2022 Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys - A Cleveland Jewish News Special Section

SUPER ATTORNEYS

JANUARY 28, 2022

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LOCAL

LAWYERS

SUPER

ATTORNEYS

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LOCAL LAWYERS

Attorneys’ paths to law vary, but lessons learned similar STEPHEN LANGEL @LangelCJN slangel@cjn.org |

P

eople enter the legal field for many reasons, but there are common themes for why they want to practice law, including the sense of accomplishment, the differences made and the lessons learned, although sometimes unanticipated, two local attorneys said.

Carolyn C. Soeder, a domestic relations attorney and a partner at Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs in Cleveland, and Robert Botnick, a criminal defense attorney

at The Botnick Law Firm in Shaker Heights, entered the legal profession for very different reasons.

Soeder said she decided on law because she wanted to tell stories, challenge conceptions and debate ideas, and the legal practice allowed her to do all three. Her work as a family attorney handling issues including dissolution, divorce, child custody, parenting time, premarital agreements, child and spousal support has also allowed her to make a positive difference, she said.

“I really change the story for a family and get someone some relief or maybe they were

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being taken advantage of,” Soeder said.

Botnick originally wanted to go into the family jewelry business, but wanted a contingency plan. He also saw law school as a way to apply the critical thinking skills he was learning as a comparative religion major.

While he still intended to go into the family business, Botnick found he enjoyed law school, decided to take the bar, and wanted to give practicing law a try. He was hooked.

Botnick, first a county prosecutor, is now a private defense attorney. And, like Soeder, he said he is making a positive difference in people’s lives.

Botnick said he takes great satisfaction in “knowing that because of your work, you’ve made somebody’s life a little bit better.”

Along the way, both said they have learned valuable lessons about the legal practice that they did not necessarily anticipate coming out of law school. These lessons include a number of things not directly related to practicing law, including the importance of networking, mentoring, maintaining a good reputation and planning for law school debt.

Soeder thought the culture of practicing law would be more formal, leaving less room for her personality. Instead, she said she had the ability to not only be herself, but that socializing and networking were a big part of her job. Part of the benefit of networking is to find mentors, she said.

“You have a responsibility as an attorney to mentor and teach the incoming generation,” Soeder said.

Botnick said he would like to see formalized mentorship programs developed in local bar associations. Such programs are not prevalent, requiring attorneys to seek mentors out through networking, socializing and the like. While bar associations provide such opportunities to meet potential mentors at social and professional events, there should be more structure for this, he said.

Another lesson Soeder and Botnick have learned is about how the cost of law school, the debts incurred, can be a bigger burden than many people realize.

Law school can be costly even at state schools. And being a law student is so difficult and time consuming that it is hard to also have a job to help pay for school, Soeder said.

The result is that a lot of attorneys come out of school with sizable debt and this burden can be with them for a long time to come.

“No one really prepares that much for your big burden when you’re entering school” she said. And students “don’t really think about the long-term implication. It’s kind of the elephant in the room where you know what’s going to happen, but it’s almost like death. You don’t think about it.”

Such a burden can change the way attorneys approach their careers, Botnick said.

“Sometimes you’ll see people who don’t necessarily take risks, that they find a job, they’ll stay with that job, because they have this massive commitment that’s also going to weigh on them for decades,” he said.

Botnick

Soeder

This is tied into another lesson Soeder and Botnick said most lawyers do not know until they start practicing: the majority of attorneys do not start out earning a lot of money.

“When you go into law school, you think I’m going to be an attorney, and I’m going to make all this money,” Soeder said. “For the majority of people that is not immediately true. And you really have to put in a lot of work to get to a point in your career where you’re successful enough to command a higher paycheck.”

The mixture of high debt and relatively low earnings can have a real impact on an attorney’s career path. For instance, attorneys might choose a job based on earnings rather than a topic they are passionate about, she said.

Botnick sees the same problem, noting that the amount of debt new attorneys graduate with “can definitely be crippling.” As a result, “a lot of people might be doing work that they do not enjoy because they feel it’s out of necessity,” he said.

Looking ahead, both Botnick and Soeder are focused on the dual goals of growing their own law practice and mentoring younger attorneys.

“One of the things that I want to be able to do is I want to be able to grow, I want to be able to expand, to have a younger and newer attorneys working with me,” Botnick said. “So that way I can take on that mentorship role, and showing them how to do it. You know, one of the things I think is unique about my perspective, or about my experience, is being able to see things from both the prosecutor side, as well as the defense side. And I think that is something that’s not taken advantage of by so many defense attorneys. And so, to be able to instill that in these newer attorneys, so that way, they can have a better appreciation of the other side.”

Soeder is also looking forward to building her practice.

“I’ve been given a really wonderful opportunity here where I am able to build out the domestic relations practice and I can make it what I want it to be and I can shape how we approach cases and what we’re going to be known for in terms of the tone of my practice,” Soeder said. “It’s really building up the domestic relations practice here, hiring associates and you know, getting to work and making it a go-to in the area. And I do want it for my practice to always be respected. And I want my reputation to be clean, and for my work to be trusted.”

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JANUARY 28, 2022

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LOCAL LAWYERS

Keeping personal, business assets separate important COURTNEY BYRNES @courtney_byrnes cbyrnes@cjn.org |

W

hether you have a business that is just getting started or preparing for the future to pass a business on to the next generation, staying organized and separating your business and personal assets will make things easier in the long run.

Dave Woodburn, a shareholder in Roetzel & Andress’ estate planning group, and Stephen Gariepy, chair of Hahn Loeser’s estate planning and business succession group, both in Cleveland, said it is important to separate your assets to protect you and your business.

The first step after forming a business should be

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making a plan to keep the business separate. Woodburn suggested getting a separate taxpayer identification number and keeping separate bank accounts and records for the business.

“You want to make sure you avoid co-mingling assets or accounts that might be personal use from the business,” Woodburn said. “So having a separate taxpayer ID number for the business, having accounts just in the name of the business, all are important initial steps to take, and in conjunction with that, one action that we often recommend is to make sure you properly capitalize the business.”

He highlighted the importance of having enough assets and capital in the business to start with to avoid constant transfers from personal accounts to business accounts.

“If you are actually paying corporate or business bills out of your personal account, you start to run the risk that if there is a lawsuit or there’s a creditor in the business, that they might try what we call ‘pierce the corporate veil,’ and get half the normal protection that you enjoy by having a business and try to go after you personally,”

“You want to make sure you avoid co-mingling assets or accounts that might be personal use from the business.”

Dave Woodburn

Woodburn said. “Again, the need to differentiate is extremely important.”

For this same reason, Gariepy often recommends business owners form a limited liability company and transfer all business assets into the name of the company.

“The reason for that is the LLC gives the owner of the business some liability protection so that if there is a Gariepy lawsuit against the business that the individual personally would not be sued, but just the business,” Gariepy said. “So that gives the individual some personal protection that their personal assets, such as a house, are protected if the business is sued.”

Not only will a LLC and separating your assets help to protect an individual, it also makes it easier to pass a business down to one’s child Woodburn when the time comes, as Gariepy shares. When it comes to estate planning, it is helpful to differentiate assets and know the value of a business to equally split among the owner’s children.

“If the business, for example, is valued at $1 million going to one child, often the other child will get the first $1 million of nonbusiness assets, and then whatever is left over after that is split 50/50,” Gariepy said. “So if the goal is to treat them equally economically, you often arrange it that way.”

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JANUARY 28, 2022

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Attorneys caution to be careful when making comments online

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LOCAL LAWYERS

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COURTNEY BYRNES @courtney_byrnes cbyrnes@cjn.org |

I

n an increasingly online world, employees and employers alike have taken on a social media presence, but what speech is protected and when can comments made online start to become a legal issue for the business?

Daniel Bryan, commercial litigator at Taft Law in Cleveland, and Andrew Stebbins, managing attorney at Minc Law in Orange, said it’s important to have a company social media policy and know the laws around employment and free speech online.

Bryan outlined a number of reasons employers may want to regulate an employee’s social media use including protecting the brand, preventing an employee from appearing to speak on behalf of the company, or preventing the sharing of confidential and trade secrets.

“Whether that causes legal problems for the employer might be a different issue,” he said. “A lot of times legal disputes can arise if an employer is too aggressive in their approach in trying to limit what an employee can do on their social media accounts.”

There are certain cases when online speech is protected under the First Amendment and National Labor Relations Act, such as speaking on matters of public concern, posting about their religious affiliation, and other concerted activities, as Bryan explained.

“Even then, even when the speech is protected, it’s not always going to be clear cut,” Bryan said. “A public employer will often argue it has interest in maintaining the efficiency of how it can provide services to the public or maintaining cohesion of its own team.”

Cases when an employee’s social media use may cause legal issues to arise include defamatory statements made online about a competitor if the employee appears to be acting on behalf of the employer.

“If there aren’t those boundaries set up, or it’s not apparent on the face of the post that the person is acting with personal capacity, and not on behalf of the company, then the employer is subject to the same liability as the employee through various concepts,” Stebbins said.

Other cases include employees or ex-

Bryan

Stebbins

“A lot of times legal disputes can arise if an employer is too aggressive in their approach in trying to limit what an employee can do on their social media accounts.”

Daniel Bryan employees posting defamatory statements about their own employer, often by leaving fake reviews on sites like Google, Glassdoor and Indeed. Minc Law offers a service in online content removal which often deals with cases like these.

“It runs the gambit, the internet can be such a dangerous place sometimes that it’s hard to list out all the possible scenarios in which a client might come to us,” Stebbins said. “But from a business standpoint, we do see a lot of cases involving review sites or other review platforms.”

Such cases can be addressed through non-litigation means by reaching out if an employee has not left an anonymous review or by reporting the content. If the review is anonymous, then Stebbins explained the process of filing litigation to uncover the reviewer and hold them accountable.

While cases vary on outcomes and details, the legal consequence of posting defamatory statements online will always be civil liability resulting in monetary consequences, he said.

“Most civil cases settle, one way or another, but not all of them,” Stebbins said.

“We’ve had to go to trial before and see cases all the way through even on appeal.”

“... The internet can be such a dangerous place sometimes that it’s hard to list out all the possible scenarios in which a client might come to us.”

Andrew Stebbins

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JANUARY 28, 2022

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14 Elk + Elk Attorneys Chosen for 2022 Ohio Super Lawyers, Rising Stars

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Partners Jay Kelley, John O’Neil, Phillip Kuri, Marilena DiSilvio and R. Craig McLaughlin were selected to the 2022 Ohio Super Lawyers list.

Attorneys Gary Cowan, Matthew Carty, Amy Papesh, William Price, William Campbell, Kevin Lenson and Curtis Fifner were selected to the 2022 Ohio Super Lawyers list.

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

Kelley 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 2022 Top 50 Women Ohio Super Lawyers and Top 25 Women Cleveland Super Lawyers lists.

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LOCAL LAWYERS

Immigration policies keeping attorneys busy ALEX KRUTCHIK

“The Attorney General currently has been reinstating policies that were in place during the Obama administration that basically allowed judges to close cases on their dockets that aren’t a priority and are just taking up space.”

M

ore than one year into the Biden administration, the landscape of many American policies looks different. While immigration reform caused a swirl of controversy during the Trump administration, some immigration attorneys said President Joe Biden has worked to overturn many of Trump’s policies.

David Leopold, partner and chair of the immigration group at Ulmer & Berne LLP., and Maya Lugasy, attorney with Brown Immigration Law, both in Cleveland, said a few major changes have occurred in the past year.

Leopold said since Biden took the oath of office last January, he has reversed most, if not all, of the “discriminatory policies” that were in place for the last four years. Perhaps the most of which was the “Muslim ban,” which was the ban on entry of people from Muslim-majority countries such as Iran and Syria.

“Corollary to that was an extreme vetting requirement which was used to keep people out with last names that were more Muslim or Arabic sounding,” Leopold said. “It also applied to Latino names and some Chinese names. That has since ended. Obviously we still vet, but we don’t use it as an excuse to keep people of certain ethnic backgrounds out of the country.”

Another change Lugasy noted is the immigration courts. There are still about 1.5

Leopold

Lugasy

Maya Lugasy

million cases in immigration court backlog, but Lugasy said many policies that the Trump administration created were increasing the backlog by essentially taking away judges’ authority to manage their dockets.

“The Attorney General currently has been reinstating policies that were in place during the Obama administration that basically allowed judges to close cases on their dockets that aren’t a priority and are just taking up space,” Lugasy said. “They aren’t an enforcement priority. These aren’t dangerous people, they’re not criminals. Basically, this just gives them the opportunity to get their case off the docket so they can focus on more pressing matters.”

She referred to “invisible walls” that was enacted during the previous administration.

One example of this was a policy she referred to as “no blank spaces policies.”

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is the agency that adjudicates immigration benefit applications, were rejecting filings if any part of the form was blank, even if that part

of the form did not apply to the specific person filling it out. Lugasy said she and other attorneys had to start writing N/A in every single blank space on a form.

“It didn’t seem to really be based on any logical reasoning,” Lugasy said. “It was just another way for them to reject the application and delay the process even further.”

One big benchmark the Biden administration has reached is the refugee program, which is something that’s “near and dear” to Leopold and the Jewish community, Leopold said. The Trump administration allowed a historic low 10,000 refugees per year. He said Biden slowly raised that number to 62,000, and then committed to bringing in 125,000 during this fiscal year that started Oct. 1, 2021.

“Not nearly that many were admitted because of the COVID strain and other COVID issues,” Leopold said. “But hopefully over the next year we’ll see better numbers.”

Graduating from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland in 2018, Lugasy had practiced under the Trump administration. She said the current administration has provided a new outlook while more veteran attorneys have told her this is simply how it used to be.

Lugasy said she is hopeful about the immigration reform bill the Biden administration introduced, but is not entirely confident the bill will wind up passing at all. She also recognizes that there needs to be some kind of congressional action in order to make these changes more permanent. Otherwise, she said, every presidential administration will just kind of “flip flop” on their policies, making things more confusing and inefficient.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done just in terms of all of the damage the Trump administration caused with the delays and the backlog,” Lugasy said. “So, if Congress can actually get something passed, that’s my biggest hope.”

Businesses explore legalities of requiring vaccines ALEX KRUTCHIK

O

ver 60% of the United States population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to Our World In Data, a scientific online publication.

As more people get vaccinated, businesses have had to figure out what to do about unvaccinated employees and customers. This has caused a shift in policy, as well as controversy in some cases.

Nancy Barnes, partner and practice group leader for labor and employment at Thompson Hine LLP in Cleveland, Brandon Collier, president at Collier and Associates in Pepper Pike, and Pam Krivda, partner in the employment and labor relations department at Taft Law in Cleveland, said employers can mandate vaccines, with a few exceptions.

Collier said businesses can do whatever they want in terms of requiring masks and vaccine mandates.

“There’s no prohibition on that,” he said. “They can certainly fire people if they want for violating their COVID rules. ” In general, Barnes said the courts have upheld the right of an employer to require employees to be vaccinated as a general rule. However, there are exceptions that employers have to provide to employees if they fall into certain categories. For example, Barnes said if an employee has some sort of medical condition or disability that would

Barnes

Collier

Krivda

prevent them from being able to get the vaccine at any point because they have some sort of condition that they’re dealing with, then employers are required under either federal law or state law to go through a process to see if they can accommodate the person’s medical or disability issue.

“Same thing applies if somebody has a religious objection to getting the vaccine,” Barnes said. “Employers have to go through a process to determine whether or not the person has a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from getting vaccinated, and then figure out whether or not they can accommodate that person’s religious objection.”

Krivda said this also applies to customers of a retail operation, with a couple of nuances. Krivda gave an example of a store deciding for the safety of employees and other customers that anybody who comes in must be

vaccinated. If a person has a disability that prevents them from getting a vaccination, the store must try to find a way that they can still use the goods and services the same way anybody else would.

“This could be, for example, requiring proof of a recent test,” Krivda said. “If you have a person who has a disability that prohibits them either getting vaccinated or undergoing the weekly tests, you still have to try to figure out a way that they can use the business anyway, just like anybody else would. I haven’t heard yet of a condition that prevents somebody from undergoing a weekly test.”

Businesses can provide incentives for their employees to get vaccinated, but Barnes said this can become complicated because, depending on the incentives that are provided, that can cause problems regarding other laws in the employee benefits area and violations of the Employee Retirement Security Act, which is a federal law that deals with employee benefit programs.

“Generally some relatively de minimis incentives that can be provided that don’t typically create any sorts of problems are things like gift cards, lottery ticket raffles and things like that,” Barnes said. “Things that are probably under the $200 threshold. Those kinds of incentives are not likely to run afoul of any of the other types of issues that could be a problem if you start getting into things that are of a more substantial nature.”

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LOCAL LAWYERS

Attorneys: returning to an office may look different ALEX KRUTCHIK

A

s more people get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the world continues to open up, businesses have begun allowing employees to return to in-person work. But how many people are returning to physical offices on a full-time basis?

Joshua Berggrun, attorney with Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP in Cleveland, and Charles Daroff, partner in the real estate group of Walter | Haverfield in Cleveland, said the landscape of physical office buildings has changed over the past two years.

Berggrun said every landlord-tenant relationship is unique, so the stressors and upswings of the last two years have impacted his clients in different ways. Tenants that have a strong leasing history with their landlord or that have businesses temporarily impacted by the pandemic have been able to, in many situations, negotiate rent abatement or deferral agreements, he said.

“Tenants in the retail and restaurant space – or that pay percentage rent – or that were required

Berggrun

Daroff

by law to remain closed for several months have been hit hard, but landlords want their tenants to succeed,” Berggrun said. “So, for the most part, we’ve been able to come up with resolutions to ensure the viability of the business.”

Daroff said one of the things that has changed in the last year is that when people are transacting new deals or extending existing ones, they’re more cognizant about how much space they really need, especially in offices. He said many tenants are taking less space than they would have a year or two ago when they’re making new deals.

“And part of that is a function of the fact that if you have 20 people in your office, there might

only be five people coming in regularly,” Daroff said. “And some people come in once or twice a week. And what I see happening is office sharing arrangements inside the firm’s office. If a lawyer or an accountant is coming in once a week instead of every day, do they need their own office?”

Berggrun said COVID-19 has also caused an increase in the price of building materials which is causing significant delays in the supply chain and a disruption of the labor workforce.

“All of these impacts need to be taken into consideration when tenants are negotiating leases with a build-out or significant landlord tenant improvements,” Berggrun said. “We also propose COVID language to be inserted into the force majeure provision to protect tenants in the event of future required shutdowns.”

As for tenants that want to get out of a lease, Daroff said it is not that simple. Once a party signs a lease, they’re bound to that lease. And if they have the money to pay, even it’s not as cost-effective for them to do so, they still owe the money, he said.

However, he added, a potential exit strategy for a tenant is to try to assign their lease or

sublease their space. What happens in the case of an assignment is the tenant entirely relinquishes their rights in the space to a third party. The tenant may still be technically liable to the landlord if they don’t perform, but they would have another party subsidizing some or all of the rent. The same applies with a sublease.

“So, if a tenant has 5,000 square feet of space, and they’re only using 3,000, they could try to sublease the remaining 2,000 of it to somebody else to use,” Daroff said. “And that party may pay the entire amount of the space on a per-squarefoot basis that they are leasing, or some portion of it. But at least the original tenant is getting an income subsidy from somebody else to help pay rent for space they don’t need.”

In regard to the future of commercial real estate, Berggrun said the pandemic continues to impact interest rates, the supply chain and the workforce.

“But we’ve been extremely busy helping our clients buy, sell, lease, borrow and lend against commercial real estate,” he said. “And the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of local and national businesses is a force to be reckoned with.”

Lawyers find it their job to give back to the community LISA MATKOWSKY

L

egal assistance can be costly and is often out of reach for many who need it. This is true everywhere, but in Cleveland, the poorest big city in America, the need is staggering. Thirty percent of Cleveland residents live below the poverty level, and half earn less than $20,000 per year.

The Legal Aid Society is one well-known address for low-cost or free legal assistance, and many legal professionals and private firms dedicate time to helping those who can least afford it. In addition to annual philanthropic giving, each year more than 1,000 lawyers in Northeast Ohio donate their time to provide public outreach and pro bono legal services for those in need.

Lauren Gilbride, managing attorney of intake and volunteer lawyers program at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland; Andy Goldwasser of Ciano & Goldwasser in Cleveland and Beachwood; Erin R. Horan, development and communications associate at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland; Jeffrey Leikin of Jeffrey A. Leikin, Esq in Beachwood; and Andrew Zashin of Zashin & Rich in Cleveland and Columbus, discussed how lawyers are giving back.

The Legal Aid Society provides civil legal aid in Northern Ohio.

“Cleveland has a wealth of legal talent and Legal Aid is lucky enough to partner with some amazing attorneys, firms and corporations to provide high quality legal services to those that are low income,” Gilbride said.

Legal Aid helps with everything non-criminal, such as divorce, housing, bankruptcy, economic justice, access to health insurance and employment issues.

“The need for assistance with unemployment issues has drastically increased since COVID,” Horan said. “Demand is so high that we have to turn away half of qualified inquiries.”

Last year, they handled more than 6,600 cases, impacting more than 17,300 people.

Volunteers make up a large part of the Legal Aid Society’s resource base.

“We have a robust volunteer attorney division providing pro bono help,” Horan said.

With a volunteer roster of approximately 3,000 people, around 600 are active on a case or clinic each year. There is also an Act

Gilbride

Goldwasser

Horan

Two Program for retired attorneys who want to help.

“Every year approximately 20% of Legal Aid cases are handled by volunteers,” Horan said. “They expand our impact quite substantially.”

Large and small law firms give back to the community as well.

“In my experience, larger firms give back by supporting local charities and local charitable events,” Leikin said. “Smaller firms and sole practitioners, like myself, give back by participating in charitable events and providing assistance to community members on a pro bono basis. I specifically reserve and devote professional time for pro bono work for my clients who are unable to afford the hourly cost of an attorney for certain issues which would be cost prohibitive to pursue otherwise.”

Goldwasser said, “Many lawyers and law firms make it a point to give back. Annual turkey giveaways at Thanksgiving, Toys for Tots, Coats for Kids, the Cleveland Food Bank, ORT America and hundreds of other nonprofits benefit from the generous support of our legal community.”

He said the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association created the 3Rs – Rights, Responsibilities, Realities – Program, which connects lawyers, judges, law students and paralegals with high school students in Cleveland and East Cleveland schools.

“There is a systematic commitment to giving back built into the professional organization,” Goldwasser said. “The program helps teach and mentor students to learn about the U.S. Constitution and to provide them with career counseling. This program has reached more than 37,000 students.”

Giving back to the community also includes nurturing the

Leikin

Zashin

legal education of the next generation.

Zashin said that lawyers give back in their own way and he personally enjoys education.

“I give back by teaching at Case Western Reserve Law School, where I have been teaching various family law courses for almost 20 years,” said Zashin, who writes a monthly legal column for the Cleveland Jewish News.

Leikin shares that pedagogical passion. He volunteers his time to work on student programs promoting the legal profession, such as mentoring mock trial teams and competitions with high school students who may be thinking of a future legal career.

Some lawyers find it personally and professionally satisfying to give back to their community in a broader, societal capacity.

Zashin described working pro bono on an international family law case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Helping people in situations like these, even in lower courts, is tremendously satisfying because international family law is a special discipline and requires considerable education and experience,” he said. “Not every lawyer can do this.”

The lawyers that give back to the community do so because they believe that it is the right thing to do.

“When I talk with our volunteers about the pro bono work they do, many see it as their civic duty to use their unique skill set to help those that would otherwise be unable to afford legal counsel,” Gilbride said. “They also comment that it is personally fulfilling to help a person save a home, keep a child in school or ensure that someone entitled to benefits continues to receive them.”

Lisa Matkowsky is a freelance writer.

SUPER ATTORNEYS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 39

JANUARY 28, 2022

Congratulations to the 18 McCarthy Lebit Attorneys Named in the 2022 Edition of Ohio Super Lawyers®.

This year, 14 of our attorneys were included on the 2022 Ohio Super Lawyers® List, including three attorneys named to multiple “Top Ohio” and “Top Cleveland” Lists; and four other attorneys were included on the Ohio Rising Stars List.

At McCarthy Lebit, when you expect more, you get more - why should you expect anything less?

Top 100 Ohio Ann-Marie M. Ahern

Hugh D. Berkson

David M. Cuppage

Robert T. Glickman

Tobias J. Hirshman

Kimon P. Karas

Robert R. Kracht

Kenneth B. Liffman

David A. Lum

Jack E. Moran

Top 10 Ohio (Ranked #3)

Rising Star

Top 100 Ohio

Christian R. Patno

Richard A. Rabb

David A. Schaefer

Rising Star

Rising Star

Rising Star

Nicholas R. Oleski

Colin R. Ray

Jonathan C. Wolnik

John S. Seich

Danielle G. Garson

Visit www.mccarthylebit.com to learn more about our honorees | For more about Super Lawyers® & the methodology for selection, visit www.superlawyers.com

40 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 28, 2022

LOCAL LAWYERS

Tips for preparing resumes, smart social media presence LISA MATKOWSKY

F

ormulating a resume requires careful consideration and effort in order to get noticed in the right way.

Attorneys Alecia Bencze, assistant director of career services at The University of Akron in Akron, and Doron M. Kalir, clinical professor of law, appellate practice clinic at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland, weighed in on the best way for law students looking for internships or jobs to prepare resumes. They also offered suggestions for a savvy social media presence in today’s hiring environment.

“Research, research, research,” Kalir said. “Tailor your resume and cover letter to the type of work the firm you are applying to does. Rather than addressing a letter to ‘Dear hiring manager,’ research who the hiring manager is.”

He added it is important to highlight work you have done that is the same as or adjacent to the type of legal work that firm does.

Bencze

Kalir

“They don’t need four lines about your server job,” Kalir indicated. “That job belongs there, but devote more space for work that is directly related to the work that specific firm does.”

In the current COVID climate, everything is becoming more digital, so optimizing resumes for the new work-fromhome, flexible workplace culture is key.

Bencze suggested using hyperlinks and QR codes on the legal resume to optimize a law student resume.

LinkedIn is the most important social media account to focus on, she said.

“While LinkedIn is the go-to professional social media account, students might also consider having a professional Twitter account or blog if either of those mediums is a better fit for their online professional brand,” Bencze added.

Hyperlinks or QR codes can link to LinkedIn pages/professional social media, websites or articles written by the student. Students should strive to reach 100% completeness on LinkedIn, include a professional headshot, and customize their profile URL to their name in order to maximize their experience on that platform. This will also allow for their LinkedIn profile to show higher in search results for their name.

In terms of personal social media, students need to be cognizant of keeping their personal and professional social media accounts separate.

“They should Google themselves from someone else’s computer or a different browser than they typically use,” Bencze said. “Is there anything they wouldn’t want

a current or future employer to see?”

Students should search websites or accounts they have forgotten about tied to an old email or username they may want to get rid of.

“Any picture or comment that you, in 20 years, would be embarrassed by or would not want your kids to see, delete,” Kalir said. “On average, the person reading your resume is not of your generation. If you are not sure, ask someone 10 years older for their opinion.”

