Brilliant Lawyers

In addition to practicing Domestic Relations, Marisa has extensive practice experience in Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury. She has a demonstrated history of successful advocacy and litigation experience. Along with practicing Law, Marisa has worked as a professor at both graduate and undergraduate levels. PERSONAL Marisa is a Cincinnati native and currently lives in West Chester, Ohio. Marisa is married and has a blended family. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering with her children’s activities, working out, playing board games, and coaching Girls on the Run. Marisa also loves to travel whenever she gets the chance and spends lots of time...

H. Leon Hewitt has always had a passion to be of service to others. Over his 19 years of legal practice he recognizes that every case is different with its own set of problems but also its own set of solutions. Attorney Hewitt believes that listening is a skill that is key to helping clients achieve their goals. He will always be a fierce advocate in representing your case and believes in positive client outcome. Prior to entering the field of law, he worked for over twenty years as a licensed pharmacist. He has volunteered his time as a Big...

Kara has devoted her practice to solely representing injury victims. Kara joined TLF in 2014 after graduating from law school. She represents people needlessly injured due to medical negligence, including birth injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke, wrongful death, and other catastrophic injuries. She enjoys immersing herself in the medicine and science applicable to each case to challenge negligent medical providers and advocate for her clients. She has been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in Medical Malpractice, an award given to the top 2.5% of attorneys under age 40, since 2019. Kara has also successfully litigated and resolved cases...

I'm an attorney in a small firm in northeast suburban Cincinnati, assisting clients with civil litigation and arbitration, commercial transactions and disputes, insurance coverage, crop insurance, regulatory issues, contracts, estates, and other matters. In addition to almost 30 years of experience as a lawyer, I have sophisticated technical skills and a practical understanding of everyday business concerns. Please feel free to reach out to me today about any legal needs that you or your business happen to have, either through LinkedIn, or by email (TomJames@SandersLPA.com), phone (513-229-8080), or a Twitter direct message (DM @tom_james). I look forward to meeting...

I founded THE ZIMMER LAW FIRM in June 1993, to practice in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate Administration, and Business Succession Planning. My goal was and continues to be helping clients understand and de-mystify the often confusing world of Estate Planning in an ever-changing society, and to implement effective Estate Planning with minimal effort and time investment. The firm works from the belief that planning should always be driven by purpose. As a result, there are no “canned” or pre-set planning solutions. Instead, I help clients identify their goals first and then build estate and business plans based on...

Attorney Alex Deardorff practices law only in the area of criminal defense. She started her career at the Hamilton County Public Defender's Office starting in the Municipal Division and promoted to the Felony Division. In 2019 she joined The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams and in 2020 she became owner with her Partner Tad Brittingham. Mrs. Deardorff is an experienced trial attorney and has litigated numerous cases, with successful outcomes. Her practice areas include, OVI/DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, juvenile, felonies, misdemeanors, computer sex crimes, sexual assault, violent crimes, theft, and white-collar crimes. Mrs. Deardorff is qualified for death...

As a proud American, Ryan Really served his country in Iraq. Now, as a veteran, Really continues to serve his country by helping people find the economic and personal freedom that they deserve. With an in-depth knowledge of legal experience from both a creditor’s and a debtor’s perspective, Mr. Really is prepared to fight to protect his clients' rights in financial matters.

Sallie Conyers has been practicing law for 18 years after attending Salmon P. Chase College of Law and earning her BA from Miami University. Sallie has diverse experience in many different areas of law, including all aspects of Creditors’ Rights litigation, Labor and Employment, Contracts, Corporate matters and Workers’ Compensation. She spent several years in Business Administration, Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management although her primary practice area has always been in Domestic Relations and Estate Planning/Administration. This is a natural focus as she prefers those areas of law that require a more personal approach. Sallie is...

At Atkins and Atkins, Attorneys at Law, we pride ourselves on being a source of strength and expertise to help guide our client's through what is often one of the most difficult periods of their life. I have always had a strong interest in helping others and have found great fulfillment through my work. I pride myself on being able to provide my clients a shoulder to lean on during stressful times as well as guidance in navigating the often confusing legal system. I work tirelessly to protect the best interests of my clients and obtain the...

John Marshall received his B.A., Denison University; J.D., The Ohio State University College of Law. Since he began his practice in 1983, Mr. Marshall has devoted his career to representing individuals in employment and civil rights litigation, including discrimination, retaliation, wrongful discharge, sexual harassment, and employment contracts. He has also litigated police misconduct and First Amendment cases.

Chelsea Long graduated summa cum laude and third in her class from Capital University Law School in 2010, where she received her Juris Doctor. While attending Capital, Chelsea was a research assistant to Professor Susan M. Gilles, clerked for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, and externed for Judge Jeffrey Sutton in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. She was a member of the Capital University Law Review as a staff member in her second year and as a Research Editor in her third year. Prior to law school, she attended Ohio University, where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Music History...

