce that 14 attorneys were included in the 2023 Super Lawyers ® and Rising Stars lists.

Attorneys Martin Kraft and Ian Fijalkovich were included on this year’s Ohio Rising Stars list.

Attorneys Martin Kraft and Ian Fijalkovich were included on this year’s Ohio Rising Stars list.

Attorneys Martin Kraft and Ian Fijalkovich were included on this year’s Ohio Rising Stars list.

Partners Jay Kelley, John O’Neil, Phillip Kuri, Marilena DiSilvio and R. Craig McLaughlin were selected to the 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers list.

Elk + Elk is proud to announce that 14 attorneys were included in the 2023 Super Lawyers ® and Rising Stars lists.

Partners Jay Kelley, John O’Neil, Phillip Kuri, Marilena DiSilvio and R. Craig McLaughlin were selected to the 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers list.

Partners Jay Kelley, John O’Neil, Phillip Kuri, Marilena DiSilvio and R. Craig McLaughlin were selected to the 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers list.

Attorneys Gary Cowan, Matthew Carty, Amy Papesh, William Price, William Campbell, Kevin Lenson and Curtis Fifner were selected to the 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers list.

Attorneys Gary Cowan, Matthew Carty, Amy Papesh, William Price, William Campbell, Kevin Lenson and Curtis Fifner were selected to the 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers list.

Partners Jay Kelley, John O’Neil, Phillip Kuri, Marilena DiSilvio and R. Craig McLaughlin were selected to the 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers list.

Attorneys Gary Cowan, Matthew Carty, Amy Papesh, William Price, William Campbell, Kevin Lenson and Curtis Fifner were selected to the 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers list.

Attorneys Gary Cowan, Matthew Carty, Amy Papesh, William Price, William Campbell, Kevin Lenson and Curtis Fifner were selected to the 2023 Ohio Super

Attorneys Gary Cowan, Matthew Carty, Amy Papesh, William Price, William Campbell, Kevin Lenson and Curtis Fifner were selected to the 2023

Kelley, DiSilvio, and Price were included on this year’s Top 50 Cleveland Super Lawyers and Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers lists.

Kelley, DiSilvio, and Price were included on this year’s Top 50 Cleveland Super Lawyers and Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers lists.

Kelley, DiSilvio, and Price were included on this year’s Top 50 Cleveland Super Lawyers and Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers lists.

Attorneys Martin Kraft and Ian Fijalkovich were included on this year’s Ohio Rising Stars list. Kelley, DiSilvio, and Price were included on this year’s Top 50 Cleveland Super Lawyers and Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers lists.

Attorneys Martin Kraft and Ian Fijalkovich were included on this year’s Ohio Rising Stars list.

DiSilvio was selected to the 2023 Top 50 Women Ohio Super Lawyers and Top 25 Women Cleveland Super Lawyers lists.

Kelley, DiSilvio, and Price were included on this year’s Top 50 Cleveland Super Lawyers and Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers lists.

DiSilvio was selected to the 2023 Top 50 Women Ohio Super Lawyers and Top 25 Women Cleveland Super Lawyers lists.

DiSilvio was selected to the 2023 Top 50 Women Ohio Super Lawyers and Top 25 Women Cleveland Super Lawyers lists.

DiSilvio was selected to the 2023 Top 50 Women Ohio Super Lawyers and Top 25 Women Cleveland Super Lawyers lists.

DiSilvio was selected to the 2023 Top 50 Women

Ohio Super Lawyers and Top 25 Women

Cleveland Super Lawyers lists.

PICTURED 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, Martin J. Kraft*, Ian Fijalkovich*, Curtis Fifner

*CHOSEN TO 2023 RISING STARS; †TOP 100 OHIO & TOP 50 CLEVELAND; ‡TOP 50 WOMEN OHIO; ~TOP 25 WOMEN CLEVELAND; +10 YEARS

PICTURED 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, Martin J. Kraft*, Ian Fijalkovich*, Curtis Fifner

*CHOSEN TO 2023 RISING STARS; †TOP 100 OHIO & TOP 50 CLEVELAND; ‡TOP 50 WOMEN OHIO; ~TOP 25 WOMEN CLEVELAND; +10 YEARS

PICTURED 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, Martin J. Kraft*, Ian Fijalkovich*, Curtis Fifner

*CHOSEN TO 2023 RISING STARS; †TOP 100 OHIO & TOP 50 CLEVELAND; ‡TOP 50 WOMEN OHIO; ~TOP 25 WOMEN CLEVELAND; +10 YEARS

PICTURED 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, Martin J. Kraft*, Ian Fijalkovich*, Curtis Fifner *CHOSEN TO 2023 RISING STARS; †TOP 100 OHIO & TOP 50 CLEVELAND; ‡TOP 50 WOMEN OHIO; ~TOP 25 WOMEN CLEVELAND; +10 YEARS

Lawyers list.

PICTURED 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, Martin J. Kraft*, Ian Fijalkovich*, Curtis Fifner

*CHOSEN TO 2023 RISING STARS; †TOP 100 OHIO & TOP 50 CLEVELAND; ‡TOP 50 WOMEN OHIO; ~TOP 25 WOMEN CLEVELAND; +10 YEARS

Ohio Super Lawyers list.

FMLA celebrates 30 years of protecting employees

LYDIA KACALA

The Family and Medical Leave Act, a federal law enacted in 1993 by the U.S. Congress, allows an employee to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time o due to medical or familial reasons.

An employee must have their time approved by their employer, as there are certain conditions – such as caring for a spouse with a serious health condition – that must be met for time o to qualify as leave.

With the speci c conditions met, an employee can use their 12 weeks in one of two ways: all at once or

intermittently.

“ ere are two di erent types of FMLA,” said Brian Spitz, the founding and managing partner of Spitz, e Employee’s Law Firm, in Beachwood. “ ere’s intermittent leave, which means you can use it as needed, for something like dialysis. Or if you have a heart attack, stroke, or have to care for a family member who had surgery, you can use 12 weeks all at once.”

In order to use all, or part, of the 12 weeks protected by

NERVOUS?

the Family and Medical Leave Act, documentation of the reason is also required.

“It has to be a serious health condition, so it can’t just be used for a cold or the u,” he said. “You can also use it to care for somebody, but you can’t use it to go on vacation. ere is a requirement for medical documentation.”

Families in Ohio and across the United States can use their time from the Family and Medical Leave Act within the rst year of when they welcome a child into their home, whether it’s through birth, adoption, or fostering, as well.

e Family and Medical Leave Act provides some peace of mind for many employees dealing with familial or medical issues, as they don’t have to worry about losing their job.

“For most workers, if they get sick and take time o , they can worry about their health conditions or a family member without being afraid of losing their job,” Spitz said.

Lydia Kacala is a freelance journalist.

What is FMLA

The Family and Medical Leave Act provides eligible employees up to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave a year, and requires group health benefits to be maintained during the leave as if employees continued to work instead of taking leave. Employees are also entitled to return to their same or an equivalent job at the end of their FMLA leave.

The FMLA also provides certain military family leave entitlements. Eligible employees may take FMLA leave for specified reasons related to certain military deployments of their family members. Additionally, they may take up to 26 weeks of FMLA leave in a single 12-month period to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Labor

For more information about FMLA

• Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website at dol.gov

Shifrin joins Liner Legal

Liner Legal, a disability law rm based in Cleveland, added Debra Shifrin, who has over 40 years of experience representing disabled people before the Social Security Administration.

She is a graduate of Case Western Reserve Law School in Cleveland and a fellow at the Akron Bar Association.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Debra aboard,” Michael Liner, Liner Legal founder, said in a news release. “Debra has a wealth of knowledge and experience that strengthens our already outstanding team and will allow us to take our already strong Federal court practice to new heights. We have worked with Debra for many years and she is a natural t to join us as our newest disability warrior.”

Spitz

BOUTIQUE REPRESENTATION for

BOUTIQUE REPRESENTATION for

BOUTIQUE REPRESENTATION for

Ciano and Goldwasser is a boutique law firm focusing on high-stakes matters with a dedication to client advocacy.

BOUTIQUE REPRESENTATION for Complex Cases

BOUTIQUE REPRESENTATION for Complex Cases

Complex Cases

Complex Cases

BOUTIQUE REPRESENTATION for Complex Cases

Complex Cases

Ciano and Goldwasser is a boutique law firm focusing on high-stakes matters with a dedication to client advocacy.

• Shareholder & Partnership Disputes

• Sports Law

Ciano and Goldwasser is a boutique law firm focusing on high-stakes matters with a dedication to client advocacy.

Ciano and Goldwasser is a boutique law firm focusing on high-stakes matters with a dedication to client advocacy.

Ciano and Goldwasser is a boutique law firm focusing on high-stakes matters with a dedication to client advocacy.

• Shareholder & Partnership Disputes

• Shareholder & Partnership Disputes

• Sports Law

• Sports Law

• Commercial & Employment Litigation

Ciano and Goldwasser is a boutique law firm focusing on high-stakes matters with a dedication to client advocacy.

• Shareholder & Partnership Disputes

• Commercial & Employment Litigation

• Shareholder & Partnership Disputes

• Commercial & Employment Litigation

Ciano and Goldwasser is a boutique law firm focusing on high-stakes matters with a dedication to client advocacy.

Ciano and Goldwasser is a boutique law firm focusing on high-stakes matters with a dedication to client advocacy.

• Healthcare Law

• Shareholder & Partnership Disputes

• Sports Law

• Healthcare Law

• Sports Law

• Shareholder & Partnership Disputes

• Shareholder & Partnership Disputes

• Healthcare Law

• Sports Law

• Personal Injury & Sexual Abuse

FIRM PRINCIPALS

• Commercial & Employment Litigation

• Sports Law

• Sports Law

• Personal Injury & Sexual Abuse

• Personal Injury & Sexual Abuse

• Healthcare Law

• Commercial & Employment Litigation

• Commercial & Employment Litigation

• Healthcare Law

• Commercial & Employment Litigation

• Commercial & Employment Litigation

• Healthcare Law

• Healthcare Law

• Healthcare Law

• Personal Injury & Sexual Abuse

• Personal Injury & Sexual Abuse

• Personal Injury & Sexual Abuse

FIRM PRINCIPALS

FIRM PRINCIPALS

• Personal Injury & Sexual Abuse

• Personal Injury & Sexual Abuse

FIRM PRINCIPALS

Phillip A. Ciano

Andrew S. GoldwasserBrent S. SilvermanAlexandra Dattilo

Phillip A. Ciano

Andrew S. GoldwasserBrent S. SilvermanAlexandra Dattilo

Phillip A. Ciano Andrew S. GoldwasserBrent S. SilvermanAlexandra Dattilo

CMBA hosts virtual talk on employment leave, practices

BECKY RASPE braspe@cjn.org | @BeckyRaspeCJN

As part of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s virtual “Hot Talk” series, three local attorneys spoke on “Employment Leave Policies & Practices: e Intersection (And Clash) of Employer and Employee Expectations” Jan. 17, with CMBA CEO Becky Ruppert McMahon moderating.

e panel was made up of Sarah J. Moore, attorney at Zashin & Rich, Matthew Besser, principal of Bolek Besser Glesius LLC, and Monica Sansalone, managing partner of Gallagher Sharp LLP, all in Cleveland, with over 200 viewers tuning in.

e topic was inspired by recent events surrounding employment leave policies and practices inside a local law rm, where Jon Dileno, a former attorney from Zashin & Rich, was let go following a viral LinkedIn post by another local lawyer that revealed a critical text he sent to a former colleague at Zashin & Rich regarding her recent maternity leave and decision to leave the rm for another opportunity on her return.

At the center of the topic is whether or not individuals on maternity leave are required to remain in contact or required to do work, McMahon said, asking if there is any legal

articulation of what is expected of an employee while away.

While Moore indicated that there are no requirements in terms of what an employee should be expected to do besides some exceptions for state employees, Besser said there are a few things that employees should expect to occur, especially with notice requirements under the Family and Medical Leave Act. FMLA requires about 30 days’ notice, he said. If unforeseeable, employees should give notice “as soon as practical,” Besser said.

“Once you’re on leave, the statute does not require communication of the employee proactively, but the employer is allowed to request periodic updates about the employee’s status and return to work,” he said, adding if the employee’s doctor has strict instructions that they provided to their employer, like bed rest for six weeks for example, the employee is required to listen to those instructions and should not be doing work or physical activities.

Sansalone said when she went on maternity leave for her son 23 years ago, her rm didn’t have an o cial maternity leave protocol. Since then, her rm has o ered 12 weeks of paid leave – a job guaranteed with exibility in terms of providing additional time for extenuating circumstances.

To ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities, Sansalone said her rm works together to reassign cases to other attorneys while someone is on leave, and that doing it this way has garnered “loyalty” from women

at the rm.

“We try not to bother people on maternity leave,” Sansalone said, recognizing it might

Clockwise from top left, Sarah J. Moore, attorney at Zashin & Rich, Matthew Besser, principal of Bolek Besser Glesius LLC, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association CEO Becky Ruppert McMahon and Monica Sansalone, managing partner of Gallagher Sharp LLP, all in Cleveland, virtually discuss employment leave policies and practices Jan. 17 at the CMBA’s “Hot Talk,” moderated by Ruppert McMahon. | Screenshot

Q&A WITH LAW FIRM FOUNDER

IAN FRIEDMAN, ESQ.

Since the inception of the firm, how has the practice changed most?

We have seen great change, both internally and externally. Within, we have grown from the early days of a solo practitioner firm to a group that works collaboratively to handle a very diverse and complex practice based here in Cleveland. The professionals in the group possess specific skill sets, that when taken in total, ensure that a comprehensive and novel approach is executed in each matter. Today, we are called upon to represent individuals and entities in the defense of the highest stakes investigations across the United States and overseas. So, overall, the breadth and distance of cases handled has dramatically evolved.

Yes, at the beginning of this year, Eric Long became a named partner, so we are now Friedman Nemecek & Long, L.L.C. Our entire group has been together for quite some time. We would not be surprised if the name continues to grow in the nottoo-distant future. While the firm has and continues to be known for handling the defense of criminal, cyber, and white-collar matters, Eric has complemented that practice with the development of a robust Title IX and College Disciplinary Defense group. He and others in the firm focus on campus violations including, for example, hazing and sexual misconduct violations. The different legal areas go hand-in-hand.

How does Friedman Nemecek & Long, L.L.C. give back to the community?

The firm has always stressed that it and all lawyers must give their time and expertise to better the community. This applies to both the general and legal communities. Accordingly, all firm lawyers have the discretion to involve themselves in cases and causes of interest. They know that the rest of the firm will offer whatever support is needed. Additionally, everyone is expected to assume leadership roles in the community that will allow for the effectuation of positive change. In essence, we must leave the community, as well as the next generation of lawyers, in a better place than we find them today. Our firm is comprised of bar presidents, law professors, authors, speakers, and board members because this is how change is born. We take great pride in having handled cases which have set beneficial legal precedent. Similarly, we have helped to change and advance rules and policy that have created a fairer criminal justice system. We believe that it is our obligation to continue these efforts.

What makes the law firm unique?

Our firm has the resources of large law firms to address criminal investigations and prosecutions coupled with the agility of a smaller firm that can respond to client needs wherever and whenever. There are, of course, other excellent criminal defense firms in town. Our type of caseload, however, is unique. We are trusted by other lawyers, organizations, and clients to handle the exceptionally sensitive and difficult situations that demand out-of-the-box approaches. We are frequently sought out to attempt to prevent prosecutions from commencing. This is accomplished by mobilizing resources to secure persuasive evidence aimed at convincing the authorities not to proceed beyond the investigative stage. It is this unique and creative practice that we are known for and has many of us travelling throughout the year.

Where will Friedman Nemecek & Long, L.L.C. be in ten years?

We anticipate still handling the variety of cases that we have handled for the last quarter century. Growth for us though will continue to be seen in the technology realm. Many of us have been teaching about the intersection of technology and criminal defense law since the issues arose early on. As alluded to in previous answers, we are routinely involved in the defense of cutting-edge cyber matters. As technology grows globally, our travel and reach will only expand to better serve the needs of our clients and colleagues. Right now, we are in the process of opening locations in Europe and South America to allow for a more rapid response time. This is one example of how the firm will meet the needs of our clients in the years to come.

Top Row: Left to Right: Tyler J. Walchanowicz, Gregory A. Gentile, Mary K. Walsh, Mark R. DeVan, Eric F. Long, Eric C. Nemecek Bottom Row: Left to Right: Madelyn J. Grant, Ian N. Friedman, Mara M. Hirz Not Pictured: Suzanne Mikolajczyk

It has been more than 25 years since the founding of the law firm. Recently, the name of the law firm changed, tell us about that.

be di erent for larger rms and that the opportunity to shift responsibilities might not be available to smaller companies.

“Ethically handling things is a balance that law rms and lawyers need to understand, and to try and get those building blocks in place before someone leaves so someone else can assume those responsibilities,” she said, ensuring nothing “falls through the cracks.”

While many rms seem to employ the practice of working with employees who are preparing for maternity leave, Besser said there are instances where that negotiation may not “go well” or may not happen in a time frame that makes sense for all parties.

“ e way law rms treat maternity leave is as varied as there are employers,” he said. “ at is the nature of human beings and businesses. We have seen some law rms where if you are a young female associate and you get pregnant, you best not plan to retire from that law rm in the future,” Besser said.

Sansalone said those next steps should be explored beforehand so the burden of nding someone to take on work isn’t left to the employee on leave. She added it is “good ethical practice” for work to be transferred to a full-time employee instead of someone who is “sleep deprived, but not sitting on their ass,” like Dileno’s text stated to his former colleague.

“ e last thing the employer really wants is

a malpractice action on the back end because you have an employee that is sleep deprived that might be missing deadlines,” she said. “And that is the responsibility of management to make sure deadlines and transfer memos are put into place beforehand.”

But for employees that do apply for leave, Moore said the bottom line is the employee should take that leave and not be interrupted during it. What’s di cult in this is that “it is not the practical reality we all face sometimes,” she said.

“But, where the employee wants to continue being involved, that is their choice and it is not something that should come from the rm,” Moore said, adding it is “always possible” that something will come up that no one currently working has context for. “We’re a service-oriented industry, so there will be moments where there will be a reach out. But any reach out should be brief, to the point in what those needs are, and get in and get out.”

If an employee is on leave and choosing to not do work, but is communicated with directly or indirectly that there is an

expectation to do work, Besser said they shouldn’t be afraid to speak up when something is contrary to their wishes.

“Many employees are afraid to speak up for their rights, so they sort of swallow it,” he said. “But, if they feel inclined, they should reach out to HR and do it by email so there is a record.”

Moore added the power dynamic that exists in the business might make it hard for employees to speak up for themselves.

“ e smaller the organization, the harder it is to create avenues of recourse,” she said. “ e larger, the easier. But, that is not an excuse to not create those avenues.”

In the text, Dileno also expressed anger that the lawyer decided to move to another rm after returning from maternity leave. Besser said employers cannot require employees to return from their employer-sponsored leave for a certain period after returning.

“ e way I can frame it is that loyalty is not a one-way street,” he said. “If a law rm decides it was in their best interests to let an employee go, no one would bat an eyelash or raise a question. ... So why would we expect more loyalty from an associate?”

For young lawyers and law students that are viewing this situation with concern as they prepare to enter the job market, Sansalone said it is not re ective of the profession in Cleveland.

“I think we’re a lot better than what one text is,” she said. “Do that due diligence to not get

yourself in that situation. If you nd yourself in that situation, get out of it. You don’t have to subject yourself to it.”

In closing the talk, each lawyer shared their nal thoughts, with Moore noting there is “a lot of work” to be done relative to women’s rights, maternity leave, paternity leave and “all the things that go along with it.”

“ e key is to keep the conversation going, keep moving forward and celebrate the wins,” she said. “We’re focused on what good can come from this.”

Besser said he’s glad people are paying attention to the issue, indicating it’s been “ignored or unspoken in legal circles for a long time.”

“I hope it does spark a larger conversation,” he said. “More than that, I hope this also informs (a) rm on how they advise their clients.”

Sansalone said lawyers should not be afraid to look outside of their immediate circle for guidance - to nd mentors and ask if what they’re going through is normal or right.

“You have to be an advocate and not be shy in doing that,” she said. “And to everyone generally, leave the profession better than you found it. It’s not 1977 anymore, but you have to continue moving things forward.”

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

“I think we’re a lot better than what one text is.”

Monica Sansalone

The Modern Law Firm.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

E

TODD E

GURNEY Rising Stars honoree 2018-2019 Lawyers 2021

honoree 2018-2019

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2021

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There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death. THE

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

There is no substitute for decades of experience spent winning multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts in medical malpractice cases. At The Eisen Law Firm, we have done exactly that by focusing exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and wrongful death.

44122

3601 Green Rd., Suite 308, Cleveland OH 44122

3601 Green Rd., Suite 308, Cleveland OH 44122

3601 Green Rd., Suite 308, Cleveland OH 44122

Cleveland OH 44122

CMBA celebrates 150 years of service to attorneys, others

MEGHAN WALSH mwalsh@cjn.org | @themeghanwalsh

The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year and reminiscing on its successful run in helping attorneys and the people of Cleveland.

Becky Ruppert McMahon, CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and Bar Foundation, discussed how the bar association serves the community and legal professionals.

“ e Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation exists to promote the rule of law and to support those who work in and with the legal industry,” Ruppert McMahon told the Cleveland Jewish News. “Promoting the rule of law – which means advancing a system of laws that is clear, accessible and evenly applied to all citizens – can be traced to our founding documents created in March of 1873.”

While much has changed in the years

e association traces back to two other associations – the Cleveland Bar Association and the Cuyahoga County Bar Association, she pointed out.

“ e Cleveland Bar came rst, founded in 1873 by 53 lawyers whose rst order of business was to demand the resignation of a federal judge because he evidenced, ‘such a want of integrity and such moral turpitude as to destroy all con dence in his judicial administration,’” she said.

e Cleveland Bar Association’s success in establishing itself led to several of its members playing instrumental roles in the launches of the Ohio State Bar Association in 1880 and the American Bar Association in 1888, Ruppert McMahon said.

“In 1927, 64 members of the Cleveland Bar Association branched out to create the Cuyahoga County Bar Association so that it could become ‘a non-sectarian, non-political bar association which would educate attorneys in the practical and ethical considerations of the profession,’” she said. “Over time, the county bar became known as an association for small or solo law rm practitioners, while the Cleveland Bar served predominantly lawyers

rejoined together to create the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association in 2008, she said.

“Today, we are more than 4,500 members strong,” Ruppert McMahon said. “We provide continuing legal education and professional resources to attorneys, judges, paralegals, law students and other business professionals who work in and with the legal industry.”

e association strives to be a leader within the Northeast Ohio community and provides civic education programs for middle school and high school students, scholarship and mentoring programs for college and law students and workforce development programs, she said.

“We remain committed to our Northeast Ohio neighbors and to the critical role the law plays in our democracy,” she stated.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary, the association has launched a podcast called “My BarStory,” which features distinguished leaders and bar members discussing the highlights of their careers and what inspired them to pursue careers in law, she said.

“We’re also featuring special content telling the history of our bar in our monthly magazine for members, the Bar Journal,” she said. “Each

For more information

To learn more about the The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, visit clemetrobar.org, email communications@ clemetrobar.org or call 216-696-3525.

e Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association thinks the 150th anniversary deserves “the biggest party in bar history,” she said.

ey will be expanding their Rock the Foundation Gala at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on June 24 to commemorate this milestone year.

She said her hopes for the future are that the association will continue to provide leadership and hands-on action to keep the community and democracy strong.

“While we’re celebrating 150 years of past success, we are very much looking forward, planning for decades to come, including the development of a new, game-changing initiative – the Cleveland Legal Collaborative –which will enable newer lawyers to partner with seasoned lawyers to help Clevelanders who have serious legal issues, but who are unable to access or qualify for free assistance

RELATIONSHIPS. COMMITMENT. RESULTS.

Ruppert McMahon

2023 Ohio Super Lawyers (Front Row, Left to Right): Ralph Cascarilla | Nick Catanzarite | Charles Daro | Mark Fusco | Irene MacDougall

(Back Row, Left to Right): Jack Waldeck | Gary Zwick 2023 Ohio Rising Stars: Sydney Benson | Ryan Coady | Josh Hurtuk | Sebastian Pascu

to McCarthy Lebit’s

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Lessthan5%oflawyersinOhioarenamedSuperLawyersorRisingStars. But atMLCL,morethan 50% of ourlawyersearnedthishonor. We are humbled by the fact that we outperformed benchmarks so profoundly. But we are not surprised. Our tradition at MLCL has always been to hire the best and brightest lawyers for every area of practice. Our clients deserve remarkable success, and our high caliber attorneys work tenaciously to deliver. We are honored that Super Lawyers recognizes these achievements. Weare alsoproudtoannouncethatthreeofourattorneyswerenamedtotheultra-selectiveOhioSuper Lawyers® "Top 100List" this year.

Ohio Super Lawyers “Top 100 List” Honorees

Christian R. Patno Personal Injury General: Plaintiff

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Ann-Marie Ahern Employment Litigation

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WOLF AKERS and A Legal Professional Association

Practicing Exclusively Family Law

Synenberg appointed to Court of Common Pleas

BECKY RASPE braspe@cjn.org | @BeckyRaspeCJN

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Joan Synenberg to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. Synenberg, of Bratenahl, assumed o ce on Jan. 14. She is taking the seat formerly held by Deborah Turner, who was elected to a di erent seat on the Court of Common Pleas. According to a Dec. 29, 2022 announcement from DeWine’s o ce, Synenberg must run for election in November 2024 to retain her seat.

Wolf and Akers concentrates on complex financial, parenting and other family law matters. For decades they have effectively protected the legal rights of high income clients and clients with complex legal issues with reliable professional legal services that include, among other areas:

•divorce, dissolution and legal separation

•property distribution

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•custody, child support and parenting time

•spousal support

•prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

•parentage

•appellate practice

•alternative dispute resolution

Synenberg served 16 years on the Common Pleas Court, narrowly losing her bid for re-election to challenger Brian Mooney during the Nov. 8 General election. Mooney also assumed his seat in January.