“The beauty of social media is that it’s dynamic, which gives law students the ability to grow on social media from their time in law school, to when they become a practicing lawyer.” Kalir added. “Understand that who you are is a 360-degree rotation. When you become an attorney, you are a professional under everyone’s gaze. Make sure what you present is what you want to be seen.”

Lisa Matkowsky is a freelance writer.

Coaches can face liabilities on court that can put them in court LISA MATKOWSKY

Y

outh sports are a year-round, multi-million-dollar industry, and they are subject to regulation by private and public entities. Generally, private organizations regulate youth sports, and the rules primarily address the conduct of coaches and parents.

Governmental regulation is more prominent in high school sports, including state concussion laws and laws against hazing. Samir Dahman, partner in charge of Kohrman Jackson & Krantz, which has offices in Cleveland and Columbus, and Rubin Guttman, of Rubin Guttman & Associates LPA in Cleveland, discussed the most common liabilities and what responsibilities coaches have to best protect themselves and their players.

Sports injuries are one common liability, with head injury stories dominating the news media. It is estimated that every year, more than 50,000 concussions occur in high school football alone. Other sports, such as soccer and baseball, are not far behind. Nearly every state has adopted legislation designed to minimize the risk of head injuries.

“Ohio’s Youth Concussion Law prohibits coaches from allowing athletes to continue to play if there are symptoms of a concussion,” Guttman said. “If a child is suspected of having a concussion, they must be cleared by a physician or authorized health care provider, in writing, in order to be allowed to participate in the next game or class. It’s helpful to have coach training to recognize the signs of a

head injury.”

Coach training has become more widely available as mindfulness of liability issues have has increased. Most states require some form of coach training every three years on concussion symptom identifications and protocols.

Other common liabilities in youth sports and school sports teams include bullying.

In fact, Dahman said he encounters more bullying cases than injury cases in youth sports. He noted gender, race, economic status or just kids’ attitudes are common triggers in bullying cases.

“Inadequately supervised locker rooms are a big source of bullying and schools have a responsibility to be aware of that,” Guttman said. “Teachers and coaches must not fail to act like teachers and coaches, because students are going to act like students.”

Dahman said, “Unsupervised locker rooms are where a lot of bullying goes on, so it’s important that coaches, perhaps including one or more parents, be present in the locker room. Also, depending on the circumstances, if players need to change undergarments, they should do so individually in bathroom stalls to avoid any misconduct.”

Another source of liability is coach mishandling of a situation. That’s where the training can be very helpful.

Guttman said coach liability may arise when “the coach confuses himself with a bad drill sergeant” and works the players too hard in the heat, or behaves with “heedless dis-regard” for the players’ safety. Less about the original incident, the

liability will center on the coach’s reaction.

“Liability is often about, ‘OK, coach, what did you do in response to the signs and symptoms of a head injury or a breathing problem. Did you send this player back in or did you send them to the doctor,” he said.

Occasionally, the mishandling comes as a result of over enthusiasm.

“Sometimes the coach thinks he or she is training the Olympic team instead of the school hockey team, and drives them too hard or in extreme conditions to achieve performance,” Dahman said.

It’s the coach’s responsibility to balance the need for player discipline and authority with extra vigilance for safety, which is not always easy, he said.

Dahman suggested that coaches “err on the side of caution. If a player does not want to participate in a certain activity, realize that it’s their loss.”

That could mean that if a mouthy player refuses to do assigned laps because he claims he has asthma, let him know he owes you the laps for when he’s feeling better. “It’s important to both understand the health conditions of all your players, as well as to use common sense. The point of youth or school sports is to have fun and to keep it safe.”

On a more basic level, Guttman emphasized the importance of routine equipment maintenance, and the essential duty to supervise younger kids on a playing field.

“It’s a matter of first do no harm,” he said. “There’s a responsibility for assuming proper care and avoiding what is avoidable.

Dahman

Guttman

For being responsive. That’s a great start.”

Dahman said that when coaches are doing what is anticipated, and holding to standard practices, accidental training injuries are not something coaches need to worry about, and most injuries that occur are just considered to be accidents and would not be attributable to the coach.

“Whatever coaches do, they should always be certified by the governing board,” he said.

Parents sign participation and insurance waivers, and local and governing bodies have insurance, so if coaches are having players participate in expected activities under expected conditions, their responsibilities are being met.

Both lawyers recommend open communication with parents and players.

“Have preseason parent meetings and open email communication,” Dahman said.

“Written codes of conduct and waivers are standard, and postgame informal, in-person talks are always a good idea,” he adds.

Lisa Matkowsky is a freelance writer.

SUPER ATTORNEYS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 41

JANUARY 28, 2022

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42 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 28, 2022

LOCAL LAWYERS

From the office of area law school deans Cleveland-Marshall College of Law LEE FISHER Special to the CJN

A

t Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University, we stand out for our outstanding faculty, affordable tuition, state-of-the art trial courtroom, learning commons, and solo practice incubator, consistently high bar passage rate, national awardwinning moot court teams, downtown Fisher campus a short walk away from most of Cleveland’s legal employers, hands-on experiential opportunities and cutting-edge programs.

• We are Northeast Ohio’s most reliable legal talent pipeline.

Every first-year student is matched with an alumnus who is a resource to them

throughout law school and beyond. There are more graduates of our law school in Northeast Ohio than any other law school in the nation.

• We are a top-ranked law school.

We are the top-ranked public law school in Northern Ohio, nationally ranked by U.S. News in 12 law specialties, and named a “Top Law School” in health, business, tax, international and criminal law by PreLaw Magazine.

• We are student-centered.

We are there for our students from Jump Start, a unique summer program offered to all admitted students prior to the fall semester, to the Academic Excellence Program, an academic support program conducted by high achieving upper-level students, to the Peer Tutoring Program, where upper-level students provide tutoring to any student seeking assistance.

• We are committed to our mission of “Learn Law. Live Justice.”

We consistently have been the law school for many women and men who have broken

gender, race, ethnic and economic barriers.

Examples include former Mayor Carl Stokes, U.S. Rep. Louis Stokes, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart and former Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson.

• We educate lawyer-leaders.

We are a law school that not only educates great lawyers, we educate great leaders. Our nationally recognized leadership and law program focuses on teaching not only legal skills but also leadership skills.

• We offer a cutting-edge curriculum.

We anticipate where the world is going and get there early. We are the only law school in the nation with both a Center for Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection and a Global Space Law Center.

• We use the city and the world as our classroom.

We have an Appellate Advocacy Clinic, Civil Litigation Clinic, Community Advocacy Clinic, Transactional Law Clinic

and Pop-Up Practicums on breaking current issues such as police reform, wrongful convictions, and bail reform.

• We offer great value.

In Prelaw Magazine’s Best Value Law Schools magazine, our law school earned an A- for Best Value based on an analysis of schools “where graduates have excellent chances of passing the bar and getting a legal job without taking on a ton of debt.”

Lee Fisher is dean of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University.

ClevelandMarshall College of Law | Cleveland State University Joseph C. HostetlerBakerHostetler Chair in Law 1801 Euclid Avenue, LB 138 |Cleveland, OH 44115-2214 216-386-8688 | law.csuohio.edu lee.fisher@csuohio.edu

Case Western Reserve University School of Law JESSICA BERG AND MICHAEL SCHARF Special to the CJN

C

ase Western Reserve University School of Law is a nationally recognized law school in the heart of Cleveland’s University Circle, a thriving cultural neighborhood and top-ranked arts district in the United States We are part of Case Western Reserve University, and offer 11 dual degree programs in combination with other colleges at CWRU. Established 129 years ago, we are one of the oldest law schools in the country and have a long-standing commitment to diversity. We admitted our first African American student in our first class in 1892

and our BLSA chapter was the second in the nation, established 50 years ago. 21% of our students identify as a member of a historically underrepresented minority group, and 55% as female.

We are a national leader in experiential education. With our 3L experiential capstone requirement, every student gains real-world experience in our Law Clinic or in a semester-long externship. In 2021, PreLaw Magazine ranked us #6 for practical training, and as one of the top ten law schools that deliver the best public interest law opportunities.

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We are also nationally known for several of our specialty areas. The 2021 U.S. News and World Report specialty rankings placed us as No. 11 for health law and No. 16 for international environmental law (A), criminal law (A), trial advocacy and litigation (A), human rights law (A-) and public policy law (A-).

We’ve had the top bar pass rate in Ohio in five of the past seven administrations of the bar exam. In 2020, our 95% national bar pass rate was 20th best in the country. And our law faculty is ranked 36th in the nation (top in Ohio) in scholarly impact according to the 2021 Sisk study.

At over $127 million, our endowment is the 32nd largest of any law school, enabling us to provide generous scholarships.

More than half of our students are from outside Ohio, and over 60% of our 11,000 alumni live outside the state.

Our graduates are employed in a wide variety of legal, government, nonprofit and business settings across the country.

Many of our alums are CEOs, law firm managing partners and other recognized leaders, including newly elected mayor of Cleveland, Justin Bibb (class of 2018). We are ranked 41st in the nation for producing the most Thomson Reuter “Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.”

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

Case Western Reserve University School of Law George Gund Hall 11075 East Blvd. | Cleveland, OH 44106 216-368-3600 | case.edu/law/ jessica.berg@case.edu | michael.scharf@case.edu

The CJN offered each Ohio law school an opportunity to submit a Deans column.

Some opted not to participate.

SUPER ATTORNEYS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 43

JANUARY 28, 2022

Dayton Law School ANDREW STRAUSS Special to the CJN

T

hough it has been many years, I remember my own process of deciding where to go to law school as one fraught with anxiety and confusion.

When I confronted more recently in 2015 the decision of whether to become the dean Dayton Law, I was faced with a surprisingly similar decision.

Strauss I knew little about Dayton and even less about the university and its law school. Now, six-and-a-half years later, I consider my decision to accept the Dayton deanship as one of the best of my life. Let me explain just some of what I consider to be special about UDSL.

• Dayton Law is flexible: Giving Dayton a special place among American law schools, you can pursue your law degree over two, three or four years. Beyond our traditional three year degree, our two year program allows you to cut a year off of the typical time it takes to get a law degree.

At the other extreme, we are one of the only law schools in the United States to offer an ABA approved online hybrid J.D. This four-year program, designed for the busy professional, allows you to attend weekly synchronous classes over Zoom wherever you happen to be, and weekly pre-produced, but highly interactive classes wherever you happen to be and any time that is convenient.

• Dayton Law is affordable: While our private school tuition reflects the high quality of a Dayton education, what our stated tuition price does not convey is the very generous financial aid we make available to our students. In fact,

to make UDSL affordable and build a well-rounded class, according to statistics disseminated by Law School Transparency, the average net tuition our students pay (after scholarship aid) makes the University of Dayton one of the best values in the country. And, if you qualify for our Leadership Honors Program, you can even study with us tuition free.

• Dayton Law is diverse: With one-third of our first year class coming from diverse backgrounds according to ABA statistics, we continue to have the most diverse JD composition in the state of Ohio.

• Dayton Law is vibrant: With vibrant concentrations in business law, dispute resolution, criminal law, human and civil rights, technology, family law and environmental law, Dayton allows you to specialize in your area of interest.

In addition, with our three-year-old international online LLM program, now with close 100 students, and new partnerships with over one dozen law schools from around the world, Dayton has become a truly cosmopolitan place to start your legal career.

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

Dayton Law School Keller Hall 300 College Park Dayton, OH 45469-2760 937-229-3555 | lawinfo@udayton.edu udayton.edu/law

The CJN offered each Ohio law school an opportunity to submit a Deans column.

Some opted not to participate.

Collier & Associates celebrating 50th anniversary BECKY RASPE @BeckyRaspeCJN braspe@cjn.org |

C

ollier & Associates, Inc., and its law firm Collier & Associates Co., L.P.A., is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Established in 1971, Collier & Associates is a national law and financial consulting firm. It publishes a bimonthly C&A Doctors’ Newsletter, serving thousands of subscribers with advice on tax savings, investing, Collier insurance, practice management and practice transitions.

Founded by Harvey Sarner, it assists doctors nationwide with practice transitions, including appraisals, associate employment agreements, partnership agreements and outright sale transactions.

According to Collier & Associates’ website, Sarner began his career with the American Dental Association in 1961 and left in 1971 to begin the practice. When he retired in 1987, Richard Collier took over after 19 years in a private practice firm. His son and current president Brandon Collier, who is also managing partner and practicing attorney of the law firm, joined the firm in 2001 and has led it since 2007 following his father’s passing.

“It’s very gratifying to hit our 50th year,” Collier said. “What keeps us going is that we don’t really sell anything. We don’t promote anything or invite people in to sell them things past our subscriptions to our newsletters or attendance at our seminars.

The biggest asset we have is objectivity, being

unbiased in our work and offering reasonable advice. That is what has kept it going.”

Collier is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1994, a Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland in 1997, and a Master of Laws in Taxation degree from New York University School of Law in 2001.

Harnessing that legal knowledge, Collier said five decades of success is also due to being “similarly situated” to clients.

“I’m a lawyer, I have a professional practice just as they do,” he said. “The issues to me and my family’s practice tend to be the same issues that are important to them. All of these motivations give a good foundation to the type of advice they want to hear. You put yourself in their shoes. If the way you deal with the issues is the same way they are, the advice you’re giving is much more appreciated and they trust it.”

Its longevity also lies in the firm’s practice area – working with dentists.

“The dental profession has proved to be very resilient,” Collier said. “People need dental care. And it wasn’t really until 2008 that any recession ever really impacted dentistry. Regardless of what was going on in the economy, doctors and their practices have done fine. If you can build a reputation where you’re known to offer sound advice, it’s appreciated.”

With more anniversaries on the horizon, Collier said he hopes the future will give way to more successes.

“The past has been so rewarding that I hope the future will be more of the same,” he

said. “The goal is to expand our subscription base, the law practice and seminar attendees, and continue to bring in great partners and

associates that we have over the years. The goal is to grow and there is definitely a place for this firm.”

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44 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

LOCAL LAWYERS

JANUARY 28, 2022

Supreme Court hears Nazi-looted painting case arguments Former Clevelander owned prized artwork BECKY RASPE @BeckyRaspeCJN braspe@cjn.org |

O

n Jan. 18, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments for Cassirer v.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation, a case involving the legal complexities surrounding Nazi-looted art.

The court first announced its intention to hear the case in September 2021.

The case, which began in 2005, involves a painting by Jewish-French impressionist Camille Pissarro called “Rue St.-Honore, Apres-Midi, Effet de Pluie” that is on display in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, a state-owned museum in Madrid. Painted in 1897, the work was originally owned by Lilly Cassirer, a Jewish woman whose father-in-law bought the painting directly from the artist’s dealer.

In 1939, the painting was looted by Nazis in exchange for exit visas for Lilly and her husband, professor Otto Neubauer.

After escaping Germany and living in Oxford until her husband’s death, Lilly Cassirer moved to Cleveland to live with her grandson, Claude Cassirer, and his wife, Beverly, until she died in 1962. While living in Cleveland, the Cassirers were members of Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights and Pepper Pike, before retiring to San Diego in 1980, according to an obituary published in the Cleveland Jewish News for Beverly Cassirer in February 2020.

After years of litigation, the issue is now whether the dispute should be resolved under California law, where the family originally sued, or the law of Spain, where the painting was sold and has been on display. According to the Jan. 18 hearing, several justices said the suit should be decided under California law.

“Welcome to the United States,” Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. said at the hearing. “That’s how the courts work.”

Thaddeus Stauber, a lawyer

representing the museum, said at the hearing that such disputes should be decided by “a federal regime that is intended to ensure fair and uniform treatment, regardless of where in the United States” a foreign entity is sued. He argued the nation’s foreign relations could be damaged otherwise.

Justice Clarence Thomas then questioned whether that would give foreign states the ability to evade legal liability.

“I don’t quite understand how the sovereign can be treated in the same manner as a private individual if you apply a different choice of law rules,” he said at the hearing.

In 1951, the painting was acquired by a California gallery owner, who sold it to a Los Angeles collector. It eventually made its way to New York and then to St. Louis where it remained until 1976.

That year, Baron Hans Heinrich von Thyssen-Bornemisza purchased the painting and had it sent to his home in Switzerland. In 1992, he worked with the Spanish government to create the Madrid museum, to which he sold the painting for the collection.

In 1999, Claude Cassirer found out that the Madrid museum had the painting and requested its return, but was rejected. He later died on Sept. 8, 2010, and his son, David Cassirer of California, took over the case. David Cassirer is a 1972 graduate of Cleveland Heights High School.

The painting is now valued at $30 million.

The plaintiffs are represented by national law firms Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, Dubbin & Kravetz, LLP and Kendall Brill & Kelly LLP, according to a May 2021 appeal. But under California law, “thieves cannot pass good title to anyone, including a good faith purchaser,” lawyers for the Cassirers and the Jewish Federation of San Diego County

The late Claude and Beverly Cassirer. Claude Cassirer was the original plaintiff in Cassirer v. Spain, now known as Cassirer v. Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation, which was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court Jan. 18. Beverly lived in Cleveland until her death in 1962. | Submitted photo said in the appeal, which adds that would “void” the museum’s title to the painting.

Last year, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with U.S. District Judge John Walter in Los Angeles that the painting should remain with the museum.

In 2019, Walter said that while the Swiss collector had reason to suspect that the painting was stolen, but the museum foundation did not know it was looted property when they openly bought and publicly displayed it.

David Boies, chairman of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP who argued remotely on behalf of the plaintiffs, said at the Jan. 18 hearing he felt the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling was “erroneous.”

According to the Los Angeles Times, if the justices reverse the 9th Circuit Court ruling, the case will go back to a judge in Los Angeles. It could be months before a decision is passed down, at least by June, with an opinion and vote date listed as “TBD” on the SCOTUS Blog website.

“Rue St.-Honore, Apres-Midi, Effet de Pluie,” painted in 1897 by Camille Pissarro. | Photo / Wikimedia Commons

Janoski-Haehlen named dean of Akron School of Law

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mily Janoski-Haehlen was recently named dean of The University of Akron School of Law after a nationwide search.

She will begin on Feb. 21, pending approval by the UA Board of Trustees.

“She is the right leader at the right time,” executive vice president and provost John Janoski-Haehlen Wiencek said in a news release. “Her many

years in leadership and in the classroom are an asset for us, especially as we put renewed focus on student success and community.”

Janoski-Haehlen serves as associate dean of academic affairs and law technology programs for Akron Law, as well as director of the law library. She joined the faculty in 2017, teaching technology in law, social media law, legal drafting and legal Research.

Her current research explores social media law, internet privacy, legal research instruction strategies and technology in the practice of law.

In her new role, her primary

responsibility will be to provide executive oversight of the day-to-day operations and all routine functions of Akron Law, including increasing overall enrollment and bar passage rates.

Encouraged by the overwhelming support she has received from the students, faculty, staff, alumni and University community, Janoski-Haehlen said in the release she is honored and beyond excited to have been chosen as Akron Law’s next dean.

“I look forward to working with the Akron Law community to ensure the

continued success of our students and graduates,” she said.

Prior to joining Akron Law, she served as associate dean of the law library at Valparaiso University Law School in Indiana and as a faculty member and librarian at Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law in Highland Heights, Ky. She earned a Bachelor of Science in history from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of Kentucky and a Juris Doctorate from Northern Kentucky University.

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JANUARY 28, 2022

Verdict is in: University School mock trial team rises to occasion JANE KAUFMAN @jkaufmanCJN jkaufman@cjn.org |

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hen eighth graders from Hathaway Brown and University School – both in Shaker Heights – went head to head for a mock trial last November, Hunter Isroff got thrown a curve ball.

The student who had been assigned to deliver the closing statement called out sick that day, meaning Hunter had to deliver not only the opening statement as he had prepared to do, but also the closing statement for the prosecution.

The eighth-grade Solon resident called upon his experience acting and improvising to get through the unexpected “encore” performance.

While Hunter said he’s unafraid of public speaking, the experience of preparing for the mock trial and performing in it helped him develop his skill in that widely feared task.

“We got a packet outlining the case,” he told the Cleveland Jewish News Jan. 24. “And then we also got similar cases in there. And then we also went on websites.”

He said part of his education at University School this year has entailed learning how to evaluate websites for their reliability as sources. He put that to use in doing the research for his opening statement.

In preparing for the mock trial, Hunter said he learned about the judicial system, the protections offered by the Fourth and Eighth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, as well as legal precedent surrounding privacy, search and seizure.

The case being tried, State of California v. Casco, entailed credit card fraud that took place within a school.

A central question to it was evidentiary: whether money in a backpack was permissible as evidence because it had been obtained in what could have been considered an illegal search, Hunter said.

He said when it came to the day of the trial, he was surprised by how well prepared the defense team was.

“I was actually very surprised about, like, how good HB was because I thought

Friedman

Isroff

we had this case,” Hunter said. “I thought we had some really good points. Then, when we actually went up on stage and argued against them, I was like, oh wow, they have some really good points, too.”

Still, he said, he, his teammates and coaches believed University School won the mock trial, although he acknowledged the two sides were “pretty close.”

“Obviously, I’m biased toward us,” he said. “I feel like we had a stronger case.”

Coaching Hunter and the other 15 students was Larry Friedman, who is an alumnus of University School and a graduate of Yale University in New Haven, Conn., and the University of Virginia Law School in Charlottesville.

Friedman debated for University School when he was a student and the school reached out to him about taking on coaching. Assisting him with coaching this year was Jeff Pierce, enrichment specialist for University School’s lower school. Patricia Dowd, former coordinator of student enrichment at University School, assisted in past years.

“I tell them at the beginning of the year, it’s a class about persuasion,” Friedman said. “All the skills that you learn as a lawyer, both in law school and I hope in the mock trial class, serve you well in business and in life. It’s skills not to be used in arguments with your parents. That’s not the point. But otherwise, those are persuasive skills that I think serve them well.”

Friedman said he tells the students, “When they’re done, they’ll know more about the law than 95% of adults who are not lawyers will understand things like the 4th Amendment exclusionary rule, which played a role in this year’s case –

Hunter Isroff delivers a statement for the prosecution at University School’s mock trials Nov. 11. | Photo / University School

when you can allow evidence in and when you can’t. Some of the kids will actually research constitutional law cases. And as I said to them, you’re doing law school type stuff. And some of the boys really excelled.

I mean, really, pretty amazing for 14-yearold kids.”

While the mock trial used to be held in front of a jury, first of students, then of parents and faculty, an unsettling trend of juror bias took place, Friedman said.

For the first time in 2020, there was no jury and no decision from the bench. So the students went through the trial without the rendering of a final verdict.

The trial this year took place at University School with an audience of students, faculty and parents.

Friedman of Shaker Heights is a sole practitioner and works primarily as an investor, but he has worked for Gibson Dunn in Los Angeles, for Squire, Sanders & Dempsey (now Squire Patton Boggs), and for Kahn, Kleinman, Yanowitz & Arnson, both of Cleveland.

“My point to the kids is, tons of us have law degrees and don’t use them to practice law,” said Friedman, who is a member of The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood.

“In fact, my wife jokes when we go to my

college reunion, tons of both men and women friends of mine have law degrees and nobody practices law.”

He said he has noticed “how impressive the students are,” describing them as “thoughtful” and “intellectually curious.”

“Not to sound trite,” Friedman said, “But how fortunate I am to be able to give back and do this for my alma mater. I’m just grateful. I feel that’s a real blessing.”

Hunter, who just turned 14, this year is playing baseball, golf and swims competitively, and is performing in the school musical. Plans for his bar mitzvah got waylaid by the pandemic.

He said he does not know what he wants to do professionally.

“There’s just so many cool options,” he said.

Hunter recommends others take part in mock trials if they’re interested.

While he enjoyed the post-trial pizza party, “because then we got to celebrate our victory,” he said he also enjoyed the time he spent with other students and coaches preparing.

“Going up on stage was obviously the best part of it,” he said. “Because it was finally like, our hard work had paid off and the day had come.”

Calfee, Halter & Griswold adds four attorneys from Medley, Behrens & Lewis

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ntellectual property partners Michael J. Medley and Todd E. Behrens, senior attorney Philip G. Ammar and associate attorney Thomas R. Irwin recently joined Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP intellectual property practice group.

The attorneys joined Calfee from firm Medley, Behrens & Lewis, LLC, which focused on intellectual property law and represented large global 500 corporations, mid-sized Fortune 1,000 corporations and small private companies, according to a news release.

Intellectual property legal administrative assistant Nichole Kuklisin, who previously served as office manager and paralegal at Medley, Behrens & Lewis, will join the four attorneys at Calfee.

The four attorneys bring notable experience with high-profile clients and intellectual property matters that will add to the depth of expertise within Calfee’s intellectual property group, which already boasts one of the largest intellectual property and information technology practices in the Midwest, according to the release.

Calfee is in Cleveland where the Medley, Behrens & Lewis team joining the firm will relocate from Independence.

“Mike Medley, Todd Behrens and the team they bring are excellent people of the highest caliber,” John S. Cipolla, vice chairman of the firm and co-chair of Calfee’s intellectual property practice group, said in the release. “They are among the most

respected high technology, software and electronics patent attorneys in the country with clients located across the entire United States and around the world.”