Vania Stefanova is the head of the Immigration Litigation Division at Herman Legal Group, providing services in removal/deportation defense and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals. An immigrant from Bulgaria, Vania has over 20 years of experience in immigration law. Throughout her successful career, she has handled matters in all areas of immigration law. From family-based immigration such as relative and fiancé petitions – to business/employment and investment immigration (e.g. E, L, R visas, EB1/2 immigrant petitions) – to naturalization, Vania works tirelessly to give our clients the best advice and outcomes possible.

Over thirty years ago, Thom Cooper created the law firm that would become Cooper, Adel, Vu & Associates with the goal of representing seniors in a way that maximized their independence and minimized the stress and burden placed on loved ones. Since then, Attorney Cooper has provided educational seminars throughout Ohio to spread the word about estate planning and elder law. He has helped thousands of seniors and their families find public benefits to protect and preserve their assets. Thom was among the first 19 attorneys in Ohio to become dually certified by the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) as...

As a Cleveland divorce attorney, Susan M. Weaver has over 30 years of experience in the Northeast Ohio county court systems. This experience, coupled with a prior career in social work has given Susan the insight and sensitivity to understand her client’s needs. Whether you are looking for a divorce attorney, a seasoned child custody advocate, or you simply need help with parenting, visitation and support issues, Susan has the expertise to help you. Divorce and custody battles are emotionally charged issues for everyone involved. Susan is a skilled advocate who can cut through the emotional fog and help you...

Greetings! I'm Troy, a seasoned attorney with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional legal guidance and support. Currently, I serve as a practicing attorney at Northwest Law and hold the position of Regional Counsel for Northwest Title Family of Companies. Professional Background: I wear two hats in the legal realm. As a practicing attorney with Northwest Law and Regional Counsel for Northwest Title Family of Companies, I've honed my skills in real estate law while primarily serving the South Central Ohio Region. Before joining Northwest in 2017, I successfully managed my own general practice for three years. Today, my practice focuses on...

As a family law practitioner, Anna Parise helps clients through divorce, child support, spousal support, and custody. Highly rated in peer reviews throughout her career, she is active in bringing family law legal services to those who cannot afford it. Anna’s legal practice includes domestic relations, divorce, family law, child support, spousal support, and custody. Anna is also frequently appointed by trial courts in Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Lake Counties as guardian ad litem to protect the interests of children. Formerly with a small boutique firm specializing in labor law, Anna joined Dworken & Bernstein Co., L.P.A. in 2005 becoming partner...

Peter J. Brodhead joined Spangenberg Shibley & Liber in 1980 and just eight years later, he became a partner. He handles countless cases including those related to asbestos exposure, dangerous drugs, catastrophic injuries, and more. Having graduated from Cleveland State University Marshall School of Law, Mr. Brodhead is admitted to practice in the Ohio Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. He has been recognized with selection to the Best Lawyers in America list from 2008 through 2015, as well as listed as a...

Nicholas A. DiCello joined Spangenberg Shibley & Liber after graduating from the Cleveland Marshall College of Law in 2002. Mr. DiCello has been selected to the list of Super Lawyers® Rising Stars? on numerous occasions, as well as on the list of Super Lawyers®. In 2012, he joined the Judge John M. Manos Inn of Court. He’s also been named as one of the “Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers” by The National Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. DiCello handles a wide range of litigation matters involving medical malpractice and professional misconduct including insurance claims, accounting malpractice, and misconduct by...

William Hawal is a partner at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber. For more than 25 years, he has represented clients in numerous litigation matters and in 2015, he was named the Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for medical malpractice in the northeast Ohio area. He is admitted to practice in the Ohio Supreme Court, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio. Since 2006, Mr. Hawal has been consistently selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers®. He achieved an AV® rating on Martindale-Hubbell®, as well as being listed as a...

Stuart E. Scott graduated Order of the Coif from Ohio State Law School in 1995, after which he joined Spangenberg Shibley & Liber. In 2005, he became a partner at the firm. He represents clients in matters such as wrongful death, medical malpractice, defective products, and dangerous drugs. He also helps handle Consumer Rights cases. Mr. Scott was selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers® Rising Stars? from 2005 through 2008, after which he was selected for the list of Super Lawyers® for three years. He serves on the Board of Directors for both the Cleveland Academy of...

Joseph T. Joseph, Jr. is the founder and principal personal injury attorney for Joseph Law Group in Cleveland, Ohio. His legal experience focuses on litigating and successfully negotiating settlements for those affected by a personal injury or wrongful death. Joe has earned thousands of victories for personal injury victims throughout his career. He is also well-versed in appellate court, including involvement in a major insurance coverage victory decided by the Supreme Court of Ohio. He is authorized to practice law in Ohio and the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio and recently admitted to practice...

Attorney Dorian Keith Baum grew up in Brush Prairie, WA, simultaneously graduating from Prairie High School and getting an Associates of Arts degree from Clark College. After graduation, he moved to Seattle, WA to attend the University of Washington, where he graduated with bachelor of arts degrees in both Philosophy and Sociology with a minor in Law, Societies, and Justice. Dorian then attended the University of Akron, School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctorate degree. While there, he was voted Secretary and Treasurer of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society (SELS) and Vice President of the Akron chapter...