Before the Court of Common Pleas, Synenberg served two years as a Cleveland Municipal Court judge, and also presided over a Mental Health Developmental Disability docket and currently presides over Recovery Court, a dual diagnosis docket.

Synenberg earned her law degree from the Cleveland State University College of Law, formerly Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cleveland State. Synenberg is a former board member of the Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance and the AIDS Task Force of Greater Cleveland. She is a board member of the Northeast Ohio SPCA Pet Shelter.

Synenberg

Advocacy group files amicus brief in Beachwood police chief’s case

BECKY RASPE braspe@cjn.org | @BeckyRaspeCJN

Public Citizen, a nonpro t consumer rights advocacy group and think tank based in Washington, D.C., has led an amicus brief in the legal case led by

Beachwood Police Chief Kate McLaughlin on Dec. 23, 2022, against an individual who has been sending anonymous emails and making internet posts about Beachwood senior administrative sta , including McLaughlin.

Named as John Doe in the original ling by Daniel Powell, McLaughlin’s legal counsel, and Michael Pelagalli, both of Minc Law LLC in Orange, McLaughlin and the city seek injunctive relief and damages arising out of “a persistent and continuous course of tortious conduct by an unknown individual whose malicious actions, which are carried out through various internet personas, cause harm to McLaughlin’s reputation, the city’s operations, and other collective and individual protected interests of the plainti s,” the ling read.

In the original ling, McLaughlin and the city hope to determine the identity of John Doe through the discovery process, after which the lawsuit will be amended as necessary to specify their identity, capacity and residence, and to e ectuate service.

But according to Public Citizen’s amicus brief, this would violate the anonymous poster’s First Amendment rights. Public Citizen has members in all 50 states, including Ohio.

“Identifying the speaker gives the plainti both immediate relief and a powerful weapon, enabling the use of extra-judicial self-help measures to counteract both the speech and the speaker,” the brief reads. “It also creates a substantial risk of harm to the speaker, who forever loses the right to remain anonymous, and may be exposed to e orts to punish or deter her speech. Whatever the reason for speaking anonymously, a rule that makes it too easy to remove the cloak of anonymity will deprive the marketplace of ideas of valuable contributions.” This

...the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.

Marshall J. WolfDeborah Akers-Parry

Senior care facility incidents could result in legal action

MEGHAN WALSH mwalsh@cjn.org | @themeghanwalsh

Malpractice and negligence in senior care facilities can be damaging to patients, their families, the institutions and sta members. When these events take place, victims and their families often seek justice through lawsuits.

Brian Eisen, president at e Eisen Law Firm in Cleveland, and Jay Kelley, managing partner at Elk & Elk in May eld Heights, share reasons behind malpractice and negligence in senior care facilities and how families can help prevent them.

“ e most common acts of medical negligence that occur within senior living facilities have to do with the administration of medications,” Eisen said. “Either wrong medication, wrong dose, wrong route, wrong person are the most common nursing negligence errors we see in senior living facilities.”

Other forms of negligence include falling, abuse, choking, bed sores, elopement –memory care residents escaping the facility and being harmed by weather elements – and failure to get a resident to a hospital in a timely manner when they are in need of medical attention, he explained.

“In nursing homes, where we have people who are really not capable of turning and repositioning themselves, you’ll see the development of bed sores or ulcers, which should not develop and, once they do develop,

are often not adequately treated and can result in death,” he said.

Eisen said there have been two recent cases of elopement, one in Bedford and one in Beachwood.

“ ese are people who leave the facility and they are not protected against the elements; either they have some form of dementia and either escape from a locked unit or wander away and are left in the elements and, unfortunately, they’re often found with severe hypothermia or dead,” he explained.

Care providers sometimes fail to send residents to the hospital in a timely fashion for ailments such as urinary tract infections and pneumonia, he pointed out.

“Sometimes nursing homes are very slow to react and it can be simply a matter of not recognizing the signs or symptoms, but sometimes it’s coupled with a nancial disincentive to send patients to the hospital,” he said. “ at’s a very big concern when they want to keep their numbers of occupied beds at certain levels and, as a result, make decisions

that are good for their pocketbook but bad for the patient.”

ese occurrences are “all too common” in skilled nursing facilities, he noted.

A resident’s loved ones can be key to preventing senior negligence, Eisen said.

“Nothing is a substitute for family visiting and asking questions; visiting and making sure the sta knows you’re there” he said.

He advised that family members do not develop a schedule for their visits, in order to prevent sta from knowing when they are going to visit and only being attentive to the resident around those times.

“Don’t only come Tuesdays at 9 a.m. because that’s when the sta knows you’re there,” he said. “Change it up, make sure they know you’re there and make sure you speak up if you’re not satis ed with something that’s happening. If you know a loved one needs to go to the hospital, make sure to speak to the director of nursing in some of these facilities or, if you have to, you can always call 911 yourself.”

Any medical malpractice case is made up of three components – a breach from the standard of care, which means unreasonable conduct; proximate cause, which means the conduct had a direct impact on the patient’s care and care course; and the damages that ow from them, Kelley explained.

“Within the senior population, di erent issues, and where additional issues can arise, in that there are issues within nursing homes that are speci c to wound care and rehabilitation,” he said. “Sometimes, communication issues

Firms look to perks to avoid employee burnout

MEGHAN WALSH

mwalsh@cjn.org

| @themeghanwalsh

Relaxation and rejuvenation can be contributing factors to a person’s wellness. Several law rms recognize this and, therefore, provide amenities for their attorneys to help them avoid burnout.

Caytie Matti, director of human resources and talent success at Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC in Cleveland, Akron and Canton, discussed the importance of providing wellness outlets for employees at law rms.

“We have a big push for wellness at our rm, and I think it’s more important, really,

than anything else because if people aren’t taking care of themselves, they can’t ultimately do anything for the employer,” Matti said.

Employees may be able to perform well in the short term without taking care of their wellness but, in the long term, employers want their workers to be healthy, happy and have well-rounded lives, she said.

It is important for a mentality that embraces wellness to start at the top of an organization, she said.

“Our managing partner exercises every day and he does not work himself into sickness,” she said.

A leader exemplifying qualities such as getting su cient sleep and not checking their work communications past a certain time each day will impart the same values on employees and encourage them to practice a healthy work-life balance, she said.

“When your leader has that mindset,

everybody else can’t help to have that, as well,” she said.

Firms may cover the costs for an employee, and sometimes their spouse, to join a tness center, take tness classes, receive holistic treatment such as acupuncture or enroll in a weight-loss program, so long as they provide proof of participance, she said.

Social outings, such as parties, dinners and recreational activities, create a sense of bonding among employees and give them an opportunity to get to know each other in more casual settings, she said.

“When we had summer associates in, it was interesting because I tried to get feedback from them on things that they would like during their experiences and they actually wanted to spend time with all the more senior attorneys,” she said.

Happy hours and holiday luncheons at o ces can also help bring employees together

come up. Transportation issues come up. So, all of those things have to be addressed, but each person’s case is handled on a very individualized basis.”

Within a nursing home, falling is one of the most common occurrences of negligence and malpractice, he said.

“Individuals, because of some of their additional conditions, are at increased risk to fall and either monitoring or support is not in place frequently enough or to an adequate level,” he explained.

Echoing Eisen, Kelley said another common cause of malpractice and negligence is bed sores.

“ ose wounds are created from a lack of mobility, a lack of rotation, and the argument when it’s malpractice is a lack of attentiveness to the needs of individuals who cannot move themselves within the bed,” he said.

One of the greatest things a resident can have is a loving family who advocates for them, Kelley said.

“If you have a concern for an elderly individual who has a risk to fall or lacks mobility within a nursing home facility, having somebody there to visit, to check on them, communicate with them is always going to be bene cial,” he said.

It is important for families to have honest and direct communication with sta , he said.

“If you see something, document it, both for the sta and for yourself,” Kelley advised. “Probably the best thing you can do, if you have the resources, at any facility, you can always hire a private attendant to sit with your loved one.”

and interact with each other, she said.

It is important for employees to see that their rms are invested in their wellness, she pointed out. She said rms want to keep their employees around for a long time and, in order to retain them, relaxation and rejuvenation must be factors that they place at high importance. ey should strive to see their employees last at the company and prioritize their growth, Matti said Newer associates, in particular, should be able to see that their rm has their best interests in mind, she said. ey need to know that their employer is invested in their success and also feel taken care of by the more senior attorneys.

“ ere’s nothing more important than taking care of yourself. If you’re not healthy, you’re not going to be able to perform your job well,” Matti said. “You don’t have to give your soul to be successful.”

Eisen Kelley

Matti

Zashin & Rich celebrates 40th anniversary

STEVE MARK

The American Bar Association says there are 1.3 million lawyers in the United States. irty- ve of them work at Zashin & Rich. ere is one word that de nes their collective legal spirit.

“Excellence,” co-managing partner Andrew Zashin told the Cleveland Jewish News.

“We are really good at what we do. at’s the secret. We take care of our clients and we remain results-driven. We listen to our clients carefully, and we are very clear with them from the beginning about what we can achieve and get the best possible results for them.”

Zashin & Rich, celebrating 40 years of practice, started in 1981 by co-founders Robert Zashin and Lawrence Rich. Robert Zashin retired in 1996 and died in 2010. Lawrence Rich has retired, and according to Andrew Zashin, “he is somewhere in Hawaii, I think.” Rich’s son Jonathan Rich has been an attorney at the rm since 1993.

Growing up in Cleveland, Andrew Zashin knew that his father hoped his son would someday become part of the family business. Andrew Zashin joined the rm in 1993. His brother, Stephen Zashin, started working at the rm in 1997 and is co-managing partner. Stephen Zashin founded the employment and labor division at the rm.

“My dad stood for being the best possible advocate he

could be for clients in distress,” said Andrew Zashin, who writes a monthly legal column for the CJN. “He really wanted to see me follow in his footsteps. He was very proud of what he did, and his success. He wanted to see both of his sons in the eld of law.”

e Zashin familial osmosis seems to have continued. One of Andrew Zashin’s children is a lawyer in Tel Aviv. Another is entering law school.

Zashin & Rich specializes in family law. Twenty years ago, the rm added an international family law unit.

“ ere aren’t many rms in the U.S. with an international family law division,” said Andrew Zashin, who touted two cases, in 2019 and 2022, that were argued by Zashin & Rich in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Andrew Zashin, 54, lives in Pepper Pike and attends

Chabad.

Stephen Zashin resides in Shaker Heights and is a member of Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights and Pepper Pike.

“We really have leaders in our two respective elds, which are domestic relations, which Andrew does, and the labor and employment, which I do,” Stephen Zashin said.

“We have an incredible depth of knowledge, which gives us an advantage over other rms.”

Kyleigh Weinfurtner, an attorney at Zashin & Rich, said, “Andrew has created a family law and international family law rm that is unique. Most of our cases are complex in nature, whether that is regarding custody, assets, international legal issues or novel legal issues. Young lawyers get to work on these cases in a substantive way. is bene ts not just that lawyer, but the client bene ts as well. e opportunity to work on complex cases from the outset of your career is unlike any other rm that I know.

“Andrew is a sel ess leader. One of his greatest attributes is his appreciation of, and dedication to, his team. Andrew cares immensely about our careers and providing whatever support he can to assist us in achieving our individual and collective goals,” Weinfurtner said.

Zashin & Rich has o ces in Cleveland and Columbus.

Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

Andrew Zashin Stephen Zashin Weinfurtner

Larry S. Klein

Christopher J. Carney

Klein

Taft expands to 800 attorneys with merger of Detroit’s Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss

LYDIA KACALA

Taft Cleveland recently expanded its reach in the Midwest by merging with the 54-year-old full-service law rm Ja e Raitt Heuer & Weiss of Detroit. e merger took e ect on Dec. 31, 2022, and now gives Taft over 800 attorneys in eight Midwest markets and the District of Columbia.

“Taft Cleveland is very pleased to welcome Ja e and what it means for our clients,” Adrian D. ompson, co-partner-incharge of Taft Cleveland and the rm’s chief diversity o cer, said in a statement to the Cleveland Jewish News. “We are excited to increase our presence in the Midwest with such a respected rm

and community leader in the Detroit market and look forward to the value it will bring for both teams as we continue our rm’s expansion.”

With the merger, Taft has grown by 125% in a six-year period, according to Jill Friedman Helfman, co-partner-in-charge at Taft Cleveland. Taft’s mergers over the past six years have provided resources for the rm, she said.

“With this merger, growing Taft to nine o ces with similar rate structures in every market, our rm has the opportunity to develop more comprehensive service o erings as we draw from a much larger talent pool,” said Helfman, who has been with the rm for 22 years. “Each of our mergers has deepened our breadth of resources and, in our view, has been highly bene cial to our clients and the communities we serve.”

Taft plans to keep those in leadership positions at Ja e Raitt Heuer & Weiss and some employees at the rm will be promoted to rm-wide roles with Taft.

“Local leadership is important in our Taft culture,” said Helfman, who is a member of Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights and Pepper Pike. “ e current Ja e leadership team will continue to lead and make Detroit market decisions. e current Ja e CEO, Mark Cooper, will stay in the CEO-type position of partner-in-charge of the rm’s Detroit and South eld (Michigan) o ces,” she said. “Many of the Ja e attorneys will step into rmwide leadership roles, serving on Taft’s Executive Committee, all other major committees of the rm and chairing practice groups.”

She said the merger comes years after Detroit became a part of Taft’s strategic planning map because the area has many connections to some of the important industries for Taft, such as the automobile industry.

“We have had the Detroit market on our strategic planning map for several years,” Helfman said. “ e Detroit economy has a deep industrial base with a signi cant concentration in the auto industry and suppliers to that industry. It also has concentrations in health care, IT and defense.”

Ja e Raitt Heuer & Weiss was a target for expansion because of its reputation in the Midwest and the values it shares with Taft, Helfman said.

“We especially like the Ja e team,” she said. “ ey are, like us, focused on the same core values – client service, Midwestern values, and a loyal, collaborative culture of teamwork and hard work.”

In 2023, Taft plans to continue to strengthen, grow and search for rms that t well with the values it holds, according to Helfman.

“We are always looking at other cities that would make sense for us and our strategic plan, including rms that would t well with Taft in terms of size, scale, culture, sophistication and economic performance level,” she said.

Taft has o ces in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Delaware in Ohio, as well as Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, northern Kentucky, Phoenix, South eld, Mich., and Washington, D.C.

Friedman Helfman

Thompson

“The Detroit economy has a deep industrial base with a significant concentration in the auto industry and suppliers to that industry. It also has concentrations in health care, IT and defense.”

Jill

Friedman

Helfman

Laurel G. Stein

Lines blurred between practice of medicine, law

LARRY W. ZUKERMAN AND ADAM M. BROWN Special to the CJN

Ohio’s legalization of medical marijuana in June 2016 was a victory for medical marijuana proponents statewide. Since that time, Ohio moved forward, and continues to move forward, with medical cannabis initiatives.

In June 2018, Ohio awarded its rst medical marijuana dispensary licenses and recent reports from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy indicate that over 70 additional dispensary licenses are forthcoming. In fact, Senate Bill 9, pending before the Ohio Legislature, would broaden Ohio’s medical marijuana laws and expand the number of medical conditions that would qualify a patient to use medical marijuana.

Ohio’s medical marijuana law, codi ed under Ohio Revised Code 3796, outlines in detail the legal requirements for producing, selling, obtaining and using medical marijuana. In addition, the law sets forth a speci c provision concerning the rights of medical marijuana registered patients.

Speci cally, Ohio Revised Code 3796.22 (C), entitled rights of registered patient, states, in relevant part that “(a) registered patient shall not be subject to arrest or criminal prosecution for … obtaining, using, or possessing medical marijuana [or any] paraphernalia or accessories …

in accordance with [Ohio’s medical marijuana law].” Stated di erently, the law protects registered patients from being arrested or criminally prosecuted for legally using or possessing medical marijuana.

Problems arise, however, when a registered patient who is lawfully prescribed medical marijuana becomes a defendant in a criminal case because, notwithstanding Ohio’s law protecting the rights of registered patients, some judges consider any use of marijuana, whether legally prescribed or not, to be a violation of a defendant’s terms of bond or terms of probation. Further, some judges expressly impose conditions of bond and probation that prohibit all use of marijuana by defendants which may result in violations of bond or probation conditions and can result in the defendant being arrested, jailed or imprisoned.

ere exists a strong argument that, if the medical marijuana was legally prescribed to the patient (who is also a criminal defendant), a judge should not have the power to substitute his or her judgment for that of the prescribing physician to prohibit the person’s use of medical marijuana and jailing the person for any such use. Likewise, there exists a strong argument that arresting a defendant for using legally prescribed medical marijuana, even for a bond or probation violation, still constitutes an “arrest” which would violate the law (i.e., “patient shall not be subject to arrest” for using medical marijuana legally).

As it appears that Ohio courts have not addressed this issue directly, there remains uncertainty regarding a judge’s authority to limit or prevent a registered patient’s legal use of medical marijuana, even while the defendant is on bond or

probation to that judge.

One must ask, imagine if this issue involved a di erent, perhaps more socially accepted medication without lingering hints of illegality – would a judge be authorized to prohibit a defendant’s consumption of prescribed medication for heart ailments or arthritis, or anything else? At what point does

a judge have the authority to impose terms and conditions limiting the consumption of legally, prescribed medications? Undoubtedly, it would be in the best interests of all Ohioans for this issue to be resolved quickly, given the tens of thousands existing registered cannabis patients and the anticipated increase in patients in the years to come.

Larry W. Zukerman is the managing partner of Zukerman, Lear & Murray, Co., LPA in Cleveland and Adam M. Brown is an associate attorney.

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to our 2022 Crain's Cleveland Business 20 in Their Twenties honorees Moriah Cheatham Williams '19 (Lewis Brisbois) and Lauren Zidones '21 (Roetzel & Andress).

to our 2022 Crain's Cleveland Business 20 in Their Twenties honorees Moriah Cheatham Williams '19 (Lewis Brisbois) and Lauren Zidones '21 (Roetzel & Andress).

to our 2022 Crain's Cleveland Business 20 in Their Twenties honorees Moriah Cheatham Williams '19 (Lewis Brisbois) and Lauren Zidones '21 (Roetzel & Andress).

Moriah Cheatham Williams '19 (Lewis Brisbois)

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Changing fields to law provides challenges, opportunities

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Lead-Safe Clearance Technician Ohio License No.: CT8823 333 Babbitt Rd, #233 • Euclid, Ohio 44123 (Eaton Family Credit Union Bldg.)

Changing careers is a big decision, and it’s one that many people consider as they experience what the profession they chose right out of college is really like. Choosing to shift course can be both exciting and stressful as it requires a signi cant amount of time and commitment because of the inherent challenges, whether after 25 years of work experience or after just a few years.

Common di culties people face when seeking a position in a new eld include e ectively presenting transferable skills to demonstrate value to prospective employers, fear of the unknown and being overwhelmed by the amount of e ort required. It takes information, a clear plan and con dence to make a change, but it can be worthwhile to achieve a better t professionally.

to any career change: needing to learn new skills and gain an understanding of a new industry. And then there were the changes that were particular to her circumstances, she said

“Speci cally in my situation, I found the work format to be an adjustment,” she said. “In news, I was generally working on my story for the day, preparing for my newscast, anchoring the show, and then my work was done, and I went home and came in the next day to do it all over again. In my career in legal marketing, I am juggling multiple ongoing projects at once with no clear ‘end’ to when the workday is done. Rather, projects extend over days, weeks, or even months at a time, which makes e ective planning and time management crucial.”

Such struggles are not uncommon. A format change can mean a lifestyle change or even a change in how one views one’s self.

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Corrina Pysa Wright, senior director, marketing and business development at Kohrman Jackson & Krantz in Cleveland, described her experience transitioning into the legal marketing eld at age 30. Pysa Wright previously worked as a television news anchor and reporter for ABC, CBS and FOX stations across the country and won two Emmy awards before transitioning into legal marketing. Her career took her from Montana to Maryland to Cleveland.

“It was an incredible experience, both professionally and personally, that I will forever be grateful for,” she said. “I ultimately decided to leave the business for several reasons, including better quality of life and wanting to diversify my skills in a new direction that I felt would have more longevity, given so many changes in the news industry.”

For Wright, the biggest challenges to starting a law career later in life included those inherent

“Another challenge that I was not necessarily prepared for was regarding identity.” Wright said. “For about a decade, I was a news anchor and reporter. at became such a part of who I was. Probably in any career, but especially in the news industry, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that who you are is not what you do. Being dedicated to your career, taking your job seriously, and doing good work is important and a re ection of you, but your career shouldn’t de ne you.”

Her advice for others considering making a career change later in life? She suggested being con dent in the skills you have and taking stock of the transferable skills you have developed so that you can e ectively sell yourself.

“It might not happen overnight and you may very well face rejection during the course of seeking a career change, but if it is something you want, keep at it,” Wright said. “All it takes is one open door, one person willing to give you a chance. Expect to have to work hard to prove yourself. Embrace the challenges and commit yourself to learn every day. It doesn’t matter what you do, learning is a lifelong process.”

Lisa Matkowsky is a freelance journalist.

Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP adds Mordew

Kyle Mordew was named trusts and estates Florida and Ohio liaison at Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP. Mordew practices in the areas of estate planning and estate and trust administration.

“We are very excited to have Kyle take on this new role that he is well-positioned for,” said Christina D’Eramo Evans, chair of the Cleveland estate planning, wealth transfer & preservation section, said in a news release. “Kyle is licensed in and has practiced in both Ohio and Florida and has valuable connections in both states. He will travel and meet with our Ohio group members regularly and will facilitate greater coordination and connection between our Ohio and Florida trusts and estates groups.”

Mordew will work in joint client development e orts in the Cleveland and Columbus o ces and the Naples and Fort Myers, Fla., o ces, and will coordinate the ow of Ohio and Florida client matters in partnership with attorneys.

Wright

Personal injury or malpractice? Consult an attorney

STEVE MARK

You’ve been going to your orthopedic specialist for a long time to treat ongoing swelling in your knees, and each month you receive injections to curb the swelling, and your pain.

Suddenly, one of the injections causes a reaction, and for the last year, your knee aches like never before. ough you like your doctor, you’re furious that the knee has never been the same. ere is no remedy on the horizon, and you and your family are considering legal action.

You’re wondering if you should be considering a malpractice lawsuit, though in many ways the medical issues you are now facing could be called a personal injury.

What is the legal course of action?

“When someone’s carelessness causes injury to another person, a personal injury case may be led in court,” Brian Eisen of e Eisen Law Firm in Beachwood said.

“Medical malpractice is a speci c type of personal injury case, where a medical professional – a doctor, a nurse, a hospital, for example – is careless and causes injury while treating a patient.

“So, if a doctor drives through a red light and smashes into you, you may le a personal injury case against the doctor. But if the same doctor prescribes you the wrong medicine and causes you injury, you may le a medical malpractice case.”

“Medical malpractice claims require proving that the medical provider did not

provide reasonable medical care, and that the failure resulted in harm to the patient,” Jonathan Mester, managing partner at Nurenberg Paris Injury Lawyers, said.

“Personal injury cases are simply claims resulting from injuries which are alleged to have been caused by another person, including car accidents, slip and falls, etc.”

In some states, nancial remedy against doctors in a malpractice case is capped at $300,000. at turns away many rms; between costs of hiring expert witnesses and the other expenses, some rms feel they don’t net enough at the end of a case to justify taking the case on.

In Ohio, the cap – and the chance for a greater reward – is higher.

“ e cap on medical malpractice cases in Ohio actually ranges from $250,000$500,000 for the injured party depending on the particular facts of the case,” Mester said. is only applies to “noneconomic damages” including pain and su ering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc. ere is no cap on “economic damages” including medical

bills and lost income, both past and future. Medical malpractice cases are very complex and expensive, requiring consultation with experts throughout the country in order to pursue the case.

Eisen said, “For this reason, the cap does play a role in assessing whether we can handle the case, in that we are more likely to pursue a case in which there are substantial economic damages which are not subject to the cap. It does the client no good to spend as much money as they could recover under the cap if they do not have substantial economic damages.”

“ e caps can make it di cult to take on cases where the injuries are primarily noneconomic, which is often the case for victims who are homemakers or who are retired.

“ is is especially true when the injuries do not a ect the person’s ability to care for themselves, as the damage cap for such injuries is relatively low.” e perception exists that the United States has become an exceedingly litigious country, in terms of medical-related lawsuits. While that may be true on an overall basis, the reality is di erent inside the borders of Ohio.

“While the country may be more litigious, the opposite is true for medical malpractice cases in Ohio,” Eisen said. “ e most recent data compiled by the Ohio Department of Insurance shows that malpractice claims have trended downward since 2018. I wish this was because Ohio medical providers were causing fewer injuries, but that seems

not to be the case. Instead, I believe it is the continued, intentional erosion of victims’ rights by the Ohio legislature and Ohio Supreme Court that has reduced the number of lawsuits. at, in turn, is related to the lobbying e orts of various powerful entities, including medical associations and insurance companies.”

Mester said, “ ere are actually far fewer medical malpractice cases than were led when I rst started practicing 24 years ago, so in my area of practice it is actually less litigious than before. In addition to the caps, the law now requires that any attorney ling a medical malpractice case include an ‘a davit of merit’ from an expert physician opining that there was negligent care. is has resulted in far less cases being led and litigated.”

Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

Supreme Court: Clevelanders not owed refunds from traffic cameras

SUSAN TEBBEN | OHIO CAPITAL JOURNAL

In the last of several rulings on tra c camera usage in 2022, the Ohio Supreme Court found that Cleveland residents aren’t owed refunds for nes leveled for tra c tickets.

e cameras, used to catch speed and red-light violations, are now defunct, but those who did not contest the tickets can’t be reimbursed, according to the majority of the court.

e nes were $100 for red-light violations and speeding violations of up to 24 mph above the speed limit, and $200 for speeding more than 25 miles per hour over the speed limit and any speed violation in a school zone or construction zone.

Appeals were required to be led within 21 days of the ticket.

Cleveland ended the program in 2014 after a vote by residents to ban the tra c cameras.

But drivers who received tickets under the tra c camera program before it ended asked for refunds of their paid nes

after a separate case in the 8th District Court of Appeals determined drivers who were leasing their vehicles weren’t covered under the de nition of “owner,” which the Cleveland ordinance allowing the tra c cameras used to apply tra c violation nes.