Mark W. McDougall, partner and co-chair of Calfee’s intellectual property practice group, said in the release, “Mike and Todd have built an extraordinary team and are well-known in the high-tech world for the level of service they provide to their clients. Their practice fits well with our group’s footprint and adds to our deep bench of attorneys with electrical and computer engineering backgrounds, positioning Calfee as a leader in its CALFEE | 46

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JANUARY 28, 2022

LOCAL LAWYERS

Firms announce Cleveland Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers distinctions SUPER LAWYERS Buckley King: Steven J. Miller, Michael D. Goler and Deborah J. Michelson 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, Patrick F. Haggerty, 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, Jennifer E. Novak, Mark K. 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 I. Debitetto, Daniel A. DeMarco, Christina D’Eramo Evans, Robert J. Fogarty, Stephen H. Gariepy, Steven A. Goldfarb, Andrew J. Natale, Lawrence E. Oscar, Rob Remington, Dennis R. Rose and Christopher B. Wick Kisling, Nestico & Redick: John Reagan, Nomiki Tsarnas and Michael Saltzer Michael J. Shapiro Inc.: Michael J. Shapiro Reminger Co., L.P.A: Andrew Dorman, Adam Fried, Brian Gannon, Marc Groedel, Gregory Guice, Thomas Kilbane, Frank Leonetti, Franklin Malemud, Clifford Masch, William Meadows, Russell Meraglio, Jr., Ronald Mingus, Jeanne Mullin, Richard Rymond, Christine Santoni, Brian Sullivan, James Turek,

Stephen Walters and Leon Weiss Sandra J. Buzney Co., LPA: Sandra J. Buzney Tucker Ellis LLP: Heather Barnes, Karl Bekeny, Laura Hong, Irene Keyse-Walker, John Lewis, Rita Maimbourg, John McCaffrey, Daniel Messeloff, Joseph Morford, Matthew Moriarty, Brian O’Neill, Anthony Petruzzi, Susan Racey, Keith Raker, Dustin Rawlin, Benjamin Sassé, John Slagter, Ronald Stansbury, Robert Tucker and Kevin Young Ulmer & Berne LLP: Inajo Davis Chappell, Robert E. Chudakoff, Timothy J. Downing, Jeffrey S. Dunlap, William D. Edwards, Frances Floriano Goins, James A. Goldsmith, Manju Gupta, Lori A. 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 and Robin M. Wilson Walter | Haverfield: Benjamin Carnahan, Ralph Cascarilla, Nick Catanzarite, Charles Daroff, Mark Fusco, Ed Hurtuk, Irene MacDougall, Craig Marvinney, Kevin Murphy, John Schiller, Jack Waldeck, Mark Wallach and Gary Zwick RISING STARS Frantz Ward LLP: Klevis Bakiaj, Megan E. Bennett, Andrew J. Cleves, Alan B. Dailide, 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, Allison Taller Reich, Jonathan M. Scandling and Travis N. Teare Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP: Amanda A. Barreto, Christopher R. Butler, Dana Marie DeCapite, Matthew K. Grashoff, Casey J. McElfresh, Chistopher R. Mykytiak, Tara J. Rose, Joel S. Sonnenberg, Katie L. Steiner, Gregory A. Thompson and Andrew J. Wolf Kisling, Nestico & Redick: Mark Lindsey, Kimberly Lubrani and Thomas Walsh II Minc Law: Aaron Minc, Mike Pelagalli, Brinton Resto, Andrew Stebbins and Christina Williams Reminger Co., L.P.A: Timothy Gallagher, Jonathan Krol, Brian Nally, Joseph Palcko, Paul Shugar and Katie Zorc Tucker Ellis LLP: Zachary Adams, David Bernstein, Madeline Dennis, Justin Eddy, Chad Eggspuehler, Jonathan Feczko, Sarena Holder, Seth Linnick, Joseph Manno, Christina Marino, Jennifer Mesko, Kelli Novak, Lindsey Sacher, Daniel Schiau, Chelsea Smith, Chaz Weber, Ryan Winkler and Brandon Wojtasik Ulmer & Berne LLP: Brett C. Altier, Michael J. Charlillo, Gregory C. Djordjevic, Sara S. Dorland, Daniel T. Falk, Daniel A. Gottesman, Trevor J. Hardy, Georgia Hatzis, Sachin V. Java, Sarah Katz, Steven P. Larson, Robert L. McEvoy, Daniela Paez, Shipra Rege, Ashtyn N. Saltz, Raymond D. Seiler and Mengxue Xie Walter | Haverfield: Josh Kurtuk, James McWeeney and Sebastian Pascu

BEST LAWYERS McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA: Anne-Marie Ahern, David Cuppage, Brian Farnan, Tracy Francis, Rob Glickman, Jennifer Hallos, Tobias Hirshman, Kimon Karas, Robert Kracht, Ken Liffman, David Lum, Michael Makofsky, Chris Patno, Andrew Perry, Richard Rabb, David Schaefer and John Seich Reminger Co., LPA: Hugh J. Bode, Anthony M. Catanzarite, Mario C. Ciano, Andrew J. Dorman, Bruce Fahey, Jessica Forrest, Adam M. Fried, Brian T. Gannon, Marc W. Groedel, Gregory G. Guice, Erin Siebenhar Hess, David J. Hudak, Frank Leonetti, Roy A. Hulme, Barbara B. Janovitz, Thomas B. Kilbane, Franklin C. Malemud, Clifford C. Masch, Allison M. McMeechan, William A. Meadows, Russel J. Meraglio, Jr., Jeanne M. Mullin, Bethanie R. Murray, John Patrick, Thomas A. Prislipsky, Richard J. Rymond, Christine Santoni, Myra Barsoum Stockett, Brian D. Sullivan, James J. Turek, Stephen E. Walters, P. Michael Ward, Leon A. Weiss and Holly Marie Wilson ONES TO WATCH McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA: Jack Moran and Nick Oleski Reminger Co., LPA: Daniel Egger, Julian Emerson, Timothy Gallagher, Samuel Meadows, Joseph Palcko and Paul Shugar Information submitted by law firms.

Cleveland attorneys named to partnership, counsel PRINCIPAL McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA: Jonathan Wolnik PARTNERS Frantz Ward LLP: Alan B. Dailide and Angela D. Lydon Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP: Jessica B. Beringer, Sonja C. Rice, CALFEE | 45 ability to handle IP issues in these fields moving forward.”

According to the release, as a registered patent attorney, Medley has drafted and prosecuted hundreds of patent applications. He works with clients and their in-house legal teams to ensure an understanding in the dynamic areas of patent law, including subject matter eligibility. In addition, Medley assists clients in developing and managing their patent portfolios across different jurisdictions, including drafting and negotiating software licenses, asserting patent rights and drafting non-infringement and freedom to operate opinions. Medley also responds to allegations of patent infringement, counsels in product design to help clients avoid infringing patents held by others, and advises clients on national and international data privacy laws, the release stated.

“We are proud and excited to join Calfee’s IP group, which has an impeccable reputation throughout the country,” Medley said in the release. “Our clients will continue to benefit from our knowledge and experience with respect to their businesses and technologies, while further benefiting from Calfee’s deep talent

Joel S. Sonnenberg and Andrew J. Wolf Jones Day: John Saada Jr. Tucker Ellis LLP: Michael Craig, Nicole Gage, Christopher Gardino, Marc Greenberg, Monee Takla Hanna, Steven E. Lauridsen, Nicole Braden Lewis, Ronie Schmelz, Anthony Vacanti and Charissa Walker Ulmer & Berne LLP: Sarah M. Benoit, Douglas A. Gastright,

Steven P. Larson, Alvin E. Matthews, Jr., Jeffrey J. Patter, Katherine M. Poldneff and Adam R. Watowicz

pool.”

Behrens’ technical background enables him to counsel clients on various intellectual property matters, including providing advice on patentability, non-infringement and designing around others’ intellectual property, according to the release.

He is well-versed in patent procurement and strategic patent portfolio development in the electrical, mechanical, software, biomedical and business method technology fields, and has conducted due-diligence in preparation of various intellectual property transactions and rendered invalidity, non-infringement, patentability and freedom to operate opinions. He also has counseled clients with respect to trademark selection and prepared and prosecuted trademark applications, the release stated.

“Calfee provides a platform for us to continue to serve our clients in the best ways possible, while also meeting any additional needs of our clients that may arise in the future.

Calfee’s team includes people with a wide breadth of experience, which will be an invaluable resource for our clients,” Behrens said in the release.

Ammar is an experienced patent attorney. He has prosecuted

cases before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and has provided guidance to foreign counsel in responding to office actions before the Chinese Patent Office, Japanese Patent Office and European Patent Office, and routinely drafts patent applications in a range of fields such as quantum computing, autonomous navigation, industrial material handling, radar processing and telescopic control algorithms, according to the release.

Irwin is a registered patent attorney with a background in electrical engineering who has drafted and prosecuted patent applications relating to a variety of technologies including optical devices, integrated electro-optical systems, radar and lidar systems, autonomous vehicles, signal and image processing, electrochemical devices, control systems, rocket guidance, cryptology and quantum optical communications, health care software, mechanical systems and others, according to the release. Irwin has experience in prosecuting trademark applications, coordinating national and international patent filings for the firm’s clients, and pursuing intellectual property protection in the United States for clients based overseas.

COUNSEL Tucker Ellis LLP: Elisabeth Arko and David Bernstein Ulmer & Berne LLP: Alyson Terrell Information submitted by law firms.

SUPER ATTORNEYS

JANUARY 28, 2022

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 47

Law firms announce new attorneys, committee moves HAHN LOESER & PARKS LLP Mackenzie Rini joined Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP’s Cleveland office as an associate attorney in its labor and employment practice area.

“We are very excited to welcome Mackenzie to our growing labor and employment team,” Steven E. Seasly, chair of Hahn Loeser’s labor and employment group, said in a news release.

“Her experience will add depth to our practice.”

Rini works on complex disputes and guides clients through legal issues that may arise during the employment relationship, from hiring through termination, according to the release. Rini also handles matters dealing with subrogation and breach of contract claims.

Admitted to practice law in Ohio, Rini spent over five years at a subrogation law firm in Cleveland. She began her time there as a law clerk in 2016, transitioned to staff attorney in 2018 and became an associate attorney in September 2019. Rini was recently selected as an Ohio Rising Star by Ohio Super Lawyers.

Rini earned her J.D. from ClevelandMarshall College of Law in 2017, where she earned certifications in Westlaw Next and Lexis Advance Cleveland-Marshall Law Library Research. She received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from The Ohio State University in Columbus in 2014.

MINC LAW Internet defamation law firm Minc Law in Orange recently added attorneys Caroline Ford, Michael Pelagalli and Christina Williams.

Ford worked for the firm for two years while attending law school and has been specifically trained by the firm’s experienced attorneys on the complexities involved in the niche field of internet defamation law and litigation, according to a news release.

Ford earned her law degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and her bachelor of science degree in international studies and journalism from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Pelagalli represents large corporations, executives, medical professionals, small businesses and individuals in defamation matters, and his proven track record of success in and out of the courtroom is demonstrated by the numerous favorable jury trial verdicts, sixfigure settlements for his clients and successful petitions for injunctive or other equitable relief he’s achieved, according to the release. As lead counsel, he tackles all aspects of the litigation, trial and appeals processes on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants, the release stated.

Pelagalli earned his law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and his bachelor degree from Miami University. He is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.

Williams is an accomplished litigator and trial attorney with a proven track record of winning cases for her clients at the trial court and appellate levels as well as at the Ohio Supreme Court, and has represented individuals, major insurance companies and

other large corporations throughout her career, according to the release.

Williams earned her law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, magna cum laude, and her bachelor degree from Case Western Reserve University. She is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association.

“We are thrilled to have Michael, Christina and Caroline join our team,” said Aaron Minc, founder and principal of Minc Law. “Each of them brings the professionalism, empathy and results-driven mindset that are part of the firm’s core values, which guide everything we do. The firm and our clients will benefit from their backgrounds and experience.”

Publisher’s note: Aaron Minc is a member of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company Board of Directors.

ULMER & BERNE LLP Ulmer & Berne LLP announced that partners Daniel A. Gottesman, Jennifer Snyder Heis, Eric M. Robbins and Michael N. Ungar were elected to Ulmer’s management committee effective Jan. 1. Each will serve an important role on the committee, which is a 10-member group responsible for guiding the operations and strategic direction of the firm, according to a news release.

“We welcome this extraordinary group of partners to our management team,” Scott P. Kadish, managing partner, said in the release.

“They are accomplished lawyers who have the keen judgment, unique insights and leadership skills we want to see in members of our management committee. I am highly confident they will thrive in guiding Ulmer’s strategy and focus on providing exceptional client service and that they will help us continue to build on our firm’s success.”

Gottesman, co-group leader of the firm’s health care practice group, will serve his first term on the management committee.

A corporate attorney in Ulmer’s Cleveland office, he applies his extensive mergers and acquisitions experience to advise health care clients on a variety of corporate, real estate, and transactional matters and represents private equity funds, family offices and long-term care investors and providers in structuring, negotiating, documenting and closing complex M&A transactions, real estate acquisitions and divestitures, joint ventures, leases, and private placements, the release stated. In addition to his practice, he serves as president of Cleveland Community Mikvah, Inc., and as a board member of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland. In recognition of his legal accomplishments, he has been named to the Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars list and The Best Lawyers in America for Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Heis, a product liability litigator in Ulmer’s Cincinnati office, will serve her first term on the management committee. She has more than 20 years of experience defending clients in a wide variety of industries, including pharmaceutical products, dietary

supplements, consumer products and construction and industrial equipment, and represents clients in complex litigation, including multi-district litigation and consolidated court proceedings, as well as individual cases throughout the country, according to the release. Outside of her practice, she serves as an advisory board member of Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio and as a leader of the Defense Research Institute’s product liability and drug and medical device committees. She has been named to The Best Lawyers in America for product liability litigation – defendants and to Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 2021 list of “Women Worth Watching.”

Robbins, group leader of the firm’s intellectual property and technology practice group, will serve his first term on the management committee. Based in Ulmer’s Cincinnati office, Robbins provides counsel to sophisticated clients in a range of industries on securement, ownership, licensing, infringement, dispute resolution and enforcement of patents, trademarks and copyrights. and prepares and facilitates ongoing prosecution of patent applications at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and has patent litigation experience in federal and International Trade Commission cases, according to the release. He oversees the entire international patent portfolios of several corporate clients and assists emerging businesses working to develop key technological innovations, the release stated.

He is recognized by Chambers USA as one of Ohio’s “Leaders in Their Field” in intellectual property and has been named to The Best Lawyers in America for Patent Law every year since 2011, among other honors.

Ungar was re-elected to serve a new term on the management committee after having previously served multiple times as a member of this leadership group. Based in Ulmer’s Cleveland office, he serves as chair of the firm’s litigation department. Ungar is known for his courtroom and appellate victories involving complex commercial and financial services matters, including the defense of commercial, banking, professional liability, securities, broker-dealer, class action, consumer, product liability, pharmaceutical and medical device cases and is a highly respected mediator and arbitrator who is relied upon to help find solutions in contentious and complicated disputes, according to the release. He is a past president of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and a past president of The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland board of directors. A nationally recognized trial lawyer, Ungar has received several honors, including consistently being named one of Benchmark Litigation’s “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America” and being ranked in Band 1 for general commercial litigation by Chambers USA. • The firm announced the addition of two associates, Joshua C. Berns, who joined the construction practice group and Sarah Katz, who joined the product liability practice group.

Berns joined Ulmer’s Columbus office where he focuses his practice on resolving construction disputes and assisting clients in all phases of construction projects, and he has experience helping clients throughout the industry achieve their goals by providing representation in a wide range of constructionrelated disputes and facilitating complex construction projects, according to a news release. His broad experience with the litigation process includes pleadings and motion practice, pretrial discovery and trial preparation. He also assists with catastrophic loss cases and has experience with commercial and insurance litigation, the release stated.

Berns is active in several local bar associations, including the Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association and the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys.

In recognition of his legal skill, Berns has been named to the Ohio Super Lawyers list of Rising Stars. He earned his undergraduate degree from Kent State University and his J.D. with honors from Capital University Law School.

“Josh’s background working with contractors, design professionals, and others in the construction industry provides immediate value to our clients,” said Jason P. Conte, group leader of Ulmer’s construction practice group, said in the release. “We’re glad to add him to our team of dedicated construction attorneys that works day in and day out to help our clients achieve their best results.”

Katz joined Ulmer’s Cleveland office where she focuses her practice on product liability litigation and the defense of pharmaceutical, medical device and mass tort claims. She will represent a diverse array of clients in discrete cases, as well as multi-district, coordinated, and consolidated proceedings, and putative class actions, according to the release. She is experienced with all aspects of litigation and dispute resolution, from pre-litigation counseling through trial and appeal and handles key aspects of complex litigation, including pre-litigation counseling, motion practice, written discovery, taking and defending depositions, and trial preparation, the release stated.

Katz is admitted to practice in both Ohio and Colorado. She has also been named to the Ohio Super Lawyers list of Rising Stars.

She earned her undergraduate degree with honors from The Ohio State University and her J.D. with honors from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. “We’re very pleased to add another talented product liability associate to our growing practice in Cleveland,” Paul J. Cosgrove, group leader of Ulmer’s product liability practice group, said in the release. “Sarah’s litigation experience, ambition, and enthusiasm for helping her clients succeed makes her a great fit at Ulmer.”

Information submitted by law firms.

48 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

Sports betting to arrive in Ohio ANDREW ZASHIN

zrlaw.com

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n Dec. 22, 2021, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law House Bill 29 legalizing sports betting in the state of Ohio. The new law legalizes and controls sports betting in Ohio through licensed gaming owners. The law also tasks the Ohio Casino Control Commission with regulating sports gaming online, at sports gaming facilities and at bars and restaurants.

However, the recent passage of the House Bill 29 doesn’t mean Ohioans can immediately start placing sports bets at their local casinos or bars. Before sports betting can occur in Ohio, several more government measures must be implemented.

As previously stated, the Ohio Casino Control Commission is in charge of regulating sports betting. Regulating, however, also means creating the sport gambling rules and systems to effectuate the law. The Ohio Casino Control Commission is in the process of creating the rules, applications, forms, systems and other items necessary to implement the

bill’s provisions. Here’s what we know so far based on the language of House Bill 29: • There are three main types of sports betting licenses: - Type A: This category applies to online sports gaming including mobile apps.

There will not be more than 25 at a time and each will be given a five-year term.

- Type B: This category applies to proprietors of sports gaming facilities – “a designated area of a building or structure in which patrons may place wagers on sporting events with a type B sports license either in person or using self-service sports gaming

Rabin receives Legal Aid Society’s 2021 Legacy of Justice Award

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he Legal Aid Society of Cleveland recognized attorney Julie Rabin, a partner at Rabin & Rabin Co., LPA in Cleveland, with the 2021 Legacy of Justice Award.

The award was announced during Legal Aid’s 116th annual meeting Dec. 9.

The meeting included remarks from Legal Aid’s leadership, presentation of awards and a keynote from U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The Legacy of Justice Award is presented annually to an individual whose participation in pro bono or other volunteer efforts has been significant in terms of length and/or impact.

Rabin, a Pepper Pike resident, has been a bankruptcy attorney in Northeast Ohio for more than 30 years and a longtime supporter of Legal Aid, according to a news release.

She was instrumental in creating a bankruptcy referral project at Legal Aid more than 15 years ago and has remained an active volunteer ever since, the release stated. Since 2000, Rabin has volunteered on more than 70 pro bono cases, helping hundreds of clients escape from debt and get back on their feet, the release said.

Attorneys Ashley Bailes, James King and Arthur Smialek were presented with Access to Justice Awards for their contributions to advancing Legal Aid’s mission.

Retiring board member attorney Barbara Roman was also

JANUARY 28, 2022

LOCAL LAWYERS

PlayOhio reports that by the end of 2025, Ohio online and retail operators could generate between $9 billion and $12 billion in bets annually. ... With Ohio’s tax structure, which is 10% of an operator’s taxable revenue, that could mean as much as $90 million in annual taxes. ... At present, the bulk of taxes generated from sports betting will go to Ohio schools while a small percentage will go to support gambling addiction services. terminals.” There will not be more than 40 licenses given at any one time with a maximum number of sports gaming facilities that may be located in a county based on 2010 census.

These will also be given a five-year term.

- Type C: This category applies to proprietors who offer sports gaming through self-service terminals located at one or more Type C sports gaming hosts’ facilities. The casino commission must license at least two and not more than 20 at any one time, with a five-year term.

• Sports betting in Ohio is scheduled to go live on Jan. 1, 2023 Applicants looking for licenses will be evaluated by a number of factors, including the length of time the applicant has been doing business, and the applicant’s current or intended contributions including tourism.

Applicants will also be evaluated based on criminal history, tax compliance, reputation, bankruptcy history, public confidence, litigation history and prior compliance with gaming related laws.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has yet to publish the actual application

forms, therefore, it is anticipated that the Commission will not be accepting licensure applications until July or August of this year.

However, once sport betting goes live in Ohio, it is anticipated that the tax revenue will be significant. PlayOhio reports that by the end of 2025, Ohio online and retail operators could generate between $9 billion and $12 billion in bets annually. This translates to between $700 million and $900 million in annual gross revenue. With Ohio’s tax structure, which is 10% of an operator’s taxable revenue, that could mean as much as $90 million in annual taxes. At present, the bulk of taxes generated from sports betting will go to Ohio schools while a small percentage will go to support gambling addiction services.

To obtain the latest information on sports betting, visit the Ohio Casino Control Commission website at casinocontrol.ohio.gov.

Andrew Zashin writes about law for the Cleveland Jewish News. He is a co-managing partner with Zashin & Rich, with offices in Cleveland and Columbus.

International Senior Lawyers Project recognizes Hahn Loeser’s White

T Julie Rabin, a partner at Rabin & Rabin Co., LPA, holds her Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s 2021 Legacy of Justice Award. | Submitted photo recognized for her six years of service on Legal Aid’s board of directors.

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland relies on the dedication and expertise of volunteers to assist its many clients, and each year, approximately 20% of the people helped by Legal Aid are assisted by a pro bono attorney, the release said.

he International Senior Lawyers Project recently presented Hahn Loeser’s Cleveland partner-in-charge Craig Owen White with a global impact volunteer award for going above and beyond the call of duty in his pro bono work in sub-Saharan Africa.

“It is really an honor to be recognized,” White said in his acceptance speech, according to a White news release. “I have worked with ISLP for many years and it has become a part of my life.

I’ve worked most closely with the commercial law training program, which is a group of ISLP volunteers who partner with practicing lawyers of color in sub-Saharan African countries, designed to teach what they don’t teach you in law school.”

White received the honor as part of ISLP’s 20th anniversary celebration. He has served

the project as an instructor for the commercial law training program since 2007, and recently completed his tenure as ISLP’s vice chair, according to the release.

ISLP provides pro bono legal services to governments, civil society organizations, and social enterprises around the world “in support of the rule of law and equitable, inclusive economic development, particularly in countries transitioning to democracy and market-based economies,” according to the release.

As part of his work in the United States and abroad, White has guided companies through mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, enterprise governance and financing and licensing issues, the release stated.

The U.S. trade representative re-appointed White for a second term to the trade advisory committee on Africa, which advises the representative in developing U.S. trade policy throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

The National Black Lawyers also named White among the top 100 Black lawyers in Ohio in 2021.

SUPER ATTORNEYS

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JANUARY 28, 2022

Congress or DOJ in charge of US Capitol investigation?

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

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here were you on Jan. 6, 2021? Undoubtedly, most, if not all Americans will remember where they were when rioters breached the U.S. Capitol and temporarily prevented Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election. Described by Congress as “one of the darkest days of our democracy,” the riots “resulted in multiple deaths, physical harm to over 140 members of law enforcement, and terror and trauma among staff, institutional employees, press and members (of Congress).”

In July 2021, the House of Representatives formed the Select Committee to investigate the Jan. 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol (“the Select Committee”). In general, the purposes and functions of the Select Committee are stated as being to “investigate and report upon the facts, circumstances, and causes (of the attack)” to “identify, review and evaluate the lessons learned from the (attack)”, and to “issue a final report to the House containing such findings, and recommendations for…changes in law, policy, procedures, rules, or regulations that could be taken …to prevent future acts of violence, including acts targeted at American democratic institutions.”

While the Select Committee got to work issuing subpoenas, conducting depositions of witnesses, and compelling the production of documents, many have questioned (and challenged in court) the constitutionality of the Select Committee’s

actions, as well as its very existence.

That is because Congress has no general police power and while it does have the broad power to conduct investigations, “the power is not unlimited” and may only be employed “in aid of the legislative function.”

Opponents point to the public statements of Select Committee members to demonstrate, what they argue, that the committee violates separation of powers. These statements from Committee members include describing its purposes as being to ensure “those responsible are held accountable,” to “tell the complete story of the events of Jan. 6,” and to “get answers for the American people about what happened on Jan. 6.”

Thus, in response, challengers pose the question, “isn’t that the job of the Department of Justice” and allege that the committee is exceeding its authority. Surely, anyone who has ever watched “School House Rock knows” that Congress’s job is

Zukerman

Brown

to make the law, not enforce it, which is the job of the executive branch through the U.S. Department of Justice. In fact, the DOJ has arrested and charged over 700 individuals with federal crimes related to the Jan. 6 riots.

In his recent lawsuit against the committee, former President Donald Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows summarized the separation of powers argument stating, “Law enforcement and the punishment of perceived legal wrongs are not valid legislative purposes. To the extent Congress seeks to utilize subpoenas to investigate and punish perceived criminal wrongdoing, it unconstitutionally intrudes on the prerogatives of the executive branch.” See Meadows v. Pelosi.

Firing back, supporters of the committee point to Congress’s broad power to investigate and its stated purpose of making “recommendations for … changes in law, policy, procedures, rules, or regulations that could be taken” to support the work

of the Select Committee. The Meadows v.

Pelosi litigation, as well as several other lawsuits challenging the Select Committee’s authority, remain pending as of the date of this article.

While there seems to be some overlap between the actions of the Select Committee and the Department of Justice, it remains to be seen whether the Select Committee’s investigation has crossed the constitutional line. Any disagreement there, however, is outweighed by overwhelming agreement amongst Americans that what happened at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 was a tragic and horrendous event that, for the sake of our country, must never reoccur.

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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DISCLAIMER The Cleveland Jewish News does not make endorsements of political candidates and/or political or other ballot issues on any level. Letters, commentaries, opinions, advertisements and online posts appearing in the Cleveland Jewish News, on cjn.org or our social media pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company, its board, officers or staff.

COVID proves jury trial backbone of criminal justice MICHAEL J. GOLDBERG Special to the CJN

S

ince spring 2020, Cuyahoga County’s criminal justice system has struggled to find an appropriate balance between the rights of accused persons to a speedy and public trial, and the health and safety of the public and potential jurors.

The Cuyahoga County Justice Center was not built about 50 years ago with public health in mind.

Cramped elevators, waiting areas, jury rooms and a lack of sufficient ventilation are just a few of Goldberg the problems. The county’s judges voted to suspend jury trials most of last summer, and when they did resume, cases were assigned for trial based on priority factors like age of the case or whether the accused was in custody.

Cases were submitted by trial judges and then chosen by committee each week.

Often, these lists were not published

until Monday of the trial. Many attorneys, both prosecutors and defenders, found themselves with only a day or two of notice before being expected to try a case that may have been pending for a year and where defendants faced serious consequences.

This was the absolute best the court could do under the circumstances while limiting the number of potential jurors called to allow proper social distancing.

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court tried only a fraction of the cases it would expect to in a typical year. Docket numbers have skyrocketed for the courts and attorneys on both sides. If we did not know this before we know it now: reliability of availability of juries and court infrastructure to try cases are essential to maintain our criminal justice apparatus.

Consider this: only about 10% of cases

make it to trial by jury, but the prospect of going to trial drives the other 90% toward plea bargains or other dispositions. For those defendants on bail, a group that all sides sought to expand over the last few years through bail reform, a decision whether to plead or go to trial can be put off until that defendant’s case finally comes up for trial.

Right now, that’s in the undefined future. It’s not unreasonable for that defendant, especially one charged with a more serious crime or where prison is a real possibility, to put that decision off as long as possible. After all, who wants to go to prison any sooner than they must? Meanwhile, the common pleas court will again return to jury trials in February starting with a month of only cases involving jailed defendants. While administrators hope the Court can catch up and return to normal in 2022, it will take a maximum effort by all stakeholders to get there.

We should never forget this lesson. Our system depends on maintaining jury trials through emergencies. It won’t always be

possible, but it is a goal we must address when this crisis has passed. All we can do for now is remember again how important jury service is and to serve when called.

Michael J. Goldberg is founding attorney of The Goldberg Law Firm in Cleveland.

Content provided by advertising partner Publisher’s Note: Michael J. Goldberg’s wife, Shari Goldberg, is a member of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company Board of Directors.

DISCLAIMER The Cleveland Jewish News does not make endorsements of political candidates and/or political or other ballot issues on any level. Letters, commentaries, opinions, advertisements and online posts appearing in the Cleveland Jewish News, on cjn.org or our social media pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company, its board, officers or staff.

50 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

Richard Bain Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis

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ichard Bain isn’t just the mayor of Pepper Pike – a role he has held since 2012.