Residents led a lawsuit in 2016, and again in 2020 after the court ruled it didn’t have authority to consider the lawsuit. It agreed to consider the case again after the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court and an appeal court allowed the case to proceed.

is time around, a 4-3 decision by the court said the payment of nes and no dispute by the ticketed drivers “ended the case between appellees and the city as to those incidents,” according to the majority decision written by Justice Sharon Kennedy, now chief justice of the court.

“ at appellees decided to take a shortcut in the administrative process does not mean that they did not participate in the process,” Kennedy wrote. “ ey chose an available route: to not dispute their tickets and pay the nes.”

In one of her nal cases as head of the court, now-retired Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor chose to dissent. O’Connor

disagreed with the conclusion of the majority, that because the drivers had paid the nes, they had chosen their judicial fate in the matter, with no further recourse.

But because the drivers had received warnings about increased nes and even a “credit rating warning” for delinquent nes, O’Connor felt the drivers’ hands were tied, despite attempts to appeal.

“ us, according to the lead opinion, the only path available to appellees … to recover the nes the city had improperly collected from the vehicle lessees under the city’s program was for appellees to subject themselves to an expensive and lengthy legal process while receiving threats about the validity of their legal actions, threats of increased penalties and negative hits to their credit scores,” O’Connor wrote.

e Ohio Supreme Court had previously ruled that state funding can be taken away from cities that use tra c enforcement as cameras, and said the case of New Miami drivers challenging city tra c cameras didn’t need a ruling because there was no constitutional question.

Eisen Mester

“Personal injury cases are simply claims resulting from injuries which are alleged to have been caused by another person, including car accidents, slip and falls, etc.”

Jonathan Mester

Hazing suit at BGSU ends with nearly $3M settlement

JOHN SEEWER | ASSOCIATED PRESS

The family of a student who died from alcohol poisoning while pledging a fraternity will receive nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University to settle its hazingrelated lawsuit, according to an agreement announced Jan. 23.

As part of the settlement, the family of Stone Foltz and the university both said they will work to address and eliminate hazing on college campuses. Foltz’s parents have started a foundation focused on hazing education and have spoken to students at other universities about its dangers.

“We can continue our ght saving lives,” said Shari Foltz, whose son died of alcohol poisoning in March 2021.

A university investigation found that the 20-year-old had attended a fraternity initiation event where there was a tradition of new members nishing or attempting to nish a bottle of alcohol, according to a university investigation.

Foltz, from Delaware, Ohio, was found unconscious after members of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity dropped him o at his apartment. He died three days after he was put on life support.

Both sides said in a joint statement issued Jan. 23 that they will be forever impacted by his death.

“ is resolution keeps the Foltz family and BGSU community from reliving the tragedy for years to come in the courtroom and allows us to focus on furthering our shared mission of eradicating hazing in Ohio and across the nation. Leading these e orts in our communities is the real work that honors Stone,” the statement said.

e settlement with the university is on top of more than $7 million in payouts made to the family by the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and those who had a role in the hazing, according to court documents.

Eight former fraternity members either pleaded guilty or were found guilty on various charges, including reckless homicide, hazing and giving alcohol to a minor.

Two of the eight, though, were acquitted last year of more serious charges including involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide. eir defense attorneys had argued Foltz was not forced or required to nish the entire bottle and made that decision on his own.

In their lawsuit, Foltz’s parents accused the school of failing to stop hazing in fraternities and sororities despite being aware of it. eir attorney, Rex Elliott, said Jan. 23 that the university is making an e ort to prevent another tragedy from happening and that colleges nationwide must play a role in reforming how fraternities and sororities bring in new members.

“Greek organizations will not survive if hazing doesn’t come to an end,” Elliott said. “Hazing and pledge programs are a relic of the past.”

After the hazing death, Bowling Green expelled Pi Kappa Alpha and said it would never again be recognized on campus. e university also developed a plan to address anti-hazing e orts, including hiring a prevention coordinator and making it easier for students to tell the school about hazing.

Foltz’s death also spurred changes beyond Bowling Green, including a new state law that created tougher criminal penalties for hazing – a proposal rst made after an Ohio University student died in 2018 after ingesting nitrous oxide at a fraternity house.

Attorneys, HIAS can help work through immigration issues

STEVE MARK

Between July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2022, 1 million people immigrated to America, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. at’s the largest increase over one year since 2010, and it brings the total number of immigrants to the United States to 47.9 million, the largest number ever in this country.

Immigration policies have changed since the beginning of the Biden administration.

ere are 16,000 immigration lawyers and immigration law professors reported by the American Immigration Lawyers Association in the U.S. interpreting those changes and navigating the legal challenges to them. Every one of those attorneys and teachers faces a signi cant and telling number.

“ e current immigration court backlog has surpassed 2 million cases nationwide,” said Maya Lugasy, associate attorney at Brown Immigration Law in Cleveland. “Last year, the Department of Homeland Security issued a memorandum providing guidance to ICE attorneys (prosecutors for cases in immigration court) regarding how and when to exercise prosecutorial discretion.”

She said the memo encouraged U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement attorneys to exercise their existing

discretionary authority to help alleviate the backlog and focus its limited resources on cases that are deemed enforcement priorities. While the memo was in e ect from April to June 2022, Lugasy said many of their clients bene ted as cases were dismissed and attorneys worked together to narrow issues in cases, reducing hearing times and caseloads.

Lugasy added a signi cant however, due to legal challenges in June, 2022, from the states of Texas and Louisiana. A federal judge in Texas issued a decision which canceled the memo, and ICE attorneys could no longer rely on its guidance. e case is now pending with the U.S. Supreme Court, so the memo will remain canceled unless the Supreme Court issues a decision siding with the Biden administration.

HIAS, which was founded as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, in Silver Springs, Md., is a global Jewish nonpro t that protects refugees, according to its website.

HIAS o ers legal help. e ongoing debate over migrants attempting to enter the U.S. from the Mexico border is a frontburner issue and HAIS, too, awaits a legal remedy from the Supreme Court.

“As a Jewish organization that has worked for more than a century to welcome and protect people seeking safety in the United States, HIAS advocates for the right to seek asylum in the United States, and we call for humane, e cient and legal procedures at the U.S.-Mexico border,” said Brian Zumhagen, press o cer at HIAS.

“HIAS has consistently advocated against the use of Title 42 to expel asylum seekers at our southern border. e World War II-era emergency public health law has allowed Customs and Border Protection to block people from seeking protection in the U.S. and has led to more than 2 million expulsions under both this and the previous administration since Title 42 was invoked in March of 2020.

“We have long made the case that Title 42 has no public health rationale and has been used improperly to put asylum seekers at risk. What’s needed instead is an asylum system with enough resources and coordination on both sides of the border to ensure due process and equitable treatment.

“We have also welcomed court rulings a rming President Biden’s authority to put an end to the humanitarian disaster caused by the Migrant Protection Protocols, also known as the ‘Remain in Mexico’ program. HIAS’ extensive work on both sides of the border has shown us that forcing people to wait for their hearings in Mexico needlessly exposed thousands of people to danger.”

Lugasy, who has been with Brown since graduating law school in 2018, has received a signi cant immigration workload in recent years.

“Although I’m based in Cleveland, Ohio, I still get a good number of clients who initially arrived at the southern border seeking asylum and end up in Ohio because of family connections here,” Lugasy said. “But this has been consistent in my cases

over the years. I want to also emphasize that the situation at the southern border is complex, and reporting about it is not always clear. ere is a migration crisis, but it’s happening around the world as a result of a combination of factors including civil strife, climate change and political instability, which have forced many people to leave their homes in search of safety.

“ ere are also (COVID-19) pandemicera policies that have complicated enforcement at the border and added to the humanitarian crisis facing those trying to seek asylum, a form of legal immigration that you can only apply for from within the United States.”

So, like all immigration lawyers in the county, Lugasy is monitoring the U.S. Supreme Court.

“ e outcomes of the court challenges could impact my work greatly,” Lugasy said.

HIAS’ Zumhagen echoes this sentiment.

“We are looking forward to seeing the details of the new policies DHS o cials say they are preparing to implement at the border. Since President (Joe) Biden came into o ce promising to end Title 42, we have called on the administration to embark swiftly on the comprehensive repair of the asylum system that we need to meet the challenges at the border, and to reclaim the nation’s tradition of leadership when it comes to protecting the right to asylum.”

Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

Lugasy

Local firms announce Super Lawyers, Rising Stars

SUPER LAWYERS

Frantz Ward LLP: Brett K. Bacon, T. Merritt Bumpass,

Jr., Thomas E. Cardone, Michael N. Chesney, Gregory

R. Farkas, Ian H. Frank, Michael J. Frantz, Carl H. Gluek, Craig T. Haran, Kevin M. Hinkel, Joel R. Hlavaty, Matthew

F. Kadish, Stephen L. Kadish, Christopher G. Keim, Brian

J. Kelly, Christopher C. Koehler, John F. Kostelnik,Nora E.

Loftus, Margaret M. Metzinger, James B. Niehaus, Jenifer

E. Novak, Mark L. Rodio, Dean M. Rooney, Marc A. Sanchez, Douglas B. Schnee, Lindsey Carr Siegler, Michael E. Smith, Mark J. Stockman, Daniel A. Ward and David G. Weibel

Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP: M. Patricia Culler, Rocco

Debitetto, Daniel A. DeMarco, Christina D’Eramo Evans, Robert J. Fogarty, Stephen H. Gariepy, Steven A. Goldfarb,

A.J. Hensel, Marc J. Kessler, Andrew J. Natale, Lawrence E.

Oscar, Rob Remington, Dennis R. Rose, O. Judson Scheaf III and Christopher B. Wick

McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA: Ann-Marie Ahern, Hugh D. Berkson, David M. Cuppage, Rob Glickman, Kimon P. Karas, Robert R. Kracht, Kenneth B. Liffman, David A. Lum, Michael D. Makofsky, Jack E. Moran, Charles

A. Nemer, Christian R. Patno, Andrew S. Perry, Richard A. Rabb, David A. Schaefer and John S. Seich Ulmer & Berne LLP: Jennifer Lawry Adams, Robert E. Chudakoff, Timothy J. Downing, Jeffrey S. Dunlap, William D. Edwards, Dolores (Lola) Garcia, Frances Floriano Goins, James A. Goldsmith, Howard M. Groedel, Lori Pittman Haas, Richard G. Hardy, Paul R. Harris, Steven S. Kaufman, Joshua A. Klarfeld, Marie C. Kuban, 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

ZASHIN & RICH: Scott Coghlan, George Crisci, Jonathan Downes, Michele Jakubs, Amy Keating, Ami Patel, Drew Piersall, Christopher Reynolds Jonathan Rich, Natalie Stevens, Patrick Watts, Andrew Zashin and Stephen Zashin

RISING STARS

Frantz Ward LLP: Megan E. Bennett , Andrew J. Cleves, Alanna C. Guy, Andrew M. Hanna, Thomas G. Haren, Daniel P. Hinkel, Christina E. Niro, Michael C. Nunnari, Jr., Bradley N. Ouambo, Bradley D. Reed and Jonathan M. Scandling

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, Tara J. Rose, Joel S. Sonnenberg, Katie L. Steiner and Andrew J. Wolf

McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA: Danielle G. Garson, Nicholas R. Oleski, Colin R. Ray, Carolyn C. Soeder and Jonathan C. Wolnik

Ulmer & Berne LLP: Brett C. Altier, Joseph J. Brennan, Michael J. Charlillo, McClellon D. Cox, III, Gregory C. Djordjevic, Sara S. Dorland, Daniel T. Falk, Georgia Hatzis, Sachin V. Java, Sarah Katz, Robert L. McEvoy, Daniela Paez, Abbie R. Pappas, Ashtyn N. Saltz, Emmanuel Sanders, Michael J. Scheiman, Halden R. Schwallie, Raymond D. Seiler and Mengxue Xie

ZASHIN & RICH: Scott DeHart, David Frantz and Kyleigh Weinfurtner

Information submitted by law firms.

– Compiled by Lydia Kacala

Cleveland attorneys named to partnership, counsel

PRINCIPAL

Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A. : Jacqueline A. Hoelting-Van De Merwe

PARTNERS

Frantz Ward LLP: Andrew J. Cleves

Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP: Phil Eckenrode, Matthew K. Grashoff, James L. Holloway, Tara J. Rose, Phoebe S. Wise and Elise K. Yarnell

Minc Law: Daniel Powell

Ulmer & Berne LLP: Georgia Hatzis, David A. Meyer and Anastasia Tonello

COUNSEL

Ulmer & Berne LLP: Blaine F. Doyle

Information submitted by law firms.

– Compiled by Lydia Kacala

Brad Wolfe Law, L.L.C. Provides Aggressive and Calculated Criminal Defense Services Throughout Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

Brad Wolfe represents individuals and entities who are under investigation or charged with criminal offenses in federal, state, municipal, and juvenile courts. The mission of Brad Wolfe Law, L.L.C. is to resolve serious legal matters with satisfaction, efficiency, and compassion.

• Drug Crimes

• DUI/OVI Crimes

• Internet & Computer Crimes

• Judicial Release Services

• Record Sealing

• Sex Crimes

• Theft Crimes

• Traffi c Offenses

• Violent Crimes

• Weapons Crimes

• White Collar Crimes

Case Western Reserve University School Of Law

JESSICA BERG AND MICHAEL SCHARF Special

to the CJN

WHAT SETS YOUR SCHOOL APART FROM OTHERS?

Case Western Reserve University School of Law is part of the top-ranked university in Ohio. We have a longstanding commitment to diversity: 23% of our students identify as a member of an underrepresented minority group, 20% as LGBTQ, and 53% as female. We are ranked fth best in the nation in experiential education, our faculty are ranked 30th in the nation in scholarly impact, and in 2021-22, Prelaw Magazine ranked us as a “top school” in 12 specialties. And at over $127 million, our endowment is the 32nd largest of any law school, enabling us to provide generous scholarships.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER SOMEONE LOOKING TO SELECT A LAW SCHOOL?

You should select a law school that is small enough that you won’t get lost in the crowd,

Berg Scharf

where you will get to know your professors well, and where you will have plenty of opportunities to distinguish yourself through mock trial and moot court competitions, membership on a journal, and participation in clinics and externships. You should select a law school that is committed to providing hands-on experience throughout the curriculum. And you should select a law school where there is a tradition of faculty and alumni mentorship and active engagement in assisting students in obtaining externships and jobs.

Medical Malpractice, Vaccine and Personal Injury Attorneys

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE TO HELP YOUR GRADUATES OBTAIN THEIR FIRST POSITION?

Because of our successful approach to bar preparation, we are regularly ranked rst or second in bar pass rate in Ohio and recently had the 20th best bar pass rate in the nation. With a high bar pass rate, our recent graduates had a 94% job placement rate. Our career development o ce is composed of experienced attorneys who work closely with our students during all three years. rough the Mentoring Alumni Program, alums around the country meet regularly with our students, starting in the fall of their rst year. And we provide grants for unpaid summer externships and post-graduate fellowships.

Content provided by law schools

Case Western Reserve University School of Law

11075 East Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44106 216-368-2000

case.edu/law

Email – contact via website

The University of Akron School of Law

EMILY JANOSKI-HAEHLEN

Special to the CJN

WHAT SETS YOUR SCHOOL APART FROM OTHERS?

U.S. News and other publications rank Akron Law’s intellectual property law, trial advocacy and parttime Studies programs among the best in the country.

We are nationally recognized for experiential learning. Our trial advocacy teams are consistently among the best in the country, with 23 national and regional titles.

We work to instill a strong sense of justice and social responsibility in our students. We promote inclusion, diversity and equality through our admissions policies, Social Justice Fellows program, student organizations and community involvement.

Our law center features the latest classroom technology, plentiful study space and a beautiful commons area.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER SOMEONE LOOKING TO SELECT A LAW SCHOOL?

Choosing a law school is an important decision. I strongly encourage students to visit any law school they are considering, speak with current students and sit in on a few classes to be sure that the school is a good t. Students should also know what support

services each law school o ers and what the outcomes are – employment rates, bar passage, academic success. At Akron Law, we are very proud of our 92% employment rate, our overall bar passage rates and the academic success services that we o er to all students to help them thrive in law school and beyond.

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE TO HELP YOUR GRADUATES OBTAIN THEIR FIRST POSITION?

Akron Law career services o ers one-on-one career 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. We host two large on-campus recruiting programs each year. Career Services also o ers an online job search platform with curated jobs, weekly emails comprised of important events, job postings and articles, and a monthly alumni newsletter, as well as out-of-state contacts and resources for those graduates seeking to relocate. Our team is extremely invested in each graduate’s success.

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

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

Janoski-Haehlen

An introduction to some of Ohio’s law schools e Cleveland Jewish News asked Ohio’s law school deans about their programs, what sets them apart, advice for prospective students and how their law school prepares students for a career in the eld. All Ohio schools were asked to participate and some did not respond to requests or elected not to submit.

Howard Mishkind and David Kulwicki were again selected for inclusion in Ohio Super Lawyers for 2023 and by U.S. News Best Law Firms in America and Best Lawyers in America for 2023 in the areas of Plaintiff Medical Malpractice and Plaintiff Personal Injury Litigation. We also have a nationwide practice helping people that develop serious medical conditions from vaccinations. We have over 75 years of proven experience and results helping the seriously injured obtain justice. Check out our client 5-star reviews on Facebook and our website. Let us help you.

University of Cincinnati College of Law

MICHAEL WHITEMAN

Special to the CJN

WHAT SETS YOUR SCHOOL APART FROM OTHERS?

If you are interested in experiential education that is designed to elevate social justice, then the University of Cincinnati College of Law is the right choice for you. Home to the Ohio Innocence Project, the Legal Access Clinic, the Indigent Defense Clinic, the Domestic Violence Clinic, the Urban Morgan Institute for Human Rights, the Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice, as well as the Entrepreneurship and

Community Development Clinic, and the Patent and Trademark Clinic. Every law student at UC Law has the ability to gain deep experiential experience during the law school career in a eld that promotes and supports social justice. Graduates of UC Law are ready to hit the ground running to be champions for change in their communities.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER SOMEONE LOOKING TO SELECT A LAW SCHOOL?

Whiteman

When looking for a law school, make sure that the school matches your passion. Look to their clinics and centers to make sure there will be plenty of opportunities for you to pursue your dreams for what you hope to accomplish as an attorney. You should also look at where their graduates are employed. If you want to

Cleveland State University School of Law

LEE FISHER

WHAT SETS YOUR SCHOOL APART FROM OTHERS?

We stand out for our outstanding faculty, stateof-the art trial courtroom, learning commons, consistently high bar passage rate, national award-winning moot court teams, downtown campus a short walk away from most of Cleveland’s legal employers, hands-on experiential opportunities, and cutting-edge programs such as cybersecurity and global space law.

We are the top-ranked public law school

in northern Ohio, nationally ranked in 12 law specialties, and named a “top law school” in health, business, tax, international and criminal law by PreLaw Magazine. Our part-time program is the top-ranked program in Ohio, and our new online part-time J.D. program is one of the very few online JD programs in the nation.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER SOMEONE LOOKING TO SELECT A LAW SCHOOL?

Look for a law school that is studentcentered and o ers great value. We are there for our students every step of the way from Jump Start, a unique summer program o ered to all admitted students prior to the fall semester, to a wide variety of faculty, sta , student and alumni academic support programs such as the student Peer Tutoring Program and our Bar Preparation

University of Dayton School of Law

ANDREW STRAUSS

Special to the CJN

WHAT SETS YOUR SCHOOL APART FROM OTHERS?

Students can receive an online hybrid or traditional Juris Doctor. We o er graduate degrees in American and transnational law, including a Master of Laws and a Master in the Study of Law, as well as a M.S.L. in government

contracting and procurement law. e law school also has collaborations with the university’s Human Rights Center and Hanley Sustainability Institute for students interested in studying the law in those areas. We are committed to inclusivity, service and justice inspired by our Catholic, Marianist heritage.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER SOMEONE LOOKING TO SELECT A LAW SCHOOL?

Observe in-person or virtual classes, participate in admitted student events, talk to students and alumni about their experiences at a particular law school, de nitely visit

be in a speci c location, make sure that school has plenty of graduates and contacts in that region. is will dramatically increase your post-employment opportunities.

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE TO HELP YOUR GRADUATES OBTAIN THEIR FIRST POSITION?

e Center for Professional Development provides law students and graduates with a range of services including individual career counseling, as well as access to our job platform. Law students and graduates can take advantage of professional and career development programming that includes interviewing and job search skills, practice panels and workplace etiquette programs. In addition to networking events, the Center for Professional Development o ers resume and

cover letter workshops. Finally, the Center for Professional Development brings potential employers to campus where students can interview on site for jobs with law rms, government agencies, judges and other legal employers.

Michael Whiteman is the interim dean of the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

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Program.

In Prelaw Magazine’s Best Value Law Schools magazine, we were ranked one of the top law schools in the nation “where graduates have excellent chances of passing the bar and getting a legal job without taking on a ton of debt.”

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE TO HELP YOUR GRADUATES OBTAIN THEIR FIRST POSITION?

We are Northeast Ohio’s most reliable legal talent pipeline. Every rst-year student is matched with an alumnus who is a resource to them throughout law school and beyond. ere are more graduates of our law school in Northeast Ohio than any other law school in the nation, which enables us to o er extraordinary externship and job opportunities. rough our groundbreaking clinics, we use the city and the

world as our classroom. We also o er strategic support for entrepreneurial students through our unique Solo Practice Incubator.

Lee Fisher is dean of Cleveland State University School of Law.

Cleveland State University College of Law

Joseph C. HostetlerBakerHostetler Chair in Law 1801 Euclid Ave., LB 138 Cleveland, OH 44115 -2214 216-386-8688

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campus and the surrounding areas, and research schools’ Standard 509 Disclosure required by the American Bar Association.

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE TO HELP YOUR GRADUATES OBTAIN THEIR FIRST POSITION?

e University of Dayton School of Law career services o ce is dedicated to o ering students and alumni comprehensive career planning services; including but not limited to job listings, identifying career options, aligning career opportunities with individual interests and skill sets, developing successful job search techniques, individual counseling services,

resume and cover letter review, and mock interviews.

Andrew Strauss is the dean of the University of Dayton School of Law.

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Attorneys’ pro bono work can be lifesaver for client

STEVE MARK

Has this happened to you or someone you know?

A store lays o your best friend. She is in her early 60s and she suspects she is part of a purge to eliminate “older” employees. All of her male counterparts were spared from the job cuts. She lives month-to-month after a recent divorce and nancial resources are tight.

Your friend calls a multitude of law rms. Some don’t think she has a strong case, and some don’t specialize in employment law.

One rm seems interested, and the friend is starting to feel relieved.

“I think we can help you,” says the lawyer on the other end of the phone, until this bit of news:

“You’ll have to pay us $2,500 up front so we can look into this further.”

e friend is out of a job and simply cannot a ord the money.

ere is hope, but the friend needs to do some homework.

In 2006, the American Bar Association adopted a measure that urged U.S. law rms to do pro-bono work, which is de ned as “being, involving, or doing professional and especially

legal work donated especially for the public good.”

“We have a history of supporting the communities in which we live,” said Patricia Shlonsky, a partner at the Cleveland rm Ulmer & Berne.

“To us, the practice of law instills a deep responsibility to give back to our communities through charitable giving, community involvement, and the provision of pro bono legal services. Our desire to use our skills to ensure access to justice is shown by our attorneys who generously give their time and energy to provide legal assistance to those who cannot a ord it.”

Shlonsky has been with Ulmer for 37 years. She estimates that in 2022 her rm performed 3,000 hours of pro bono work, working with

100 outside organizations in community activities.

“Ulmer’s commitment to civic engagement is evidenced in many ways,” Shlonsky said. “ roughout the year, we contribute signi cant resources to organizations that support and promote vital causes, such as education, literacy, health care, medical research and the arts. In addition, we engage in traditional pro bono activities such as providing legal services to community organizations and individuals in need.”

Shlonsky noted two instances in particular that highlight the rm’s pro bono e orts.

“Our attorneys have spent time in Texas to provide pro bono immigration services to detained mothers and children seeking asylum, and have dedicated many hours to the U.S. Justice Department Clemency Program, which began in 2014 to address those serving long prison sentences, primarily in drug convictions, for which the sentence would be much shorter under current guidelines.” e other notable case involves what has become an attention-getting e ort.

“Partner David Leopold is working with CNN’s Jim Sciutto to help a family leave Afghanistan for safety and a new life abroad,” said Shlonsky, a member of e Temple-

Tifereth Israel in Beachwood. “David is working to get an application in order and, where possible, advocate to move it along through the approval process.”

Something to keep in mind when searching for a rm for representation: It is not assumed that every rm does pro bono work.

e Liner Law rm in Cleveland specializes in disability cases, but does not do pro bono cases.

“All of our work is on a contingency-fee basis, because of how hard it is even to win our cases (which are all on behalf of indigent clients) and because we have limited extra resources,” said Michael Liner of Liner Legal. “I don’t believe it is rare to nd rms that do pro bono work. e rarity is more along the lines of smaller rms doing pro bono work. e smaller rms like me don’t have the resources available. Having said that, all of the attorneys in my o ce participate independently in pro bono clinics like the ones put together by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Akron Bar Association and even the Jewish Federation (of Cleveland).”

Once again, the attorneys at Bentoff & Duber have been proudly recognized for their incredible dedication and commitment to law in Northeast Ohio. Congratulations to our attorneys for receiving the 2023 Super Lawyers Award.

Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

Liner Shlonsky

Joshua G. Berggrun

Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

Joshua G. Berggrun, an attorney who specializes in real estate and real estate nance transactions at Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP in Cleveland, said his work as a “deal lawyer” was inspired by his family and the desire to make a positive di erence.

“My family was involved in real estate … we had a sophisticated real estate practice (owning and managing multi-family apartment buildings) and that’s something I’ve always been interested in,” he said.

And it was his family that instilled the work ethic in him that Berggrun said helps contribute to his success in this eld.

“(My) family has always been hard workers, always been a proponent of education … of really putting your all into everything,” he said.

Berggrun said his work ethic has been essential as success is based upon “your ability to put in … the time for your friends and your colleagues and for potential clients to listen to what they have to say,” he said. “I’m always looking to talk to people. I’m always looking to do business development.”

Beyond the foundation of a strong work ethic, Berggrun said he is also driven by the way that his work in real estate can make a positive di erence in the communities around him.

“I chose real estate and real estate nance because I enjoy helping clients develop and improve cities and neighborhoods with restaurants, retail, o ce and industrial projects,” he said. “Seeing the communities change based on real estate projects and development that we’re putting in, new restaurants or bringing a new company to Cleveland or other parts of the state, just having a grocery store or restaurant chain in the community ... is probably the most meaningful” part of the work.

At the same time, he said his friends and colleagues are a constant source of support and in uence.

Berggrun said, “I’m always meeting up with my friends and my network and we’re always talking about the deals that we’re doing. … We all push each other. Your colleagues and your friends and your family are the ones that continue to drive you forward.”

Regardless, attorneys need to have a work-life balance, he said.

“Work-life balance is tough for

About Joshua

Age: 31

Hometown: Cleveland

Synagogue: Celebrating Jewish Life

Undergraduate: Ithaca College

Law School: Elon University

My Favorites ...

Jewish holiday: Rosh Hashanah

Deli sandwich: Sabich

Vacation: Amalfi Coast, Italy

Show I’ve binge watched: “White Lotus”

everyone, especially in our eld, which is not a nine-to- ve job,” Berggrun said. “So, it’s work hard, get your work done and then take care of yourself.”

According to Berggrun, anyone considering a career in the law needs to think carefully about what’s involved in the eld, including the time and costs involved.

“Make sure it’s the right nancial decision and it’s something that you think you’re going to be passionate about,” he said. “Because it’s a lot of hours, a lot of work and a lot of debt and people can get overwhelmed. But as long as you go in with your eyes open I think it’s going to be bene cial for you.”

Bergrrun was honored by the Cleveland Jewish News as a member of the 2019 class of CJN 12 Under 36:  Members of the Tribe.

– Stephen Langel

Publisher’s note: Joshua G. Berggrun is a member of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company Board of Directors.

Movie I recommend: “Call Me By Your Name” 3333

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.

PAUL J. SINGERMAN GARY S. DESBERG

RONALD J. TEPLITZKY EVAN S. HIRSCH

Brandon Duber

Bentoff & Duber Co. LPA

For Brandon Duber, practicing law is about helping people and making a positive di erence in their lives when they are most in need. Duber said he was inspired by his father Michael to enter law and to focus on workers’ compensation, personal injury, criminal defense and medical malpractice as his father does.

Duber said he saw his father “helping people who didn’t always have the ability to help themselves. ... It was just something that he loved and was passionate about and so I thought it would be something that (would be) enjoyable for me as well.”

Duber, who works at Bento & Duber Co. LPA, with o ces in Cleveland and Beachwood, said he soon found out that how much practicing this type of law meant to him.

“ ere’s a lot of people that are in really bad positions, whether nancially because they’re injured and not able to provide for the families anymore and there are people with just really bad injuries and pain and falling into the di culties with the workers compensation system and injury system,” he said. “It’s nice to help people to get treatment so that they can feel better and move on in their life or get money to provide for the families, put food on the table and pay their mortgage and take care of their kids. ... At the end of the day, it’s about making a di erence for people.”

Duber, who serves on the Orange Village Council and, until recently, was council president, said he has been inspired by Judaism’s emphasis on making positive change in the world.

“It goes to helping people, whether it’s giving tzedakah to help people who are in need; it’s a similar path of being a good person ... that’s always how I’ve lived my life,” Duber, who belongs to Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights and Pepper Pike, said. He recommended other young professionals carefully consider what they are passionate about when choosing a career.

“You’ve got to nd something that makes you happy,” he said.

Duber said that does not necessarily mean following your family’s recommendations because while he

Rochelle Prashker Ehrenreich

Ehrenreich & Associates

For Rochelle Ehrenreich, the path to a legal career was neither traditional nor direct, but one she is said she is glad she took. Ehrenreich said she was always interested in the law, but her mother dissuaded her from becoming an attorney because she felt her daughter was too introverted and law school would only exacerbate the problem. Despite aptitude tests that showed she should consider a law career, her mother had other ideas.

“Go to law school after you get married,” Ehrenreich said her mother told her.

About Brandon

Age: 43

Hometown: Orange

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate: Skidmore College

Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

My Favorites ...

Jewish holiday: Chanukah because of my two little kids

Deli sandwich: Corned beef from Corky & Lenny’s Vacation: Anything skiing

was inspired by his father’s career and is passionate about the law, that is not always the case.

“Because if your family is (recommending) something that’s not enjoyable, I don’t think that’s the right thing to do necessarily,” he said.

Duber said even while he was inspired by his father, he still tried a di erent career path at the outset, prosecuting criminal cases in Colorado before coming back to Ohio to join the family rm.

“I think it’s important to nd your own path rst,” Duber said.

In the end, he said he just found worker’s compensation to be more interesting, more rewarding and such personal satisfaction is important.

“You’ve got to nd what your passion is,” Duber said.

– Stephen Langel

So, she began her career as an accountant. But that career was not for her and at 48 years old she decided to go to law school and, adding another wrinkle to her journey, did so alongside her daughter. When her younger daughter took the Law School Admission Test for entry to law school, Ehrenreich said found it interesting and took the exam as well. Both mother and daughter ended up going to law school together at Fordham University in New York, even taking classes together during the rst year of school and graduating together.

“So, it was me, my daughter and her two babies ... all up on stage, getting the diploma together,” she said.

However, as a woman in her early 50s, Ehrenreich said she had trouble nding a job, only getting a few o ers, one of which was working for female-run law rm practicing disability law in New York where she would go on to win civil rights cases on behalf of her clients by helping them secure the accommodations they needed. She came to Cleveland when she married her husband, Leonard, in 2018, whose family rm Ehrenreich & Associates, has been in business for the past 50 years and focuses on disability accommodations, medical malpractice, Social Security, worker’s compensation and personal injury.

Ehrenreich said she enjoys practicing law because she likes to help people not only secure the rights they are guaranteed by the law, but also prevent them from making mistakes due to their lack of understanding of the law.

“You can save people a lot of grief when you understand the law and explain it to them,” she said.

Ehrenreich said she also takes inspiration from her Judaism when it comes to her legal practice.

Citing the book of Deuteronomy, Ehrenreich said Judaism exhorts to “pursue

About Rochelle

Age: 71

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue

Undergraduate: Brooklyn College

Law School: Fordham University

My Favorites ...

Jewish holiday: Sukkot

Deli sandwich: Club – turkey, pastrami, etc.

Vacation: Beach

Show I’ve binge watched: “Shtisel” Movie I recommend: “Gone with the Wind” and “Shawshank Redemption”

justice,” but said, unfortunately, that does not always happen in practice.

“You’ll nd a lot of clients coming in and they go, I want justice,” she said. “But in the secular courts, I have to admit, that there isn’t really justice, an absolute justice that can be resolved by those courts. e best you can do is as an unhappy compromise where both sides are equally unhappy.”

Despite this, Ehrenreich said she would recommend students consider law school.

“I would tell people that there were so many things you can do with the law, so many di erent areas ... engineering law, patent law ... litigation, personal injury, all these things, that no matter what, you will nd an area that appeals to you and interest you. And ultimately, yes, you do help people.”

And for those who are considering law as a second career, Ehrenreich said it can be done.

“You have to be able to sit and study,” she said. But, “if you want to do it, you’ll be able to do it.”

– Stephen Langel

Doug Eppler

Walter Haverfield

Doug Eppler’s law career was born out of a love for giving advice to friends and sticking up for those he cared about.

“ is was when I was younger, sort of in high school and college,” Eppler said. “I am sure it wasn’t the best advice, but I liked doing it. I originally was at Syracuse University for journalism, but I decided at one point it wasn’t for me. I was trying to gure out what to do, but in between my love for giving advice and advocacy, and a love of writing, I decided to go to law school.”

Now, the 39-year-old Shaker Heights resident is a partner at Walter Haver eld in Cleveland, where he is a member of the litigation services group. Eppler practices creditors’ rights enforcement, commercial litigation, and trust and estate litigation. Regarding his practice area, Eppler said part of it was “circumstance” once he graduated law school and started practicing at Ziegler Metzger LLP in Cleveland.

“When I graduated in 2010, there were a lot of foreclosures going on,” he recalled. “ e rm I started with had a strong practice in that – trust and estate litigation, and creditors’ rights. It wasn’t that I necessarily sought it out, but once I started working on it, I found it was very interesting work. So, I stuck with it.”

Part of that interest in advocating for others was born out of his Jewish upbringing, Eppler said.

“To some extent, it is so ingrained in me that I don’t even realize it,” said Eppler, who celebrated his bar mitzvah at Congregation Bethaynu and was con rmed there as well. “We learn that sense of justice – anytime you take on a new case, you recognize that there are always two sides to every story. Any time there is a sense of fairness, or general right or wrong, you want to advocate and ght for your client, especially if what has happened to them isn’t fair.”

inking back on the last 13 years of his law career, Eppler said he nds it di cult to pinpoint a highlight. But, he added that any win – big or small – is something to be proud of.

“Any time you get a successful resolution in litigation, whether it’s through a settlement or ruling, it is a good feeling,” Eppler said. “You’ve helped solve someone’s problem.”

Recognizing that he wouldn’t be the

Lee Fisher

Dean, Cleveland State University School of Law

According to Lee Fisher, what he learned in law school has in uenced him in each step of his nearly 50-year career.

About Doug

Age: 39

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Undergraduate: Syracuse University

Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

My Favorites ...

Jewish holiday: Chanukah

Deli sandwich: Reuben

Vacation: Yearly trips to Hilton Head with family – my wife, Haley, and sons, Oliver and Henry Show I’ve binge watched: “Servant” Movie I recommend: “Tombstone”

lawyer he is today without the support of many mentors over the years, Eppler said he is currently experiencing a career turning point – from mentee to mentor.

“I’ve been really fortunate to have excellent mentors throughout my career,” he said. “Mentors that had all di erent styles, but at the end of the day, really taught me that when you’re representing someone, it is a privilege and responsibility. So, I think one of the next things I want to be is a mentor myself, which I am learning is a whole new skill set. e turning point is being in that next phase.”

And for that new generation of lawyers, Eppler had a piece of advice: communication is key.

“Always make sure that you’re communicating clearly,” he said. “In any good relationship, whether that’s with colleagues or clients, the key is always clear communication. It sounds so simple, but it is something that if you keep it in mind, it is always helpful.”

– Becky Raspe

“Every position that I’ve held, whether it was as a lawyer, a state legislator, attorney general, lieutenant governor or CEO of two nonpro ts, in every one of those positions, I was able to utilize the skills that I learned from my legal education to help to be more e ective in my position,” he said. “And it’s why I always tell students when they’re considering whether they should go to law school ... even if you don’t want to practice law, there is no better degree in America, for learning the skills to be an e ective leader in whatever sector you land, whether it’s public, private or nonpro t.”

Fisher said his focus on a legal career was driven by a desire to make a di erence.

To me, the main objective (of any) position you hold, and regardless of the sector, is your ability to make a di erence in other people’s lives,” he said. “... there is no sector that has a better record of making a lasting impact on our society than lawyers, particularly lawyers who have served as elected public o cials, because you’re able, in those positions, to make an impact that is not only deep, but it is also wide, because of the number of people you represent.”

Fisher said he was also in uenced early on by his family, particularly his father and uncle who were attorneys. His focus on the law was also in uenced by his Jewish values and his career was furthered by the support of the Jewish community, Fisher said.

“My Judaism has been core to everything I’ve done,” he said. “First, I would say to you that tikkun olam, to repair the world is making a lasting di erence in other people’s lives, which is what I said earlier, was my goal in life. And it’s all inspired by what I learned in Sunday school at Suburban Temple (-Kol Ami in Beachwood).”

And it is the support of the Jewish community, not only in Cleveland, but throughout the state, including Columbus and Cincinnati, that has allowed him to have a successful career, especially when it comes to his time as a public servant, Fisher said.

“Had the Cleveland Jewish community not embraced me and supported me,” he said. “I doubt that I would have been as e ective ... as I hope I have been in my life of public service,” he said. “So, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Cleveland Jewish community.”

e Cleveland Jewish community’s support included the likes of businessman and philanthropist Mort Mandel, who Fisher said served as a mentor to him and got him

About Lee

Age: 71

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami

Undergraduate: Oberlin College

Law School: Case Western Reserve University Law School

My Favorites ...

Jewish holiday: Passover

Deli sandwich: Corned beef, chopped liver, thousand island dressing, on toasted rye bread

Vacation: Chautauqua Institution

Show I’ve binge watched: “The Man in the High Castle”

Movie I recommend: “Just Mercy”

engaged in the National Jewish Democratic Council, which Mandel founded.

In addition to the support of the Jewish community, Fisher said his successful career path has been due to the connections he’s made by being at the right place at the right time and taking opportunities as they became available.

For instance, when the opportunity came along to start his political career in 1980 as a state representative, he took the leap despite some misgivings about his lack of experience as a practicing attorney at the time.

“Sometimes you just have to seize the opportunity, because these opportunities don’t come along often.”

And opportunities, phone calls o ering jobs, may come along when you least expect it, he said.

“My life has been lled with unexpected opportunities and calls,” Fisher said.

– Stephen Langel

Susan Friedman

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Representing the injured and their families for over 50 years

David Steiger

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.

Kohrman, Jackson & Krantz

Susan Friedman, an estate planning attorney at Kohrman, Jackson & Krantz in Cleveland, said nding her way to a law career started in high school. She credits her Shaker Heights High School U.S. government teacher Jerry Graham as the one to inspire her choice to pursue political science as a major in her undergraduate studies.

“It was my favorite high school course, and I eventually worked for two U.S. congressmen: Louis Stokes and William Clay,” said Friedman, who lives in Solon. “ e congressmen encouraged me to apply to law school, and the rest is history. It just clicked. If I wasn’t in Mr. Graham’s class, I don’t know if I would’ve had the same trajectory.”

To get her foot in the door, Friedman started her career as a litigator, she said.

“But, I quickly realized that I didn’t like the adversarial nature of litigation,” she said. “I knew I wanted to help people. When I transitioned to estate planning, I knew right away it was the right area of law for me. I work with individuals and families to help them have peace of mind while navigating challenging situations.”

While her career has been long and has had many successes along the way, Friedman said she still has many years ahead of her, especially with her recent move to KJK in November 2021.

“I consider my most recent turning point to be when I joined Kohrman, Jackson & Krantz,” she said. “ is move gave me the opportunity to broaden my practice and do more complex work based on the support of my partners, our associates and the rm’s strong practice groups. I’m grateful that I landed at KJK.”

As her favorite part of the job is helping people from various walks of life navigate business succession and complex estate planning, Friedman said what makes her most proud also is what brings her joy.

“It’s about helping families avoid disputes and protect assets while also balancing my own family life and being a mom,” she said. “It’s not easy for any working mom, but I like what I do.”

A member of Park Synagogue, Friedman said her connection to Judaism plays a role in her day-to-day work as a lawyer.

“Judaism teaches that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” she

About Susan

Age: 54

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate: Washington University

Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

My Favorites ...

Jewish holiday: Passover

Deli sandwich: Challah melt with turkey and cheese

Vacation: New Mexico

Show I’ve binge watched: “Ted Lasso”

Movie I recommend: “Black Panther” series

said. “ ere are also the tenants of justice and tikkun olam, and I strive to re ect those tenants in my legal practice. I work to treat all of my clients and colleagues respectfully, but also because of my Jewish upbringing, I make an e ort to be involved in the community, too.”

And in addressing the next generation of estate planning lawyers, Friedman said it’s important to know that the practice area “can’t be put in a box.”

“A practitioner should have knowledge of other practice areas such as corporate, tax and litigation,” she said. “It’s important to hone writing skills for all practitioners. Also, young lawyers should make sure to stay on top of the law because changes are coming.”

– Becky Raspe

Danielle Garson

McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co. LPA

Danielle Garson describes her journey to becoming a lawyer as a “process of elimination.”

A principal at McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Li man Co. LPA in Cleveland, Garson said law was always an option for her because of her regular exposure to the Cleveland legal community through her father, Ken Li man, McCarthy Lebit principal, board chairman and president. Ken Li man is also a member of the Cleveland Jewish News Foundation Board of Directors. Saying her father always said she’d be a good lawyer because of her thoughtful, analytical and deliberate approach to things, her teen years were spent trying to do the exact opposite, Garson said.

“I graduated with a double major in marketing and logistics and supply chain management,” said Garson, who lives in Pepper Pike and attends e TempleTifereth Israel in Beachwood. “I tried to stay away from a legal career, but it found me. I had a lot of summer jobs in di erent elds, and I found I didn’t enjoy anything. But, I did enjoy studying for the LSAT because it was all logic puzzles.”

Now, she’s 12 years into her career and focuses her practice on business and corporate law, real estate and construction law, mergers and acquisitions, and banking and nance law.

“I realized my parents were right –being a lawyer ts my personality and work ethic,” Garson said. “I love going to work every day and I am so lucky to have a mentor like my father.”

Before joining McCarthy Lebit, Garson practiced at Meckler Bulger Tilson Marick & Pearson LLP in Chicago, which was acquired by Philadelphia-based law rm Cozen O’Connor in 2015. She originally focused her practice on litigation, but Garson said she realized it made her unhappy.

“But I remembered when I was a kid, coming to work with my dad and I’d watch him work,” she recalled. “We’d then drive around the city and he’d point out the deals he worked on. He was always really proud of what he did. And that ingrained in me what you can do with real estate law. You’re building and creating something. You can see physical, positive results.”

Building those relationships throughout Cleveland, making principal and having a good work-life balance are only some of the things Garson is proud of, she said. Making sure she has enough time to enjoy work

About Danielle

Age: 38

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel

Undergraduate: University of Maryland

Law School: University of Illinois

Chicago School of Law

My Favorites ...

Jewish holiday: Loved Chanukah as a kid, but Rosh Hashanah as an adult

Deli sandwich: Reuben

Vacation: My honeymoon to France

Show I’ve binge watched: “Schitt’s Creek”

Movie I recommend: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”

and her family, Garson said Judaism plays a key role in making it all work out.

“I think of my grandparents, who were Holocaust survivors that died around the time I became a bat mitzvah,” she said. “I remember them very clearly teaching me to prioritize what matters. My grandmother always told me not to cry over anything that doesn’t cry over you. I realize now it means to not worry about materialistic things, that people matter, and to show compassion, empathy and interest in others.”

For the next generation of lawyers, Garson emphasized the importance of hard work.

“Work very hard, even as a rst-year or a clerk,” she said. “You set that tone right when you walk in the door. Don’t consider it a trial run. Second chances are often hard to come by. Work hard, be diligent and own up to your mistakes. is is the time you work your hardest.”

– Becky Raspe

Judge Francine B. Goldberg

Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court

For Judge Francine B. Goldberg, choosing a career in law stemmed from wanting to make a tangible di erence in her community, recognizing that lawyers could have “a signi cant impact on quality of life issues either through the legislature or the courts.”

“As a freshman at e Ohio State University, I interned for State Sen. Lee Fisher and knew I wanted to have a career in public service and law,” she said.

Now, the University Heights resident is a judge for the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court, a seat she was rst elected to in November 2014. Previously, she served as an assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecuting Attorney for 23 years. She also served as a University Heights city councilwoman. She was honored by the Cleveland Jewish News as a member of the 2017 class of CJN 18 Di erence Makers.

In her eight years on the bench, she’s resolved thousands of cases and has maintained one of the court’s most successful dockets, Goldberg said.

As she considers the oath she took when she was sworn in “to faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all of her duties to the best of her ability and understanding,” Goldberg considers all of the moving parts of a case – knowing it all comes down to her, she said.

“Many litigants from diverse backgrounds come before me,” she said. “ is may be the rst time many of them have been in a courthouse or before a judge. Some are represented by legal counsel, while a large part is self-represented. As a jurist, it is my responsibility and my duty to fairly and impartially listen to the evidence and testimony that comes before me. Litigants put their faith, trust and con dence in me. I will always be fair and impartial so that every litigant has meaningful access to law.”

As a judge, Goldberg said she is everaware of the real-world implications her decisions have on families and children.

at pushes her to “ensure that our system of justice is conducted with respect, honor, integrity and humility,” she said. Quoting “To Kill A Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee, Goldberg relayed the line Atticus Finch says to Scout, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view ... until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it,” which embodies her work as a judge, prosecuting attorney, city councilwoman, wife and mother, she said.

“Everyone has a narrative, everyone has a

About Francine

Age: 58

Hometown: University Heights

Synagogues: Green Road Synagogue and Jewish Family Experience

Undergraduate: The Ohio State University

Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

My Favorites ...

Jewish holiday: Sukkot

Vacation: Visiting our children and grandchildren in Israel

Show I’ve binge watched: “The Goldbergs”

Movie I recommend: “The Ten Commandments”

story to tell,” Goldberg said. “We need to listen and display empathy, compassion, kindness, generosity, tolerance and civility for di erent backgrounds, cultures and religions.”

All of this is directly related to her identity as a Jewish woman, Goldberg said, noting she strives for justice that is “rooted in kindness, equality, civility, caring, compassion, inclusion and family.” Jewish or not, she hopes those morals inspire the next generation of judges.

“ is unyielding pursuit of justice is my approach and guidepost in every case, and for everyone that appears in my courtroom, to ensure that every family is treated with respect, dignity and some heart,” she said. “‘We all stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, and those who come after us will stand upon our shoulders.’ is is my mantra. I believe we have a responsibility to live up to the legacy of our ancestors and be a role model for the younger generation in our community.”

– Becky Raspe

Benjamin Hoen

Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA

As a product of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland in Cleveland Heights and a trained rabbi who studied in yeshivas around the world, Benjamin Hoen’s interest in Jewish philosophy and law texts led him to becoming an attorney.

He began working as a law clerk at Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA after returning from Israel and shortly after applied to Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, now Cleveland State University College of Law, where he attended at night. After graduation, he joined the rm’s real estate practice group as an attorney.

“I’ve been with the rm now since 1998, so it’s been a long journey and one that I’ve met a lot of great people in,” Hoen said. “I’ve learned from a lot of great people.”

Now a senior attorney who rose through the rm under the mentorship of others, he relishes in the chance to pay it forward by hiring and mentoring new young attorneys, especially in setting an example for others coming up through the yeshiva education system.

“ ere were a lot of skilled lawyers in our rm that mentored me when I was younger and put me in a position to be successful, to do good work for clients,” he said. “And ultimately, that’s kind of what we believe in. Being in the Jewish community, we believe very strongly in paying it forward (and in) education.”

He advises associates aiming for partnership that being a good attorney is important, but so is building personal relationships with those you work with –both for and against.

“Your goal is to build a personal relationship with that person, so that they respect you, so that they understand your positions,” Hoen said. “And ultimately, building those alliances is how you become a successful lawyer internally and externally.”

He said this personal touch was lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, but he is looking forward to the future as people slowly come back together in person. As a big sports fan, he enjoys the opportunity to take clients to the Cleveland Guardians or Cavaliers games to build those relationships.

Hoen also stressed the importance of not only knowing the law, but reading the de nitions and having a deep understanding of the law and what you want to accomplish as a lawyer.

Sarah Katz

Ulmer & Berne LLP

When Sarah Katz, associate attorney at Ulmer & Berne LLP in Cleveland, was presented with the opportunity to incorporate her interest in science into her practice as an attorney, she eagerly embraced it.

Katz’s practice focuses on product liability litigation and the defense of pharmaceutical, medical device and toxic tort claims.

About Benjamin

Age: 46

Hometown: Cleveland Heights

Synagogue: Congregation Zemach

Zedek

Undergraduate: Central Yeshiva

Tomchei Tmimim

Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

My Favorites …

Jewish holiday: Sukkot, the best time of the year to gather with friends and family, which does not involve the obligation to eat matzah.

Deli sandwich: Anything from Izzy’s Smokehouse in Brooklyn N.Y. Looking forward to some new favorites at Mendel’s KC BBQ right here in Cleveland.

Vacation: Miami, where my two sons study in yeshiva.

Show I’ve binge watched: “Fauda”

Movie I recommend: “The Big Short”

Whether he wins or loses a case, at the end of the day, he said he is part of a chain in the legal community that links back hundreds of years and forward hundreds of years. What’s more important is how he can leave a mark and pay it forward.

“You’re only as good as your last game, right?” Hoen said. “Isn’t that what they say in sports? ... Your mark that you’re going to leave on the community – the legal community and the community in general – is not necessarily that I won my last game, but it’s what have I produced for the future of the industry.”

– Courtney Byrnes

“I have been practicing in commercial litigation since graduating from law school,” she said. “I began practicing in medical product liability defense, in part, because of the added science element in this practice. I have always been interested in science and it has been a pleasure to be able to incorporate this interest into my legal practice.”

She said her work has made a di erence in the eld through her extensive experience with all stages of the litigation process, from pre-litigation counseling through trial and appeal. She has second chair arbitration, trial and dispute resolution experience. Her practice group has worked in courts across the United States and presented arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court.

“I use these skills to represent a diverse array of clients in multi-district, coordinated and consolidated proceedings, as well as putative class actions and ‘oneo ’ product liability suits,” she said.

Katz said Judaism has had a direct impact on her career because she was o ered an internship through a Jewish organization 10 years ago.

“During the internship, I worked as a research assistant in a post-traumatic stress disorder study at Bar-Ilan University,” she said. “While I was there, I became intrigued by many of the political and legal issues in the area. is experience convinced me to apply to law school upon my return to the U.S.”

Katz said she enjoys spending Jewish holidays with her family.

“My family always had very elaborate, and sometimes silly, Passover seders,” she said. “ at is probably why it is my favorite holiday. My bat mitzvah was pretty interesting, too. I had the same haftorah portion my mother had when she was bat mitzvahed, which was surprising. e theme of my party was endangered species and we collected funds for the World Wildlife Federation.”

About Sarah

Age: 37

Hometown: Lakewood

Undergraduate: The Ohio State University

Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

My Favorites … Jewish holiday: Passover

Deli sandwich: Lox bagel

Vacation: Lecce, Italy

Show I’ve binge watched: “Eureka”

Movie I recommend: “Moulin Rouge”

Growing up, she attended Hebrew school three days a week and took Hebrew as her foreign language during her junior year of high school, she said.