He’s also an attorney with almost 40 years of legal and public service experience, which he puts to use at Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis in Woodmere. Bain represents business owners, employers, landlords and medical professionals – interpreting their issues, mastering facts and presenting arguments to resolve business, commercial, construction, real estate and employment disputes, according to the firm’s website.

Some of his career accomplishments include representing a committee member regarding committee matters in a recent Chapter 11 case – in re: FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., et al. No. 18-50757 – the largest Chapter 11 case pending in the Northern District of Ohio; successfully blocking confirmation of foreclosure sale for minimum value resulting in a multi-million dollar settlement by the Ohio Department of Transportation; defending shareholder and fiduciary duty dispute between owners of a steel mill; and defending insurance coverage issues regarding performance bonds,

including bad faith allegations involving carriers and rights of recovery of carriers for bond payment, the website said.

In addition to being mayor of Pepper Pike, Bain also serves as president and executive board member of the Cuyahoga County Mayors and Managers Association; chairperson of the Suburban Water Regional Council of Governments; board member and co-chair of the civil rights committee of the Anti-Defamation League Cleveland; executive board member of Cuyahoga County Emergency Services Advisory Board; advocacy committee and Kitchen Cabinet at the Cleveland Food Bank; board of trustees at Chagrin Watershed Partners, Inc.; and member and past president of Valley Enforcement Regional Council Governments.

Bain is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, the United States 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Ohio State Bar Association, the U.S. District Court’s Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, and the Ohio State Bar Association.

CJN: What interested you in becoming a lawyer?

Bain: My favorite college professor

Stacy L. Bauer BauerGriffith, LLC

A

ttorney Stacy L. Bauer has a lot of experience working in corporate settings.

Receiving her Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and a law degree from The George Washington University National Law Center in Washington, D.C., Bauer went on to serve as vice president of KeyCorp, where she was responsible for its investment management and commercial lending activities, and later served as vice president and general counsel of VESTAX Securities Corp., an ING company, providing legal and regulatory consultation to its broker/ dealer subsidiaries.

As a single mother, Bauer said that she wanted to spend more time with her daughter and have more flexibility in her career. So, in 2009, she established her firm BauerGriffith, LCC with her partner, Nancy Hancock Griffith.

The firm specializes in business law, providing counsel to its nonprofit and small business clients. Bauer serves as an outsourced corporate counsel.

“It was very difficult in the sense that

you’re giving up a very lucrative career that has identifiable benefits and an income stream,” she said. “Everything became unidentifiable.

But the upside is that I was able to be there for everything my daughter needed and wanted, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

CJN: Why did you become a lawyer?

Bauer: I knew I was going to be an attorney since I was about four years old. My grandfather asked me what I was going to be when I grew up and I automatically said a lawyer. He asked me why, and I told him it was because I was smart and had a big mouth. At that age, I didn’t think you needed anything else after seeing lawyers on TV and in movies. That’s not the case – but I stuck with it from there.

CJN: What career milestone are you most proud of?

Bauer: I was sworn into the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States about five years ago. I brought my daughter with me. She was so proud and excited. Her reaction to that event, an event that honestly means very little in my career as I likely will never practice in front of the Supreme Court, meant the world to me.

JANUARY 28, 2022 encouraged me.

CJN: How did you end up at your firm?

Bain: It’s a great firm, and five minutes from both my front door and city hall.

CJN: What career milestone are you most proud of?

Bain: I have continued to assist my clients and still do my job as mayor of Pepper Pike. It makes for very long, but fulfilling days.

CJN: Do you find yourself emulating your Jewish values in your day-to-day work?

Bain: Yes. I am proud to be co-chair of the civil rights committee of the regional Anti-Defamation League. Those values of justice, fairness and equality for all are important to me. I try, by my best actions, in my legal and public careers to practice and promote those values.

CJN: Who would you say is your mentor?

Bain: My long-ago partner, Paul Shapiro.

Paul taught me to treat each client and their matters as your most important.

CJN: What excites you most about the

About Richard Age: 67 Hometown: Pepper Pike Undergraduate school: Miami University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law First paying job: Cleveland Press newspaper route How I relax: Reading, hiking, travel and fly fishing

She was so humbled and proud. As a parent, there are no words that could ever be sweeter and more humbling than how proud your daughter is of you. She was then and continues to be.

CJN: What is the most gratifying thing about your job?

Bauer: Being able to help people. I am one of the lucky attorneys who can say my clients are usually happy. We’re helping them to establish themselves, and grow to do wonderful things.

It is very gratifying to be able to help them and know that they trust me enough to approach me with their problems. And though I might not personally be able to solve them all, they know I can find the person who can – attorney or otherwise.

CJN: What excites you most about the future?

Bauer: I am inspired by LGBTQ issues.

We’re allies at our firm and have been involved in the LGBTQ community as advocates for issues involving them. I’ve been really

About Stacy Age: 58 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate school: Miami University, National Law Center Law school: George Washington University First paying job: Cashiering for my grandfather

LOCAL LAWYERS

future?

Bain: The future is always full of possibility, opportunity and hope. We get a chance every day to make things better.

– Becky Raspe If I weren’t an attorney: I’d be a mayor (or a grandpa) full time Best advice I ever received: “As a lawyer, ‘Bain, you didn’t make the facts. Work with what you have.’ As a person, from my mother – ‘Be kind, and treat others as you would have them treat you.’”

Next Cleveland sports championship: Guardians to the World Series Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: L’Albatross

appreciative of seeing some of those issues moving forward and into 21st century thinking.

It isn’t what I practice every day, but it is something I enjoy doing.

– Becky Raspe How I relax: Playing mahjong, reading, cooking with my daughter and spending time with my dog, Baxter Best advice I ever received: “Don’t undercharge for services. It’ll look more like a hobby than a profession.”

Must-watch TV: “Yellowstone” Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: 56 Kitchen

SUPER ATTORNEYS

Adam Brown

Zukerman, Lear & Murray, Co., LPA

R

eceiving his undergraduate degree from Ohio University in Athens, associate trial attorney Adam Brown studied at The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law and graduated in 2014. Soon after, he landed a job at Zukerman, Lear & Murray, Co., LPA in Cleveland, where he has practiced ever since.

But, his interest in criminal defense didn’t start in law school, his undergraduate studies or even during high school. For Brown, his passion for criminal law and true crime started in middle school when a friend ran into some legal trouble.

“I wanted to help him but I couldn’t,” he said. “That always stuck with me. I was already intrigued by true crime, and liked reading true crime books, nonfiction and watching those TV shows. I was really interested in organized crime and fraud. When I wanted to become a lawyer, it felt natural. This is also the most interesting area of practice. It’s very fulfilling, and it can be fun, scary, exciting, sad and thrilling all at the same time.”

CJN: How did you end up at your firm?

Brown: I was actually in law school with (Larry Zukerman’s) nephew. I am friends with him, and he lives in Columbus and also practices law. He knew I was interested in

criminal law, and when our third year came around, he told me to interview at Larry’s firm.

I sent him my resume and cover letter, and talked to him on the phone a couple times.

He also came down to Columbus and we had lunch and asked me to come to Cleveland for an interview. I did. After, he would text me legal questions during the interview process – like complex questions – to ask me what I thought. I would respond the best I could, and then he offered me a job. I’ve been here ever since.

CJN: What career milestone are you most proud of?

Brown: There are big cases, but I can’t think of one specific thing. There have been lots of milestones for me – whether it is specific cases, practicing in front of specific bodies or courts. But we won a really big Title IX case in July 2020. That was a big milestone for the firm.

Lori E. Brown

Gallagher Sharp LLP

F

or attorney Lori E. Brown, there was never any other professional goal than to be an attorney.

“No personal experience shaped my desire to be an attorney,” she said. “From a young age, I had wanted to go to law school.

It was always my plan. I knew that I could be in a unique position to help others, whether it is an individual, an organization or another entity. I also thought that it would be intellectually rewarding. However, not until I went to law school and practiced in the real world, did I understand how rewarding, and difficult, it could be.”

Brown is a partner of Cleveland-based Gallagher Sharp LLP’s professional liability and business employment group, defending attorneys against legal malpractice claims and in grievance proceedings, and providing counsel for pre-claims assistance and risk management matters.

CJN: How did you end up at your firm?

Brown: I had wanted to work in litigation, and my husband, who worked as a staff attorney for a judge, told me that Gallagher Sharp was one of the few law

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firms that not only focused on litigation, but would also provide mentorship, training and “real” experience in handling all aspects of a case. I never had plans to represent attorneys and other professionals in law school. Our firm has a strong professional liability group, and I began to develop my practice in the area.

CJN: What career milestone are you most proud of?

Brown: I am proud of becoming a partner and developing a particular knowledge in the areas in which I practice – professional liability and consumer protection laws.

CJN: Do you find yourself emulating Jewish values in your work?

Brown: I believe in treating others with respect (kavod). This includes my clients, opposing parties, attorneys and the court. You can disagree, without being disagreeable. Also, responsibility (achrayut).

I strive to act responsibly in the practice of law. It is important to think before you act and consider the consequences to all sides of a dispute or in litigation. While lawyers must be zealous advocates for their clients, they must consider all parties involved and

CJN: What advice would you give to your law school self?

Brown: If there is a will, there is a way.

CJN: Who is your mentor? What impact did they have on your professional journey?

Brown: In addition to my parents, both of whom I would consider mentors in their own ways, I would have to say my uncle Murray has always been a mentor of mine. He is a civil litigator in Colorado Springs, Colo., who has always encouraged me to be logical, levelheaded, relatable and professional while also being an aggressive advocate for my clients at the same time.

CJN: What excites you most about the future?

Brown: I’m looking forward to new and challenging cases. One area that comes to mind is the recent explosion of mainstream activity with cryptocurrency. I anticipate more cases, possibly involving cryptocurrency fraud,

About Adam Age: 32 Hometown: Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood Undergraduate school: Ohio University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law First paying job: Solon Freeway Lanes How I relax: Exercising Best advice I ever received: “My grandfather would always say,

the consequences of their actions. Lastly, fairness (tzedek). I strive to follow the rules – both ethical and legal rules. The legal profession is founded on the principles of fairness, justice and equity, and these are part of my Jewish values.

CJN: Who is your mentor? How did they impact you?

Brown: Alan Petrov, who is now retired.

He took me under his wing when I was a new attorney and clearly impacted my decision to focus my practice in the area of professional liability. I still remember the first case I was assigned to with him – a legal malpractice case where we defended an attorney in another county. ... He was a true gentleman and never lost his temper, even with the most difficult opposing parties and counsel.

CJN: What excites you about the future?

About Lori Age: 47 Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate school: University of Michigan Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law First paying job: Working at a clothing store in high school How I relax: Reading fiction books, spend time with family, go for long

theft or other related offenses, coming across my desk.

– Becky Raspe ‘Moderation. Everything in moderation.’ Very straight forward. The second would be from my father, who always said ‘T.A.P.A. Think ahead, plan ahead.’”

Next Cleveland sports championship: The Cleveland Guardians (the roller derby team) Must-watch TV: “Seinfeld” Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: Yours Truly

Brown: More “normalcy” and what adventures lay ahead for my two sons.

– Becky Raspe walks/hikes, and our dog helps everyone in the family relax If I weren’t an attorney: A traveling retiree Best advice I ever received: “‘Don’t hit send.’ You do not have to have the last word. Its difficult not to want to have the last word when you litigate, but most often, you do not do yourself or your client any favors trying to get in the last word.”

Next Cleveland championship: Browns Must-watch TV: “Schitt’s Creek” and “The Kominsky Method” Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: Felice

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JANUARY 28, 2022

LOCAL LAWYERS

Morgan R. Caruso Caruso Law Offices

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organ Caruso was inspired to practice law by personal tragedy.

Caruso’s mother died just three days before her 15th birthday due to medical malpractice.

That led her to begin working at a personal injury law firm before even attending law school.

“I knew I wanted to advocate for people,” she said.

However, it was a criminal defense clinic she attended at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland that helped lead to her current

About Morgan Age: 36 Hometown: Beachwood Undergraduate school: Ohio University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law First paying job: Elk & Elk Co. How I relax: Netflix or traveling If I weren’t an attorney: I’d be an actress.

criminal defense work, she said.

“I fell in love with litigating regularly in the courtroom and so began my journey to become a criminal defense attorney,” she said.

CJN: What motivates you?

Caruso: My kids motivate me each day.

I love working and I love being a mom.

The balance makes me proud. Recently Same thing basically, right?

Best advice I ever received: Work hard Next Cleveland sports championship: Cavs again would be a dream Must-watch TV: “Blacklist,” “Prison Break,” “Ozark,” “Breaking Bad,” “Wentworth,” “Designated Survivor” and “Madame Secretary” Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: Hyde Park or Blue Point with my husband

my oldest son, Carson, told me he thought lawyers were all girls.

CJN: What would you say are your strengths as an attorney?

Caruso: I have the genuine ability to be well liked, negotiate just about anything and utilize my relationships and great arguments to get my clients the very best outcomes in their cases.

CJN: What is the most significant case you have been involved with?

Caruso: I’ve been involved in more serious cases than I can count. Probably the most significant to me are those in which there are such mitigating factors that don’t necessarily amount to a defense that pull deeply on my heartstrings because I care so much about my clients and their lives. I try to delve deeper into why people do what they do and what services I could potentially connect them with in order to help them, whether those be related to mental health, substance abuse, veterans support or other intervention to encourage their rehabilitation.

CJN: What do you see as the next steps in your career?

Caruso: This past year, Caruso Law Offices opened its second location, an office on the eastside located in Jefferson Park in Mayfield Village. I’ll open another office location this year and more in the future. Additionally, I’ve hired an associate lawyer and anticipate more positions opening as we continue to rapidly grow.

- Stephen Langel

Carolyn Cole

Thompson Hine

W

hen Carolyn Cole isn’t preparing for mediation of product liability and toxic tort cases at Thompson Hine in Cleveland, she is devoting energy and time to the young professionals board of Breakthrough Public Schools.

“Before I became a lawyer I taught children with autism,” Cole wrote the Cleveland Jewish News.

Born and raised in Shaker Heights, Cole graduated from Shaker Heights High School, and understands that she benefited from a high quality public education that not everyone in Greater Cleveland can obtain.

“Providing children with a free and appropriate public education is a mission I care deeply about,” she said, explaining her interest in the group of K-8 charter schools for children in the Cleveland area.

“Being a part of Breakthrough during the pandemic and witnessing all of the work that went into quickly ensuring each child has access to a computer and internet in order to continue providing an appropriate education for all children has been especially impactful.”

CJN: How has Judaism played a role in your job?

Cole: The shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018 had a profound impact on me. It made me scared to attend High Holiday services, and nervous every time my parents told me they were going to Saturday services.

It’s hard not to think, “That could’ve been me.” We as Jews are not alone in that. There is so much hate in this world, and so many who have to fear just going for a run or going to work. While the world does not feel like a safe place for everyone, I want to make sure that my workplace, and the legal industry, does. Currently, I serve as the Cleveland co-chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative. The goal of the DE&I Initiative is to provide a diverse, inclusive environment for all to succeed though programs and initiatives addressing racial, gender, sexual orientation, and accessibility issues. For me personally, this also includes raising awareness about different religions and religious observances. I am proud

of the work our firm is doing to combat discrimination and inequities in the legal industry and our community, but we know there is much more work to do.

CJN: How has COVID-19 changed the way you litigate?

Cole: COVID has changed so much about the way we litigate. Before the pandemic, everything was done in person. I would travel for depositions, court conferences, mediations – it was all in person. Now, we’ve adapted to doing everything via video conferencing, which has really eliminated the need for most travel. I’ve had to become a lot more proficient in all of the technology that comes along with practicing law from your computer screen, but it is now starting to become second nature.

CJN: What do you most enjoy about negotiating a case?

Cole: At my core I’m a people-person, so interacting with others is always more enjoyable for me than sitting behind my desk. Negotiations allow me to use my interpersonal skills to achieve great results for our clients.

CJN: Who were your mentors and in what ways?

Cole: Like many people, I have dealt with insecurities and imposter syndrome throughout my life. My most valuable and impactful mentors are the ones who recognized this and helped me overcome those obstacles. In middle school, I had a teacher named Mr. Hutch who was the first person (outside of my family) who recognized that I could do more and be more, and challenged me to be my best while encouraging and supporting me every step of the way. He has continued to do that ever since. When I started at my law firm, I was fortunate to work with COLE | 53

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JANUARY 28, 2022

Charles Daroff

Walter | Haverfield

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harles Daroff didn’t foresee himself becoming a lawyer until he was a college student.

Although he always recognized his communication and negotiation skills, the 60-year-old real estate and finance attorney said it wasn’t until after he graduated with an undergraduate degree in English that he found himself considering law school.

“The opportunity to use those skills in an intellectually challenging way to help people solve problems drove me to law school after I earned my undergraduate degree in English,” Daroff, who is a partner at Walter | Haverfield in Cleveland, said.

“To this day, the profession has served me well, and I thoroughly enjoy what I do.”

Outside of his practice, he has also taught real estate and finance as an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, which is his alma mater, and Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. CJN: How did you end up at your firm?

Daroff : I started at a large law firm after graduating from law school in 1998. Ten years later, my mentor, Ed Hurtuk, and I opened a small boutique real estate law firm where we practiced together for 22 years. Walter | Haverfield acquired our small firm in 2019. It was a great move

COLE | 52 Stacey Greenwell, a colleague at the time who always pushed me to do more than I thought I could do, because she knew I would succeed and wanted me to prove it to myself. Both of these individuals selflessly took the time to understand me, help me grow, and give me opportunities to succeed. I would not be where I am today without them.

CJN: What do you find to be the most stressful part of your job? And how do you tackle it?

Cole: The most stressful part of my

About Carolyn Age: 38 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Undergraduate school: Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law First paying job: Working at a Curves, a fitness club for women

because it allowed us to greatly expand and strengthen our real estate team with a firm that shares our same core values: providing creative and customized solutions that deliver outstanding results.

CJN: What career milestone are you most proud of?

Daroff : I am most proud to have been named the Cleveland Real Estate Lawyer of the Year in 2013 by Best Lawyers, a prominent, worldwide attorney ranking publication in which individuals are recognized only after extensive peerreview surveys. I have also been included in each edition of Best Lawyers since 2008. Furthermore, I’m especially proud to have been included in the 2020 class of the Cleveland Jewish News’ 18 Difference Makers.

CJN: Do you find yourself emulating your Jewish values in your day-to-day work?

Daroff : The Jewish ethic of kavod is one that guides me in my day-to-day work.

I endeavor to pay respect and to honor everyone with whom I interact – starting with my parents, who imbued in me the values that motivate me to live by the Golden Rule of treating people as I would want others to treat me.

CJN: Who would you say is your mentor? What impact have they had on your professional journey?

job is that I am always on call. There is no Monday-Friday, 9-5 in this job. The feeling that you could get a call at any moment makes it hard to “turn work off ” and relax. Over the years I’ve become better at determining what is truly an emergency and what can be handled another day.

That, coupled with the amazing team I work with who I know can step in when necessary, makes it much easier to deal with.

– Jane Kaufman

How I relax: Friday nights having Shabbat dinner with my family.

If I weren’t an attorney: I would be a special education teacher or sports psychologist Best advice I ever received: Just be you Next Cleveland sports championship: Fusion – women’s tackle football team.

Must-watch TV: “Ted Lasso” Favorite NE Ohio restaurant: Batuqui in Cleveland

Daroff : My four children are my mentors. From the moment I became a parent, I realized that the world is much bigger than just me. Thinking about their future inspires me to try and be the best at everything I do.

CJN: What excites you most about the future?

Daroff : I am excited by the opportunities for more engagement between Israel and Arab and Muslim countries that flow from the historic Abraham Accords, by the marriage of my

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

son this fall, and for the pandemic to end – sometime very soon, G-d willing.

– Becky Raspe

About Charles

If I weren’t an attorney: Movie critic Best advice I ever received: “My dad Age: 60 told me the following when I started law Hometown: Beachwood school: ‘You might not always be the Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun smartest person at the table, but you Congregation can be the best prepared’” Undergraduate school: Next Cleveland sports championship: Case Western Reserve University Browns Law school: CWRU School of Law TV: “Dope Sick,” “A Place First paying job: Bagging groceries at a Life Care Planning • ElderMust-watch Law • Estate Planning to Call Home” and “Ted Lasso” local grocery store Medicaid • Medicare • VA Benefits Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: How I relax: Exercising daily with my The Standard father

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216.991.5222 (KABB) www.kabblaw.com

We protect thanPlanning Life Care Planning • Eldermore Law • Estate Medicaid • Medicare • VA Benefits your loved one’s assets, we We protect more than We protect more than We protect more than protect their dignity.

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Rachel Kabb-Effron Certified Elder Law Specialist

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216.991.5222 (KABB) Rachel Kabb-Effron www.kabblaw.com www.kabblaw.com Certified Elder Law Specialist

54 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 28, 2022

David L. Drechsler

McDonald Hopkins LLC

W

hen attorney David L. Drechsler was in grade school, he would ride the school bus.

On the bus, his classmates would get into altercations and the bus driver derived a “quasi-litigation process,” he said.

A child who felt wronged could bring a case against the classmate they were unhappy with, and they could hire another classmate as their lawyer. Other kids would make up the jury and

About David Age: 58 Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate school: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law First paying job: Busboy at The Saucy Crepe in Beachwood when I was 15 How I relax: Biking, skiing, exercising, lifting, being outside and listening to music If I weren’t an attorney: Real estate developer

judge, and Drechsler said he was “almost always hired as a lawyer.”

Those “cases,” which would end with a student paying fines of a dollar that would be pooled into a bus party at the end of the year, were his first experiences with the law. Decades later, he’s now been at McDonald Hopkins LLC in Cleveland for two years practicing business litigation, real estate litigation, and probate and trust litigation after spending 29 years at Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC in Best advice I ever received: Being an attorney can be very stressful. You’re taking on the battles of your clients, there is a lot at stake. When I was a young associate, one of my mentors told me that the reason you’re good is because you worry. He said you can worry but you have to put it in perspective. You must keep objectivity.

Next Cleveland sports championship: Browns Must-watch TV: “Dexter: New Blood” Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: ML Tavern

Joel D. Eagle Thompson Hine

J

oel D. Eagle, an environmental lawyer at Thompson Hine of Cleveland, has high hopes for the future of the Earth.

“I love spending time outdoors, and doing so with my two young sons,” he told the Cleveland Jewish News in a Jan. 23 email. “I want their futures, and their families’ futures, to be enjoyed in a healthy world.

My hope – and how I practice every day – is to do my part to leave the environment in a better place than I found it.”

In his practice, he represents defendants and said he takes “great pride in helping clients clean up historically contaminated sites, in meeting environmental permit requirements, in building electric vehicles, and so much more, in part because together these achievements benefit everyone, from my boys to society as a whole.”

CJN: How does Judaism dovetail with your practice?

Eagle: Judaism has taught me many lessons that apply not just to my legal practice but my life overall. Being truthful is one of the primary ethics of Judaism that I strongly believe in and try to live on a daily basis.

Lawyers unfortunately sometimes get a reputation for being untruthful, which is the furthest from how I practice. In every case, facts are facts.

While there are often different ways to interpret what certain facts mean, I strongly believe in dealing with facts, even (especially) the hard ones, in a truthful manner. Ultimately, my goal is to achieve the best result I can for all of my clients, but I don’t sacrifice being truthful to get to that end.

CJN: What do you consider to be a good outcome in a case?

Eagle: My colleague Heidi Friedman at Thompson Hine taught me early on that every matter should begin by asking a client what their business objective or goal is. While sometimes the goal may seem obvious, there are always details and nuances of what a “win” means – and only by discussing this with a client am I able to flesh out

Cleveland.

CJN: How did you end up at your firm?

Drechsler: First off, I enjoyed my time at Buckingham. They’re great lawyers. I do a lot of business litigation, but I felt there was a better concentration of business lawyers with more depth. I thought at McDonald Hopkins there would be way more synergy and camaraderie on that front, and there has been. It is just a better fit for me.

CJN: What do you love most about your job?

Drechsler: I would say what I enjoy most is handling these fairly convoluted cases. I am a very strategic person. I love the idea of being one step ahead – sometimes months before a lawsuit is even filed. Clients I work with on an ongoing basis appreciate that. Most have been with me for 20 years or more. It’s been fun, for sure.

CJN: How do you emulate your Jewish heritage in your work?

Drechsler: I think Jewish people have a strong work ethic because of the way we’re raised.

With the persecution that Jews have had for thousands of years, it works subliminally to create this idea of working hard and studying harder. It’s what we’ve all gone through together that makes us unbelievably hard working. The persecution is awful and always has been, but it results in great professionals who are dedicated to our craft.

CJN: Who is your mentor? What impact did they have on your professional journey?

Drechsler: I had a lot of good mentors.

If you’re fortunate enough to work with

those objectives. It’s never a wise approach to assume you know what a good outcome is, because every case, every client, every situation, is different. I deeply believe that excellent communication – in work or in private life – is a key building block to success. One of the first rules of attorney professional conduct relates to prompt, open and effective communication, which has to start at the beginning of representation in order to set the stage for successful outcomes.

CJN: What do you enjoy most about working with the clients you work with today?

Eagle: By in large my clients are manufacturers, inventors and innovators. They design and build things that we all rely on every day: cars, trucks, buses, planes (and thousands of components that make them up) that we drive and which deliver our food and shopping orders; the paints we use to brighten our homes; medicines and medical supplies that save lives, etc. It’s a common misconception that being on the environmental defense side, meaning defending individuals, companies, and municipalities, is somehow bad for the environment.

The reality is my clients are trying to do the right thing – both because it’s right, and because doing the right thing is better for business. What I enjoy most is having so many fantastic clients, and helping them comply with environmental laws and regulations. And if issues do arise, I get great satisfaction in helping clients create and implement the necessary fixes or upgrades to resolve a current challenge and prevent similar issues in the future.

CJN: What is one quality that makes someone an excellent lawyer?

Eagle: Both my father and my uncle Warren Eagle, who was a wonderful person and an incredible Workers Compensation lawyer in Chicago, instilled in me the importance of asking thoughtful questions, and then sincerely listening to answers. This concept of caring about others – learning about them and remembering what you learn – plays an important role in my personal life and in my legal practice. By asking questions and gathering information rather than speaking all the time, you show compassion, empathy and interest in others. This eventually leads to a more enriching existence, but also helps to build relationships and achieve successful outcomes in one’s professional life.

– Jane Kaufman

LOCAL LAWYERS

someone or a group of people who are excellent in their profession, you pick up their skills and enhance them through your work. I was very fortunate to have several mentors that I was blessed to come across.

CJN: What excites you about the future?

Drechsler: It is exciting to bring in younger partners or associates and let them do far more heavy lifting than I would’ve earlier in my career.

Still being involved, but letting them take the reins and show their skills and watch them develop. I really enjoy that, and want it to progress through my career and into retirement. I love working hand-in-hand with them and helping them become much better lawyers.

– Becky Raspe

About Joel Age: 40 Hometown: Avon Lake Synagogue: Beth Hillel in Chicago, free agent in Cleveland Undergraduate school: University of Iowa in Iowa City Law school: Chicago-Kent College of Law First paying job: Summer camp counselor How I relax: Daily yoga, and hikes in the Metroparks If I weren’t an attorney: Biblical archaeologist (or Egyptologist or archaeologist of the ancient Greek/Roman periods) Best advice I ever received: Always be curious and ask questions, and then listen more than you speak.

Next Cleveland sports championship: Cavs (2022-2023 season)….I’m a lifelong Cubs fan so I’ve learned to be an optimist.

Must-watch TV: “Succession,” and most anything from Masterpiece Theatre, currently “All Creatures Great and Small”

SUPER ATTORNEYS

JANUARY 28, 2022

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 55

Representative Case Types Include: • Cryptocurrency Offenses

• Online Child Exploitation Crimes

• Violations of the Computer Fraud & Abuse Act • Binary Options Trading

• Gaming & Sports Betting

• Online Harassment & Extortion • Identity Theft • Wire Fraud • Tax Fraud

• Securities Fraud

• Money Laundering • Online Civil Fraud • Asset Forfeiture

For more than two decades, Friedman & Nemecek, L.L.C., has led

the field in the defense of cybercrime offenses. In recognition of the firm’s experience and success, individuals and entities also routinely

engage Friedman & Nemecek to pursue a variety of online civil fraud actions. Our lawyers are technology professors, chairs of national cyber organizations, and leaders of local, state, and national bar associations. We routinely represent clients before government

enforcement agencies, including the DOJ, SEC, FTC, CFTC and IRS. Although the firm is based in Cleveland, we have handled high-

profile and sensitive cyber-matters throughout the United States as well as in many other countries across the globe.

1360 E. 9th Street • Suite 650 • Cleveland, OH 44114 216.928.7700 • www.fanlegal.com

56 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 28, 2022

Brian Eisen

LOCAL LAWYERS

Eisen represents plaintiffs in the area of medical malpractice and wrongful death, an area of law he chose based on his initial interest in becoming a veterinarian.

CJN: What Jewish values do you carry into your work?

Eisen: Perhaps the most important Jewish value I carry into my work is chesed, which I take to mean caring for others and helping people in need. My entire professional life has been devoted to caring for and rian Eisen, managing partner of The Eisen Law helping people whose lives have been shattered by catastrophic injuries.

Firm Co. LPA in Beachwood, has a single pet I do my best to listen to every potential client who calls me and to offer peeve: lying. what help I can, even when the circumstances cannot justify a lawsuit.

“By commission,” he writes. “By omission. Just lying. It is shocking how CJN: How has COVID-19 affected your practice? often lawyers simply do not tell the truth. Now, maybe we’ve come to the Eisen: The small size of our firm and our focus on only one practice point where laypeople just expect lawyers will lie. But it still sickens me. area makes us nimble. We switched to Microsoft Teams and Zoom Don’t lie about the facts; tell your client’s story using those facts. Don’t lie seamlessly, so there wasn’t much disruption to our practice. The biggest about the law; the truth will come out. Just tell the truth and deal with the issue has been the reluctance of courts to hold jury trials. Without an consequences.” imminent trial, insurance companies drag their feet and refuse to make reasonable settlement offers. On the upside, people have begun paying close attention to their health care and to medical issues in general. They have begun evaluating medical issues and experts critically. This may result in more informed jury pools in the future.

CJN: What cases have you been most proud of?

Eisen: It’s easy to feel some temporary pride whenever I achieve a large settlement or verdict for a client. But I feel most proud when I have successfully represented an injured child.

Those cases 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 life saving. workplace & family law CJN: What is the most common mistake your clients make?

Eisen: Not contacting me soon enough. Ohio has a very short | 2022 and strict time limit for filing suit for medical negligence. And a good malpractice lawyer wants to investigate a case fully before Amy Keating, Drew Piersall, Christopher Reynolds, filing. Too often, people with very serious injuries and very strong cases contact me only after it’s too late.

Jonathan Rich, Richard Stahl, Patrick Watts, 10 YEARS: CJN: What is the best possible outcome for your clients Jon Dileno, Michele Jakubs, Jeffrey Wedel, Stephen Zashin, regardless of a settlement amount?

Eisen: My clients sincerely want to hold negligent caregivers 15 YEARS: George Crisci, Jonathan Downes, Andrew Zashin accountable so no one else will have to endure what they have endured. In many cases, that accountability includes changes in OHIO TOP 100 | CLEVELAND TOP 50 | 2021: Andrew Zashin the behavior of individual doctors or changes in hospital policies, procedures, or protocols.

The Eisen Law Firm Co. LPA

B

CONGRATULATIONS

Super Lawyers List

Rising Stars List | 2022

– Jane Kaufman

David Frantz, Kyleigh Weinfurtner

Best Lawyers | 2022

About Brian

Drew Piersall, Richard Stahl, Kyleigh Weinfurtner, 5 YEARS: Jon Dileno, Amy Keating, Christopher Reynolds, Jonathan Rich, Stephen Zashin, 10 YEARS: George Crisci, Jonathan Downes, 15 YEARS: Jeffrey Wedel, Andrew Zashin

Best Lawyers Top Listed Firm | 2022 First-Tier Rankings in Ohio for 7 years

Chambers and Partners | 2021 Ranked Band 1, Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth in The Chambers HNW 2021 Guide: Andrew Zashin

cleveland 216.696.4441 | columbus 614.224.4411 | zrlaw.com

ZAR_0093_ad_6.5x8_cjn.indd 1

11/16/21 2:35 PM

Age: 55 Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate school: Harvard College Law school: Harvard Law School First paying job: I had a Sun Press newspaper route when I was 14 years old. I have been a news junkie ever since. In addition, I went door-to-door collecting payments, which helped me develop good interpersonal skills at an early age.

How I relax: To paraphrase Warren Zevon and others, “I’ll relax when I’m dead,” though I guess riding my Harley Davidson Street Glide CVO can be “relaxing” If I weren’t an attorney: This reminds me of a famous quip by former soccer star Peter Crouch when he was asked a similar question. It’s worth Googling. I suppose if I weren’t an attorney, I would be a neuroscientist. I majored in neurobiology in college, and cases involving brain injuries are some of the most fascinating cases I work on today.

Best advice I ever received: Help the little guy. The big guy doesn’t need you. That, and you only have one reputation – don’t screw it up.

Next Cleveland sports championship: Monsters (my son just started working for the Monsters – let me know, he’ll hook you up with tickets – sorry, I’m kvelling)

SUPER ATTORNEYS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 57

JANUARY 28, 2022

JEFFREY A. LEIKIN, ESQ., LLC

David Elk

JEFFREY A. LEIKIN, ESQ., LLC Ohio 44122 25201 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 270 • Beachwood, 25201 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 270 • Beachwood, Ohio 44122

Elk & Elk

H

Jeffrey A. Leikin, Esq. is the founder of the litigation firm of Jeffrey Leikin Esq., LLC. and Leikin, Esq., LLC handles matters hasinvolving worked for over thirty protecting the personal injury,years including rights of his clients and their families.

The firm is medical and nursing home handling matters involvingautomobile, personal injury that mistakes, construction, includes wrongful death, medical negligence, motorcycle and trucking accident nursing motorcycle cases.home Clientliability, service automobile, is a top and trucking accident cases.

Consultation is priority. This will be what sets your free.

Give us a with call orusvisit ourfrom website at www. experience apart leikinlegal.com.

aving represented thousands of injured clients throughout the state of Ohio for more than 57 years, David Elk at Elk & Elk in Cleveland has devoted his professional life to helping injured people receive the compensation they deserve.

Elk, a Cleveland Jewish News 18 Difference Maker in 2018, was born in Cleveland and is a graduate of Cleveland Heights High School.

This spring, he will have a classroom named in his honor at his alma mater, Case Western Reserve University Law School.

Elk said he learned at an early age the value of hard work, honesty and compassion, and that he tries to instill those values into young lawyers.

“I have always lived by the rule that the client’s needs come first,” Elk said. “However, you must be able to balance work and family.

This I have tried to do my entire life.”

As part of that balance, he works with several family members at Elk and Elk. CJN: What is it like to work with members of your family?

Elk: What is truly amazing is that my wife Marilyn works at the office. My younger brother, Art, has been my law partner since 1984. His wife, Jody, also works at the office and my daughter, Mindy, is a CPA and an attorney in the firm. Art and I have never had a problem working together since we were always close growing up and have managed to make important decisions together. We have 20 attorneys and about 60 support staff with offices throughout the state.

CJN: What was the most satisfying moment in your career?

Elk: I can honestly say that I know how the big insurance companies take advantage of people. The most satisfying moment in my career was when I worked hard on a case, ended up with a good result and the client turns to me and says, “Thank you.” I knew then that I had obtained a good result for my client. It is important for our clients to understand we can’t change what happened to them, but we can try to obtain justice for them and provide top

About David Age: 82 Hometown: Moreland Hills Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate school: Case Western Reserve University Law school: CWRU Law School First paying job: I worked for my dad’s business, Elk Motors in Cleveland. That’s where I learned how to deal with people and understand their desires and try to be compassionate to their needs.

How I relax: When I am not working, my wife,

quality legal representation.

CJN: How does Judaism dovetail with your career?

Elk: Judaism has been an integral part of my life as a youth, being bar mitzvahed at Taylor Road Synagogue. My religious beliefs have helped me be caring, compassionate and philanthropic and to understand the importance of giving back.

CJN: What about giving – as a firm and an individual?

Elk: I support a wide range of organizations including the St. Augustine Hunger Center, donating 200 turkeys each Thanksgiving and doing the same at University Hospitals and MetroHealth Medical Center. It is so important to help families and create a positive influence where we live and work. I believe it is the right thing to do. I help support the American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Apollo’s Fire Orchestra, and many other organizations.

CJN: Why Cleveland?

Elk: Cleveland is such a wonderful place to raise a family. As a mid-size city, we have wonderful world-class hospitals, Cleveland Metroparks (best in the country), worldclass colleges, beautiful suburbs, wonderful restaurants, world-class sports teams and probably one of the best climates in the world eight months of the year. Why would we ever want to live anywhere else?

LET 36 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU

LET 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU

CALL (216) 816-3204 VISIT CALLOR (216) 816-3204

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WWW.LEIKINLEGAL.COM

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*OHIO SUPER LAWYERS 2006, 2010-2022 *OHIO SUPER LAWYERS • 2006, 2010-2020

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

Ohio and Pennsylvania, and before the United States Supreme Court.

BauerGriffith is a business law firm serving as outsourced general counsel, providing advice and solutions to small businesses and non-profit organizations. BG Consulting Group provides high quality business guidance to a wide array of clients, including tax exempt organizations, small-medium sized businesses, and public and privately held companies.

– Jane Kaufman Marilyn, and I enjoy just being together and with our family on vacation. We both enjoy reading good books and going out to dinner.

If I weren’t an attorney: I would have liked to have been a professional baseball player.

Marilyn and I loved going to Cleveland Indians games for years and cheering on the Tribe. Maybe this is the year for a championship.

Best advice I ever received: Always weigh your options very carefully.

Must-watch TV: “Yellowstone” and “Blue Bloods” Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: Umami

Stacy L. Bauer

Nancy Hancock Griffith

216.225.1119 stacy@bauergriffith.com

216.956.0378 nancy@bgconsultinggrp.com

58 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

Aaron Evenchik

Hahn Loeser

A

aron Evenchik likens litigation to a chess game, and said he believes whichever lawyer is better prepared and wants it more will win the case in court.

He does both transactional work and litigation primarily around real estate and construction for Hahn Loeser in Cleveland.

“I like drafting a contract in a way that’s so clear that if there’s a dispute later on, it really won’t be disputed,” the sixth-generation Clevelander said. “Everybody knows how this risk was shifted.”

Evenchik serves on the boards of Cleveland Hillel Foundation, Council Gardens, Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, ACE and chairs the Homebuilders Association Developer’s Council.

CJN: What case are you most proud of?

Evenchik: There are two.

A construction company had somebody claiming they breached a contract and was seeking in excess of $10 million in damages.

So it was a two-plus week arbitration. And we prevailed. We defeated the claim for $10 million and were actually awarded a substantial portion of our attorneys’ fees.

In the second unrelated case, we were the general contractor for a senior housing development. So the owner sued us. We then had to sue all the subs and their insurance

companies. And while the owner got a verdict against us, we were able to get verdicts against all of the subcontractors and their insurance companies. We technically lost against the owner, but we were able to collect everything that we had to pay the owner plus every penny of our attorneys’ fees.

CJN: Has your religious observance presented challenges for you?

Evenchik: In (a) Cincinnati case, I was able to get the court and the arbitration panel to agree to avoid Friday hearings. And you know, I basically packed and brought a lot of my food. But then you got clients. So not only do you have to do witness prep and your other work, but you’ve got to entertain them. So I went to some of the fanciest restaurants ever and would just sit and sip a soda while they all ate their steak.

CJN: What impact do you think being visibly Jewish has on judges?

Evenchik: I think me being a visibly Orthodox Jew can be advantageous most of the time. Because I think people presume that I’m telling the truth, that I almost look like clergy

Madelyn J. Grant Friedman & Nemecek, LCC

L

ong before she began her journey to become a criminal defense attorney, Madelyn J. Grant found herself in the courtroom to watch her father, David Grant.

With this early interest and model to go by, Grant advocates zealously for each and every one of her clients as she practices criminal defense with focuses on sex-related offenses and cybercrimes.

She is also dedicated to sharing her expertise as she teaches cybercrimes as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, ClevelandMarshall Colleges of Law, the same cybercrimes course taught by Ian Friedman that led her to work for Friedman & Nemecek, LCC. CJN: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Grant: Achieving “justice” can come in many different forms. No matter what, it is always a hard-fought battle. Crossing the finish line with my clients is the most rewarding aspect of this job. No matter what type of case we are dealing with, or the nature of the charges, being able to see a case through to the end and witness my clients and their families get the closure they desperately need to move forward is an amazing feeling.

CJN: How does Judaism play a part in your professional life?

Grant: For my family, Judaism has always meant the importance of family and of tradition.

Knowing and living that for so many years has affected the way in which I deal with my clients and their families. As they endure what can be some of the most difficult situations of their lives, they tend to bind together as a unit and prioritize one another over all else. I not only understand that, but I also respect it. That is something that has been instilled in me through my faith.

CJN: What advice do you give to students or others entering your field?

Grant: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. As a new lawyer, especially in the field of criminal defense, you will encounter frustrating, unique, emotional and altogether bizarre situations on a daily basis. Learn to lean into each and every experience and figure out what you can learn from it.

CJN: How do you approach cases of difficult subject matters?

JANUARY 28, 2022 in some courtrooms. That is a reputation that if you’re ever caught being dishonest or pushing the line too far, once that happens, it colors everything going forward with that judge or arbitrator. That’s a hard line to maintain.

CJN: What impact do you think it has on your clients?

Evenchik: A lot of my clients are Italian, Catholic, religious people. And there’s a tremendous amount of respect that we have for each other in our own faith.

CJN: What’s your professional pet peeve?

Evenchik: Not checking your work.

CJN: What advice do you give young lawyers?

Evenchik: You make partner your first year. You set your tone, you set your reputation about being a hard, diligent worker and being detail oriented. If you can build your reputation that first year, everyone will say,

About Aaron Age: 45 Hometown: University Heights Synagogues: Chabad Waxman Center and Bais Dovid, both in Beachwood Undergraduate school: The Ohio State University Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law First paying job: Camp counselor at Hiram House Camp How I relax: I play music and I work out and I enjoy my kids Best advice I ever received: You always

Grant: The cases with the most difficult subject matter are the cases that require the most zealous advocacy and compassion. Our constitution affords criminal defendants certain rights. If we do not fight to protect those rights in the most difficult of cases, they certainly will not stand a chance in the smaller or less serious matters. I treat each and every case and client as if they were my own family because that is what everyone deserves.

CJN: What difference do you want to make in the justice system through your career?

Grant: Our criminal justice system is lacking in so many ways and at times it can feel hopeless. However, I understand that each and every case that I work on can have an impact on the system, even in some small way. Because of that, I will work tirelessly throughout my career to make sure that every case I handle is done so with the overall mission of justice and equality in mind. I also want to continue to educate the community and those entering the legal field

About Madelyn Age: 29 Hometown: Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel Undergraduate school: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law First paying job: Beachwood Family Aquatic Center concession stand

LOCAL LAWYERS

“Oh, this person is on track, they’re going to make partner some day.”

– Jane Kaufman have to protect and treasure your staff. Your staff messes something up, it’s on me. I own it.

If I weren’t an attorney: I’d love to work in the nursery of a hospital with the brand new babies, changing their diapers and giving a bottle Next Cleveland sports championship: I think we’re going to go for the Cavaliers Must-watch TV: Whatever my kids are willing to watch with me Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: The next great kosher restaurant in a cool location

about the justice system and its inherent flaws.

The hope is that when community members are aware, they will get out and vote to effect change.

– Courtney Byrnes How I relax: Riding my Peloton and taking my dog, Sloane, on walks around the neighborhood If I weren’t an attorney: In a dream world I would be a professional dog walker Best advice I ever received: “Treat others the way you want to be treated” – an oldie but a goodie Next Cleveland sports championship: Cleveland Browns Must-watch TV: “Succession” Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: Astoria

SUPER ATTORNEYS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 59

JANUARY 28, 2022

Michael Davis Hoenig

Ulmer & Berne LLP

F

or Michael Davis Hoenig, a Cleveland native, graduate of Fuchs Mizrachi School in Beachwood and a member of Green Road Synagogue, law practice and his Judaism go hand in hand.

“My career is guided by the Jewish principles of tzedek (justice) and tikkun olam (repairing the world),” Hoenig, a partner at Ulmer & Berne LLP in Cleveland, wrote the Cleveland Jewish News in an email. “I remember that we were once strangers in a strange land, which is why I spend a significant amount of time on pro bono matters including helping refugees come to the United States.

“My Jewish values also guide me to represent my 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,” Hoenig wrote.

Among his other endeavors, Hoenig is a co-founder of Makom, “because it’s hard if not impossible to be gay and Orthodox and you know be fully those things simultaneously,” Hoenig said. “Although the Orthodox community does a lot of things really well, being inclusive and welcoming to LGBTQ members is something that we could improve on.”

He was a Cleveland Jewish News 18 Difference Maker in 2019, recognized for exhibiting efforts of tikkun olam.

CJN: You advise clients on compliance with data security, privacy laws and regulations. What are simple steps businesses can take to prevent hacking?

Hoenig: The most important thing to do is get help.

Businesses should have a qualified IT team working to create a data security plan, implement it and consistently update it as new threats emerge. They should train their employees to detect security threats like phishing emails, and should use security measures like multifactor authentication, user permissions/application whitelists, and end point protection. Finally, businesses should keep their systems updated.

CJN: What are the most common mistakes people make in writing contracts?

Hoenig: People often try to save money by drafting contracts on their own. This can lead to poorly drafted contracts that end up in litigation. It’s far better to hire an attorney to draft a good contract than to spend time and money fighting over a bad contract. As my favorite law professor likes to say: “Ink is cheap, litigation is expensive.”

CJN: If you could change a law, what would it be?

Hoenig: It would be great to have a national data breach notification law. Right now, businesses have to navigate a patchwork of 50 different state laws to figure out what to do in the case of a data breach. Having one law would be easier and cheaper for businesses to comply with.

CJN: What is your professional pet peeve?

Hoenig: Dealing with unprofessional opposing counsel.

As lawyers, we have a duty to advocate for our clients, but some lawyers take it too far. In my experience, having an unprofessional attorney does nothing but add unnecessary costs to litigation and unwelcome hostility.

CJN: What is the case you are most proud of?

Hoenig: I helped save a small snow plow manufacturing company from going out of business. The company was sued for millions of dollars for allegedly infringing another company’s snow plow patent. We

defended the company in a multi-week federal court trial and won. We saved the business, and since then it has grown into a regional powerhouse.

- Jane Kaufman

About Michael Age: 40 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Undergraduate school: New York University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law First paying job: Camp counselor at the Jewish Community Center in Cleveland How I relax: Gardening and cooking If I weren’t an attorney: I would split my time owning restaurants and producing Broadway shows.

Best advice I ever received: Never miss an opportunity Next Cleveland sports championship: Browns Must-watch TV: “Maid” Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: Arova

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LOCAL LAWYERS

Barbara Bellin Janovitz

Jeffrey D. Zimon, Esq. Reminger Co., LPA Zimon Law provides businesses with access to cost-effective employee benefits and compensation advice and counsel.

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R

eminger Co., LPA attorney Barbara Bellin Janovitz has served as the Cleveland firm’s chair of the estate planning group for more than 20 years – and has been counseling clients on estate planning, and probate and trust administration for over a decade longer.

Her practice focuses on estate and gift planning, estate tax law and planning, probate and estate administration, trusts and trust administration and asset protection planning. Working in what can be a sensitive area of law, Janovitz said the sensitivity and compassion needed is what drew her to those practice areas.

“I chose estate planning as the area of law in which I wanted to specialize because I am able to utilize my personal and technical skills to educate and advise clients about the personal, as well as the tax and legal aspects of their estate plan and to assist them through the administration process with compassion,” she said.

In her day-to-day work, Janovitz counsels clients on both simple and complex estate, charitable and retirement planning matters, and has experience dealing with the Internal Revenue Service to resolve estate and gift tax issues – helping clients analyze, develop and implement estate plans, from basic planning to cutting edge techniques for high net worth clients, according to Reminger’s website.

She is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s trust and estate section; the Ohio State Bar

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Association’s trust and estate section; the Ohio Women’s Bar Association; the American Bar Association, trust and estate section; and the Cleveland Estate Planning Women’s Group.

In the community, she is vice president of the Beachwood City Council, first elected to council in 2015, when she was the first woman elected to that council in 15 years; on the board of directors of the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging; on the board of trustees at Rose Centers for Aging Well, where she is also development chair; a member of the Case Western Reserve University Estate Planning Advisory Council; a professional advisory committee member at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law; and a member of University Hospitals Health Systems’ Diamond Advisory Group.

CJN: What is your favorite part about being an attorney?

Janovitz: My favorite part of being an estate planner is having the ability to form and maintain close, long-term relationships with clients and their families from varied backgrounds while helping them make good personal and tax-related decisions.

Each client’s personal and financial situation is unique, which has made my work in the field interesting for the past 35 years.

CJN: What are the biggest challenges you face in your field?

Janovitz: It is challenging to find younger attorneys who want to become estate planners.

CJN: What would you be doing if you weren’t an attorney?

Janovitz: I would be doing more volunteer work, traveling, and in six months, spending more time with my granddaughter.

CJN: How does Judaism influence your work in this field?

Janovitz: The concept of helping others is at the core of my practice, and I am able to guide many clients in charitable planning.

– Becky Raspe

About Barbara Age: 63 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate school: The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Law school: New York University School of Law First paying job: Newspaper carrier for The Plain Dealer How I relax: Reading If I weren’t an attorney: Working in the nonprofit sector Best advice I ever received: From my father, Allan Bellin, be kind Next Cleveland sports championship: Guardians Must-watch TV show: “90 Day Fiance” Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: Wild Mango

SUPER ATTORNEYS

Doron Kalir

Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

B

orn and raised in Israel, Doron Kalir completed a full military service before attending law school in Jerusalem and later came to America, where he teaches at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

He first began to have an interest in practicing law at 12 years old after reading “Courtroom,” by Quentin Reynolds, which told the story of legendary Jewish lawyer Samuel Leibowitz, who immigrated to America at a young age and became one of the most prominent criminal defense lawyers

About Doron Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Bnai Jeshurun Congregation, where I teach a weekly lesson on the Torah portion of the week Undergraduate school: Hebrew University in Jerusalem Law school in U.S.: Columbia University Law School First paying job: Tennis pro. I taught over 100 kids and adults tennis after the service in the Israeli army, and loved every minute of it. I’d return to this job in a heartbeat.

How I relax: Yoga, hiking If I weren’t a law professor: Professor

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in America, even defending the Scottsboro Nine before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Kalir’s career path has led him on a similar journey and although he has not appeared in front of the U.S. Supreme Court yet, he did appear before the Supreme Court in Israel three times. of formal logic or professor of Jewish thought Best advice I ever received: Going up is optional; coming down is mandatory, said about mountain climbing and true everywhere Next Cleveland sports championship: Cavaliers, of course Must-watch TV: Netfilx’s “The Innocence Files,” a nine-part documentary about the Innocence Project and the miscarriages of justice in our criminal legal system. I assign it to my students every semester.

Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: Taza

CJN: How gratifying was your military experience?

Kalir: I have an immensely complicated relationship with my military service. I proudly served in a special forces infantry unit (“Sa-ye-ret Giv’-a-ti”), and I know that my unit has done much to secure the borders of Israel from people who wanted to hurt us.

Without such units, innocent women and children who live by the border would have been seriously hurt, or worse. With that, I also spent much time in the occupied territories – Gaza and the West Bank. What I’ve witnessed there changed my mind completely with regards to the two people sharing this one tiny piece of land. In my mind, this continued state of occupation is an untenable situation, and it must come to an end. We have to separate the two nations, and create two states, living side by side with proper safety arrangements. Then again, I’ve learned a lot in the army – in particular, about one’s own perceived limitations, and how to overcome those.

CJN: How did your military service influence your desire to practice law?

Kalir: I realized that the rule of law must apply to the actions of the military as well. No one – including the military – can be above the law. Moreover, I gained a lot of respect (for) criminal procedure and the notion of due process. In particular, I came to respect the rights of the accused, like the right not to incriminate oneself during interrogation, the

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right to confront your accuser, and the right to be notified of your charges – all rights secured by our Constitution.

CJN: Does that service still influence the way you practice law today?

Kalir: Absolutely. The notion of right and wrong, and the idea that power should never be abused were well entrenched during my service, and are still with me today.

– Courtney Byrnes

DISCLAIMER The Cleveland Jewish News does not make endorsements of political candidates and/or political or other ballot issues on any level. Letters, commentaries, opinions, advertisements and online posts appearing in the Cleveland Jewish News, on cjn.org or our social media pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company, its board, officers or staff.

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JANUARY 28, 2022

Hannah J. Kraus Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP

H

annah Kraus has always wanted to be an attorney, inspired by her father and a family full of legal professionals. She has realized that goal as an associate for Kohrman Jackson & Krantz, where she practices labor and employment law, engaging in both litigation and arbitration.

“I think being exposed to the legal profession at such a young age set the stage for my desire to eventually become an attorney

myself,” Kraus said. “My dad, specifically, is my biggest career inspiration. Growing up, I remember seeing how much he loved his career and how fulfilled he was as a litigator in both the public and private sector. From a young age, I admired my dad’s passion for his work and wanted the same for myself in my future career.”

CJN: What motivates you each day?

Kraus: I dreamed of becoming an attorney for over a decade, so finally being a practicing attorney with an incredible job at an exceptional firm pushes me to continue to work hard. When I am faced with a challenge at work, I remind myself to just soak it all in because I worked for 25 years to be exactly where I am. I also have a strong desire to help people in a meaningful way, and being an attorney puts me in a very unique position to truly make

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a significant impact on people’s lives.

CJN: How does your faith play a role in how you approach your work?

Kraus: I prioritize honesty, integrity and respect, all of which are prominent Jewish values that my parents instilled in me. I also believe that my desire to utilize my career to help people stems from the importance of giving back, or tzedakah, in the Jewish faith. My Jewish culture and faith remain a huge piece of my identity, so I really think it shows itself in all facets of my work.