Outside of work, Katz enjoys learning new skills and can often be found taking classes, she said. Her hobbies include art-based skills such as sculpting, felting, glassblowing, blacksmithing, sewing and painting.

Looking forward, she hopes to continue to grow in her eld and learn more as she does so. She also hopes to learn more about other elds of both law and her life overall.

“My goals are to continue to work for and serve my clients e ciently and e ectively,” Katz said. “I look forward to my knowledge base and expertise in this eld continuing to grow. My personal and professional goals are both governed by one rule – always seek to learn more. I hope to both develop greater expertise in some areas of my life and diversify my knowledge base in others.”

– Meghan Walsh

Roger Kleinman

Cavitch Familo & Durkin, Co., L.P.A.

Attending law school at the age of 29, Roger Kleinman did not take the traditional path to becoming a lawyer.

After graduating from undergraduate school, he spent many years making a living as a musician and putting out records in the Cleveland band, Wild Horses.

“I thought I could do some good with a law degree,” Kleinman said about his decision to go back to school, adding that his uncle, Bennet Kleinman of Kahn, Kleinman, Yanowitz & Arnson, served as an in uence.

He began his law practice in November 1984 and over time found himself focusing more and more on family law. At the rst law rm he worked for, Kleinman said he gained experience in divorce litigation which led him to stepping up and assisting with the family law practice when he moved to a larger rm.

e family law practice is relatively small, so Kleinman stressed the importance of forging working relationships with other lawyers in the practice as it can be in the client’s best interests.

“ is practice area, because it is so emotional, because the clients make so many demands on you, some lawyers will start to take things personally,” he said. “And so keeping friendly relations when a lawyer doesn’t agree with you or their client is giving them a hard time can be challenging, but I think that by and large I’ve been successful at doing that. And I think it’s in the client’s interest for their matters to be not about the lawyers and their egos, but about their issues and reasonable resolution of their issues.”

As a lawyer, he said his main goal is solving problems, which can be challenging, but when achieved can be very satisfying.

“You have to navigate the lawyer on the other side, your own client, the facts, the law, all that,” said Kleinman, who celebrated his bar mitzvah at Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights and Pepper Pike. “And the practice, of course, is emotional. Clients are emotional and so their emotions also have to be considered, acknowledged and somehow dealt with in the overall process.”

Dean

About Roger

Age: 71

Undergraduate: The Ohio State University

Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

My Favorites … Jewish holiday: Pesach … it sums up 5000 years of Jewish history: They attacked us; we won; we ate.

Deli sandwich: Lox, cream cheese, tomato, on an onion bagel

Vacation: Aruba, Aruba, Aruba Show I’ve binge watched: “Breaking Bad”

He said his greatest accomplishment is establishing a reputation over his many years of being a lawyer as being honest and right thinking.

“Try to do the right thing,” Kleinman said. “And you have to try to do the right thing in the face of sometimes opposition from your own client, lawyers on the other side, but always be honest, always listen and make it about the client’s interests and not your own.”

Raised by parents who were brought up in Orthodox, Yiddish-speaking households, Kleinman said, “ e Jewish culture is the thing that is meaningful and signi cant to me. I really love Jewish culture and the wisdom that religion has.”

– Courtney Byrnes

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Scott Lepene Thompson

Hine LLP

Scott Lepene, a member of the business restructuring group at ompson Hine LLP in Cleveland, takes great pride in the cases he has worked on, many of them involving bankruptcy.

is eld of law invigorates him because it allows him to get involved in multiple areas of practice, he said.

“I’ve been practicing for 20-plus years now,” Lepene said. “I’ve been fortunate to have a number of rewarding experiences. Certainly, any time you go into bankruptcy court and are advocating a position on behalf of a client in bankruptcy court in front of a federal judge, that is a memorable experience.”

Lepene said one of his most memorable cases was the Family Christian bookstore bankruptcy case.

“ e Family Christian bookstore bankruptcy case was a case that lasted a signi cant amount of time and I was up there leading our rm in representing a secured lender in the case. at was certainly a very memorable experience,” he said.

He has also served on bankruptcy cases for companies such as L & L Wings, Eastman Kodak and Frontier Communications, he said.

“I have been fortunate to build, in connection with my role as a business restructuring attorney, a niche in specializing in assignments for the bene t of creditors, particularly in the Delaware Chancery Court,” Lepene said.

He said many opportunities have presented themselves working at ompson Hine, which has a diverse practice.

“We have a wonderful platform at our rm and I think that, in a nutshell, if I was to summarize what has been rewarding, it’s been the ability to utilize the platform that we have at ompson Hine to develop client relationships and client opportunities,” he said.

Lepene said he began his career as a litigator, but was looking for an area that would be the right t, which led him to specializing in bankruptcy cases.

“ e thing I like about bankruptcy is that you really get to dabble in a variety of areas,” he said. “ at’s the beautiful thing about bankruptcy is that you get to litigate and you also get to utilize corporate skills. So, you literally have the best of both worlds.”

An attorney practicing in this eld can be advocating a position in front of a bankruptcy judge and litigate an issue at

About Scott

Age: 47

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate: Ohio University Law School: Vanderbilt Law School

My Favorites …

Jewish holiday: Rosh Hashanah

Deli sandwich: Whitefish salad and swiss

Vacations: Hawaii, Disneyland, Montreal

Show I’ve binge watched: “Ted Lasso”

Movies I recommend: “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Top Gun: Maverick”

bankruptcy court while, at the same time, be drafting an asset purchase agreement on behalf of a client who is acquiring the assets in the case, he said.

“I always wanted to be able to specialize in an area (like bankruptcy) because I felt that would make me more marketable and I think I’ve been fortunate in that regard,” he said.

Lepene said every lawyer faces adversity in their career and how they grow from it depends on how they deal with it.

“One of the things about being a lawyer is that it can be humbling,” he said. “It’s not an easy profession. Not to suggest that any other profession is easy, but being a lawyer is hard and it’s demanding. You’re going to be hit with adversity from time to time and it really comes down to ‘How do you handle it?’ e ones who deal with adversity head on and try and improve from it, I think, then end up in a better position.”

– Meghan Walsh

Franklin C. Malemud

McDonald Hopkins

An attorney for 25 years, Franklin C. Malemud has been perfecting his craft in the practice of trust and estate litigation for the last 21 years. He said his experience as a young lawyer exposed him to many well-known attorneys in town that were known for what he would call a “niche practice.” So, when he was asked to join a rm’s trust and estate litigation practice group, that is where he began to focus his work.

“While work-life balance is important, it’s also important not to forget (that in order) to become exceptional at something, you have to put a lot of time into your craft,” Malemud said. “ e sooner you get there, the sooner you have more control over that work-life balance.”

With his experience and expertise, he has helped grow a practice group and often mentors young lawyers. While Malemud has practiced in the area of trust and estate litigation for the past two decades, his experiences go beyond his current work at McDonald Hopkins in Cleveland.

As a high school student, Malemud was involved in student government and held leadership positions with BBYO Ohio Northern Region. With an interest in government and governing, in college he studied political science and interned with then-Ohio Attorney General Lee Fisher, now the dean of Cleveland State University College of Law.

Malemud ended up losing interest in the politics, but enjoyed the experience of working with the state’s top lawyer and continued onto law school, where he found his strength in writing and persuasion, he said.

Gravitating toward litigation, he said his “ rst job out of law school was a highvolume civil litigation rm. I had great trial and appellate experience at a relatively young age.”

As his practice focuses on disputes and problem-solving involving family members in inheritance claim issues, he said his cases are often very personal and emotional for those involved. While his goal is to win the case for his clients, Malemud works hard to try and keep intact the family dynamic, he said.

“ e most challenging (aspect) is trying to use litigation to get closure and help

Ellen Mandell

Mandell Law

Aself-described challenging child always interested in arguing her position, Ellen Mandell had wanted to be a lawyer since she was 4 years old when she became hooked on “Perry Mason.”

For the last 34 years, she has operated her own rm, Mandell Law, where she primarily practices in the area of family law.

“I made the decision because I wanted to spread my wings,” she said about the decision to go into private practice. “And I interviewed with some law rms and decided that at that particular point in time in my life, I really wanted to be on own and see what I could accomplish on my own. And I stuck with it.”

About Franklin

Age: 50

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Kol HaLev

Undergraduate: The Ohio State University

Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

My Favorites …

Jewish holiday: The Weinstock 2nd

Seder

Deli sandwich: Katzinger’s No. 31 (Big Bob’s – pastrami/corned beef)

Vacation: Attending the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Show I’ve binge watched: “Parks and Recreation”

Movie I recommend: “Summer of Soul”

people move on from the raw emotional moments that they’re experiencing,” Malemud said. “And of course, the most rewarding aspect is providing them that closure.”

Behind the work he does are his Jewish beliefs in concepts like tzedakah and helping others.

“ e core tenet of tzedakah, which instills a moral obligation to help others, has been something that has been part of my law practice,” Malemud said. “And trying to make sure that what I’m doing provides counseling to help families solve their disputes.”

–

Courtney Byrnes

Prior to her private practice, Mandell brie y worked for three attorneys following her graduation from Cleveland State University College of Law and then for Judge Burt Gri n at the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court as a law clerk where she drafted opinions.

“ en I went out into private practice, and initially I was going to work in the area of personal injury, but I gravitated towards domestic relations, family law, and I’ve been doing that ever since,” she said, adding she shared an o ce space with other family law attorneys and those were the cases that had come to her.

Private practice o ers Mandell the bene t of choosing the clients she wants to work for, as well as o er her clients more individualized attention to ensure the best possible outcome.

She shared a story of o ering advice to a doctor going through a marital issue who came back a year later with a gift basket to thank her after the advice helped her move forward and take the right steps.

“I was very grati ed to hear that,” Mandell said. “My most rewarding cases are the ones where I get my clients out of a bad situation or an unhappy situation, and they’re able to move forward happily. Not everyone who gets divorced is happy at the end of it, and I can’t change that for them. eir lives are going to change, but I’m grati ed when I can give them the best possible outcome under the circumstances and enable them to move forward.”

As a past bar counsel for the Cuyahoga County Bar Association, she has also worked in the area of professional ethics, an area that has always interested her, to prosecute and defend attorneys facing ethical violation charges.

She recalled learning about Jewish ethics and fairness at her temple high school,

About Ellen

Age: 70

Hometown: Beachwood

Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University

Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

My Favorites … Jewish holiday: Chanukah

Deli sandwich: Hot pastrami on rye

Vacation: Disney World Show I’ve binge watched: “West Wing”

Movie I recommend: “The Manchurian Candidate” (the Frank Sinatra version)

Temple Emanu El in Orange.

“ at has carried me a long way,” she said. “If you followed simple precepts of Talmudic law, you are generally doing the right thing.”

As part of family law, Mandell has also handled probate law cases such as new wills and powers of attorney after a divorce. She has also represented victims of domestic violence, and done a number of adoptions.

Mandell shared some advice she has learned from other experienced attorneys and her own experience as a lawyer in private practice. Namely, to know when to not take a client when you know that you cannot make them happy. “If it’s not a good t, it’s not a good t,” she said.

“And the other thing I’ve learned from talking to my colleagues and contemporaries is do what makes you happy, do what makes you feel ful lled,” Mandell said. “Try not to take it home with you. Try to do your best, know you’ve done your best and leave it in the o ce.”

– Courtney Byrnes

216-621-6138

Judge Dan Aaron Polster

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio

For Judge Dan Aaron Polster, a senior judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, leaving the legal system better than he found it is a top priority.

Polster, who has been a member of the public judicial system for 46 years, started his career as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division in Cleveland after graduating from Harvard Law School in 1976. In 1982, he became an assistant U.S. attorney for the economic crimes division of the Northern District of Ohio and was later sworn into his current position as a federal judge in 1998.

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In December 2017, Polster was asked to oversee roughly 3,000 lawsuits being brought by communities, including Cleveland, against drug and pharmaceutical companies for the roles they had in the incitement of the opioid epidemic.

“It has been, far and away, the hardest task I’ve had to handle professionally, by orders of magnitude,” Polster said. “In our country, we’ve essentially replicated the casualties of the Vietnam War. More than 50,000 young people a year for 15 years.”

He explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, drug overdoses among young people rose, causing even more deaths. Additionally, millions more have become addicted.

“ e consequences are devastating and they’re ongoing,” he said.

e purposes of the lawsuits are not just to compensate for the past, but also to deal with the present and the future, and to try to restore the system, he said.

“Now, I’m just the judge,” he said. “I was asked to take this responsibility. No one can make a judge assume a multi-district litigation, but I was asked and I guess being Jewish in uenced my response.”

About Dan

Age: 71

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogues: Congregation Shaarey

Tikvah and Park Synagogue

Undergraduate: Harvard University

Law School: Harvard Law School

My Favorites …

Jewish holiday: Passover

Deli sandwich: Pastrami and coleslaw

Vacation: Galapagos Islands

would be hard but had no idea how hard it really would be.

“I’ve made plenty of mistakes but I think, collectively, we’ve accomplished a lot in ve years,” Polster said.

He said that there have been nine global settlements so far, totaling about $50 billion. e funds from those settlements will help treat those who have become addicted to opioids.

Polster said he plans to continue in his work as a judge for as long as he can and further oversee justice in the opioid crisis.

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“You should say ‘hineni’ and give it your best try,” he said. “You may not succeed. In my book, and the Jewish teaching, not succeeding is not failing, but not to try – not trying – that’s a failure.”

“I consider myself very lucky to be here, to be healthy at 71,” Polster said. “I don’t take it for granted. I’m fortunate to have my 97-year-old mother still with me in good health, active, living independently, but I lost my dad at age 66 to cancer, so I’m keenly aware that good health is not a given and longevity is not a given, so I try to make each day count.”

•

Licensed to practice in the States of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and before the United States Supreme Court.

Taking these values into account, he agreed to take on the cases when his colleagues asked him. He said he knew it

Polster was honored by the Cleveland Jewish News as the 2018 recipient of the CJN Civic Leadership Award at its 18 Di erence Makers ceremony.

– Meghan Walsh

States of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and before

to practice in

Cynthia Krips Port

Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP

For Cynthia Krips Port, giving back to the community is a top priority.

In addition to her work as an estate planning attorney at Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP in Cleveland, she spends her time volunteering for organizations such as the Beachwood Schools Foundation, the Mandel Jewish Community Center in Beachwood and Milestones Autism Resources in Warrensville Heights.

“I grew up in a pretty Jewish household and my father was a lawyer,” Krips Port said. “A lot of us go to law school, thinking we’re going to repair the world. So, I think tikkun olam, that idea that it’s your responsibility to do your part to repair the world, plays into wanting to be a lawyer and wanting to serve your clients and wanting to make things better.”

Planning for the handling of one’s estate after death can be scary for some clients, so any day that she can help someone get their a airs in order is an accomplishment, she said.

“A lot of clients come in reticent to do this; they’re scared to talk about that,” she said. “ ey don’t want to deal with what’s going to happen after they’re gone and, of course, not everything we do is dealing with stu that happens after they’re gone, but it’s sometimes hard to get people even in the door. And I think there’s a palpable sense of relief when they sign their documents.”

Pieces of advice that Krips Port has received as an attorney, and carried with her throughout her career, are to write down everything she does when she does it, keep track of her time as it goes and ask for help when she doesn’t know something, she said.

Krips Port’s volunteer work began when she asked to get involved with the Beachwood Schools Foundation and the Mandel JCC Book Festival, she said.

“Beachwood Schools Foundation and book festival, I think I asked, ‘Could I get involved’ and then I was brought on,” she said.

Krips Port’s daughter has autism, so her volunteer work at Milestones began through her acquaintanceship with the organization’s founder, Ilana Ho er Sko , she said.

“Milestones, they reached out to me,” she said. “I knew Ilana Sco , who is the founder, and they knew that I had an autistic daughter and that I was interested in the mission.”

She said she believes her volunteer work brings attention to organizations that people might not otherwise be aware of.

“At work, I’ve connected some people to

About Cynthia

Age: 53

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate: University of Maryland

Law School: American University Washington College of Law

My Favorites …

Jewish holiday: Purim

Deli sandwich: Corned beef on rye

Vacation: Paris, Venice, Bourbon

Trail in Kentucky

Show I’ve binge watched: “Catastrophe,” “Somebody Feed Phil”

Movie I recommend: “Moonstruck”

the helpdesk at Milestones and been able to introduce even some clients and friends to Milestones; so, in that way, I think bringing in people who maybe didn’t know about the organizations,” she said.

Similarly, with the book festival, she was able to help bring in authors to speak with generations that the festival hadn’t previously served, thereby bringing in “new blood” and exposing them to broader communities, she said.

Looking forward, she said she hopes to continue volunteering for organizations that hold meaning to her and helping her clients to the best of her ability.

“I want to continue to serve organizations that the mission speaks to me and continue to participate in any way that I can support any of these organizations in whatever capacity that is – either lending expertise or support; to build my practice, to continue to serve my clients the best I can; to learn from my esteemed colleagues,” Krips Port said.

– Meghan Walsh

Craig Weintraub

The Law Offices of Craig Weintraub

Little could have prepared Craig Weintraub, attorney at e Law O ces of Craig Weintraub in Cleveland, for the adversity he would face when he took on the internationally-publicized case of Ariel Castro nearly 10 years ago. Castro was charged with 977 counts, including kidnapping, rape and aggravated murder. e crimes spanned between the years 2002 and 2013, during which Castro held Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight captive in his Tremont neighborhood home.

“I was hired by Ariel Castro’s uncle, who was a very successful businessman in the Puerto Rican community,” Weintraub said.

Weintraub recalled that the case wasn’t very di erent from the rest of his practice, but its high-pro le nature was something he had not encountered before.

“ ere was a lot of learning on how to deal with the international media scrutiny that came with the high-pro le nature of the case,” he said.

He said he received multiple death threats for representing Castro.

“For some reason, people had this belief that I supported and condoned what he did, but I was simply doing my job and representing him and trying to ensure that he did not receive the death penalty, which is what the prosecutor originally sought,” he said.

Weintraub said Castro had no real exit strategy from his complicated double life. is ultimately led to the women escaping from his home.

He said Castro was a man who, to the public, seemed like an ordinary person when he went out on his own or took his young daughter, who was born in captivity, out to do seemingly normal things such as go to parks, restaurants and shopping centers.

“But, he didn’t have an exit strategy for how he was going to end this because, once his young daughter became aware of her surroundings, and that she was trapped and held prisoner just like her mother and the two others, it became a di cult situation for him as to how to end it,” Weintraub said.

e day Berry, DeJesus and Knight escaped and Castro was arrested, Castro intentionally left the door unlocked, Weintraub said.

“ ey routinely, at that time, started checking the doors to see if they were locked or not,” he said. “He intentionally left it unlocked and they were able to escape. I think Amanda was the rst one that was out.”

After agreeing to a plea deal of life in prison without parole, plus a minimum of 1,000 consecutive years, Castro was later found dead in his cell at the Correctional Reception Center in Orient, located south of Columbus in Central Ohio.

Weintraub said he has been involved in multiple other cases that have been widely publicized locally, but nothing else on an international scale.

“ e Castro case was on television,” he said. “ e sentencing, in particular, was televised internationally on CNN. So, it was so unique that I

About Craig

Age: 61

Hometown: Moreland Hills

Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law

My Favorites …

Jewish holiday: Rosh Hashanah

Deli sandwich: Turkey sandwich at Corky & Lenny’s Vacation: Cancún

Show I’ve binge watched: “In the Line of Duty” Movie I recommend: “Old School”

was contacted by people that I went to grade school with and temple with that live around the world and, in that regard, it was interesting.”

He described Castro as a psychopath who was damaged, himself, during his childhood, adding that it was no excuse for his conduct.

“He su ered from the beatings that he undertook and the sexual abuse when he was a child and that’s similar to some of my other clients, but they never went out and abducted people and held them captive for 10 years,” he said.

Weintraub said his Jewish faith has guided him in how he approaches his clients, and has molded his morals and integrity. He takes the most pride in being able to handle the stresses that come with being a lawyer, he said. e best advice he has ever received as an attorney is to have patience.

Weintraub has two Bernese Mountain Dogs who he reveres as his kids.

“I don’t have any children, so they get an amazing amount of attention,” he said. “So, I love being with the dogs, walking the dogs at the Metroparks.”

Looking forward, he hopes to continue succeeding in his work as a defense attorney, he said.

“(I want) to continue to be able to successfully represent my clients and obtain great outcomes for them that put them on the right track for the rest of their lives,” Weintraub said.

– Meghan Walsh

Standards of Professional Care for Lawyers and Law Firms:

Resolution Trust Corporation v. Alexander and Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Case No. 5:93-cv-00832.

Estate of Jason Scribben v. Jonathan W. Winer, et al., Court of Common Pleas for Ashtabula County, Ohio, Case No. 2001 CV 00671

Joseph H. Weiss v. Albert Dattilo, Court of Common Pleas for Geauga County, Ohio, Case No. 01 M 0638

A-Best Products, Inc. v. Brian Dunbar, Court of Common Pleas for Cuyahoga County, Ohio

“Federal Civil Rights Liability of Local Governments and Their Employees Under Section 1983,” OHIO

Jeff Wild

Ervin L. Smith v. Joseph P. Kearns, Jr., et al., Court of Common Pleas for Ashland County, Ohio, Case No. 05-CIV-273

MUNICIPAL LAW Chap. 41A, Gotherman and Babbit, ed. 1986 (co-author)

“Liability of Council Members Under 42 U.S.C. 1983,” The Practical Lawyer 83-88 (Mar. 1987)

Contributor: ANTITRUST CONSENT DECREE MANUAL, American Bar Association (1980)

Watson v. Chapin Logic Solutions, Inc. v. James Aussem, Brouse & McDowell, LPA, et al., Court of Common Pleas for Lorain County, Ohio, Case No. 06CV147451

Expert Witness Engagements

Standards of Professional Care for Lawyers and Law Firms:

Standards and Requirements for Class Certification:

Resolution Trust Corporation v. Alexander and Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Case No. 5:93-cv-00832.

Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP

Je Wild always knew he would be a lawyer, even as a child.

Estate of Jason Scribben

Mel Murphy v. Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Court of Common Pleas for Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Case No. CV 13 814862

Impact of Environmental Laws, Statutes and Regulations on Rights of Lower Riparian Property Owners:

Bettis v. Ruetgers-Nease Chemical Corp., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Case No. 4:90-cv-0502

Attorneys’ Fees in Complex or Class Action Litigation:

Estate of Carrie Sue Foster, Debtor v. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Ohio, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Case No. 94-cv-52856

Growing up around his architect father’s real estate projects in New York City, Wild developed an a nity for the tangible impact of creating something that came along with his father’s career. Combining that with his desire to help people accomplish their goals while positively impacting communities, commercial real estate law felt like his best route, he said.

Brookover v. Flexmag Industries, Inc., Court of Common Pleas for Washington County, Ohio, Case No. 98 TR 277

Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Case No. 4:90-cv-0502

Landis v. Grange Mutual Insurance Co., Court of Common Pleas for Erie County, Ohio, Case No. 88-CV-360

Eric Zagrans is an experienced trial and appellate advocate handling complex business, securities, corporate and professional liability cases and class actions as well as sophisticated business, commercial and real estate transactions. He has been involved in numerous “bet the company” litigation matters in over 35 federal and state courts nationwide involving the nancial services, accounting, capital markets, health care, legal, insurance, technology and manufacturing industries, among others. He has also served as an expert witness more than a dozen times.

Holman v. Keegan and West American Insurance Co., Court of Common Pleas for Erie County, Ohio, Case No. 97-CV-696

Attorneys’ Fees in Complex or Class Action Litigation: Estate of Carrie Sue Foster, Debtor v Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Ohio U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Case No. 94-cv-52856 Brookover v. Flexmag Industries, Inc., Court of Common Pleas for Washington County, Ohio, Case No. 98 TR 277

Landis v. Grange Mutual Insurance Co., Court of Common Pleas for Erie County, Ohio, Case No. 88-CV-360 Holman v. Keegan and West American Insurance Co., Court of Common Pleas for Erie County, Ohio, Case No. 97-CV-696

Michele Radzdrh, Guardian, etc. vs. Mary Ann Brown, Trustee of the William Brown Trust, et al., Lorain County Probate Court, Case No. 2005 PC 00022

Joseph L. Pikas v. The Williams Companies, Inc., et al., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, Case No. 4:08-cv-0101-GKF-PJC

Michele Radzdrh, Guardian, etc. vs. Mary Ann Brown, Trustee of the William Brown Trust, et al Lorain County Probate Court, Case No. 2005 PC 00022

Now, 26 years later, Wild is rm administrative partner, chief strategy partner, chair of the real estate and environmental practice group and executive committee member at Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Arono LLP in Cleveland. He’s been with the rm since graduating from law school in 1997.

About Jeff

Age: 50

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue

1640 Roundwyck ln., Columbus, OH 43065 440-452-7100 • Eric@zagrans.com • Zagrans.com

William J Schumacher v. AK Steel Corporation etc., U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Case No. 1:09-cv-794-SB

Joseph L. Pikas v. The Williams Companies, Inc., et al., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, Case No. 4:08-cv-0101-GKF-PJC

Arthur Lavin, M.D. v. Jon Husted, etc., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Case No. 1:10-cv-01986-DCN-NAV and Case No. 1:10-cv-01986-BYP-NAV

William J Schumacher v. AK Steel Corporation etc., U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Case No. 1:09-cv-794-SB

Arthur Lavin, M.D. v. Jon Husted, etc., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Case No. 1:10-cv-01986-DCN-NAV and Case No. 1:10-cv-01986-BYP-NAV

“As a lawyer, you’re bringing people together and helping them achieve their collective goals by completing that transaction and mediating the two sides to bring about a successful conclusion,” he said. “ at is something I like and one of the reasons why I enjoy not only being a lawyer but a transactional lawyer.”

Wild’s commercial real estate practice has an emphasis on development, acquisitions, dispositions, nancing and joint venture work. Likening back to his childhood in New York City, Wild said the tangible nature of his job is the best part.

“When you work on a transaction, you can walk through the development and get a sense of what you’re actually doing,” he said. “We work on large-scale developments across the country and sometimes they take years. But, once you can walk through, touch, feel and see what you built – to me, that is something very powerful.”

A member of Green Road Synagogue in Beachwood, Wild said his Jewish upbringing also plays a central role in his practice.

“Being a Jewish lawyer, Judaism serves as my ethical guidepost every single day,” he said. “I make sure everything we do on behalf of the rm and our clients is guided by Jewish ethics, and that we’re always consistent with those ethics. I think being a Jewish lawyer just puts me in a di erent position – it’s just the way I naturally think.”

Coming to Cleveland and taking the job at Benesch upon graduation is what Wild considers his career turning point. Growing up and studying in New York City, he met his Clevelander wife while she was studying at Barnard College and the pair got married while he was in law school.

Undergraduate: Yeshiva University

Law school: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

My Favorites ...

Jewish holiday: Sukkot

Vacation: Israel is always my favorite, but my favorite non-Israel vacation was Italy with my family

Show I’ve binge watched: “Ozark”

Wild recalled that his wife, along with some others, convinced him to consider jobs in Cleveland.

“I fell in love with the city,” said Wild, who was 2019 and 2020 chair of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Campaign for Jewish Needs. “I can’t imagine what my life would be like practicing law in New York or another city. Getting a chance to practice in a city like Cleveland with the level of legal sophistication at a rm like Benesch that still has a Midwest mentality made this the best decision I ever made.”

For the next generation of lawyers looking to make that leap, Wild said working hard only gets you so far.

“Work hard and work smart, but also get out there and meet as many people as possible,” he said. “In addition to getting your work done, build your network early on in your career. at is going to be tremendously helpful for you. You’ll be a far more successful lawyer, business developer or manager the larger your network is.”

– Becky Raspe

Eric H. Zagrans Managing Partner

Eric Zagrans

Zagrans Law

Arguing a case in front of the United States Supreme Court is the pinnacle of any trial or appellate lawyer’s career, but what made that accomplishment personally meaningful for Eric Zagrans was having his children in attendance.

It was one of the three goals he set for himself on the onset of becoming a lawyer, and he accomplished it in 2005.

“ e rst time my children had the chance to see me as a lawyer in a courtroom was appearing before the United States Supreme Court,” Zagrans said. “ at was a real thrill for me.”

As an attorney with a private practice, he said this was a rare, but extraordinary experience to make a presentation to the Supreme Court justices. Zagrans has o ces in Columbus and Solon.

Another goal he set was to become a member of the American Law Institute, the leading independent organization in the United States producing scholarly work to clarify, modernize and improve the law, according to its website. He became an elected member in 1987 and a life member after 25 years in 2012.

Zagrans, who followed in his father’s footsteps in becoming a lawyer after rst wanting to be an astrophysicist, said his last goal was to be appointed as a federal judge.

He has been a lawyer for 45 years, starting out as a law clerk to a federal judge, then worked for three large law rms, one international professional services rm as associate general counsel, and becoming a law professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, before opening his own rm in 1994.

He recalls asking a respected lawyer in Baltimore as a law clerk about the bene ts of having a private practice, to which he responded, “Eric, every day when I looked to nd out the answer to why something was done the way it was done or wasn’t done the way it should have been done, the only person that I have to look to is the one who is looking back at me in the mirror.”

“ at is the challenge and that is the satisfaction of having your own rm,” Zagrans said. “And I always remembered

Reducing Real Property Tax Assessments Throughout Ohio And Across The United States

About Eric ...

Age: 69

Hometown: Powell

Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth

Israel in Columbus

Undergraduate: University of Notre

Dame

Law School: Harvard Law School

My Favorites …

Jewish holiday: Pesach, because its observance is centered around family.

Deli sandwich: A vegan Reuben at Chicago Diner

Vacation: Montego Bay

Show I’ve binge watched: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”

Movie I recommend: “Twelve Angry Men”

that comment that he made to me when I was just starting out.”

Another guiding principle that has stuck with him since he was a law student came from Judge David Bazelon, whom he respected and admired, as he would tell law clerks asking for advice on cases that the person needed a writ of rachmanus, the Yiddish word for “compassion.”

“ at’s what the law should be,” Zagrans said. “It should be the rules, it should be the law, but it should also be blended with or sprinkled with principles like rachmanus.”

– Courtney Byrnes

90 years of experience. No pyramid, no associates, no on-the-job training. eachclient,throughouttheentireprocess,toworkdirectlywithToddSleggs,Robert DanzingerandSteveGill.Ourphilosophyistoworkcooperativelywithschool propertytaxobligations.Ifafairresolutionrequireslitigation,SLEGGS,DANZINGER &GILLhavethedepthoftrialandappellateexperiencetohandlethemostcomplex valuation issues.

Whetherthevaluationrelatestolargeindustrialplants,apartments,shopping property,theattorneysatSleggs,Danzinger&Gillwillensurethatyoureceivethe best counsel, legal advice and litigation expertise.

R. Gill, Esq sgill@sdglegal.net

When you hire Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill, you work directly with Sleggs, Danzinger and Gill.

Todd W. Sleggs, Esq tsleggs@sdglegal.net

Robert K. Danzinger, Esq rdanzinger@sdglegal.net

Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill, Co., LPA

Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys

Jack

Abel

Firm: Abel & Zocolo Co., LPA

Hometown: Beachwood

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: University of North Carolina School of Law

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 be surprised to learn about you: I once placed third in One Lap of America – Cannonball Run.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: As a family law attorney, being able to help people in sometimes their most difficult times, and, of course, having had the opportunity to successfully argue cases in the Ohio Supreme Court.

Fred J. Arnoff

Firm: Weston Hurd LLP

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: The University of Akron School of Law

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: 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.

Stacy L. Bauer

Firm: BauerGriffith LLC

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: The George Washington University Law School

How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish upbringing has provided foundational instruction to both do good and do well. I subscribe to these principles in providing guidance and counsel to my clients, and in the philanthropic endeavors of my firm. Judaism teaches that the world is a work in progress, and we need to make ourselves, our society and the world into a better place. Throughout my career I

have and continue to work toward these goals. What three words best describe you: steadfast, divergent thinker

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am proud of the services I have provided to my clients throughout my career, and the positive results in meeting their needs.

Todd Behrens

Firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: Duke University

Law School: CWRU 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 Legal Aid, which provide invaluable services to those who may be at a disadvantage in our community.

What three words best describe you: Trustworthy, creative, team builder.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: My team and I have been entrusted to handle protecting cuttingedge technology for entities of all sizes, from multinational companies to solo inventors. I am most proud when I see my clients’ innovations come to market. An example is that I recently was able to ride in one of our client’s fully autonomous vehicles on a recent trip to San Francisco. We have been working to protect their innovations for a number of years, and I was really proud to have the opportunity to experience their technology as it begins to be publicly deployed.

Gayl Berger

Firm: Gayl M. Berger, Esq.

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: B’nai

Jeshurun Congregation

Undergraduate University: Indiana University

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism teaches me everyday, yet provides space to be my own person.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I went to law school at age 36, with three young children.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Prepare, prepare, prepare.

Joshua Berggrun

Firm: Griswold, LLP

Hometown: Synagogue: Jewish Life

Undergraduate University: Law School: University

Hugh D. Berkson

Firm:

Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: University of Texas at Austin

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: While my legal career has focused on litigation, which too often serves as an excuse for attorneys and parties acting poorly under the excuse “It’s a lawsuit,” I’ve tried my best to incorporate the concept of chesed in the litigation process. We can be adversarial, but not adversaries. Even when declining a potential case, I’ve explained my reasoning to potential clients without judgment or criticism – something they have unfailingly appreciated.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I’ve biked across Iowa. Three times. Oh, and I still have all the records I purchased in high school and thereafter.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: We handled a case about a decade ago in which we represented more than 50 households who were taken in by a national Ponzi scheme investment pitched by a local firm. While class action attorneys who were working the case from a different angle tried to force a pittance of a settlement upon every victim nationwide, we worked with firms across the country to fight that class action settlement. We not only won, but led the way to our clients, the class itself and other investors across the country receiving far more in settlements.

Irv Berliner

Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

Marc J. Bloch

Firm: Walter Haverfield

LLP

Hometown: Chagrin Falls

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Micah 6:8 – Try to always keep that in mind.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Know that you don’t know everything.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I was able to help keep a number of clients as viable businesses in Cleveland.

Howard Bobrow

Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

Robert Botnick

Firm: The Botnick Law Firm, LLC

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: When I was in high school, I studied Talmud during Sunday school. I learned how different interpretations of the text can exist and to engage in the debate and exchange of ideas as to their meanings. Looking for context clues and how our ancient laws can apply to our times continues to play a role in how we interpret modern case law, statutes and rules of court. These interpretations of the laws arise daily when making arguments on behalf of our clients and when we encourage the courts to accept our own analyses.

What three words best describe you: Warm, personable, insightful.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: The pandemic hit during my term as president of the Cuyahoga Criminal

Attorneys included in this section completed a questionnaire that was emailed to attorneys and/or firms. The questionnaire was also available at cjn.org and was included in our Boker Tov e-newsletter. Some opted not to answer all questions and some were edited for brevity. Compiled by Meghan Walsh and Andy Isaacs.

Defense Lawyers Association. I spent the next year working with judges, attorneys, law enforcement officials and other leaders in the legal community to find access to justice for our clients who remained incarcerated while the world remained closed. The opportunity to be the voice for our community and our clients was a responsibility I did not take lightly and is an honor I will never forget.

James Mitchell Brown

Firm: James Mitchell

Brown, Attorney at Law

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: OU

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: My religion has taught me the importance of helping people in need. My practice serves those who are severely disabled. My religious education, past and present, makes my career a calling, not a job. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: The only Ohio attorney to have received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Organization of Social Security Claimant’s Representatives. Appeared on a CBS special with Bill Moyer about people falling through the Reagan safety nets. Arthritis Foundation National Volunteer award. Founder and past president of NOSSCR. Chair local bar work comp committee, social security committee, joint committee bar and medical associations. Have given talks to attorneys, physicians, vocational groups and unions about work comp and social security.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: The difference between being average and excellent as an attorney is your creativity. I pride myself on thinking creatively of the best way to represent each client.

Lori Brown

Firm: Gallagher Sharp LLP

Hometown: Orange

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: University of Michigan

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Jewish values have played a role in my work, as I believe in justice, fairness and treating others with respect, including opposing parties and counsel.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am proud of obtaining successful outcomes for my clients. There have been a lot of milestones, but becoming a partner and developing my practice has been gratifying. What’s the best advice you’ve received as

an attorney: You do not need to always have the last word. However, another good piece of advice I received is that you cannot control everything, so don’t sweat the small stuff.

Morgan R. Caruso

Firm: Caruso Law Offices, LLC

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Undergraduate University: OU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I love my Jewish roots. One day, I hope my family visits Israel together so we can show our three kids just how special it is ... that will be so cool!

What three words best describe you: Passionate, strategic, relentless.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I’m very proud to have brought on another criminal defense lawyer, who has been an asset to my law firm for a year now. Exciting plans are in the works to expand more as we hit the ground running in 2023.

Robert E. Chudakoff

Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP

Hometown: Sagamore Hills

Synagogue: Oheb Zedek

Cedar Sinai Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I had eight years of Orthodox Hebrew school as a child.

What three words best describe you: Strategic, detailed, confident.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: My jury trial record.

David R. Cohen

Firm: Self-employed

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Suburban

Temple-Kol Ami

Undergraduate University: University of Michigan

Law School: CWRU School of Law

Deborah A. Coleman

Firm: Coleman Law, LLC

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Congregation

Shaarey Tikvah and Park

Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Harvard

University

Law School: Harvard Law School

How has Judaism played a role in your career: The teaching “Justice Justice shall thou pursue” guided my decision to practice law and continues to inform my work.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: Just three years ago, I climbed to the top of Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: My work in legal ethics, my role in creating and leading the Judicial Candidates Rating Coalition (Judge4Yourself), and my work with the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.

Brandon S. Collier

Firm: Collier & Associates

Co., LPA

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: University of Pennsylvania

Law School: CWRU School of Law

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: If I had to take a six-month sabbatical from work, I would spend it learning Spanish while traveling through Mexico and South America. What three words best describe you: Diligent, thorough, kind.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: It’s not about the deal, but about the people in the deal.

Sharon Comet-Epstein

Firm: Comet-Epstein Law & Mediation

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CWRU 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 whether it’s important to them now or not. 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.” I also ask about terms for future bar/bat mitzvahs, Jewish education and family observances/holidays to avoid any disputes, misunderstandings or disappointments later.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: Given my commitment to resolving cases with little or no court involvement, a client might be surprised to learn that, when another client’s husband dogmatically refused to negotiate in good faith, I did not refer the case out, but

chose to personally fight for her at trial, the court of appeals, and recently, the Supreme Court of Ohio to ensure that she would receive what she was entitled to and had been awarded and more! Despite the win, seeing the destructive effects of protracted litigation on clients and their families strengthens my resolve to settle disputes constructively out-of-court.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am especially proud of my accomplishments as a peacemaker, a mediator and collaborative attorney – resolving so many difficult cases with satisfying out-of-court settlements. I consider it a mitzvah and my clients are grateful. I’m also proud of my involvement in the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals that has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. As a collaborative attorney, it’s extremely gratifying to engage in a nonadversarial, respectful process for resolving disputed cases where both attorneys are working together, without the threat of court litigation, to help their clients achieve their goals and come to acceptable and durable agreements.

Margaret E. Cooper

Firm: Margaret E. Cooper, LLC

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: It provides a moral compass.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Maintaining my client base through concierge service.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: You can create the “perfect” agreement, but if it doesn’t work for the other side, you’re going to end up in litigation anyway

Marc Dann

Firm: Dann Law

Hometown: Lakewood

Synagogue: Beth Israel –The West Temple Undergraduate University: University of Michigan

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has caused me to view my role as a lawyer as one of service.

What three words best describe you: Hardworking, passionate, determined.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Representing 300,000 unemployed Ohioans who were wrongly denied unemployment benefits.

Charles Daroff

Firm: Walter Haverfield LLP

Hometown: Orange

Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation

Undergraduate University: CWRU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: When Hillel was asked to explain the principles of the entire Torah on one foot, he replied: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation of this ”’go and study it.’” In my legal practice, Hillel’s explanation (which is essentially the “Golden Rule”) is the guiding principle for me in dealing with colleagues, clients, adversaries and opposing counsel. At the end of the day, we are all people who want, and deserve, to be treated kindly, fairly, and with dignity and respect.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Having represented the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and various other Jewish organizations in real estate transactions in Northeast Ohio, and being named the Cleveland real estate lawyer of the year.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: You may not always be the smartest lawyer on the deal, but you can be the hardest working and most prepared lawyer.

Gary S. Desberg

Firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg, & Kauntz Co., LPA

Hometown: Orange

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: University of Michigan

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Some of the values of Judaism – respect, learning from others and community – have helped shape the manner in which I interact with both clients and opposing counsel.

What three words best describe you: Eventempered, loyal, responsive.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Training and mentoring young attorneys who achieve professional success.

Michael H. Diamant

Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister

Undergraduate University: CWRU

Law School: Harvard Law School

Stanley M. Dub

Firm: Law Office of Stanley M. Dub

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I’m very tall, so people frequently ask if I played basketball (no). But I do compete regularly in local and national bridge competitions. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: My solo law practice focuses on franchise law. I write documents for potential franchise sellers and review them for potential franchise buyers. I also bring or defend franchise lawsuits or arbitrations. I was instrumental in amending Ohio’s Franchise Law in 2012, and wrote the first version of the amendment. Since 2016, I have served as adjunct professor at CWRU School of Law and taught a course on franchise law at the law school. This is the only such course taught at an Ohio law school and one of very few taught anywhere in the country.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Listen to your client. You can’t learn what you need to know if you do all the talking.

Brandon Duber

Firm: Bentoff & Duber Co., LPA

Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Skidmore College

Law School: CWRU School of Law

What three words best describe you: Caring, compassionate, hardworking.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Helping people that cannot help themselves.

Daniel S. Ehrenreich

Firm: Ehrenreich and Associates

Hometown: Cleveland

Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Yeshiva University

Law School: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Jewish studies have sharpened my thinking.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I have an extensive comic book collection.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Winning an appeals case.

Leonard Ehrenreich

Firm: Ehrenreich and Associates

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue

Undergraduate University: The University of Akron

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I treat all clients with impeccable honesty. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Argued and won an important case for the city of Cleveland in the Federal Court of Appeals.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Read, re-read and re-read again.

Rochelle Ehrenreich

Firm: Ehrenreich and Associates

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Green Road

Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Brooklyn College

Law School: Fordham University School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has given me guidelines for personal and professional behavior.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Ability to acquire adequate accommodations for disabled clients.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Never argue with the court clerks.

Brian Eisen

Firm: The Eisen Law Firm

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: Harvard College

Law School: Harvard Law School

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 be surprised to learn

about you: I spent a year studying ethology at Cambridge University. This long-bearded, Harleyriding 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.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I feel most proud when I have successfully represented an injured child. Medical negligence cases involving children are some of the toughest, most resource-intensive cases to handle, but also the most rewarding because the outcome usually is life changing or even lifesaving.

Michael L. Eisner

Firm: The Law Offices of Michael L. Eisner

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Having moved from a predominately Jewish community to one where 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 be surprised to learn about you: In my middle years, I’ve learned to take on challenges and try things outside of my comfort zone. For instance, I started playing adult wood bat baseball (not softball) when I turned 50, despite not playing in my formative years. By trying new things, some of which I became successful and others I learned I didn’t enjoy, such as yoga and drawing, I discovered new joys in the experience. My motto with my kids is “in every adventure, there are misadventures, and that’s part of the fun.”

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Taking the courageous step of forming my own practice, and taking on challenges wherever I believe I can make a difference for a client. I take pride whenever I am introduced as “the non-lawyer, lawyer.”

Arthur Elk Firm: Elk & Elk

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate University: CWRU

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: The 10 Commandments form the basis for many of our laws today. The Judaic scholars of our past knew what our people needed in order to avoid chaos and live in a society that respected law and order.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: After family, I enjoy my spare time riding my motorcycle, jet skis and vehicles that go fast.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Creating from scratch a law firm that provides justice to injured people and never has to ask my clients for fees or expenses unless I’m successful.

David Elk

Firm: Elk & Elk

Hometown: Cleveland

Synagogue: Park

Synagogue

Undergraduate University: CWRU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Being raised Jewish has helped me define who I am and has taught me how important it is to help others. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I love sports, played local Class C baseball as a youth and took karate lessons for two years. I also work out every day with weights since college.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am so grateful I have been able to help my clients and the fact that for over 57 years, they keep coming back and sending family and friends. I am proud that, recently, I had a classroom named in my honor at CWRU Law School. Plus, a recent induction into the Society for Benchers.

Mindy Elk

Firm: Elk & Elk

Hometown: Beachwood

Undergraduate University: Arizona State University

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has helped me network within the Jewish lawyer community.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I used to show horses as a teenager. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Being able to change someone’s life with a large settlement that was well-deserved.

Aaron Evenchik

Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP

Hometown: University Heights

Synagogue: Chabad House of Cleveland and Bais Dovid Cleveland

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: OSU 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 accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Obtaining great results for clients in tough places. Providing training to younger lawyers. Educating the legal and construction/real estate community. Serving on multiple Jewish community and construction/real estate industry boards.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Know the answer before the client asks. Be proactive, not reactive. Have a strategy and execute. Be willing to use your will to make things happen. Don’t think you know, but know.

Charles E. Feuer

Firm: Attorney at Law

Hometown: Lyndhurst

Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation

Undergraduate University: KSU

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Have faith in people to do right.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: (Being) dedicated to (clients’) issue(s).

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Look at all sides of the issue

Scott Fink

Firm: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA

Hometown: Hudson

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: It’s certainly opened doors for me that might not have necessarily been opened. I have a sense that those of the Jewish faith certainly look out for one another, professionally and socially.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: Despite being extremely outgoing and talkative, I do actually enjoy quiet time away from the office to simply read and get lost in thought. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: First and foremost, I’d like to hope I’ve set a good example as a leader of my practice group and count them all as friends, not just colleagues. I’ve made many connections over the years with fellow members of the bankruptcy bar and still keep in touch with many. I’ve successfully argued before the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Robert Finkenthal

Firm: Robert J. Finkenthal, Co., LPA

Hometown: Beachwood

Undergraduate University: CSU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I am proud to be Jewish. I grew up with a Conservative Jewish education at Heights Temple. I was bar mitzvahed and confirmed, and myself and my family participate in many of the Jewish traditions. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I am a beast on the pickleball court. What three words best describe you: Fair, honest, caring.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I have fought hard to get rightful compensation for thousands of injured clients for over 35 years.

Lee Fisher Firm: CSU College of Law

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Suburban

Temple-Kol Ami

Undergraduate University: Oberlin College

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Tikkun olam has been my North Star.

What three words best describe you: Reinvent, rebound, reinvent.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Helping educate and train the next generation of lawyer-leaders as dean of Cleveland State University College of Law.

Mark S. Frank

Firm: Mark S. Frank, Attorney at Law, LLC

Hometown: Solon

Undergraduate University: University of Cincinnati

Law School: CSU 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 be surprised to learn about you: (My) parents are Holocaust survivors and taught me the value of standing up for those who may not always be heard.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Being a sole practitioner able to assist those who cannot always afford the fees of a larger firm and providing the personal attention some more acclaimed lawyers will not provide for smaller cases.

Dov Y. Frankel

Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister

Undergraduate University: University of Maryland/Ner Israel Rabbinical College

Law School: University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

Adam M. Fried

Firm: Reminger Co., LPA

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Solon Chabad

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has instilled in me a sense of community which I carry into my law practice on a daily basis. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I participated in a charity boxing match at The Ohio State University in front of a large crowd at an arena.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Helping to influence the Ohio legislature and Ohio Supreme Court on their rules and statutes as it applies to issues of visitation in Ohio guardianships through my work with the Ohio State Bar Association estate planning, probate, trust section committee, where I chair the guardianship sub-committee.

Ian Friedman

Firm: Friedman & Nemecek, LLC

Hometown: Chagrin Falls

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: OU

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Simply, my daily practice is dedicated to enforcing the ideals of fairness that are seen throughout Judaic teachings and history. In fact, it is really my guidepost.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: The client that did not know me

previously would be surprised to learn about the countless hours that I spend preparing and thinking about each case. My clients find out quickly that we (me and my team) will go to the ends of the Earth – literally and figuratively – to prevent a case from getting beyond the investigative stage. Once our relationship has advanced, they will then hear the endless life stories that will leave them shaking their head in disbelief and usually laughing.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am most proud of my leadership of numerous local, state and national organizations and bar associations, the crafting and implementation of Ohio criminal open discovery (evidence) rules, preparing thousands of students for the practice of law as a college instructor and law school professor, starting and teaching the annual CMBA New Lawyer Bootcamp, implementing social justice reform as a community leader, forging many lifelong relationships within the profession, including with many of my former clients, my unwavering peer support, and creating a law firm of civic minded professionals that strive to make sure that every case is executed perfectly.

Joshua Friedman

Firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

Susan L. Friedman

Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz

Hometown: Cleveland

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Washington University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I work with individuals and families through many lifecycle events. Being Jewish helps me have a strong understanding of my Jewish clients’ needs during these various moments in life and I am able to tailor my legal counsel accordingly. My Jewish clients do not need to explain these traditions to me and I incorporate related language as requested when preparing their legal documents. I have also participated on various Jewish boards and committees, which has been very meaningful for me and related to my career.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I was a litigator for the first five years of my career.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: In general, I am proud that I am able to help clients through very difficult life situations and lessen the stress involved. I am also

proud of counseling clients and helping them keep their affairs in order, making appropriate updates so they are organized and secure in planning for the future.

Joshua Fuchs

Firm: Fuchs Firm

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

What three words best describe you: When is lunch.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Never skip lunch.

Sarah Gabinet

Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: Oberlin College

Law School: CWRU School of Law

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I played ice hockey for 20 years and then became a competitive ballroom dancer What three words best describe you: Honest, empathetic, driven.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Know when to ask questions.

Danielle Garson

Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate

University: University of Maryland

Law School: University of Illinois Chicago Law School

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has instilled in me a love of learning and an appreciation of tzedakah, being fair and honest, and doing what’s right.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I have always gotten satisfaction from analyzing and solving problems. I love logic puzzles and actually enjoyed that part of the LSAT. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I enjoy assisting my clients –who include individuals, closely-held companies and publication corporations – with navigating complex issues that often accompany the most important opportunities and dilemmas their businesses will face.

Terry Gilbert

Firm: Friedman, Gilbert + Gerhardstein

Hometown: University Heights

Synagogue: Suburban

Temple-Kol Ami

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: A history of social justice, civil rights and standing up for those who are oppressed. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I’ve been practicing for almost 50 years.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Freeing innocent people from prison and obtaining accountability from those who should be held accountable.

Steven Gill

Firm: Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill Co., LPA

Hometown: Mayfield Heights

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I feel a strong connection to the Jewish community and help to serve the Jewish organizations in Ohio whenever possible. What three words best describe you: Honest, hardworking, stubborn.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Multiple cases heard and decided in my client’s favor at the Ohio Supreme Court.

Rob Gilmore

Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate

University: The University of Cincinnati

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism’s emphasis on the law and justice has always been a driving factor in my role as a lawyer. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I am passionate about tennis, both playing and watching professional tennis. What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Your reputation is all that you have as a lawyer, so don’t squander it.

Adam Glassman

Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA

Hometown: Beachwood

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: CSU College of Law

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I don’t drink coffee. Fortunately, I am able to fully function without it. What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: You don’t know what you don’t know.

Rob Glickman

Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Synagogue: Suburban

Temple-Kol Ami

Undergraduate University: University of North Carolina

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: The history of the Jewish people shows how you can have success even though you may have to overcome obstacles that others do not have. Judaism has shown me that perseverance, even in the face of tremendous obstacles, can help a person move forward and be successful. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: Before I was a lawyer, I was a tennis pro.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: As a prosecutor, I realized that a person who I prosecuted and convicted was not guilty. I went to the judge and had the conviction overturned. Prosecuting and convicting the murderer of a young mother who was kidnapped away from her disabled child on Christmas Eve; Helping grow McCarthy Lebit from a 19-lawyer firm when I joined to a 40-person firm today; and helping clients resolve their disputes in ways that make their businesses stronger using things like the tax code, mergers and other transactional mechanisms.