CJN: What would you say are your strengths as an attorney?

Kraus: Attorneys can be intimidating and many people have preconceived notions about the profession as a whole. I pride myself on being very approachable, reliable and responsive. I also have the unique ability to easily connect and communicate with others. Every practicing attorney graduated from law school, passed the bar and can draft a legal brief, but not all attorneys can connect on a human level with their clients. I believe that clients can trust me, not only as their legal adviser, but also as a trusted confidant.

CJN: When you face challenges in your life, how do you overcome them?

Kraus: I tell myself to keep pushing forward. Most challenges are not permanent, so I consistently remind myself that the situation, whether it be personal or professional, is only temporary.

I try to tackle difficult situations head-on and remain as positive as I possibly can. I also turn to my faith and my family when dealing with something really challenging. During these times, I find it comforting to believe in something bigger than myself.

CJN: What do you see as the next steps in your career?

Kraus: I am excited to continue my career at Kohrman Jackson & Krantz where I am fortunate to work with very experienced attorneys from whom I am learning invaluable skills. I want to take advantage of these opportunities to grow both personally and professionally, and I am excited to continue pursuing my passion of helping people and making a meaningful difference as an attorney.

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About Hannah

a dedication to client advocacy.

• • • • •

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c - g - l a w. c o m

D O W N T O W N 2344 Canal Rd. Cleveland, OH 44113 E A S T S I D E Eton Tower 28601 Chagrin Blvd. #250 Beachwood, OH 44122

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216.658.9900

Age: 25 Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate school: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland State University ClevelandMarshall College of Law First paying job: Babysitter How I relax: Reading on my Kindle or watching TV with a cup of coffee.

If I weren’t an attorney: I would be a teacher. I love kids.

Best advice I ever received: Don’t stress over things you can’t change. Focus on things that are within your control.

Next Cleveland sports championship: Browns. 2023 is our year.

Must-watch TV: “Desperate Housewives” and “Grey’s Anatomy” are my all-time favorite shows.

Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: Marble Room

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JANUARY 28, 2022

Jamie R. Lebovitz Nurenberg Paris, Heller & McCarthy

J

amie R. Lebovitz is a trial lawyer who represents plaintiffs following airplane crashes in a practice he likens to David and Goliath, often standing up to airlines and aviation companies and their fleets of lawyers.

Lebovitz of Nurenberg Paris, Heller & McCarthy of Cleveland won a plaintiff $7.45 million in 1997, the largest Ohio plane crash personal injury verdict. In his career, which has included major airline and private jet crashes, he has negotiated settlements and won trials recovering more than $350 million for his clients, the single largest settlement being $25 million.

To Lebovitz, though, in addition to the research and the trials, the work is also about relationship building and about helping families heal from the trauma of sudden losses, and he maintains connections with his clients for years after the cases have resolved. As an example, he invited former clients who live in Eugene, Ore., to his daughter’s bat mitzvah, and they came.

CJN: Do you have your pilot’s license?

Lebovitz: I did take some flying lessons when I was young, but I never went and got my pilot’s license. It was quite expensive at the time, still is and I never really pursued it because with a young family, and knowing what I knew about the frequency of general aviation accidents, I thought that it was too much risk and little reward.

CJN: Why are pilots so frequently blamed for crashes?

Lebovitz: It’s kind of like the pilots are guilty until proven innocent. You have to look at it holistically and appreciate the fact that the vast majority of pilots are very well trained, experienced and safety conscious. And so it can’t simply be an error or omission on the part of the pilot. In a typical airplane crash accident, there is never one cause. It’s generally a multiplicity of causes, any one of which, if it had not occurred, would have prevented the crash.

CJN: What was your first airplane crash case?

Lebovitz: I’ve been representing families in these circumstances, which are the most tragic you could possibly imagine, since 1985. It was a military charter bringing back soldiers from a peacekeeping mission in the Middle East. And it crashed after a refueling stop in Gander, Newfoundland, back in December of 1985, and claimed the lives of over 260 soldiers and officers, some of whom resided in Northeast Ohio. Unfortunately, the charter carrier didn’t want to spend the funds necessary to de-ice the plane on the tarmac in a snowstorm. It crashed on takeoff and everybody was killed.

CJN: Knowing what you know, do you fly?

Lebovitz: I avoided flying 737 aircraft as much as I could when I was litigating a case on the rutter system, but I’ve never grounded myself. There were times where I was flying over 100,000 miles a year because the vast majority of my cases were all over the country. I’ve been litigating cases in San Francisco, Miami, New York, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, Seattle, you name it. And I’ve represented people from outside the United States as well just like I’m doing right now in the case against Boeing arising from the second 737 Max crash – Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 that went down on March 19, 2019.

So my work has taken me all over the country, but I’ve also represented a number of families from Ohio who have been victims of a loss like this.

CJN: What’s it like to practice law with your son, Jordan, a partner in the firm?

Lebovitz: It’s a father’s dream come true.

About Jamie Age: 65 Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate school: Cleveland State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law First paying job: Lifeguard at the Cleveland Racquet Club in Pepper Pike How I relax: Reading, particularly historical fiction, golf, skiing, vacationing with my wife and family.

If I weren’t an attorney: I would have been a pilot.

Best advice I ever received: Get an education and a graduate degree Must-watch TV: “Curb Your Enthusiasm” Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: Corky & Lenny’s in Woodmere and anything Italian

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WOLF and AKERS

LOCAL LAWYERS

Tanya Linetsky

A Legal Professional Association

Practicing Exclusively Family Law

Tanya M. Linetsky & Associates, LLC

T

anya Linetsky immigrated to the United States from Tashkent, Uzbekistan in 1998 when she was 17 years old. Now, she practices immigration law to help clients through the same process she once found herself in.

Marshall J. Wolf

Deborah Akers-Parry

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 • divorce taxation • custody, child support and parenting time • spousal support • prenuptial agreements • parentage • appellate practice • alternative dispute resolution 2 Summit Park Drive • Suite 350 • Cleveland, OH 44131 P: 216-623-9999 • F: 216-623-0629 • Email: law@wolfakers.com

Linetsky represents clients from all over the world in their immigration matters, both in U.S. immigration agencies and U.S. courts, as well as U.S. consulates abroad.

As an immigrant practicing immigration law, Linetsky understands not only the legal issues her clients have, but also the personal concerns they face in calling a new country home.

CJN: When you immigrated to the U.S., what challenges did you face both on a social level and legal level?

Linetsky: We did not have any legal problems. (We) came as Jewish refugees from the former Soviet Union.

Socially, the only issue I had was missing my high school friends in my hometown. But this lasted only six months, until I fully integrated into my new American life and started college.

CJN: How did your experience as an immigrant influence your decision to go into law? And how does it continue to influence you today?

Linetsky: When I came to the U.S. and started college that same year, for some reason, I knew I was going to be a lawyer. I don’t even remember how and why I decided to go into law. I don’t know whether it’s my personal

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immigrant experience that influenced and influences my career to this day. It’s probably mostly due to a very lucky chance I got in life – I was able to find a job at an immigration law firm the same year we immigrated in November 1998. That probably is what really played a role in what I do today – immigration law.

CJN: How has your experience as an immigrant aided you in addressing the concerns of your clients?

Linetsky: I believe that my own experiences as an immigrant make me a more compassionate, caring and considerate attorney. I can relate to the concerns and challenges my clients face and my priority is to help them.

CJN: What advice do you most often offer to clients?

Linetsky: I always tell them to be honest, truthful and law-abiding, as any small mistake can cause a lot of problems related to immigration, even many years down the road.

CJN: How has your experience as a Jewish refugee influenced you in your work?

Linetsky: I do a lot of asylum work and can personally relate to many of my clients’ cases of persecution, harassment, lack of freedoms and fears of returning to their home countries.

– Courtney Brynes

About Tanya Age: 41 Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Oheb Zedek Cedar Sinai Synagogue Undergraduate school: Cleveland State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law First paying job: Dishwasher at a Russian party center, and then also worked at Davis Bakery in Mayfield Heights until I joined Margaret Wong’s immigration law office at 18 How I relax: I spend time and travel with my husband and children, get together with friends and sing karaoke If I weren’t an attorney: I can’t imagine what I would be. I don’t see myself in any other profession.

Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: Cedar Creek Grille

SUPER ATTORNEYS

Josh Payne Nurenberg Paris

J

osh Payne, a personal injury lawyer at Nurenberg Paris in Cleveland, set his sights on law practice when he was a student at the College of Wooster and served a summer internship at the Cleveland firm.

“That summer I got so much exposure to the practice of personal injury and how satisfying it was knowing you were helping people to put their lives back together after they had been broken,” Payne told the Cleveland Jewish News in a Jan. 24 email. “When I went to law school, I tried several different practice areas, but none came close to giving me the sense of purpose and gratification I felt at NPHM (Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy). So during my third year of law school, when I got the opportunity to return as an attorney, I jumped at it and couldn’t be happier.”

His areas of practice are car and truck accidents, premises liability, construction accidents and wrongful death cases.

CJN: What do you like most about being in court?

Payne: The sense of theater. Whether in books, TV shows or movies, I have always loved stories. I love the way a good story and perhaps more importantly a good storyteller can draw you in and help you see the world through

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JANUARY 28, 2022

their lens. In the courtroom you have that same opportunity, to tell your client’s story and to paint the picture of what happened to them and what they’ve gone through.

CJN: Have you ever driven a truck? If so, what was it like?

Payne: Every day. My very first car in high school was a pickup truck and I continue to drive one now.

CJN: What case are you most proud of?

Payne: Generally, the cases that I am most proud of are the ones that in the beginning may seem the roughest around the edges. The ones that others may not see the value in. But by putting in the extra work, doing that extra digging and then using your skills to tell the client’s story in a compelling way, you end up changing people’s mind and convincing them to see it the way you do.

CJN: What is the trickiest part of your work?

Payne: Having to temper clients’ expectations and explain to them that often justice takes time.

CJN: What is your professional pet peeve?

Payne: The misperceptions of personal injury attorneys.

CJN: What is the most common advice you give your clients?

Payne: You focus on getting better, we will handle the rest.

CJN: What, in your estimation, is a good outcome (other than a large award)?

Payne: A good outcome for me is knowing that I’ve helped my client get the help that they need so that they can move on with their lives.

CJN: How does Judaism dovetail with your law practice?

Payne: My foundation in Judaism, having gone to Jewish day school at Agnon (now the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School in Beachwood) helped to instill in me a strong sense of right and wrong. About the importance of being a good person and helping others. I truly believe that as an attorney generally, and as a personal injury attorney in particular, we

About Josh Age: 26 Hometown: Willoughby Hills Synagogue: The TempleTifereth Israel in Beachwood Undergraduate school: The College of Wooster Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland First paying job: Intern at Nurenberg

have the opportunity to help people. I do my best to be a Tzedek, to be fair and honest and to do what is right.

– Jane Kaufman

Paris in Cleveland How I relax: Hiking with my wife and dog and going to/watching baseball games If I weren’t an attorney: Classic car restorer Best advice I ever received: Put in the work Next Cleveland sports championship: Guardians Must-watch TV: “Only Murders in the Building” Favorite NE Ohio restaurant: Yours Truly in Beachwood for breakfast

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Joy B. Savren

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR DISPUTES Jerry founder of MediationInc, is nationally founder of MediationInc, is JerryWeiss, Weiss, recognized a go-to neutral for the resolution nationally as recognized as a go-to neutral for of complex, high conflict, intractable disputes.

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For over 30 years preeminent. Rated First Tier in Mediation by US has received Martindale’s highest rating, AV News and World Report and a perennial selectee preeminent. Rated First Tier in Mediation by of Super Lawyers (currently listed as top 100 in US News and World Report and a perennial Ohio and top 50 in Cleveland) and Best Lawyers selectee of Super andMediation Best Lawyers in in America (2013 Lawyers and 2018 Lawyer Lawyer America (2013 Mediation of the Year), of the Year), he is the only person in Northeast he is tothe only person in Northeast Ohio to Ohio have been inducted as a Distinguished inducted as have been a Distinguished Fellow Fellow in the International Academy of Mediators in thea International Academy ofof Mediators (IAM), peer selected organization the world’s (IAM), commercial a peer selected organization of only the premier mediators and he is the world’s premier commercial mediators.

Ohio lawyer selected for London based Jerry Who’s Who Mediation. is a country regular presenter is a Legal: frequent presenterJerry in this and in this country abroad on topicsand related abroad on topicsand related to mediation to mediation conflict and its resolution. conflict and itsand resolution.

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Joy B. Savren Law

A

fter finishing law school at Cleveland State University, Joy B. Savren began the big job search. But after finding a scarcity in jobs in government and the nonprofit sector, she entered into private practice in 1982, where she remains to this day.

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As an attorney of family law, Savren presents cases of divorce, dissolution of marriage, custody and child support in domestic relations court and, in cases involving minors, in juvenile court. She said the best part of the job is assisting clients in making successful life changes.

Running a private practice gives Savren the freedom to choose her cases and issues, she said, and give each client the attention they need as she assists them through the process of coming to a resolution to satisfy all parties involved.

CJN: What is the benefit of running a private practice for you and your clients?

Savren: I can decide what type of cases and issues I want to handle. My clients get the personal attention they deserve.

CJN: What made you interested in this field?

Savren: Family law is constantly changing and evolving as our society changes and evolves. For example, when I first started practicing family law, fathers were rarely considered as legal custodians of their children. Now, shared parenting is the norm. Mediation, collaborative divorce and negotiated settlements are becoming more common.

CJN: What is your most common advice to clients?

Savren: Be patient. The legal process takes time. Set reasonable goals.

About Joy Hometown: Cleveland Heights Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Undergraduate school: University of Wisconsin Law school: Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law First paying job: Medical Mutual customer service How I relax: Walking/hiking with my dogs

CJN: What are some of your passions?

Savren: I love walking/hiking with my dogs and spouse, especially in the Cleveland Metroparks. I love kayaking on Ohio’s lakes and rivers. I love to travel, spending time with family and friends, and cooking.

CJN: How has Judaism played a role in your career?

Savren: Judaism has instilled in me a lifelong love of learning and appreciation for just and equitable interpretation of the law.

– Courtney Byrnes and kayaking If I weren’t an attorney: I’d be a history professor teaching the history of social movements Best advice I ever received: Learn to listen Next Cleveland sports championship: Cleveland Guardians – is one time during my lifetime too much to ask?

Must-watch TV: “Scandal” on Hulu – I missed it the first time around Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: The Fairmount – best patio

WE CAN’T BE EVERYWHERE. HAVE A STORY PITCH? GIVE US THE 411 AND YOU MAY READ ABOUT IT HERE

Email us at editorial@cjn.org or call 216-454-8300

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CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 67

JANUARY 28, 2022

H. Jeffrey Schwartz Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

A

ttorney H. Jeffrey Schwartz has 30 years experience in the business restructuring and insolvency practice. He got his start in 1980 as a judicial clerk to a U.S. bankruptcy judge at a time of growth in the practice.

Throughout his career, Schwartz has worked with clients to achieve the best outcomes in their case. He is co-chair of the firm’s business restructuring and insolvency practice group.

Each case offers its own nuance and challenge to overcome, but the outcome and gratitude from clients who have worked with him continues to motivate Schwartz towards success.

CJN: What has your career path looked like?

Schwartz: I have been fortunate to create financial outcomes for many of my clients that were inconceivably lucrative for them at the outset of the engagements.

CJN: What made you interested in business restructuring and insolvency?

Schwartz: In 1980 here in the Rust Belt, business restructuring and reorganizations

decidedly appeared to be a growth area of the law.

CJN: What has been the most rewarding part of your job?

Schwartz: My clients continual expressions of deep gratitude and telling me twenty years on that I saved them financially and reputationally.

CJN: What are a company’s options when facing bankruptcy?

Schwartz: They’re always bespoke.

CJN: How does a company know when it is time to seek counsel in a bankruptcy?

Schwartz: When a default can be perceived on the horizon.

CJN: How has COVID-19 impacted companies and your field?

Schwartz: Both positively and negatively. COVID-19 has not been monolithic: It has been a godsend to the

residential real estate, online retailers, home appliance, delivery and furnishings markets even as it’s savaged the hospitality, cruise and restaurant industries.

CJN: How can a company bounce back after facing bankruptcy?

Schwartz: Happens all the time in my practice.

CJN: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?

Schwartz: Steering successful outcomes for my clients and their stakeholders.

CJN: When you are not practicing law, what do you like to do in your free time?

About Jeffrey Age: 67 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Undergraduate school: Cleveland State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

Schwartz: Vigorous physical exercise, theater and reading.

– Courtney Byrnes

First paying job: Judicial clerk to a U.S. bankruptcy judge How I relax: Gyrotonics If I weren’t an attorney: Medicine Best advice I ever received: Attend the Harvard Law School Program on negotiation beginning and advanced courses Must-watch TV: “Curb Your Enthusiasm” Favorite NE Ohio restaurant: Chagrin Valley Country Club Clubhouse

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LOCAL LAWYERS

JANUARY 28, 2022

Warren Sklar

Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar

A

fter five-and-a-half years as a patent examiner and about 46 years at Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, the now mostly-retired Warren A. Sklar hasn’t completely given up his long career as he continues with some consulting and pro bono work.

David Steiger David Steiger has had the privilege of representing injured people throughout Ohio for over 29 years. His focus is on helping the injured with their personal injury and workers’ compensation claims. David’s ultimate goal with every client is to level the playing field against insurance companies, employers, and the State of Ohio. David’s client base is cultivated mostly through word of mouth from satisfied clients, referring attorneys and treating physicians. His clients, his peers and the doctors trust that David will do everything he can to help his clients.

David has also been selected by his peers as a Super Lawyer for the past eight years. A Super Lawyer is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

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Following a fateful 10-minute conversation with a family friend’s daughter’s fiance, Sklar decided to work as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by day while attending law school at night. Thus began a long, but enjoyable, career.

Throughout his career, Sklar has worked with James L. Fergason, inventor of the modern liquid crystal display used in televisions, instrumentation, watches and many other devices; Jamie Kern Lima and her husband, founders of IT Cosmetics, which was later purchased by L’Oreal Cosmetics; Meritec in Painesville and its related companies; and Branimir Simic-Glavaski for his “fast switch” invention in improving computer speed.

CJN: What made you want to continue consulting and working pro bono following your retirement?

Sklar: I truly enjoyed my job as a patent attorney and working with all the staff and the attorneys of Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar.

Continuing with some consulting and working pro bono keeps me involved to some extent with the career that I enjoyed very much. I also enjoy the opportunity to help others, e.g., to give advice for protecting inventions and trademarks. And I have enjoyed the several opportunities to address students about patents, trademarks and copyrights – you never know when a great creative idea may arise from a fertile student’s mind, and it would be so sad to have that idea go to waste because the student did not have at least a rudimentary idea of how to go about investigating protecting the idea.

For example, I have spoken at several schools in the area, most recently at the Hebrew Academy around the time of their invention convention, and some of the students’ ideas were extremely creative. During the last school year, I spoke via Zoom with students of the Mandel Jewish Day School.

CJN: How has COVID-19 affected the world of intellectual property?

Sklar: It has become more difficult to communicate in person with clients and also

About Warren Age: 77 Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla Undergraduate school: Case Institute of Technology Law school: National Law Center, George Washington University First paying job: Babysitting for my baby brother at 10 cents per hour.

How I relax: Reading and photography If I weren’t an attorney: I’d probably be a teacher. I’ve enjoyed training new attorneys at my firm. I’ve enjoyed speaking with students about intellectual property at a number of

to conduct personal interviews with patent examiners.

CJN: What are reasons someone would seek out an attorney in your field?

Sklar: If someone has an idea for an invention or for a trademark, they should seek out a patent/trademark attorney for guidance to protect their rights. There should be no delay.

Time is of the essence to avoid loss of rights and to avoid a conflict with someone else.

CJN: How do you keep up with new developments in your field?

Sklar: I participate in continuing legal education programs in intellectual property law, and I read various informational materials.

CJN: What do you see for the future of the world of intellectual property?

Sklar: My hope is that the future sees strengthening of intellectual property rights to provide fair and reasonable protection without allowing minor formalities to extinguish rights.

CJN: How has Judaism played a role in your career?

Sklar: In my opinion, Judaism has played a significant role in my career. It teaches me to be fair and just, to work hard, to be honest and to provide the best service I can for my clients.

– Courtney Byrnes schools, e.g., Mandel Jewish Day School, Gross Schechter, Hilltop, Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, and also I’ve spoken with businesses, foreign law firms and various organizations.

Best advice I ever received: Following completion of my engineering degree from Case, to work at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by day and go to GWU at night Next Cleveland sports championship: Guardians Must-watch TV: Medical, police and law shows Favorite NE Ohio restaurant: The several kosher restaurants; but my wife, Zehava’s, meals are best of all

SUPER ATTORNEYS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 69

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70 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 28, 2022

LOCAL LAWYERS

Deana Stein

Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP

B

efore becoming an attorney, Deana Stein was pursuing an entertainment career. It wasn’t until she took a few pre-law classes her senior year at Boston University that she realized she loved studying law.

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“I had some time to explore some nonmusic classes,” she said. “It wasn’t something that I had thought about much before that.

When I was applying for jobs out of college, I didn’t have any experience. I had a degree in music. I just needed to apply to anything.”

From there, Stein said she landed a job as a paralegal at a personal injury firm in New York.

“I thought that if I am not turned off by the practice of law after being a paralegal, then maybe the next step is law school.”

Now, Stein is an associate at Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP in Cleveland, where she focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation.

CJN: How did you get into your practice area?

Stein: I fell into litigation more than any other particular area. Some of that comes from the work you get as a law student at summer associate jobs. I interned for a state court judge and had a mini clerkship for a federal court judge. Those types of positions are very litigation-specific. But for me, it was also my background as a performer. When you’re a litigator, that can come in handy. You need to be comfortable speaking publicly, arguing in front of a judge and being able to think on your feet. These are all things you learn as a performer.

CJN: What is your favorite part about your job?

Stein: In the past few years, I’ve found a lot of satisfaction coming up with creative solutions for client problems. Rather than just saying “well, this is simple” or “this is not simple,” I’ve found ways to help clients by deep diving into possible solutions.

CJN: What are the biggest challenges in your field?

Stein: It’s not specific to my field, but I would say work-life balance. That’s the case in so many fields right now. My firm has been great about working remotely. But when your

About Deana Age: 35 Hometown: Beachwood Undergraduate school: Boston University Law school: Benjamin Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University First paying job: High Holy Day synagogue choir member and soloist What do you do to relax: Get outside, with or without my kids and baking desserts

home is your office, it’s sometimes hard to find that divide. I also have two very young children.

CJN: How does Judaism influence your work?

Stein: There is a great connection between Judaism and practicing law. Judaism is all about asking questions and considering different hypothetical situations to arrive at the right outcome. That is a lot of what practicing law is. What are the fact patterns? What are the questions that are arising? I spend so much time trying to ask the right questions to get the right result. That’s a very Jewish thing.

CJN: What advice would you give to an aspiring attorney?

Stein: It’s hard to know what an attorney does before you become one. If possible, try to work at a law office or court in a non-legal capacity. It will give you a sense of how the law is practiced, what’s involved and what all the pieces that come together are. It’s very different from the fun end product you see on TV and movies where lawyers are in court arguing and arriving at their “aha” moments.

– Becky Raspe

If I weren’t an attorney: Actor or opera singer Best advice you ever received: When it comes to taking on work that you’re not really sure you’re able to do in terms of time commitments, I was advised that they probably won’t remember you said no, but they will 100% remember if you say yes to something and do it really badly because you didn’t have time.

Next Cleveland sports championship: Guardians Must-watch TV: “Grey’s Anatomy” Favorite Northeast Ohio restaurant: Luigi’s

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JANUARY 28, 2022

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 71

Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys Name: Jack W. Abel Hometown: Moreland Hills Firm: Abel & Zocolo Co., LPA Practice area: Family law and estate administration Undergraduate: OSU Law school: UNC at Chapel Hill Favorite golf course to play: Fowler’s Mill If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Exploring the national parks with my wife, fly fishing in Alaska and frequent rounds of golf Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: You best serve your clients by being a problem solver rather than a problem creator Name: Fred J. Arnoff Hometown: Highland Heights Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Weston Hurd LLP Practice area: General business law; commercial law, real estate law; employment law; creditors’ rights; bankruptcy, estate planning Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: The University of Akron Name: Steven L. Baden Hometown: Twinsburg Firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Practice area: Business Undergraduate: OSU Law school: Cleveland Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: The Broadmoor If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling

Name: Stacy L. Bauer Hometown: Solon 05012017_Steven L. Baden_003.5.jpg Synagogue: Park ctions | All Rights Reserved | www.keithberr.com | Linda@keithberr.com | 216.566.7950 Synagogue Firm: BauerGriffith, LLC Practice area: Outsourced general counsel Undergraduate: Miami University

Law school: The George Washington University If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: In a post-COVID world, travel Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Soak it all in, like a sponge and ask questions Name: Todd Behrens Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP Practice area: Intellectual property Undergraduate: Duke University Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Signature of Solon If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: C While stuck at home during quarantine, I spent a lot of time trying to come up withM the perfect cookie recipe. I was tired of Y getting grocery store cookies, so I used CM my engineering background to tinker with recipes in hopes of making the perfect MY cookie. The feedback that I have received CY has been very positive (even my son’s CMY principal at school had heard rumors of the cookie and mentioned them on K the daily morning announcements). If I took a sabbatical, I would spend my time developing more recipes and making more cookies for friends and family.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: The practice of law is a relationship business. Always look for opportunities to connect with others and work hard to maintain those connections over the years.

Name: Hugh D. Berkson Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Practice area: Securities litigation Undergraduate: University of Texas, Austin Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Ride cross-country on my bicycle Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Always ask when the project is due, and learn to balance

Dean Lee Fisher and the faculty, staff, and students of CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law congratulate our C|M|LAW Super Attorneys.

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72 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG becoming the person upon whom the firm relies and maintaining your own sanity.

That’s not so easy, so take a deep breath and move forward.

Name: Matthew D. Besser Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Bolek Besser Glesius LLC Practice area: Employment discrimination, civil rights Undergraduate: The George Washington University Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Fly fishing Name: Michael Robert Blumenthal Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Jewish Learning Connection Firm: McGlinchey Stafford Practice area: Environmental and energy law Undergraduate: OSU Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Raising community awareness regarding fentanyl poisoning of our children and develop programs for early intervention and getting our children the help and support they need. My son, Ross Blumenthal, accidentally overdosed on April 3, 2021.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Put family first. If necessary, block out time daily for family.

I wish someone would have given me that advice when I entered the profession.

Name: Rob Boroff Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Gallagher Sharp LLP Practice area: Trucking defense Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: Loyola University Chicago School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Sand Ridge If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would wait until my children (ages 7 and 4) are a little older before taking a six month sabbatical. No offense kids – love you.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Your integrity is above all else.

JANUARY 28, 2022 Name: Robert Botnick Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: The Botnick Law Firm, LLC Practice area: Criminal, DUI and

traffic defense Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Grantwood Golf Course If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Hiking and photo-journaling U.S. national parks Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: If you’re stuck, you have to ask for help – we’ve all been there before and are here to pass along our knowledge and experience.