Ira Goffman

Firm: Rolf Goffman Martin Lang LLP

Hometown: Orange

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate University: State University of New York at Binghamton

Law School: The University of Toledo College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Jewish values like being respectful, trustworthy, using best efforts, teaching and making good choices are parts of Judaism

that have played important roles in my career. Everyone we engage with, whether a client, an opposing counsel or a young associate, is impacted by our ideas and actions; and to the extent I can improve and impact the lives I touch, Judaism has played an important role in doing this.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I still play full court basketball regularly at 5:30 in the mornings at the JCC with a group of guys, some of whom are more than half my age.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am proud of being recognized by my peers and clients as an expert in the health care law field, as well as having been able to retain many clients for many years. I am also very proud of being able to help create a boutique health care law firm that has been able to train and mentor many young lawyers in the health care field.

Michael J. Goldberg

Firm: The Goldberg Law Firm

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Synagogue: Congregation

Shaarey Tikvah and Jewish Family Experience

Undergraduate University: University of Cincinnati

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism’s system of ethics and emphasis on social justice inform the (decisions) I have to make every day. I am grateful to my rabbis and teachers and study partners who have blessed me with the Jewish education I did not receive as a child. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I am really a sensitive guy who has to not always show it. I coached high school wrestling for over 20 years and can cook almost anything. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I have tried over 250 felony cases and gave my all in each one.

Steven M. Goldberg

Firm: Goldberg Legal Co.,

LPA

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Solon Chabad

Undergraduate University: Arizona State University

Law School: Capitol University School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I practice in accordance with the central declaration of the Torah – justice, justice thou shall pursue.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I was a pipe fitter before I was a lawyer.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Trial attorneys work in a hair on fire world. Don’t react. Commit to using emotionfree metrics.

James A. Goldsmith

Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Suburban

Temple-Kol Ami

Undergraduate

University: University of Denver

Law School: CWRU School of Law

Andy Goldwasser

Firm: Ciano & Goldwasser

Hometown: Solon

Undergraduate University: OSU and The University of Akron

Law School: CSU 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 be surprised to learn about you: I attended law school at night, while working full time; and graduated a year ahead of schedule.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Representing victims of sexual assault.

Michael D. Goler

Firm: Buckley King LPA

Hometown: Cleveland

Undergraduate University: Union College

Law School: CWRU School of Law

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 be surprised to learn about you: That I won two Grammy awards and a Grand Prix du Disc with the Cleveland Orchestra chorus.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Being recognized as a “deal maker” instead of a “deal breaker”; my work with both the Cleveland Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

Daniel A. Gottesman

Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Zichron

Chaim

Undergraduate University: Yeshiva University

Law School: Fordham University School of Law

David L. Grant

Firm: Grant & O’Malley Co., LPA

Hometown: Highland Heights

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: The University of Akron

How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has taught me the value of fighting for the underdog.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am proud to have been named the John P. Butler Award recipient for lifetime achievement in criminal law. I am also proud of handling numerous cases where I was able to help save the lives and/or careers of my clients. Finally, I am thrilled to have motivated my daughter, Maddy, to become a successful criminal defense lawyer.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: The importance of developing and maintaining a good reputation.

Madelyn Grant

Firm: Friedman & Nemecek, LLC

Hometown: Cleveland

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: A big part of my job is counseling my clients, not just through the legal aspects of their case but also through the emotional and traumatic aspects. Judaism has always been a uniting force in my family whether that be in temple, around the table or in times of difficulty. I think my relationships with Judaism and with my family have helped me to integrate my clients’ families and support systems into their cases when their support is pivotal.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I was a competitive figure skater for over 10 years.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Your reputation is everything you have. Never allow a single case or issue to put your reputation on the line.

Brian Green Firm: Shapero & Green LLC

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience

Undergraduate University: Indiana University Law School: Washington

University School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: By applying the values of Judaism to the practice of law provide a great basis for fairness, integrity and empathy.

What three words best describe you: Diligent, empathetic, nonjudgmental

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Being a confident and trusted resource for advice and counseling to my clients, colleagues and friends.

Bradley L. Greene

Firm: Bradley L. Greene

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience

Undergraduate University: BGSU

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Growing up, my family always had a huge emphasis on learning. There was never any question that we were going to college and most likely beyond. I think it all stemmed from the great emphasis Judaism places on learning.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I was a criminal defense trial lawyer for 20 years, but completely switched practice areas to do elder law 12 years ago and had to learn a whole new practice area. What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Be thorough. Look at a case from every possible perspective and don’t ever cut corners. When someone has to come see you for legal assistance, they really need your help. So, you have to give them your all.

Joan Gross

Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: Boston University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

Todd Gurney

Firm: The Eisen Law Firm

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Indiana University

Law School: CSU 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 three words best describe you: Trustworthy, optimistic, kind.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Anytime I can help put a person’s life back on track after a tragedy, it’s always a win for me.

Norman Gutmacher

Firm: Benesch Friedlander

Coplan & Aronoff

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate

University: OSU

Law School: University of Cincinnati College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me that learning should be a never-ending process. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I intend to study Torah.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Being thought of by many clients, not just as their attorney, but as their friend and trusted adviser.

Barry Guttman

Firm: Benesch Friedlander

Coplan & Aronoff

Hometown: Cleveland

Synagogue: Green Road

Synagogue

Undergraduate

University: New York University

Law School: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Much of my career has been shaped by Benesch’s encouragement of my Jewish communal involvement (with Federation and Fuchs Mizrachi School, among others). The rhythm of my weeks is also dictated by Shabbat, and I’m fortunate that my firm and clients not only understand that, but also support it. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Seeing the growth in clients’ businesses from the time I got involved with them until now and joining the partnership at Benesch a little over a year ago.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Nothing is an accident, and always assume the person across the table from you is smarter than you are (until they prove otherwise)

Rubin Guttman

Firm: Rubin Guttman & Associates, LPA

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Green Road

Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Brooklyn College

Law School: CSU College of Law

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I am an avid model railroader and a history buff whose great-grandfather fought for the Union in the Civil War.

What three words best describe you: Caring, determined, thorough.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Winning verdicts and negotiating settlements for seriously injured clients, or those who’ve lost a loved one due to medical malpractice or the negligence of another, which enabled my clients to live better lives, get better medical care and get a higher education, which they could not otherwise afford. In short, making a difference.

Jill Friedman Helfman

Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister

Undergraduate University: University of Michigan

Law School: CWRU School of Law

Jeffrey M. Heller

Firm: Nurenberg Paris

Injury Lawyers

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Solon Chabad

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

What three words best describe you: Honest, ambitious, determined.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Everyone works hard. If you do not put in work above and beyond what everyone else is doing, you will not achieve above and beyond results.

Joseph Hendlin

Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has encouraged me to do as much pro bono work as I can to further tikkun olam. Also, my time serving in the Israel Defense Forces and living in Israel has given me a better perspective on cultural differences, hardship, teamwork and trust.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I served as a paratrooper in the Israel Defense Forces.

What three words best describe you: Conviction, motivation, humor

Evan Hirsch

Firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg, & Kauntz Co., LPA

Hometown: Orange

Synagogue: B’nai

Jeshurun Congregation

Undergraduate University: Boston University

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Mostly through common experiences with other attorneys and clients.

What three words best describe you: Real, creative, fun.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: On a daily basis when entrusted by clients who are seeking guidance on matters impacting their life and/or business. Also, having the opportunity to assist clients with a variety of real estate development projects throughout the country. It is always nice to see the end product and feel you had a role in making something happen at a particular site.

Alan Hochheiser

Firm: Maurice Wutscher LLP

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: State University of New York at Albany

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has shaped my values of helping others and partaking in pro bono work. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I am a die-hard New York Giants fan. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Becoming a leader in the consumer bankruptcy arena and being able to share my knowledge through speaking and writing on a national basis.

Joe Hochheiser

Firm: Cuyahoga County

Domestic Relations Court – Domestic Violence Department

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Beachwood

Kehilla

Undergraduate University: Touro College

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Being magistrate in the domestic violence department of Cuyahoga County, I have the privilege and opportunity to handle cases from a wide range and diverse backgrounds of cultures, race, sexual orientation and geographical location. My upbringing of love, diversity and inclusion

based on my parents’ Torah understanding has allowed me to show compassion and empathy to everyone who comes before me.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I think most of my clients and people who have attended my seminars and presentations would be surprised that I struggled with a severe stutter from early childhood through my teenage years. I think it goes to show us that each challenge and struggle we face has led us to a point and it is up to us what we do with it from there.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: The best is yet to come. I look forward to answering this question 20 years from now.

Ben Hoen

Firm: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA

Hometown: Cleveland Heights

Synagogue: Congregation

Zemach Zedek

Undergraduate

University: Central

Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: As a product of Jewish day school and the yeshiva schools system, every day I utilize tools and skills such as analytical thinking and ethical principles, which I learned and developed as part of my Jewish education.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Mentoring young attorneys, paying it forward for those that took the time to mentor me when I was a young attorney What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Be courteous and always treat people with dignity. Your reputation and overall success will be determined by the types of relationships you build. You do not want to be the person no one wants to work with.

Michael Davis Hoenig

Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP

Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue

Undergraduate University: New York University

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: My career is guided by the Jewish principles of tzedek and tikkun olam. I also remember that we were once strangers in a strange land. That is why I spend a significant amount of time on pro bono matters like helping refugees come to the U.S. My Jewish values also guide me to represent my business clients with the highest ethical standards and I use my skills, knowledge and creativity to reach efficient and effective results in and out of the courtroom.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I helped save a small snowplow manufacturing company from going out of business. The company had been sued for millions of dollars for allegedly infringing another company’s snowplow patent. We defended the company in a multi-week federal court trial and ended up winning. We saved the business and it has now grown into a regional powerhouse. What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Find your own voice and be confident in it.

Gary H. Hoffman

Firm: Gary H Hoffman Law Office

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Park

Synagogue

Undergraduate University: University of Pennsylvania

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me the values of kindness and respect.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am proud that my practice has grown exponentially based on word of mouth alone. I have represented families through multiple generations and that makes me feel fulfilled. What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: The best advice I’ve received is that a little kindness goes a long way.

Mark L. Hoffman

Firm: Law Offices of Mark

L. Hoffman

Hometown: Cleveland Heights

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: The George Washington University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

Ari H. Jaffe

Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz

Hometown: University Heights

Synagogue: Green Road

Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Brandeis University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish faith shapes my values, priorities and sense of service to the community. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I am Batman. Seriously. They might be interested to learn that I blow glass (barefootglass. com); volunteer for some amazing groups like

the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Brandeis University Hillel, American Friends of Ogen and Green Road Synagogue; and am a decent cook who doesn’t believe in recipes.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Helping my clients achieve their business, professional and personal goals.

Barbara Bellin Janovitz

Firm: Reminger Co., LPA

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate

University: The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Law School: New York University School of Law

What three words best describe you: Compassionate, conscientious, thoughtful.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am most proud of the close relationships I have developed with my clients and their families while providing excellent estate tax and personal family planning advice.

Rachel A. Kabb-Effron

Firm: Kabb Law Firm

Hometown: University Heights

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate University: University of Cincinnati

Law School: CSU 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 accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Becoming a certified elder law attorney and being on the national advocacy committee for Nawbo and on the board of the Ohio Women’s Coalition.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Never let someone put an asterisk next to your name - meaning that you should never be known for negative actions. Cleveland is a small town, and you can be remembered for the good you do or the bad and those memories last a lifetime.

Matthew Kadish

Firm: Frantz Ward LLP

Undergraduate University: Williams College

Law School: CWRU School of Law and New York University School of Law

What accomplishments

are you most proud of as an attorney: Testifying before the Senate Finance Committee on tax reform for small business. Learning from my father, and hopefully carrying forward some of his wisdom and philosophy. Listening and helping good people.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Listen more and give honest advice.

Charles Kampinski

Firm: Kampinski & Roberts, LPA

Hometown: Moreland Hills

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: As the son of a Holocaust survivor, Jewish history is deeply embedded in my consciousness and has strongly influenced my outlook on people and their actions.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I was a high school dropout before earning a GED.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Obtaining fair and just verdicts for people who are entitled to be compensated for terrible injuries wrongfully caused by others.

Daniel R. Karon

Firm: Karon LLC

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: Indiana University

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism’s emphasis on lifelong learning inspired me to pay forward what I’ve learned by teaching law school, first at Cleveland State University School of Law then at Columbia University. Presently, I teach at the University of Michigan and The Ohio State University.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I’ve launched a legal wellness website called yourlovablelawyer.com. I believe a societal bias exists that denies access to justice to people who need it the most but often get it the least. The goal of my website and supporting YouTube channel is to raise people’s legal awareness by enhancing their legal aptitude and comfort with the law, thus bringing legal wellness to all. I’ve also written a 104,000-word legal thriller that I’m refining with the goal of commercial publication. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Leaving a large, vapid Chicago law firm to start my own law business here, which business is coming on 10 years old – (it) wasn’t easy. Law is a ruthless and unforgiving business that requires a 24/7 commitment. But I committed

to running my own experience. And though I’m terrified every day, I’m even more gratified, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Svetlana Kats

Firm: The Law Office of Svetlana Kats

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Oheb Zedek

Cedar Sinai Synagogue

Undergraduate

University: Kharkiv

Law Academy in Kharkiv, Ukraine

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish ethnicity and culture gives me a strong sense of belonging to the Jewish people. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I speak Russian and Ukrainian.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Helping clients to unite with their families in the U.S., invest, create a business or obtain legal employment in the U.S.

Ester Khaykin

Firm: Benesch Friedlander

Coplan & Aronoff

Hometown: Mayfield Heights

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: All throughout my educational and professional career, I have been actively involved in numerous Jewish organizations. While studying law at Case, I served as co-president of the Jewish Law Students Association. I strongly identify with my Jewish background and have met some of my closest colleagues through such organizations. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I am bilingual.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Passing the bar and being admitted to the practice of law this past October. As a corporate attorney, I am proud of each and every deal that we close for our clients. Seeing both sides of the transaction happy at the closing of the deal and knowing that you played a role in that outcome is the most rewarding feeling.

Richard S. Koblentz

Firm: Koblentz, Penvose & Froning, LLC

Hometown: Solon

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CSU College of Law

What three words best describe you: Communicative, advocate, understanding.

Brett Krantz

Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: Dartmouth College

Law School: The University of Chicago Law School

Hannah Kraus

Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Solon Chabad

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CSU College of Law

Kenneth M. Lapine

Firm: Buckley King

Hometown: Cleveland

Synagogue: Suburban

Temple-Kol Ami

Undergraduate University: Dartmouth College

Law School: University of Michigan

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has served as a grounding to my approach to the law and to help my clients to have confidence in me as an individual. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: A client would be surprised to learn that I have been a professional magician since I was in high school, continuing to this day, specializing in children’s magic. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: As an attorney, I am most proud of my ability to combine my legal background with putting together real estate investment deals, helping to make friends and family financially better off.

Jamie R. Lebovitz

Firm: Nurenberg Paris

Injury Lawyers

Hometown: Orange

Synagogue: Park

Synagogue

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: As Jews, we have the ability and responsibility to prevent injustices. To that end, throughout my 40-plus career as an aviation trial lawyer, I have devoted my practice to achieving the best possible legal remedy for those who have suffered catastrophic injuries and families who have lost loved ones due to the recklessness and

wrongdoing of others.

For every client I represent, part of my mission is to not only hold culpable corporations and others accountable for their wrongdoing but importantly, making certain that lessons are learned so that future similar calamities are prevented. To achieve ‘justice’ and to prevent future injustices, I have adhered to certain core values: fairness, honesty, trustworthiness, respect, tenacity, compassion and unwavering adherence to the code of ethics. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I immerse myself in the lives and wellbeing of my clients so that I can understand and appreciate the gravity of their pain and losses. So most if not all of my clients would not be surprised to know that the health, well-being and happiness of my family is of the utmost importance. Also of great importance is tzedakah, doing what is right and just for those who are less fortunate. My wife and I have instilled and set examples for our children our responsibility to be philanthropic and generous to our local community and Israel.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: My biggest accomplishment was mentoring my son, Jordan, at a young age to follow in my footsteps, and continue on with the tradition of providing honest, ethical and compassionate legal advice and representation to those who are befallen by unforeseeable loss or injury. And for him to take what I have already achieved to an even much higher level and he’s well on his way of doing just that. I am very proud of the results attained for the countless families I’ve had the privilege to represent as one of the small number of air crash trial lawyers in the U.S.

Jordan D. Lebovitz

Firm: Nurenberg Paris

Injury Lawyers

Hometown: Moreland Hills

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate University: University of Michigan

Law School: ChicagoKent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology

What three words best describe you: Driven, compassionate, trustworthy.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Life-changing trial verdicts and settlements on behalf of my clients and their families who have suffered from a catastrophic incident or tragedy.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: To never treat your client like a number on a spreadsheet. Your willingness to actively listen to their stories and emotions will make a tremendous impact on your ability to advocate for your client.

Jeffrey A. Leikin

Firm: Jeffrey A. Leikin, LLC

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Synagogue: Park

Synagogue

Undergraduate University: University of Colorado

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish faith has been an important part in guiding my practice and fulfilling my commitment to help others.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am most proud of using the doors that I opened in my profession to give help to others and, at the same time, provide for my family.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: The legal system offers the opportunity to receive justice. You must make the most of this opportunity.

Joshua A. Lemerman

Firm: Gertz & Rosen, Ltd.

Hometown: Copley

Synagogue: Temple Israel

Undergraduate university: Washington University

Law School: Benjamin N.

Cardozo School of Law

Kevin Lenson

Firm: Elk & Elk

Hometown: Moreland Hills

Undergraduate University: University of Wisconsin – Madison

Law School: University of Toledo College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Just like Judaism, the law is based on traditions and precedent.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I can name all United States presidents in order in under a minute. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Settling cases for grateful clients, some of whom have suffered catastrophic injuries, and being named to Super Lawyers for the past nine years.

David W. Leopold

Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP

Hometown: Beachwood

Undergraduate University: University of Michigan

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career:

It informs my mission as an attorney: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I’m an avid photographer, hiker, backwoods canoeist, passionate traveler. What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Follow your heart.

Mordechai Lichtenstein

Firm: Guardian Connection

LLC

Hometown: Beachwood

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Dementia hits every segment of society and our client base truly reflects that. I am proud that many of our legal guardianships are on behalf of indigent individuals.

Kenneth B. Liffman

Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA

Hometown: Cleveland

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: It all starts with education and tikkun olam. Through a thirst for knowledge and desire to give back to others, I’ve been able to use my legal career to make a difference in the lives of others. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I love to play golf, and my most memorable games include scoring a 73 in the rain at Beechmont and two holes-in-one.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Building a firm, creating trust, achieving my clients’ goals and taking care of my family.

Michael Liner

Firm: Liner Legal Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate University: University of Michigan

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Hugely. My entire practice is focused on helping people who are sick or injured and unable to work, and helping/caring for those in need is one of my favorite tenets of Judaism. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I dress in a sweatsuit and backwards cap most days at the office.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I define success by what I am able

to help others achieve. Helping my employees and clients reach their own personal and professional goals has been the greatest reward of my career.

Seth Linnick

Firm: Nelson Mullins

Hometown: Cleveland

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate

University: The George Washington University

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism places a great emphasis on trying to do good and make the world a better place. While being a civil litigator may not be the best platform for achieving those goals, my faith encourages me to behave more honorably than the stereotypical lawyer. Regardless of the situation, Judaism has taught me to hold myself to the highest standards of honesty and integrity in my dealings with opposing counsel, the court and my clients. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: When I started practicing law, my plan was to do it for no more than 10 years and then transition to business. But once I tried a case, I was hooked on litigation.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I’ve never lost a trial which shows that I’ve been smart enough to settle the cases I couldn’t win.

Eric F. Long

Firm: Friedman & Nemecek, LLC

Hometown: Rocky River

Synagogue: Suburban

Temple-Kol Ami

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I remember being at a High Holiday service while in law school and comparing and contrasting ancient Jewish laws and traditions with those of today’s society. It gave me an appreciation both for the development of laws and the foundational values seen in today’s justice system. That includes the need to continue working to ensure a more fair system for those who are oppressed, disadvantaged, and find themselves alone facing an imperfect, and at times, unjust system. Judaism helped form my sense of empathy and my drive to fight against injustice.

What three words best describe you: Reliable, tenacious, approachable.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am most proud of the relationships that I have built in what is a small legal community, whether it be from colleagues, opposing counsel, or judges and their staff. I am

also proud to be in a position where clients can rely on me as they face the most difficult moments of their lives. That trust is something that I take extremely seriously, and I work to earn and re-earn that trust in each case I take.

Maya Lugasy

Firm: Brown Immigration Law

Hometown: Cleveland

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CWRU 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 be surprised to learn about you: I can read and write in Arabic.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: KISS - Keep it simple stupid

Jack S. Malkin

Firm: Jack S. Malkin, ESQ

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Solon Chabad

Undergraduate University: OU

Law School: The University of Akron School of Law

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I always wanted to be a sportscaster.

What three words best describe you: Family man, driven, success-oriented.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Achieving a successful result for my clients.

Ellen S. Mandell

Firm: Law Office of Ellen S. Mandell

Hometown: Beachwood

Undergraduate University: CWRU

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I learned a great deal about ethics from my religious school training at Temple Emanu El. That foundation has served me well in my practice, especially when I represented the Bar Association or attorneys in ethics prosecutions.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I competed on “Jeopardy.”

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Serving as president of

the Cuyahoga County Bar Association and the Ohio Metropolitan Bar Association Consortium. Assisting clients in resolving difficult family situations.

Mark B. Merklin

Firm: Brouse McDowell

LPA

Hometown: Akron

Synagogue: Beth El Congregation

Undergraduate University: CWRU

Law School: CWRU 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 be surprised to learn about you: I collect sports memorabilia, focusing on autographed items from the Browns, Cavs, Indians (Guardians) and the Ohio State Buckeyes. My office almost looks like a sports museum. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: My restructuring work is most rewarding when a troubled company can be turned around and save jobs and maintain the company as a going concern for its owners, its employees, its customers and its vendors. Saving a company that looked like it was headed for liquidation is very satisfying.

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Deborah A. Michelson

Firm: Buckley King LPA

Hometown: Cleveland Heights

Synagogue: Beth El-The Heights Synagogue

Undergraduate

University: Northwestern University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: The importance of debate and argument in crafting and refining ideas, and the clearest and best articulations of them. My unwavering commitment to the rule of law and its fair and even-handed application to all. Its reminder that even our heroes are imperfectly human, that the consequence should fit the transgression and that justice should be tempered with mercy.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I’m a night owl.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Litigation is very demanding – physically, mentally and emotionally. I am proud that I can help them through it – and that they feel heard and supported and not alone, and instead have someone by their side who really cares and knows what she’s doing. I also like figuring hard stuff out, so I get pretty pumped by doing that; and I’m very proud of my work’s impact, and my approach to it, has had on my now-adult children.

Steven J. Miller

Firm: Buckley King LPA

Donald H. Messinger

Firm: Thompson Hine LLP

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Undergraduate University: Colgate University

Law School: Duke University School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I have always believed it important to help my community – “tikkun olam” –improve the world.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: Most clients know quite a bit about me, but they might be surprised to know that I helped pay my way through Colgate by waiting tables and washing dishes. I learned to hate mustard; it’s hard to clean off plates.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: As a volunteer, I helped create what became Gateway, including the baseball stadium and indoor arena (now Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse).

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: Brown University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Informs my professional and personal values.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: Little, if anything, about me would surprise any client, as I share of myself pretty freely with clients I represent and with whom I work.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Helping clients to think and decide strategically, and striving to advocate effectively on their behalf.

Aaron Minc Firm: Minc Law

Hometown: Moreland Hills

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: It’s directly impacted ways in which I’ve decided to give back to the community.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Building my own law firm, which has grown to over 16 employees. What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.

Samuel Mintzer

Firm: Benesch Friedlander

Coplan & Aronoff

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Congregation

Shaarey Tikvah

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

Suzann R. Moskowitz

Firm: The Moskowitz Firm

LLC

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Park

Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Cornell University

Law School: Stanford Law School

How has Judaism played a role in your career: 2023 marks my firm’s bat mitzvah year. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I devote time each year to Halyomorpha halys rescue missions. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: My trademark protection work spans nearly every industry imaginable, but I am able to use my experience to provide extensive pro bono help to nonprofits and artists.

Richard A. Naegele

Firm: Wickens Herzer

Panza

Hometown: Huron

Synagogue: Oheb Shalom

Temple

Undergraduate University: OU

Law School: CWRU 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.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I hitchhiked across the United States and backpacked in Europe.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Being able to assist clients in the resolution of complex ERISA and pension issues and serving on the board of the Lucy Idol Center. I am also proud of having spoken

at hundreds of seminars and conferences on employee benefit and tax issues.

Steven M. Nobil

Firm: Fisher & Phillips LLP

Hometown: Aurora

Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom

Undergraduate University: BW

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Equality, social justice, fairness and the belief in one God.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: That my parents were proud of me. What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Good enough is never good enough.

Tod Northman

Firm: Tucker Ellis LLP

Hometown: Cleveland

Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Portland State University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Belief in a higher power has given me the conviction to do what’s right even when the path appears harder.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I am not a pilot. That’s very rare among aviation lawyers.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Working around the clock for four days to close the sale of a business for an owner whose daughter died the weekend before and whose only ask was that we get the sale closed so he and his family could grieve.

Andrew November

Firm: Liner Legal

Hometown: Cleveland

Undergraduate University: University of Cincinnati

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism teaches us that all life is valuable and should be treated with dignity and respect. As a disability litigator, I work with the most vulnerable, whether fighting for disability benefits to help someone have a basic standard of living or fighting for a deaf individual to have equal access. All my clients are entitled to dignity, respect and advocacy. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I don’t regard myself as confrontational and do not enjoy fighting. However, as David Morrison once said, “The standard you walk past is the standard you

accept.” For better or worse, I will not stand for others taking advantage of my family, friends or my clients, especially the vulnerable.

Brad Ortman

Firm: Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: B’nai

Jeshurun Congregation

Undergraduate University: University of Michigan

Law School: The George Washington University Law School

How has Judaism played a role in your career: My interest in immigration law stems directly from our Jewish tradition, which encourages us to welcome the stranger as one of your citizens. Also, in the Jewish Diaspora and throughout our history, the Jewish people often fled persecution simply for their religious beliefs. These ideas resonate within me. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I lived in Mexico for a year and speak fluent Spanish.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I’m proud of unlocking the American Dream for thousands over the course of my 26-year career, reuniting families, helping to save people from persecution, and enabling our country to benefit from the amazing talents and cultures of my clientele.

Lawrence E. Oscar

Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: B’nai

Jeshurun Congregation

Undergraduate University: The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Law School: New York University School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: The Jewish values are an underpinning of my legal approach to projects. I try to bring mutual respect and understanding to all projects.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: Clients are surprised to learn that I have had three holes-in-one. This proves that I am lucky.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Return phone calls promptly.

Abbie R. Pappas

Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: Columbia Law School

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism plays a role in both my substantive practice of law, as I regularly help clients prepare halachic estate plans, and in my business development and networking, as I make invaluable connections within my own Jewish community.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: Growing and expanding my practice while simultaneously raising two children and actively giving back to my community

Joshua D. Payne

Firm: Nurenberg Paris

Injury Lawyers

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: The College of Wooster

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Shaping my belief that individual actions can create larger change to make the world a safer place.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I grew up overseas.

What three words best describe you: Passionate, dedicated, practical.

Elizabeth L. Perla

Firm: The Perla Law Firm

Hometown: Westlake

Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: OSU 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. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Consistently providing an excellent client experience. Growing my business by doing good work for my clients.

Scott Perlmuter

Firm: Tittle & Perlmuter

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Law School: CWRU School of Law

Rebecca Y. Price

Firm: Ibis Legacy Law, LLC

Hometown: Cleveland Heights

Undergraduate University: University of Rochester

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has provided a foundation for cultural understanding with clients. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I love to bake.

What three words best describe you: Determined, rational, methodical.

Richard Rabb

Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA

Hometown: Cleveland

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: The connections that I made dating back to the days of my Jewish education and Hebrew school at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple established my initial connections in the Jewish community. Zeta Beta Tau at Ohio State offered similar affiliations. When I started out in practice, I reached out to everyone I knew. These connections assisted in establishing my practice and accumulating clientele. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I always wanted to be a park ranger. The first career test that I took in high school, or even middle school, told me that was the career I should follow. Today, that continues to be a desire. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Adoption. The end result for the family is a joyous occasion. For one adoption proceeding, I showed up at the court for the final hearing and the waiting room was filled with people. I thought they were all waiting for their own separate cases, but they were actually waiting for my case. We all crammed into the small courtroom. The judge came out and immediately approved the adoption. He then called the child to the bench and allowed him to hit the gavel. The courtroom erupted and everyone smiled and celebrated. They brought a cake, and it was a party.

Julie E. Rabin

Firm: Rabin & Rabin Co.,

LPA

Hometown: Cleveland

Synagogue: Solon Chabad

Undergraduate University: Northwestern University

Law School: New York University School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I try to live up to the ethical precepts of

the religion.

What three words best describe you: Smart, experienced, effective

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: My work with Legal Aid helping people less fortunate than many of us.

Alan M. Rauss

Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz

Hometown: Cleveland Heights

Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah

Undergraduate University: The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Law School: University of Michigan Law School

How has Judaism played a role in your career: My underlying values are the Jewish values I learned as a child and which have influenced my conduct throughout my life. What three words best describe you: Intelligent, honest, caring.

Jodi Rich

Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate University: The George Washington University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I am pretty much an open book, but new clients are usually surprised that I have been practicing at Ulmer for almost 22 years. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am most proud of the relationships and trust that I have built with clients. What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: The best advice I received for practicing law came from my trusts and estates professor in law school. She returned to school as a widow with two very young children. She told us that when seeking a work-life balance, look at the wider picture and not any one day or week. There will be times when the days are all work and days when the family obligations take priority.

Sandra J. Rosenthal

Firm: Sandra J Rosenthal

Attorney at Law

Hometown: Beachwood

Undergraduate University: Syracuse University

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has provided me an ethical guidance in my business relationships.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I have been successful in winning and resolving cases in both state and federal courts.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: I was told to always treat clients like gold

Larry Rothenberg

Firm: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Beachwood

Kehilla

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Ethics must remain in the forefront. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I am a Shotokan karate instructor. What accomplishments are you most proud of Earning the client’s confidence.

Bruce S. Rutsky

Firm: Petronzio Schneier

Co., LPA

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: Indiana University

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I have incorporated many Jewish values into my law practice, such as charity and honesty. I try to treat people the way I would like to be treated. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I have run seven marathons, all under three hours.

What three words best describe you: Caring, honest, tenacious.

Kevin S. Sandel

Firm: Sandel Law Firm

Hometown: Akron

Synagogue: Beth El Congregation

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: The University of Akron School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has helped guide me morally and spiritually so that I can run my law firm with honor. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I love going to Broadway musicals with my family.

What three words best describe you: Knowledgeable, determined, generous.

Joy S. Savren

Firm: Law Offices of J.B.

Savren

Hometown: Cleveland Heights

Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami

Undergraduate University: University of Wisconsin

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism has taught me to highly value justice, equity and fairness.

What three words best describe you: Energetic, detail-oriented, fun.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Recognition of my work by my peers. My efforts to safeguard the rights of LGBT parents and their children. My work representing the best interests of children.

Alan E. Schabes

Firm: Benesch Friedlander

Coplan & Aronoff

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Young Israel of Greater Cleveland

Undergraduate University: Duquesne University

Law School: Hofstra University Law School

How has Judaism played a role in your career: It is the foundation for everything.

What three words best describe you: Tough, tenacious, empathetic.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: My 40-plus years at Benesch Friedlander and the privilege to work with the best of the best in the legal profession.

Douglas Schnee

Firm: Frantz Ward LLP

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate University: Tulane University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

H. Jeffrey Schwartz

Firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: OSU and CSU

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: It provides a learning frame of mind and a moral compass.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I was reared by Holocaust survivor parents in a Yiddish speaking household.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Guiding the Revco, D.S., Inc. successful bankruptcy reorganization; and guiding the NCS HealthCare, Inc. restructuring to grow enterprise value by $350 million for creditors and shareholders.

Debra Shifrin

Firm: Liner Legal

Hometown: Akron

Synagogue: Beth El

Congregation

Undergraduate University: American University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism believes in tikkun olam, which is what led to me wanting to practice law in the area of Social Security. I can help others when they are at their most fragile and assist them in repairing their world.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: How much I love to cook and bake, as well as my ability to sing.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am most proud of having two successful sons. Professionally, it would be the fact that not only was I president of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, but was also president of the Jewish Community Board of Akron and the Shaw JCC.

Patricia A. Shlonsky

Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism keeps me centered.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I read a novel a week.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: My ability to solve problems in a practical and efficient manner.

Joseph Simms

Firm: Reminger Co., LPA

Hometown: Sagamore Hills

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played

a role in your career: The values and ideals instilled in me from my Jewish upbringing have guided how I live my life and conduct my business.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: My involvement in the 1980s as a bass player in a heavy metal band.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Actually, outside of the practice. My involvement with high school mock trial has brought me more satisfaction than practicing law ever could. I’ve truly enjoyed exposing children to the law and sparking their interest in the law.

Eric M. Simon

Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister

Undergraduate University: CSU

Law School: CSU College of Law

Paul Singerman

Firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., LPA

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Temple Israel

Ner Tamid and Solon Chabad

Undergraduate University: CWRU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism and my Jewish upbringing have provided a strong moral foundation which has been essential to my role as a trusted adviser to my clients.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I was a pilot and flew airplanes. Otherwise, I am really an open book to my clients. I don’t believe that there is much about me that would be a surprise.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Always put the interests of your clients ahead of your interests.

Warren

A. Sklar

Firm: Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla

Undergraduate University: CWRU Institute of Technology

Law School: The George Washington University Law School

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Guided me to be honest, hard-working, sincere, empathetic and respectful. I have found that being respectfully open about my religious observance and respecting others’ religious observance helped to develop strong relationships.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Helping and guiding others to

protect and to enhance their intellectual property rights.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: One of my first clients disagreed with the style of my writing in his patent application. He said he fell asleep after the first of maybe 20 pages. He insisted that the heart of the invention must be described within the first three paragraphs of detailed description. I’ve taken that approach ever since; and he is still inventing into his late 1980s and our firm continues to prepare patent applications for him.

Roni Sokol Firm: The Sokol Law Firm

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate University: University of California, Los Angeles Law School: Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, Calif.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Running my own firm for the past 10 years.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Always get paid up front.

Robert Somogyi

Firm: Kuenzi/Somogyi, Attorneys

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CSU College of Law

What three words best describe you: Competitive, compassionate, honest. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: When working in the family law arena, it is difficult to obtain results that do not negatively affect the children. I am proud to emphasize and focus my energy on making the transition for the family, and most importantly, the children, as seamless as possible.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Educate your clients on the law and probable outcomes so that they have realistic expectations. Always be informative and honest with your clients so that they may make informed decisions on the direction of their case with your guidance.

Loren M. Sonkin

Firm: Loren M. Sonkin, Attorney at Law

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Undergraduate University: Purdue University

Law School: CWRU 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

What three words best describe you: Dedicated, loyal, fair.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Trust, but verify.

Scott A. Spero

Firm: Bentoff & Spero Co., LPA

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: Indiana University

Law School: CSU 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”: Doing my best to obtain justice for my clients. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I have a well-balanced life outside of practicing law: Training for and competing in triathlons, playing percussion at The TempleTifereth Israel, and spending quality time with my wife, Jody, and our sons, Jack and Joe.

What three words best describe you: A people person.

David Steiger

Firm: Karp Steiger Co., LPA

Hometown: Beachwood

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: Capital University Law School

How has Judaism played a role in your career: The law should benefit the poor and powerless, not just the rich and powerful What three words best describe you: Persistent, dedicated, empathetic.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Helping individuals persevere against large corporations, insurance companies and the state of Ohio.

Deana S. Stein

Firm: Benesch Friedlander

Coplan & Aronoff

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah

Undergraduate University: Boston University

Law School: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Jewish law is all about asking good questions. As a litigator, I am constantly searching for the right answer by asking the appropriate questions.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I have a degree in music and am a classically trained soprano

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Although I enjoy litigation, I am always proud when I can help clients find creative solutions to dispute resolution that avoid the expense and frustration of a lengthy litigation

Kimberly E. Stein

Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP

Hometown: Moreland Hills

Synagogue: Congregation

Shaarey Tikvah and Solon Chabad

Undergraduate University: University of Rochester

Law School: Cornell Law School

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: My favorite moments in my private client practice are the first meetings with the family’s next generation, where the senior generations and the advisory team introduce a new group of family members to the family wealth “enterprise” and help them begin to understand the generosity, optimism and foresight that their ancestors displayed in engaging in strategic wealth planning over time. It is such an honor for me to help generations of family members create, transition and maintain a legacy of thoughtful management and planning.

Laurel G. Stein

Firm: Nee Law Firm, LLC

Hometown: Solon

Undergraduate University: 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

What three words best describe you: Conscientious, dependable, personable.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am proud of the practical advice and realistic expectations that I provide my clients. Knowing what to expect in the court process is half the battle. I am also especially proud of my work finalizing adoptions and working with some wonderful adoption agencies.

Susan C. Stone

Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz

Hometown: Cleveland

Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: In helping families navigate a crisis, and I believe that my religion has cultivated empathy and a feeling of having the big shoulders to serve others in need.

What three words best describe you: Loyal, fierce, dependable.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Having a vision for a practice and turning my vision into reality.

Irving B. Sugerman

Firm: Brouse McDowell

LPA

Hometown: Akron

Undergraduate

University: Marietta College

Law School: The University of Akron School of Law

Ronald J. Teplitzky

Firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., LPA

Hometown: Bainbridge

Township

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: OU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I have always tried to treat others as I would like to be treated. Also, family is always paramount. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I attended Indians fantasy camp in 2007 and batted against Bob Feller (I grounded out to Brook Jacoby).

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I have countless clients who have become lifelong friends and countless friends who have become lifelong clients.

Michael S. Tucker

Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

What three words best describe you: Thoughtful, analytical, empathetic

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Working with my clients to find creative, cost-effective solutions to difficult problems.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Your reputation is your most valuable asset; always conduct yourself with honesty, integrity and professionalism.

Michael N. Ungar

Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP

Hometown: Cleveland Heights

Undergraduate

University: Boston

University

Law School: Boston University School of Law

Mark I. Wachter

Firm: Wachter Kurant, LLC

Hometown: Columbus

Synagogue: Congregation

Torat Emet and Beachwood

Kehilla

Undergraduate University: University of Michigan

Law School: American University Washington College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I am always amazed at the parallels and similarities between modern laws and legal reasoning, and those expressed in the Talmud. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I enjoy both classical music and the Grateful Dead.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Successfully mediating disputes.

Michael Wager

Firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister

Undergraduate University: American University

Law School: New York University School of Law

Mark Wallach

Firm: Roetzel & Andress

Hometown: Beachwood

Undergraduate University: Wesleyan University

Law School: Harvard Law School

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I’ve been surprised to find how many of my favorite sayings from the Pirkei Avot and the Torah have applied directly to my law practice.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: As a child, I was one of the Temple Emanu El champions in the National Bible Contest. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: My most important victories in public sector cases: the city of Beavercreek case, which gave cities the right to charge impact fees to developers, and the Sewer District case which upheld the district’s stormwater management program. Also, the many lawyers I have trained and mentored over the years, a number of whom are now highly successful and capable attorneys.

Michael Ward

Firm: Benesch Friedlander

Coplan & Aronoff

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel

Undergraduate University: OU

Law School: Chicago-Kent College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism teaches you to be critical and to always ask questions. This way of thinking was instilled in me early on. It allows me to fully analyze my clients’ needs and come up with optimal solutions for them. I analyze issues in a thoughtful manner and then determine what are the best courses of action. Additionally, in Judaism, we must always embark on a continual path of learning and betterment. I take learning and betterment seriously and constantly strive to find ways in which to advance my career and hone my craft for the benefit of myself and my clients. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: My favorite food is sushi and my most memorable trip to date that I’ve taken is visiting Japan with my wife. The next country I would like to visit is probably a ski trip to the Swiss Alps or the Italian dolomites.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: The best advice that I have received as an attorney is twofold: be reasonable and protect your client’s interests; and the best lawyers are the best listeners. I utilize both in my practice. In negotiations, I’m always thinking about how to achieve the best outcome for my clients while maintaining a practical perspective on the issue at hand. I also carefully listen to my clients in order to gain an understanding from them of what really matters in a transaction and then I creatively work to achieve that for them.

Jake Weinberg Firm: McDonald Hopkins LLC

Hometown: Solon Undergraduate University: OSU Law School: University of Miami School of Law

Craig T. Weintraub

Firm: Law Offices of Craig Weintraub

Hometown: Moreland Hills

Undergraduate University: OSU Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has impacted my daily choices and judgment. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I play guitar.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Have patience

Jerry Weiss

Firm: Mediation, Inc.

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Congregation

Shaarey Tikvah

Undergraduate University: Syracuse University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Values based on listening, understanding, empathy and fairness are all important Jewish principles and provide the basis for being a successful mediator.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I am very transparent, although people might be surprised to know what a good cook I am or that I am a home-oriented, small town person at heart. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: With nearly 4,000 mediations under my belt, gratifications associated with helping people in conflict get out of it are too numerous to list. I am also proud of being the first lawyer in Cleveland to dedicate my practice entirely to mediation.

Robert Weltman

Firm: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA

Hometown: Cleveland

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: The Jewish history is so rich. To know about our history and persecution reminds me of what people of color and African Americans had to go through. During the segregation and civil rights era, our Jewish leaders walked with others who fought hard for human rights. I was proud to know that my rabbi walked with the Rev. Martin Luther King in Selma, Ala. I’ve taken this history with me in my character and career choices. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: Before my family moved to Cleveland Heights, I grew up in a predominantly non-Jewish community. Following the second World War, antisemitism was prevalent. For this reason, it was hard for me to identify as being Jewish. Given the fact that the community surrounding me, and that the nearest synagogue was miles away, made it difficult for me to practice my faith. I also had friends that I played with that weren’t Jewish. While religion was never openly discussed amongst them, I silently knew I was the minority. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I just recently was awarded Crain’s Cleveland Eight Over 80 Award. This was a very exciting milestone and through this award, I got to reflect back on my career and heard from many friends, family and coworkers (old and new).

Scott Weltman

Firm: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Undergraduate

University: University of Southern California

Law School: University of Southern California Gould School of Law

Frederick N. Widen

Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Suburban

Temple-Kol Ami

Undergraduate University: CSU

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism made me an ethical attorney. I have learned a lot about Judaism from my colleagues and clients.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Helping families over many years. What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: A good attorney has a better understanding of what they do not know.

Jonathan Wilbur

Firm: Jonathan Z. Wilbur, Esq., LLC

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Beachwood

Kehilla

Undergraduate University: 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,” stands for the proposition that every life is inherently valuable and is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to care for and protect others, in particular those in need 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 children. In 2018, I dedicated my practice exclusively to representing children and have advocated for hundreds of minors in custody and abuse, neglect, dependency cases since.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I practiced in several law firms for a number of years prior to having a change of heart/ early mid-life crisis when I turned to GAL work.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I have developed a holistic methodology to child advocacy after discovering that it frequently results in better dispositions in court, and more importantly can help build the scaffolding

necessary to support the minor in both childhood and beyond. Recognizing that a child’s success as an adult is inextricably linked with the health and stability of the family as a whole, this approach emphasizes mental health services for all parties, as well as parent education for those who are struggling to raise a child under such trying circumstances.

Marshall J. Wolf

Firm: Wolf and Akers

Hometown: Orange

Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation

Undergraduate University: Miami University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism at B’nai Jeshurun prepared me to deal with families in my practice when I was director of youth activities and USY adviser while in law school.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I was the first in my family to graduate from high school. When I was in college and student teaching, I was teaching a high school class on the Constitution the day Kennedy was shot.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Chaired the family law section of ABA; founding member of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Ohio chapter; chief U.S. delegate and keynoter at World Conference on Family Law and Rights of Children in Sydney, Australia.

Mitchell J. Yelsky

Firm: Yelsky & Lonardo

played a role in your career: core Jewish values that has helped shape me is the responsibility we have to our community and to treat others with respect and kindness. Remembering and fulfilling that responsibility has been a very important part of my life and career. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I grew up as the youngest in a large family that constantly played card and board games and built puzzles. I believe that is why I really enjoy creatively solving complex business/ legal problems for my clients and friends. What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Use your knowledge, training, resources and skills to help people.

Ari Witkes

Firm: Witkes Law Firm, LLC

Hometown: Lyndhurst

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

What three words best describe you: Sincere, thoughtful, determined

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: A law practice with year over year growth.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Do your best job with your current clients and more will come

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid

Undergraduate University: Arizona State University

Law School: CSU College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: The use of words in the practice of law can have a powerful effect on the outcomes of disputes.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I grew up on a working horse farm that at times managed over 80 horses. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: In 35 years of litigation there have been many. Most recently was the young man from Erie, Pa., who traveled to Cleveland on May 30, 2020, to watch the George Floyd demonstrations. He ended up being charged with very serious federal crimes, alleging he engaged in a conspiracy to riot and cause civil disorder, which he quite clearly did not – he didn’t even arrive in Cleveland until 11 p.m., after the riots had been contained and dispersed. Getting Brandon’s case dismissed was extremely gratifying, as he was being scapegoated for serious criminal acts of others.

Andrew A. Zashin

Firm: Zashin & Rich, Co.,

LPA

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Synagogue: Chabad

Undergraduate University: Brown University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: My religion has helped me realize my place, and my purpose, in a long and consequential human chain.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I am a prankster.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: In addition to the famous and glamorous cases I have been privileged to handle, I am just as grateful to have handled innumerable cases where I have helped parents and children in trauma improve their lives. I am most proud of succeeding in family law and developing one of the foremost family law and international family law practices in the United States. Also, in the past four years, we have handled two of only five cases the U.S. Supreme Court has ever heard on the 1980 Hague Convention on Child Abduction.

Rob Zimmerman

Firm: Benesch Friedlander

Coplan & Aronoff

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Park

Synagogue

Undergraduate University: OSU

Law School: OSU Moritz College of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I have been a partner in two law firms (the former Kahn Kleinman and now Benesch) that are historically considered “Jewish” firms. Having that connection to the Jewish community is important to me personally and professionally. This has allowed me to work with, learn from and represent prominent leaders in the Jewish community and Cleveland-area Jewish institutions. These opportunities have helped me grow as a person and lawyer and allowed me to contribute to our community.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: That I actually listen. Lawyers are taught to talk and to otherwise communicate. We’re not taught to listen. Before I devise a strategy and try to implement it, I ask clients their ultimate objective. This must be known for a lawyer to craft a successful plan. I also listen to my opposing counsel. While it’s tempting to drive the conversation at all times, sometimes clients are better served by hearing out the other side. When the other lawyer or his/her client is talking, areas of agreement might be found, and weaknesses exposed.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Whether the case or matter

is large or small, I derive great personal and professional satisfaction in helping clients achieve their desired results. This doesn’t always happen and, when it does, it is gratifying. Lawyers are (or at least should be) problem solvers. If I can solve a problem for a client, I have done my job. Sometimes this means winning the case. Other times it means preventing the case from ever being filed. But in all instances, it’s about results, however they are defined.

Jeffrey

D. Zimon

Firm: Zimon Law LLC

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation

Undergraduate University: Brandeis University

Law School: CWRU School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: My strong Jewish faith informs and guides not only my approach to solving problems for our clients, but also informs how I address my clients and how I give back to the community through volunteer work and charitable giving. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: When not studying, reading, writing and representing, I enjoy home repair in every area and have a complete workshop with basically every power tool needed. I also enjoy music and have taken up guitar after a 40-year hiatus. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: Establishing and maintaining my own boutique law firm to provide ERISA and benefits counsel to bring this expertise to other firms and companies that do not otherwise have access to it.

Larry Zukerman

Firm: Zukerman Lear and Murray Co LPA

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Solon Chabad

Undergraduate University: Washington and Jefferson College

Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism helped guide me to practice law by helping those in need. Criminal Defense plays a keen role in protecting civil rights and liberties. We must not Judge when we zealously represent our clients but fight to ensure each receives the best defense possible. Also, Judaism has taught me to look for answers beyond the obvious. This has enabled me to craft successful defenses for my clients. Always do what’s right; regardless if it’s not popular. Always be a warrior and not a hugger because you’re fighting for someone’s reputation and freedom.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: A client would be surprised that I’m a

spiritual person who’s guided by the law. I fiercely protect their rights and won’t back down to my opponents. I enjoy spending Shabbos dinner with my family on Friday nights and love spending time with my children and grandchildren. I love to ski with my friends and family in Colorado, Utah and New York. I’m president of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation. My Clients would be most surprised to learn that I cheer for the Steelers and the Wolverines. I’ve taught law school at my alma mater for 28 years.

What’s the best advice you’ve received as an attorney: Michael Hennenberg, my mentor, told me to put your case and plan on your own track. The paramount objective requires that you act proactively in your motion practice and preparation and not be reactive. You should always visit the scene, interview the witnesses, review all the evidence, advocate for your client with the government and the court and be thorough and prepared.

Ami Zukowsky

Firm: Zukowsky Law LLC

Hometown: Beachwood

Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla

Undergraduate University: Yeshiva University

Law School: Cardozo School of Law

How has Judaism played a role in your career: I am guided and inspired by Judaism’s ethical principles when making career decisions. What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I think that my clients would be surprised to learn that long before I was an attorney, I tried my hand at the theater, and (my clients) are being assisted by none other than the Dayton Jewish Community Center’s 1998 youth

Six attorneys join Ulmer & Berne

theatre production of “Fiddler on the Roof’s” Tevya. But there is a good chance they will already know that – DJCC youth theater was considered the creme de la creme of Jewish youth theater. What accomplishments are you most proud of as an attorney: I am proud of all of the work I have done on behalf of my clients; keeping parents with their children; and protecting my clients’ assets. But every other lawyer is going to say that, so as a bonus: I am proud of the firm I have put together. I came to Cleveland having not gone to school here, and with almost no professional network, and I have put together a thriving practice operating first and foremost on principle.

Gary A. Zwick

Firm: Walter Haverfield LLP

Hometown: Cleveland

Undergraduate University: KSU

Law School: CSU College of Law and Georgetown University Law Center

How has Judaism played a role in your career: Only in subtle ways but, along with good parents, I hope I practice in a moral and honest way. The nice thing about tax practice is that often you can be a hero to everyone.

What would a client be surprised to learn about you: I used to be a very good athlete, you’ll have to take my word for it.

University key:

BGSU: Bowling Green State University

CSU: Cleveland State University

CWRU: Case Western Reserve University

KSU: Kent State University

OSU: The Ohio State University

OU: Ohio University

Ulmer & Berne LLP has added six new attorneys in varying key practices according to a news release from the rm.

e attorneys are associate Jeremy B. Adell and sta attorney Hannah B. Webb in real estate, associate Rochel B. Adler in business law, associates Ryan W. Gillespie and Isabella M. Simon in business litigation and intellectual property associate Anthony Tomusko.

“Our steady growth over the last year has been intentional and gratifying,” Scott P. Kadish, the rm’s managing partner, said in the release. “Certainly our growth is in response to increasing client demand, but it is also a result of the exible, collaborative, sophisticated practice we have developed here at Ulmer. We are delighted to add six more talented attorneys to the team.”

Adell will work in the real estate practice at the Cleveland o ce. He earned his law degree from the Cleveland State University College of Law.

Webb will work in the real estate practice at the Cincinnati o ce. She earned her law degree from the Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights.

Adler will work in the business law practice at the Cleveland o ce. She earned her law degree from the Cleveland State University College of Law.

Gillespie will work in the business litigation practice in the Cleveland o ce. He received his law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland.

Simon will work in the business litigation practice at the Columbus o ce. She earned her law degree from the Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh.

Tomusko will work in the intellectual property practice at the Columbus o ce. He earned his law degree from e University of Akron School of Law.