Name: Peter Brosse Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Practice area: Business and corporate, energy law, business succession, real estate, M&A finance, construction, intellectual property and blockchain/ cryptocurrency Undergraduate: OSU Law school: University of Toledo Law School Name: Harry M. Brown Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Congregation Zichron Chaim Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff, LLP Practice area: Healthcare and administrative law Undergraduate: Yeshiva College Law school: NYU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: In Jerusalem, learning Torah Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be courteous, be helpful, be accessible, be fair and be positive Name: Lori Brown Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Gallagher Sharp LLP Practice area: Professional liability

Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Does minigolf count If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Teaching Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Find a mentor within your firm or legal community.

Professionalism: treat opposing counsel and parties with respect. Civility in the legal profession can improve outcomes for your client and improve the profession.

Name: Sandra J. Buzney Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Firm: Sandra J. Buzney Co., LPA Practice area: Estate planning, probate, Medicaid applications Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Grantwood If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling, volunteering Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Listen closely to clients, ask questions, take clear notes Name: Morgan R. Caruso Hometown: Cleveland Firm: Caruso Law Offices, LLC Practice area: Criminal defense Undergraduate: Ohio University Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling with my husband and our children Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Get ready to hustle Name: Brandon S. Collier Firm: Collier & Associates Co., L.P.A. Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Practice area: National financial consulting and law practice Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania Law School: CWRU School of Law; NYU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: The Dye Fore course, Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic If you could take a 6-month sabbatical

LOCAL LAWYERS from work, how would you spend it: Learning Spanish while traveling through Mexico and South America Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Learn and observe as much as possible while maintaining enough self-confidence to take the initiative when possible Name: Robert E. Chudakoff Hometown: Lyndhurst Synagogue: Oheb Zedek Cedar Sinai Synagogue Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP Practice area: IP/ business litigation Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Granville (now Dennison) Golf Course If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Driving across the west to various national parks Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Pay attention to details, ask questions and be engaged Name: David R. Cohen Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Firm: David R. Cohen Co. LPA Practice area: Federal special master Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Rent a villa on the French Riviera and learn the language Name: Deborah A. Coleman Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah and Park Synagogue Firm: Coleman Law LCC Practice area: Arbitration, mediation, legal professional ethics Undergraduate: Harvard College Law school: Harvard Law School Name: Meg Cooper Hometown: Cleveland Firm: Margaret E. Cooper, LLC Practice area: Real estate, business, consumer law Undergraduate: OSU Law school: ClevelandMarshall College of Law

SUPER ATTORNEYS Favorite golf course to play: Dairy Island miniature golf If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Isla de Margarita Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Know what you don’t know and hire for what you don’t want to do.

Name: Gary Cowan Hometown: Ottawa, Canada Firm: Elk + Elk Practice area: Personal injury Undergraduate: University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada Law school: ClevelandMarshall College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling through Europe Name: Marc E. Dann Hometown: Lakewood Synagogue: Beth Israel-The West Temple Firm: DannLaw Practice Area: Consumer protection Undergraduate University: University of Michigan Law School: CWRU School of Law If You Could Take A 6-month Sabbatical From Work How Would You Spend It: In the Andes, in Peru Advice For Newest Member Of The Bar Entering Your Firm: Fire two clients every Valentine’s Day Name: Gerry Davidson Hometown: Mentor Firm: Fanger & Davidson LLC Practice area: Family law, probate and personal injury Undergraduate: Ohio University Law school: ClevelandMarshall College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling and spending time with my 23 grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Take the knowledge you acquired in law school and put it in your back pocket. Listen and observe from the experienced attorneys in the firm if you want to be a trial attorney. Ask questions and do not think that you have all of the answers. All this will make life easier for you as you transition from the classroom to the courtroom.

JANUARY 28, 2022 Name: Gary S. Desberg Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A. Practice area: Real estate Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Sand Ridge If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Take the long-term view in everything you do. Reputations and professional success are built over time, and accountability and credibility are paramount. Communicate with clients and colleagues to set reasonable expectations and then always meet or exceed them Name: Stanley M. Dub Hometown: Cleveland Heights Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Firm: Law Office of Stanley M. Dub Practice area: Franchise law, distributorships, business Undergraduate: OSU Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling to Europe and Israel Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be a plumber instead Name: Brandon Duber Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Bentoff & Duber Co., L.P.A. Practice area: Workers’ compensation, personal injury, criminal defense Undergraduate: Skidmore College Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: In Ohio – Inverness Country Club, but too many good ones to pick just one If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Golfing, traveling and spending time with my family

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 73 Name: Marcel C. Duhamel Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP Practice area: Litigation Undergraduate: CWRU Law school: University of Chicago Law School If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would ride my bicycle across the United States.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Remember to make some time for yourself.

Name: Mark Edelman Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: McGlinchey Stafford Practice area: Consumer financial services regulatory compliance Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Spend as much time with my family as possible Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: The most important thing you can do in your career is be a good lawyer Name: Daniel Ehrenreich Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Firm: Ehrenreich and Associates Practice area: Personal injury, workers’ compensation Undergraduate: Yeshiva University Law school: Cardozo Law School If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling in Israel Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Go to medical school Name: Leonard Ehrenreich Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Firm: Ehrenreich and Associates Practice area: Personal injury and general legal practice

Undergraduate: The University of Akron Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Any miniature golf course If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Being a stand-up comedian Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Speak softly and carry a big stick.

Name: Rochelle Ehrenreich Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Firm: Ehrenreich and Associates Practice area: Guardianships, estates and trusts Undergraduate: Brooklyn College Law school: Fordham University School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Writing a novel Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Stay positive.

Name: Brian N. Eisen Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: The Eisen Law Firm Practice area: Medical malpractice, birth injury and wrongful death Undergraduate: Harvard College Law school: Harvard Law School Favorite golf course to play: Anything with a windmill on the last hole. Bonus points if the balls are all different colors.

My favorite is the mini-golf course at Lake Chautauqua, where I spend many weekends with my family enjoying the lake while not playing golf If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Month one – Take very, very long nap.

Month two – Visit family and friends on a very long road trip in a VW camper van #van-life; Month three – Go anywhere abroad without jamming a swab up my nose prior to departure or upon returning.

That would mean that we have beaten COVID. Month four – Get back to work; I can’t fathom six full months off.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Put the needs of clients and referring attorneys first. If you do that and work hard, success will come.

And take every opportunity that comes up to get into the courtroom. Reading about it and doing it are very, very different.

74 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Name: Michael L. Eisner Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: The Law Offices of Michael L Eisner, LLC Practice area: Personal injury and civil litigation Undergraduate: Hobart and William Smith Colleges Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Lake Forest Country Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would travel around the world to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds while enjoying new and different foods Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Follow your passion for law and take pride in making a difference for every person you represent or consult Name: Arthur Elk Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Elk + Elk Practice area: Personal injury Undergraduate: CWRU Law school: ClevelandMarshall College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Motorcycling and jet-skiing in a warm climate as I explore new places Name: David Elk Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Elk + Elk Practice area: Personal injury Undergraduate: CWRU Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: With my wife and family some place warm Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Work hard, show compassion, and be honest to yourself and your clients Name: Mindy Elk Hometown: Beachwood Firm: Elk & Elk Practice area: Personal injury Undergraduate: Arizona State University Law school: ClevelandMarshall College of Law

JANUARY 28, 2022

Favorite golf course to play: I don’t play anymore, but I used to enjoy playing at Fowler’s Mill If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would take my daughters on an extended vacation and travel to all the countries that we have talked about visiting Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Learn as much as possible and make sure you enjoy what you’re doing Name: Michael Alan Ellis Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Bnai Jeshurun Congregation Practice area: M&A, general corporate Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania Law School: Duke University School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Teaching at a law school or college Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Recognize that initiative will lead to greater responsibility.

But recognize that there is no stigma in asking questions, there is a great deal you don’t know and which can only be learned with experience and making mistakes once.

Name: Aaron Evenchik Hometown: University Heights Synagogue: Chabad Waxman Center and Bais Dovid Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP Practice area: Construction, real estate and zoning Undergraduate: OSU Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Brookside Country Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Writing a script about Joseph and his brothers Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Great first impressions are critical. Ask questions, give 110%. Take responsibility. Have fun.

Name: Bryan Farkas Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Beachwood Kollel Firm: Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP Practice area: Real estate, banking and M&A

Undergraduate: University of California, San Diego Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Live in Jerusalem Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be proactive with your career Name: Lee Fisher Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Firm: Dean of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Practice area: Teach leadership and law, police reform, and justice, diversity, equity and inclusion Undergraduate: Oberlin College Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Wherever I’m invited If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Writing a book about leadership, running a marathon Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: The most important skill of a lawyer-leader is to listen and withhold judgment until you have evaluated all sides of the issue. Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Name: Mark S. Frank Hometown: Solon Firm: Mark S. Frank, Attorney at Law LLC Practice area: Personal injury, probate, criminal misdemeanors Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: The Quarry in Canton If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Live aboard my sailboat in the Caribbean Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Clients come first Name: Adam M. Fried Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Solon Chabad Firm: Reminger Co. LPA Practice area: Estate and trust litigation Undergraduate: OSU Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Beechmont County Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I participate on a task force established

LOCAL LAWYERS by the Ohio Supreme Court to develop ideas and methods to better monitor guardianships of the estate and to protect those persons subject to guardianship orders from exploitation by the guardian.

I would probably take the six months to take an in-depth dive into the laws and practices of other states to assess best practices.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Don’t be afraid to make decisions or mistakes. Work hard and return phone calls.

Name: Gene Friedman Hometown: Solon Firm: Gertsburg Licata Co., LPA Practice area: Business contracts, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, trademark, real estate transactions Undergraduate: CSU Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: An arcade, where I can just spin the roller and not look silly attempting to make contact with a golf ball If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling all over Asia and Europe Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be confident in yourself, but don’t be embarrassed to ask other attorneys for help Name: Joshua Friedman Hometown: Shaker Heights Firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold Practice area: Intellectual property Undergraduate: OSU Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Manakiki If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Spend time with family, travel (if the pandemic is over!)

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Don’t be afraid to ask older attorneys for help and advice.

Name: Susan L. Friedman Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP Practice area: Estate planning and probate Undergraduate: Washington University in St. Louis Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it:

SUPER ATTORNEYS Traveling across the country exploring, hiking, skiing, sight seeing, sailing and visiting old friends Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Ask questions, be open minded, think through issues with others when you’re stuck and take time for yourself Name: Joshua Fuchs Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: The Fuchs Firm Practice area: Business and employment Undergraduate: CWRU Law school: Duquesne School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Bushwood Country Club Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: As a solo practitioner, I wouldn’t have any advice. Just questions. Who are you? I didn’t hire anyone. Am I not in charge anymore?

Name: Robert Fuerst Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Meyers Roman Friedberg & Lewis Practice area: Real estate Undergraduate: University of Colorado Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Sand Ridge If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I’m still planning it Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Work hard, ask questions, listen and don’t be afraid to make mistakes Name: Sarah Gabinet Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP Practice area: Domestic relations Undergraduate: Oberlin College Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Anywhere in Tuscon If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Taking ballroom dancing classes in Europe and Israel Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Know when you don’t know something, then try to figure it out yourself before asking for the answer

JANUARY 28, 2022 Name: Danielle Garson Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Practice area: Real estate, banking and finance Undergraduate: University of Maryland Law school: John Marshall Law School If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: In a pre-COVID world, I would take my family and travel the world. From the pandemic I have learned the importance of slowing down and paying more attention to the world around me. With that in mind, and due to the current travel restrictions, my plans would change. I would take time to be more present in my children’s daily lives, play with them and reinforce what they have learned at school; I would volunteer in my community, spend time with family and friends and read a ton of good books.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be honest. Have integrity. Work hard. Under-promise and over-deliver. Allow yourself to make mistakes and try to learn from them. Be kind to yourself and others.

Name: Alex Gertsburg Hometown: Chagrin Falls Firm: Gertsburg Licata Co., LPA Practice area: Business, litigation, mergers & acquisitions, employment, real estate, probate and estate planning Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Whichever one you don’t need to keep score on If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Writing the next great American novel Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Your confidence is your most important skill – build it up every day and then guard it with your life Name: Terry Gilbert Hometown: University Heights Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Firm: Friedman, Gilbert, and Gerhardstein Practice area: Civil rights, criminal defense Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Teach

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 75 and writing Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be creative and follow your passion.

Name: Robert Gilmore Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Practice area: Labor and employment Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law Favorite golf course to play: I’m a tennis player If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling through Europe – France, Spain and Portugal Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Get involved in the community early on in your career. You can make a difference in so many ways.

Focus on what you are passionate about, rather than just networking. It will pay dividends later on.

Name: Carly Glantz Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Bnai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Practice area: Litigation Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: DePaul University College of Law Favorite golf course to play: I wish I played golf If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Writing a fiction novel Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Learn as much as you can and keep plugging away – being an associate gets easier Name: Adam L. Glassman Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Practice area: Real estate and business law Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Learning the practice of law is a process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take the time to learn from as many colleagues as you can.

Name: Michael A. Glazer Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Law Office of Michael A. Glazer Practice area: Social security disability Undergraduate: Kenyon College Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Arrowhead If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Epic ski vacation Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Know the exhibit file before going into a hearing Name: Ira S. Goffman Hometown: North Woodmere, N.Y. Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Rolf Goffman Martin Lang LLP Practice area: Healthcare law Undergraduate: State University of New York at Binghamton Law School: University of Toledo Law School Favorite golf course to play: Beechmont Country Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I doubt I would want to take such a sabbatical but if I did, I would spend it traveling and spending more time with the grandkids Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Work smart, hard and always be prepared Name: Michael J. Goldberg Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah and Jewish Family Experience Firm: The Goldberg Law Firm Practice area: Federal and state criminal defense Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law Favorite golf course to play: No time for golf.

If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Help my wife with everything she has to do.

Then, take her on a trip.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Come in early. Listen as closely as you can. Be on time. Don’t be afraid to lose.

76 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Name: Steven M. Goldberg Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Solon Chabad Firm: Goldberg Legal Co., LPA Practice area: Litigation involving personal injury, medical/hospital malpractice, product liability, nursing home abuse/neglect, asbestos cancer mesothelioma Undergraduate: Arizona State University Law school: Capital University School of Law Name: Steven A. Goldfarb Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP Practice area: Commercial litigation, class action defense Undergraduate: Indiana University Law school: Moritz College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Any If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling with my family and friends, boating and fishing in many different ports – but especially Lake Erie.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Your credibility is everything, so always be 100% honest with your clients, judges and opposing counsel, and that means don’t be like a lot of really “smart” lawyers these days who ignore, spin and twist the truth so many times that it bears no resemblance to the truth.

Name: James A. Goldsmith Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP Practice area: Trusts and estates Undergraduate: University of Denver Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: I no longer play golf, but Oakwood was my preferred course when I did play If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Travel around the world on a luxury cruise ship Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Work hard. Interact as much as possible with those senior to you at the firm to create relationships. Be active in the community

JANUARY 28, 2022

Name: Joyce Goldstein Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Kol Halev Firm: Joyce Goldstein & Associates Practice area: Labor law Undergraduate: Vassar College Law school: West Virginia University College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I’d continue doing what I’m doing Name: Andy Goldwasser Hometown: Solon Firm: Ciano & Goldwasser, LLP Practice area: Personal injury Undergraduate: OSU/ The University of Akron Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Don’t be afraid to ask for help Name: Michael D. Goler Hometown: Cleveland Firm: Buckley King LPA Practice area: Commercial real estate, corporate and finance Union College Undergraduate: Union College Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Torrey Pines If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Travel through Europe to appreciate the culture and the food Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Dig in. Find the areas of the law that interest you and become an expert. Take advantage of the educational and networking opportunities of local and national bar associations.

Name: Alan I. Goodman Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: Alan I. Goodman Esq. LLC Practice area: Labor and employment Undergraduate: OSU Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course: None, I play tennis

Name: Daniel A. Gottesman Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Congregation B’nai Torah Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP Practice area: Health care, corporate Undergraduate: Yeshiva University Law school: Fordham University If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Intense study of Torah Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Do not take any shortcuts, as the process will ultimately make you a better attorney. Strive to become an asset to your supervising attorneys and your clients.

Name: Madelyn Grant Hometown: Highland Heights Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Friedman & Nemecek, L.L.C. Practice area: Criminal defense Undergraduate: OSU Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling the world Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Get comfortable being uncomfortable Name: Brian Green Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: JFX Firm: Shapero & Green LLC Practice area: Business litigation Undergraduate: Indiana University, Kelley School of Business Law school: Washington University School of Law Favorite golf course to play: None, Ironman training is way more fun If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: On a beach Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Take the time to prepare and know your case Name: Howard Groedel Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Romemu in NYC Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP Practice area: Securities/corporate law

LOCAL LAWYERS Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: George Washington University Law School Favorite golf course to play: Le Diable, Mont Tremblant, Quebec.

If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Canoeing down the Mississippi River Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Don’t be afraid to ask questions Name: Joan M. Gross Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP Practice area: Trusts and estates Undergraduate: Boston University Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: With my children and grandchildren Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Work hard, be brave and don’t cut corners Name: Todd Gurney Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: The Eisen Law Firm Practice area: Medical malpractice, birth injury and wrongful death Undergraduate: Indiana University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Where to begin … I like so many courses, but my favorite is The River Course in Kiawah Island, S.C. I’ve played there a few times with my brother – the course is immaculate, and if I’m there, it means I’m relaxing on a family vacation If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would love to be able to travel the world with my family, meeting people, learning about history, experiencing different cultures and foods, and hopefully sneaking in some golf Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Embrace every challenge and learn from all members of your firm Name: Norman Gutmacher Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP Practice area: Commercial real estate Undergraduate: OSU Law school: University of Cincinnati

SUPER ATTORNEYS College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Spending more time with my grandchildren Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Give it your best every time Name: Barry Guttman Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP Practice area: Real estate Undergraduate: NYU Law school: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law Name: Thomas Hausman Hometown: Toledo Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Law Office of Thomas I. Hausman Practice area: Taxation and estate planning Undergraduate: University of Colorado Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law and NYU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Living in Sedona, Ariz.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Don’t worry about being wrong. It’s how you learn. Just try your best and don’t be afraid to ask questions Name: Jeffrey M. Heller Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Solon Chabad Firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Co., LPA Practice area: Personal injury and medical malpractice Undergraduate: OSU Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Anywhere as long as my dad’s in my group If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: With my wife and kids traveling to sporting events across the world Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Making sure not to forget the rule of perpetuities because you’ll use it everyday in practice

JANUARY 28, 2022 Name: Evan Hirsch Hometown: Orange Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., LPA Practice area: Real estate, corporate and finance Undergraduate: Boston University Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Does the mini golf course at the golf dome count If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Attending a game at all of the major league baseball stadiums Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Keep learning and practicing the craft. That is why is it the “practice” of law.

Name: Alan Hochheiser Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Maurice Wutscher LLP Practice area: Bankruptcy Undergraduate: State University New York at Albany Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: None, I play tennis on a regular basis If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would work with individuals in underserved communities around the United States providing them financial education Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Ask questions and solicit answers from your colleagues, superiors, and mentors. Their experience is a wealth of knowledge for you.

Name: Benjamin N. Hoen Hometown: Cleveland Heights Synagogue: Congregation Zemach Zedek Firm: Weltman Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA Practice area: Creditor’s rights Undergraduate: Central Yeshiva, Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitz Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would take a relaxing cross-country trip to attend a Major League Baseball game at every stadium. As a teen, I attended games at the old Tiger and Yankee stadiums, and the nostalgia and charm of

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 77 watching a ballgame at those old classic parks cannot be replicated. Fenway and Wrigley are definitely on my bucket list Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Volunteer and ask questions. Treat the firm’s staff, and court’s staff with respect. Your success depends on the relationships you develop.

Name: Michael Davis Hoenig Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP Practice area: Litigation Undergraduate: New York University Law school: Moritz College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Coral Cay Adventure Golf in Naples, Fla. If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Go to culinary school in Tuscany Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Find your own voice and be confident in it Name: Ari H. Jaffe Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP Practice area: Litigation, securities, corporate Undergraduate: Brandeis University Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I’d buy a bunch of Dramamine then rent a big boat with a net and scoop up plastic waste from the ocean. We all have to do our part.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: The world needs more selfless heroes. You are in a service business so keep the interests of your client ahead of your own. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you think somebody should speak up it is probably your turn to talk. If you are going to charge that much for your time you better be worth it. Judge everyone fairly.

Give people the benefit of the doubt. Treat the judge with the same respect you would your own grandfather. Always be yourself unless you can be Batman, then always be Batman. Take care of your health, your family, your friends and your community.

Name: Rachel A. Kabb-Effron Hometown: Woodmere Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Kabb Law Firm Practice area: Elder law Undergraduate: University of

Cincinnati Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Palmas Del Mar in Puerto Rico If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Sailing the world Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Working as an attorney can seem like an adversarial world. What people forget is that it is critical to be professional. I was told that it is a long road and one must never give a colleague a reason to put an asterisk next to your name. What that means is that if you act like a jerk, you will be remembered that way for a long time so just don’t.

Name: Matthew F. Kadish Hometown: Hudson Firm: Frantz Ward, LLP Practice area: Tax and estate planning Undergraduate: Williams College Law school: CWRU School of Law and NYU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Miniature golf (less likely to hurt anyone) If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Travel in Europe with my wife and guitar Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Regular speaking/writing will help push you to invest regularly in learning. Develop relationships with colleagues and clients.

Name: Doron Kalir Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: ClevelandMarshall College of Law – Appellate Practice Clinic Practice area: Appellate practice Undergraduate: Hebrew University Law school: Columbia Law School If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Write a book about the portion (Torah) of the week Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Do what you love, or aspire to do; not what others – you think – expect you to do.

Name: Charles Kampinski Hometown: Moreland Hills Firm: Kampinski & Roberts LPA Practice area: Medical malpractice and personal injury/ wrongful death

78 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Undergraduate: OSU Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Beechmont Country Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling with my wife around the world Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Work hard to represent your clients. My primary concern is providing quality representation for my clients

Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Any course that has a good 19th hole with a lot of single malt scotch or vodka If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling the world to all the places on my bucket list Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Practice civility, professionalism, a strong work ethic and never lose your passion for justice

Name: Daniel Karon Synagogue: JFX Firm: Karon LLC Practice area: Consumer litigation and class actions Undergraduate: Indiana University Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I’m working on my first novel, so I’d return to Europe to write Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Learn how to write.

It’s all about growing business for your firm. As a recent law grad, you have none. But excellent writing allows you to add immediate value that your partners and clients notice. This value keeps you working with partners and gets you in front of clients – especially when you win. And before long, these clients will be hiring you

Name: Joshua A. Klarfeld Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Young Israel of Greater Cleveland Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP Practice area: Product liability litigation Undergraduate: Yeshiva University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Make yourself indispensable, take ownership of all matters as though the buck stops with you, and do not hand in work product until you believe it is perfect.

Name: David Kaufman Hometown: Columbus Synagogue: Temple Emanu El Firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP Practice area: Labor and employment Undergraduate: Georgetown University Law school: Emory University Favorite golf course to play: Grantwood (but I’d rather be sailing) If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Sailing from the Great Lakes down to the Gulf of Mexico and back up the East Coast Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Timely and excellent work is the best kind of first impression you can make Name: Steven S. Kaufman Hometown: Chagrin Falls Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP Practice area: Complex and “bet the company” business litigation Undergraduate: Colgate University

Name: Richard S. Koblentz Hometown: Solon Firm: Koblentz & Penvose, LLC Practice area: General practice concentrating in representation of licensed professionals Undergraduate: OSU Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Beechmont Country Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would like to take Ph.D. level history and political theory courses Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: While serving the needs of our clients is paramount, you must never sacrifice your honesty, integrity and duty to our profession under any circumstance.

Name: Brett S. Krantz Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Ashe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP Practice area: Commercial litiation Undergraduate: Dartmouth College Law school: University of Chicago Law School

JANUARY 28, 2022 Name: Hannah Kraus Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Solon Chabad Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP Undergraduate: OSU Law school: ClevelandMarshall College of Law Name: Jared Kriwinsky Hometown: Moreland Hills Synagogue: Solon Chabad Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP Practice area: Real estate Undergraduate: Denison University Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: You’re here for a reason and you’ve earned the right to be a lawyer. Everyone experiences impostor syndrome, no matter how young or old, so don’t feel like you’re alone.

LOCAL LAWYERS bar entering your firm: Find an older, accomplished attorney willing to serve as your mentor about the practice of law, life’s experiences and life outside of the law firm Name: Jeff Lazarus Hometown: Solon Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: Office of the Federal Public Defender Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: I haven’t played a round of golf in years.

If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling the country Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Do not be afraid to ask questions and take every opportunity to improve your legal writing.

Name: Philip Seth Kushner Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Solon Chabad Firm: Kushner & Hamed Practice area: Litigation, complex civil and white-collar criminal defense Undergraduate: Yale University Law school: University of Chicago Favorite golf course to play: The tennis court If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: reading, writing, hiking and swimming, and playing music and tennis Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Watch, listen, learn and put aside ego

Name: Jeffrey A. Leikin Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Jeffrey A. Leikin, LLC Practice area: Personal injury, litigation Undergraduate: University of Colorado Law school: Cleveland-Marshal College of Law Favorite golf course to play: The old Hawthorne Valley Country Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would probably put together a bucket list with my wife and kids and accomplish as many items on that list as possible Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be patient with your practice, and build relationships whenever and wherever you are able. Most importantly, make client services your top priority.

Name: Kenneth M. Lapine Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Firm: Buckley King LPA Practice area: Real property, banking and consumer credit Undergraduate: Dartmouth College Law school: University of Michigan Law School Favorite golf course to play: Pebble Beach If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling the world Advice for newest member of the

Name: Kevin Lenson Hometown: Cleveland Firm: Elk + Elk Practice area: Personal Injury Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin, Madison Law school: University of Toledo College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Touring many of the Civil War battlefields Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Ask questions and continue to learn, especially from some of the more experienced members of the profession. Don’t reinvent the wheel.

SUPER ATTORNEYS Name: David W. Leopold Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Solon Chabad Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP Practice area: Immigration law Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Memphis Kiddie Park If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Travel photography. Photography is my passion.

I would travel the world taking photos of people, architecture and landscape.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Follow your heart into the practice; represent your clients with integrity; work to make the world a better place than when you arrived.

Name: Scott Lewis Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Meyers Roman Friedberg & Lewis Practice area: M&A, general corporate Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: University of Chicago Favorite golf course to play: Ellsworth Meadows in Streetsboro If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Donating my time to a few community organizations that would benefit from my contributions, taking road trips (with dogs) to parts of the country I have not yet visited, enjoying and taking full advantage of our city’s diverse performing arts offerings, reading (something other than contracts), and reconnecting in person with family and friends.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: (1) Ask questions, (2) don’t blindly follow “the form,” (3) absorb as much as you can from as many mentors as possible, and (4) see (1) – keep asking questions Name: Kenneth B. Liffman Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Practice area: Real estate, corporate, banking and transactional law Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina

JANUARY 28, 2022 If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Though it might be more exhausting than work, I’d try to spend every second of it with my grandchildren Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: I tell all the lawyers at my firm, but particularly the younger ones, to get involved in the community, but do it for the right reasons. Don’t do it for exposure or to try and “get something out of it.” Do it because you really believe in it and you like it. In the process, you’ll meet wonderful people and you’ll help a good cause.

Name: Michael Liner Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Liner Legal, LLC Practice area: Disability law Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Fantasy Island Mini Golf If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Checking my calendar to see when six months is up Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Law is a customer service business. To be great, be different.

Name: Eric F. Long Hometown: Gates Mills Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Firm: Friedman & Nemecek, LLC Practice area: Title IX, criminal defense Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Mini-golf If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Travel the world on a culinary tour Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be true to yourself and your clients. Be confident, courageous, and creative.

Name: Lisa Arlyn Lowe Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Temple Emanu El Firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Practice area: Commercial finance and real estate Undergraduate: University of Florida Law school: University of Denver Favorite golf course to play: The dinner location after the match

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 79 If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Travel with and visit with family (without COVID worry) Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Always ask questions and communicate with other lawyers in the firm Name: Michael Makofsky Hometown: Connecticut Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Practice area: M&A, banking and finance Undergraduate: University of Connecticut Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Biking tour of Europe Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be thoughtful, ask questions, take on challenges and own your career Name: Jack S. Malkin Hometown: Youngstown Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Jack S. Malkin, Esq. Practice area: Business law Undergraduate: Ohio University Law school: The University of Akron School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Gleneagles Golf Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling to Europe and Israel Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be accessible to your clients and promptly communicate with them Name: Ellen Mandell Hometown: Beachwood Firm: Law Office of Ellen S. Mandell Practice area: Family law Undergraduate: CWRU Law school: ClevelandMarshall College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Taking cooking classes Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Take a deep breath and have high aspirations and realistic expectations

Name: Dale H. Markowitz Hometown: Cleveland Firm: Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan Practice area: Real estate Undergraduate: OSU Law school: ClevelandMarshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Beechmont Country Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Ski, golf and traveling Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Remember this is a service business so keep the clients informed Name: Marc B. Merklin Hometown: Fairlawn Synagogue: Beth El Congregation Firm: Brouse McDowell Practice area: Restructuring, corporate counseling Undergraduate: CWRU Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Portage Country Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Volunteering for some of the boards I currently serve on for more intensive service Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Take your vacations – you need the mental health time off Name: Donald H. Messinger Hometown: Shaker Heights Firm: Thompson Hine LLP Practice area: Corporate (business) Undergraduate: Colgate University Law school: Duke School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: My wife, Sally, and I would take our seven grandchildren and their parents on an around-the-world cruise Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Pay attention, ask questions and answer your phone on the first ring. Clients and other lawyers will appreciate your genuine interest and respect for their time and concerns.

Name: Anne L. Meyers Hometown: Lyndhurst Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel, Beth El Congregation Firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Practice area: Business, construction Undergraduate: OSU

80 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Law school: Capital University Law School Favorite golf course to play: The Broadmoor If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Focus on what is best for your client’s interest Name: David S. Michel Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Law Office of David S. Michel Practice area: Personal injury Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Locally, my favorite course is Boulder Creek If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would want to see many of the awesome national parks that we have and which I have not yet had the opportunity to explore Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Treat all clients like they are members of your family and prepare each matter and then prepare some more and finally be forthright, transparent and totally honest with clients, opposing counsel, the judiciary, and with me. At the same time you need to zealously advocate for your client but within the rules of law.

Name: Aaron Minc Hometown: Akron Synagogue: TempleTifereth Israel Firm: Minc Law Practice area: Internet defamation Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Beechmont Country Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Always act with these four values in mind – professionalism, results, empathy and loyalty Name: Sam Mintzer Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah Firm: Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP Practice area: Real estate Undergraduate: OSU Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Make the most out of every opportunity. Do the little things right.

Name: Howard Mishkind Hometown: Kirtland Synagogue: Temple Emanu El Firm: Mishkind Kulwicki Law Practice Area: Plaintiff personal injury, vaccine litigation and medical malpractice Undergraduate University: University of Cincinnati Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law If You Could Take A 6-month Sabbatical From Work How Would You Spend It: Riding horses, going to baseball games and spending time with my family in Arizona Advice For Newest Member Of The Bar Entering Your Firm: Be honest, ethical,work hard and value your license to practice law. Do Justice for your clients and the legal profession Name: Suzann Moskowitz Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: The Moskowitz Firm Practice area: Trademark, copyright, brand protection Undergraduate: Cornell University Law school: Stanford Law School Favorite golf course to play: Sweetie’s Golfland If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Biking (and eating) across Europe Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Try to find a practice area you love, so it never feels like work Name: Richard A. Naegele Hometown: Vermilion Synagogue: Oheb Shalom Temple Firm: Wickens Herzer Panza Practice area: Employee benefits (ERISA) Undergraduate: Ohio University Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would rent a seaside apartment in the Algarve in Portugal and travel throughout Europe, Israel and Northern Africa with my wife, Jori Bloom Naegele Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Exercise, eat well and maintain your health. My law partner, Dave Herzer, promoted the concept that it is difficult to be successful in any endeavor if you don’t have your health.

JANUARY 28, 2022 Name: Dave Nager Firm: Nager, Romaine & Schneiberg Co., L.P.A. Practice area: Workers’ compensation Undergraduate: KSU Law School: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Name: Steve Nobil Hometown: Tiffin Synagogue: Beth Shalom Firm: Fisher & Phillips Practice area: Traditional labor, human resources and employment Undergraduate: Baldwin Wallace University Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Barrington If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would take piano lessons and practice playing the piano three to four hours everyday with the intention of putting on a recital for my loved ones at the end of the sabbatical Name: Tod A. Northman Firm: Tucker Ellis LLP Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue Practice area: Transactional aviation, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles Undergraduate: Portland State University Law School: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Aspen Lakes in Sisters, Ore. If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Mountain biking and hiking in southern Utah Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Make sure you understand your client and their motivation fully; get to know them as people; do the absolute best work you can, no matter the time constraints Name: Andrew November Hometown: Cleveland Firm: Liner Legal, LLC Practice area: Disability law Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Cleveland Metroparks’ Washington Golf Course If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from

LOCAL LAWYERS work, how would you spend it: I am not sure where you would find me, but I am sure that you wouldn’t see me with a screen. Since the pandemic’s beginning, we’ve been blessed to have digital entertainment to make social distancing a bit easier. But on the flip side, it’s easy to feel dependent and isolated when confined to electronic communication. So ideally, I will be outside, in the fresh air with good friends and family.

Name: Bradley L. Ortman Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC Practice area: Immigration law Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: The George Washington University Law School Favorite golf course to play: Chardon Lakes Golf Course If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would take the time to experience life living in another country, probably in Latin America Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Always give your best effort for your clients. Work to make our society more just and equitable. Make sure that your work is rooted in a strong ethical foundation.

Name: Abbie Pappas Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla Firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co. LPA Practice area: Trusts and estates Undergraduate: OSU Law school: Columbia Law School Favorite golf course to play: I had to play golf once in tenth grade gym class and haven’t tried again since If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: In Israel with my husband and kids Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Find a practice area you really like, and that you feel will be sustainable to practice over the course of your career Name: Dana Paris Hometown: Moreland Hills Firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Practice area: Personal injury Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

SUPER ATTORNEYS Name: David M. Paris Hometown: Moreland Hills Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Practice area: Personal Injury Undergraduate: OSU Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College Of Law Favorite golf course to play: Never had time. Too busy being a dad and honing my craft.

If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: At this point in our lives, my wife and I would be skiing, hiking the national parks, riding the Harley through the Rockies and enjoying an isolated beach … and the rest of the time spoiling our three grandchildren.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be the first in and last out, work-life balance can come later.

The rules that guide a successful career as a trial lawyer are not unlike those that apply to a professional athlete. Train hard; prepare, prepare, prepare; outwork your opponent; be a mensch and make fair calls; don’t whine; be gracious in defeat and humble in victory. It is a specialty that provides profound emotional rewards when hard work can help mend the broken lives of many of our clients. Learn from your mistakes.

Name: Joshua D. Payne Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Co., LPA Practice area: Personal injury (car accidents, truck accidents, premises liability and construction accidents) Undergraduate: The College of Wooster Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would drive around the country with my wife and visit every national park Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Listen, learn and treat every client as they are your biggest and most important Name: Elizabeth L. Perla Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla Firm: The Perla Law Firm, LLC Practice area: Estate planning, probate and elder law

JANUARY 28, 2022 Undergraduate: OSU Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law Favorite golf course to play: I don’t play, but I imagine it would be the one with the most shade and the use of a golf cart If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling, reading and watching my children grow Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: The practice of law, like life, is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself and take care to treat everyone well along the way Name: Scott Perlmuter Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Tittle & Perlmuter Practice area: Class action and personal injury Undergraduate: University of WisconsinMadison Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: I’ve got to give love to Beechmont Country Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling around the world (assuming that’s ever a thing that people can still do in 2022 and beyond) Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be prepared to dedicate yourself to the practice of law, difficult problems demand innovative solutions. Great lawyers are very hardworking and creative in their practice.

Name: Cynthia Krips Port Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP Practice area: Estate planning Undergraduate: University of Maryland Law school: American University Washington College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Going to Vermont and take all the baking school classes at King Arthur Baking Company Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Make sure you understand the assignment, ask for help and track your hours in real-time Name: Robert Port Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP Practice area: Litigation,

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 81 construction Undergraduate: Drexel University Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Highland Links in North Turo, Mass.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Work with as many lawyers as you can, ask many questions as you need to in order to understand your assignments, develop a relationship with someone in the firm to act as a mentor Name: Howard Rabb Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Dworken & Bernstein, Co., L.P.A. Practice area: Estate planning Undergraduate: OSU Law school: ClevelandMarshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Fowler’s Mill If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: By doing the things I don’t normally have time to do like seeing friends and family, reading a book and working out more regularly Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Pick a specialty you “enjoy,” perfect it, and find a good balance between work and family Name: Julie E. Rabin Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Solon Chabad Firm: Rabin & Rabin Co LPA Practice area: Bankruptcy Undergraduate: Northwestern University Law school: New York University If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling (once COVID is behind us) Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Try to remember that you cannot control everything that happens but that you can control your responses and actions Name: Alan M. Rauss Hometown: Cleveland Heights Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah Firm: Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP Practice area: Labor and employment, corporate law Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School Law school: University of Michigan Law School

Name: Jodi Rich Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP Practice area: Real estate Undergraduate: The George Washington University Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: One with a pool, I don’t golf If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Working for voters’ rights Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Expect to learn something new every day Name: Barbara K. Roman Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Meyers Roman Friedberg & Lewis Practice area: Family law Undergraduate: OSU Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Wolf Creek in Mesquite, Nev. If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Travel extensively and create a photo journal of my adventures Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Watch, listen, learn and always ask questions Name: Irving Rosner Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: Dworken & Bernstein Co., LPA Practice area: Workers compensation and employment law Undergraduate: OSU Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling in the Arctic to study and improve my understanding of climate change issues and proposed solutions Name: Larry Rothenberg Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla Firm: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA Practice area: Real estate

82 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Undergraduate: Ohio University Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Who’s got time If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Learning in Israel Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Continuously get business to handle. Handle it with excellence. Bill honorably. Collect what is due.

Name: Bruce Rutsky Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Petronzio Schneier Co. LPA Practice area: Personal injury and criminal defense Undergraduate: Indiana University Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: On the beach Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Find a good mentor Name: Douglas Schnee Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Frantz Ward LLP Practice area: Labor and employment Undergraduate: Tulane University Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Canterbury Golf Club Name: Marc Scolnick Hometown: Long Island, N.Y. Firm: Law Office of Marc Scolnick P.C. Practice area: General practice Undergraduate: KSU Law school: The University of Akron School of Law Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be open-minded, try new practice areas and keep the excitement you had as a 1L in your time as a practicing lawyer.

Name: Patricia A. Shlonsky Hometown: Columbus Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP Practice area: Employee eenefits Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: OSU Favorite golf course to play: None – It

takes away from reading time If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Writing the great American novel Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Stay focused, respond promptly, be pro-active and get to know as many people as possible Name: Marc Alan Silverstein Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Jones Day Practice area: Real estate and construction Undergraduate: Brown University Law school: Harvard Law School Favorite golf course to play: Cypress Point If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would rent an apartment in Boston’s Back Bay and use it as a base for sailing on the Charles, taking short trips throughout New England, and sitting in on courses and lectures at the many excellent local universities Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Treat everyone at the Firm and in each client’s office with respect, lawyers and non-lawyers alike. Appreciate the expertise each member of the team brings to the table, and say “thank you” sincerely and often. Always be organized and wellprepared. Always, always act with integrity.

Name: Paul J. Singerman Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid/Solon Chabad Firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A. Practice area: Real estate, corporate and banking Undergraduate: CWRU Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Sandridge If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling with my wife Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Our job as lawyers is to provide our clients with “Peace of Mind,” so work hard, learn your craft and always put the interests of your clients first.

Name: Roni Sokol Hometown: Los Angeles Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: The Sokol Law Firm Practice area: Personal injury and criminal defense Undergraduate: UCLA Law school: Southwestern Law School

JANUARY 28, 2022 If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Six months on a Tel Aviv beach Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Try not to take the stress home with you Name: Michael Solomon Hometown: Beachwood Firm: Solomon, Steiner & Peck Practice area: Business, tax and estate planning Undergraduate: Purdue University Law school: Georgetown University Law Center If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would read.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Pick an area of law and specialize.

Name: Robert E. Somogyi Hometown: Solon Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: KUENZI/ SOMOGYI, Attorneys Practice area: Domestic relations, criminal, personal injury Undergraduate: OSU Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Pebble Beach If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling, visiting with family, golfing, cooking Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Try to clear your head when you leave the office every evening. Viewing problems from a fresh perspective the following day may open your eyes to a new way of addressing them Name: Loren M Sonkin Firm: Loren M. Sonkin, Attorney at Law Hometown: Pepper Pike Practice area: Estate planning, probate, elder law Undergraduate: Purdue University Law School: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Sleepy Hollow If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling the world Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Keep reminding

LOCAL LAWYERS yourself why you are working and use that to maintain a work/life balance Name: Jeremy Sosin Hometown: Indianapolis, Ind. Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Sosin Law LLC Practice area: Real estate Undergraduate: Indiana University Law school: Valparaiso University School of Law Name: Scott Spero Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Bentoff & Spero Co., LPA Practice area: Personal Injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice Undergraduate: Indiana University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: I loved playing at Hawthorne Valley Golf Club, back in the day If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would train to qualify for the Hawaii Ironman.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Work hard, play hard.

Life goes by way too fast.

Jeremy--40

Name: David Steiger Hometown: Beachwood Firm: Karp Steiger Practice area: Plaintiffs workers’ compensation and personal injury Undergraduate: OSU Law school: Capital University Law School Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Ask for help.

Name: Deana S. Stein Hometown: Akron Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP Practice area: Litigation Undergraduate: Boston University Law school: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Baking, singing and spending time with my family Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Stay connected to your classmates and colleagues

SUPER ATTORNEYS Name: Marc Stolarsky Hometown: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Temple Israel Ner Tamid Firm: Marc L. Stolarsky Law LLC Undergraduate: Ohio University Law school: ClevelandMarshall College of Law Practice area: Probate, estate planning, family law Favorite gold course: Locust Grove, circa 1973 Six month sabbatical: My wife and I would drive to every national park in the United States or I’d sleep and eat all day Advice for the newest member of the bar: Document everything in writing Name: Ronald J. Teplitzky Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A. Practice area: Commercial finance and banking; business law Undergraduate: Ohio University Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Chagrin Valley Country Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Travel to every Major League Baseball stadium and NFL football stadium Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Always do what is best for the clients. Everything else will take care of itself.

Name: Michael S. Tucker Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP Practice area: Bankruptcy and creditors’ rights Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Never played golf; Solon softball fields are great If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Some time on a beach, some world travel and then back home to do some volunteer work Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: You can never meet too many people – get involved. Your reputation takes time to polish, but can be easily tarnished; never underestimate the importance of honesty, integrity and professionalism

JANUARY 28, 2022 Name: Peter Turner Hometown: Orange Firm: Meyers, Roman, Friedberg & Lewis Practice area: Civil litigation Undergraduate: OSU Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: The Old Course, St. Andrews, Scotland or, more realistically, any course, whenever I can If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I’d have to keep busy. Spend time with family (especially the grandchildren), a few weeks of travel, reading/learning, playing golf/getting outdoors/exercise and some form of volunteer service, possibly pro bono legal services Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Think critically, observe experienced attorneys and develop your own style of communication and practice. But always remember that you only have one opportunity to create a first impression and credibility is everything.

Name: Michael N. Ungar Hometown: Cleveland Heights Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP Practice area: Litigation Undergraduate: Boston University Law school: BU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: None where anyone would be able to see me playing.

Because I’m not much of a golfer. No time for it.

If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Volunteering in a Third World country to try to improve the lives of those less fortunate. Alternatively, volunteering to work for our government in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Keep your nose to the grindstone and deliver great results that exceed expectations of both the client and the partner assigning the work to you.

Name: Mark I. Wachter Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla (Cleveland); Torat Emet (Columbus) Firm: Wachter Kurant, LLC Practice area: Alternate dispute resolution; real estate, construction and business litigation Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: American University Washington College of Law

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 83 Favorite golf course to play: Arnold Palmer’s Putt-Putt If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Skiing in the winter and cycling in the summer – all with my kids and grandkids Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Do nothing that will impugn your personal integrity Name: Michael W. Ward Hometown: Orange Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP Practice area: Real estate and environment, corporate transactions, financing and lending Undergraduate: Ohio University Law school: Chicago-Kent College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Laurel Valley Golf Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling the world with my wife and son, spending time with my family, hiking, exploring, golfing, scuba diving and focusing on other hobbies that I enjoy.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: My advice for a new member of the bar joining our firm is to be proactive in seeking out the experiences you want for your career. Also, find as many mentors (both in the firm and outside of the firm) as possible to help you through your career and provide you with advice on how to best achieve your career goals. In other words, always have a lot of “rabbis” in your corner to help guide you throughout your career. Lastly, come up with a written career plan with objective metrics to hit and constantly re-evaluate it.

Name: David Waxman Hometown: Solon Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: McGlinchey Stafford Practice area: Real estate development and finance; environmental Undergraduate: OSU Law school: The University of Toledo College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Fowler’s Mill If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Taking a cruise around the world Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Join your local bar association and get involved with your practice area section

Name: Jake Weinberg Hometown: Solon Firm: McDonald Hopkins LLC Practice Area: Commercial finance Undergraduate University: OSU Law School: University of Miami School of Law Favorite Golf Course To Play: Bushwood Country Club If You Could Take A 6-month Sabbatical From Work How Would You Spend It: I would love to to visit the various national parks on the West Coast with my wife and kids Advice For Newest Member Of The Bar Entering Your Firm: Be responsive, work hard, know your own limitations and take control of your own destiny Name: Craig T. Weintraub Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Temple Emanu El Firm: Law Offices of Craig T. Weintraub Practice area: Criminal defense Undergraduate: OSU Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Fowler’s Mill If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Educating underprivileged children Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Always remember to be grateful and patient Name: Jerry Weiss Hometown: Erie, Pa. Synagogue: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah Firm: MediationInc Practice area: Mediation Undergraduate: Syracuse University Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Wish I had time If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Getting back to travel and seeing the world and all the fascinating things and people it offers Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Think “kind” over “clever.”

Name: Robert B. Weltman Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Firm: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA

84 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG Practice area: Creditor’s rights Undergraduate: OSU Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would spend it going to every major sporting event in the world.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Remember someone is hiring you to represent them. Repay that confidence by working your hardest and applying all your skills and knowledge.

“Never give up, don’t ever give up.”

Name: Frederick N. Widen Hometown: South Euclid Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Firm: Ulmer & Berne LLP Practice area: Taxation Undergraduate: CSU Law school: Cleveland-Marshall Law School If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Working Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Put the clients first Name: Jonathan Z Wilbur Firm: Jonathan Z. Wilbur, Esq., LLC Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla Practice are: Family/ juvenile law (Guardian ad Litem) Undergraduate: NYU Law School: Fordham University School of Law Six month sabbatical: I would help build and rehab homes through a non-profit like Habitat for Humanity. I’ve constructed a playhouse, deck, treeless treehouse, swing set, and tire swing in my own backyard, and even a tree fort for a friend whose child has special needs. While I’m very proud of the work I do and the young lives I can influence in a positive way as a GAL, there is something uniquely rewarding about building a structure from scratch that is both tangible and enduring. This is especially the case when you see young faces light up when they see what you’ve built for them. My wife jokes that we should charge an admission fee (and increase our liability coverage) for all the neighborhood kids who play in our backyard. I take attractive nuisance as a challenge.

Advice for the newest member of the bar:

The sage advice that you’ll never work a day in your life if you find a job you enjoy is frequently cited when guiding young adults on their career path. I would expand on that and emphasize the importance of finding a job that you both enjoy and to which you are truly committed.

Name: John M. Wirtshafter Hometown: Shaker Heights Firm: McDonald Hopkins LLC Practice Area: Executive Compensation and employee benefits Undergraduate University: Indiana University, Bloomington Law School: CWRU School of Law Favorite Golf Course To Play: Lakewood Country Club If You Could Take A 6-month Sabbatical From Work How Would You Spend It: I am not entirely certain at this time. However, it would definitely involve foreign travel with as much of my family as could come and doing some sort of service project overseas.

Advice For Newest Member Of The Bar Entering Your Firm: Ultimately, despite what you may hear, your financial success at any firm will ultimately come down to the amount of business origination you are able to derive.

Thus, you should immediately begin learning the skills and developing the contacts that will help you develop business in the future. Nonetheless, significant business development is usually difficult for a new attorney. Therefore, figure out other ways to make yourself invaluable to the Firm’s partners and clients. This might involve becoming the go-to person for a specific legal issue or area of the law or becoming known as a great writer or researcher. Eventually, lawyers will seek you out to help them with their projects. By doing this, you will expedite the growth of your legal expertise, level of responsibility, and value to the firm.

Name: Ari Witkes Hometown: Lyndhurst Synagogue: Chabad Firm: Witkes Law Firm Practice area: Creditor and consumer rights, business litigation, personal injury Undergraduate: Rabbinical College of America Law school: OSU Moritz College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Mayfield Sand Ridge Club If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Travel

JANUARY 28, 2022 around the world with my family Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Take initiative and work efficiently. Always look for ways to improve.

Name: Marshall J. Wolf Hometown: Orange Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: Wolf and Akers Practice area: Family law Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: I prefer Beachwood softball.

If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Travel to all Major League Baseball stadiums in season Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Practice in an area that challenges you and become proficient in it. Admit when you don’t know what you don’t know and find someone who knows.

Become active in bar associations.

Name: Andrew Zashin Hometown: Cleveland Synagogue: ChabadWorldwide Firm: Zashin & Rich Co., L.P.A. Practice: Family law Undergraduate: Brown University Law school: CWRU School of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Stabilize the world’s geopolitical situation with Hugo the Boerboel (@ hugotheboerboel) Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Find a mentor with whom you click, ask a lot of questions and be self-motivated Name: Stephen S. Zashin Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Zashin & Rich Co., L.P.A. Practice area: Labor & Employment Law Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School of Business Law school: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Bandon Dunes

LOCAL LAWYERS If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I would go on tour and play guitar and sing for a band.

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Dig ditches – don’t scratch surfaces Name: Jeffrey D. Zimon Hometown: Boston Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: Zimon LLC Practice area: Employee benefits and compensation/ERISA Undergraduate University: Brandeis University Law School: CWRU School of Law Favorite golf course to play: None – no time to play golf If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Some place warm, swim every day, practice musical instruments, be with family Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Enthusiasm and focus outweigh the fact that you have no idea how to practice law yet Name: Ami Zukowsky Hometown: Dayton Synagogue: Beachwood Kehilla Firm: Zukowsky Law LLC Practice area: Family law and landlord/ tenant Undergraduate: Yeshiva University Law school: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Adventure Golf Mini Golf If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Travel with my wife Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Beware of the boss

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.

Law listings submitted by lawyers and law firms.

Compiled by Becky Raspe.

84 A | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JANUARY 28, 2022

LOCAL LAWYERS

Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys

T

he following local attorneys were inadvertently excluded from the Jan. 28 listings of Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys. For a complete list, visit cjn.org/lawyers.

Name: Sharon Comet-Epstein Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: Comet-Epstein Law & Mediation Practice areas: Family law, divorce Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Any miniature golf course If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Writing a book in a breezy condo overlooking the ocean that encourages divorcing spouses to seek out-of-court settlement processes Name: Michael D. Goldstein Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Goldstein & Goldstein Co LLC Practice area: Personal Injury Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: University of Wisconsin Law School Name: Bradley L. Greene Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Jewish Family Experience Firm: The Life Care Planning Offices of Bradley L. Greene Practice areas: Elder law, estate planning, Medicaid planning, probate Undergraduate university: Bowling Green State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: I’m a tennis/pickleball player. No time for golf.

If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: I’ve always wanted to drive out West Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: I’m a one-man show, so I have no associates. But I would tell them to treat every client how they would want to be treated. Oh yeah, and call people back.

Name: Jordan D. Lebovitz Hometown: Orange Synagogue: Park Synagogue Firm: Nurenberg Paris Practice area: Trucking, catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: Chicago-Kent College of Law If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Travel, eat, sleep and repeat Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Embrace the opportunity to help others. We are fortunate to work in a practice that allows us to be competitive in working towards a successful outcome following our clients’ most tragic personal circumstances. There is no better feeling than knowing you have made a difference for your client. The long hours, travel time and weekend work are worth it, knowing you will change your clients’ lives forever.

Name: Barry Joseph Miller Hometown: Rochester, N.Y. Synagogue: Jewish Living and The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP Practice area: Construction law Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Case Western Reserve University of Law Favorite golf course to play: Sand Ridge If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Traveling to the national parks with my family and camera Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Invest in your professional and personal development as you are your greatest asset Name: Lawrence E. Oscar Hometown: Shaker Heights Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Firm: Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP Practice area: Corporate law, M&A and insolvency Undergraduate university: University of Pennsylvania-Wharton School Law school: New York University School of Law Favorite golf course to play: Old Tabby Links on Spring Island, South Island If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Three months traveling with my wife, Jeanne Shatten, and 3 months working full time to further social justice Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be inquisitive, curious and hardworking. Admit your mistakes as soon as you realize them and suggest how to correct the situation.

Name: Joseph S. Simms Hometown: Sagamore Hills Firm: Reminger Co., LPA Practice area: Securities litigation, regulatory enforcement and compliance Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Favorite golf course to play: Fun ‘n’ Stuff miniature golf If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: Volunteering in an animal shelter Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: Work hard, but have fun. Time flies.

Name: Michael Stovsky Hometown: Beachwood Synagogue: Solon Chabad and The Temple-Tifereth Israel Firm: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan and Aronoff LLP Practice area: Technology transactions, intellectual property and data security and privacy Undergraduate university: Northwestern University Law school: University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Favorite golf course to play: Pelican Sound Golf and River Club in Estero, Fla. If you could take a 6-month sabbatical from work, how would you spend it: My perfect sabbatical would include devoting more time and effort to my board roles with the ADL fighting antisemitism, racism and bigotry, and with Friendship Circle helping special young people; taking an extended trip to Israel to work on the Federation’s STEM education initiative; becoming fluent in Hebrew; traveling to interesting places with my wife Jill; and continuing to feed my pickleball addiction with as much play as humanly possible!

Advice for newest member of the bar entering your firm: The areas in which I have spent my career practicing did not exist the day I graduated from law school. The internet was just becoming a commercial reality and there was very little law related to technology and data. Be open to new and exciting areas of practice and opportunities ... you never know when the next internet will change everything for you.

Law listings submitted by lawyers and law firms. Compiled by Becky Raspe.