Howard Rabb concentrates on estate, general business and bankruptcy matters. He regularly advises clients on business, estate and debt strategies. A lifelong Clevelander, he has a “Superb” AVVO rating.

Estate Planning: Howard’s practice involves an analysis of the goals of the client, an understanding of all relevant family relationships, and a comprehensive list of all of the clients assets. After obtaining this information, he will advise his clients as to whether a living trust or testamentary trust makes sense in order to address probate, distribution, or tax concerns. Typically, the estate planning will include wills, health-care power of attorney, living...

Richard Selby heads our Commercial Litigation Department. He has extensive trial experience with Dworken & Bernstein in both state and federal court. In addition to his litigation experience, Ric regularly consults with clients on employment related issues and is called in to assist at trial with the Class Action department when those matters go to trial. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star and was selected to be included in the 2019 edition of Best Lawyers in America. In addition, he is a Contributing Editor to Attorney At Law Magazine featuring articles on Employment Law.

Ric joined Dworken...

Kristen M. Kraus has extensive experience in handling civil jury trials in both state and federal court. She has litigated cases in nearly every county in Northeast Ohio, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Kristen joined Dworken & Bernstein upon graduation from law school in 2001. Since joining the firm, she has been representing victims of personal injury, as well as those injured in workplace accidents. A significant portion of her current practice is devoted to representing injured workers in workers’ compensation matters both at the Industrial Commission of Ohio and at the...

Erik L. Walter is a bold advocate for business clients in the areas of environmental law, oil and gas, commercial transactions, zoning and litigation for both individuals and corporations. He sits on numerous nonprofit boards in the community. Prior to joining Dworken & Bernstein Co., L.P.A., Erik was a shareholder with the law firm of Knaggs, Harter, Brake & Schneider, P.C. located in Lansing, Michigan. Prior to joining Knaggs, Harter, Brake & Schneider, P.C. in 1999, Erik served for nearly three years as the law clerk for the Honorable William E. Collette in the Ingham County Circuit Court located...

Grant Keating is a partner practicing in the firm’s Business and Commercial Litigation department. He employs a pragmatic approach to litigation and has successfully represented a wide variety of businesses and individuals at trial, appeal and in ADR. Grant has extensive experience in the following areas of law: banking and loan restructuring, breach of contract, Clean Water Act, commercial lease disputes, construction disputes, creditor’s rights, defamation, director and officer liability, e-commerce, employment disputes, environmental litigation, foreclosures, international discovery assistance pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1782, mechanic’s liens, minority shareholder rights, Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act R.C. 1345.01 et. seq., professional negligence,...

Joshua J. Strickland’s practices primarily in real estate and business transactions. He represents small and medium size businesses, real estate developers, landlords and non-profits in all of their business needs. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star. Josh focuses his practice in the areas of general business including formation, mergers and acquisitions, financing, employee relations, commercial transactions, intellectual property, construction development, and sales. His residential and commercial real estate practice includes sales, leasing, zoning, land use, oil and gas, environmental law and real estate, eminent domain and taxation.

I believe deeply in the promise of America as a nation of immigrants. Throughout our history, immigrants and refugees from all corners of the world have come to the United States, determined to improve their lives through hard work. In the process, they have made this country a h2 and great nation. We must continue to attract the best and brightest from across the globe for our nation to flourish. Our firm, Hammond Law Group, is dedicated to continuing that dream by diligently representing immigrants and temporary workers from across the globe. In addition to my work at...

Attorney Christopher Junga has always had a passion for public service. Between private practice and his work with various Public Defender Offices in Ohio, he brings over 23 years of criminal defense experience to Luftman, Heck & Associates. With his wealth of legal knowledge and nearly 100 jury trials across the state, Chris is a resource for clients and a zealous advocate for those facing life-changing circumstances.

Since 1983 I have been assisting people with legal matters both in and out of court. Whether it is a social security or workers’ compensation claim, a question regarding adoption, a divorce or dissolution, land contract, Will, personal injury claim, or other matters, I can help. Whether you are seeking an attorney for a one-time case or to assist you in other areas, sometimes over a period of years, you will be sharing information with me about your life. The information you give me is confidential and is vital to me in order to give you proper legal advice. Therefore,...

Jo A.Tatarko focuses on Commercial Litigation, representing clients in the areas of breach of contract, lease disputes, construction disputes, business disputes, and all other aspects of business litigation. Jo devotes 90% of her practice to litigation. In 2007 when Jo first joined Dworken & Bernstein, she was as a member of our Workers’ Compensation practice group. She represented individuals who were injured at work, both at administrative hearings before the Industrial Commission of Ohio and in Common Pleas courts in Ohio.

Currently the only Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) in Fairfield County, and one of only 30 CELAs in Ohio, Jennifer enjoys serving as President of the Ohio chapter of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, as the President of the AHA! Children's Museum, as the Vice President of the Fairfield County United Way, as the Secretary of the Fairfield County Republican Executive Committee, and as the Treasurer of the Fairfield County Bar Association. She founded Sitterley Law LLC to focus on Asset Protection, Probate, and Estate Planning services. Sitterley Law LLC is located on the second floor in...

Craig has devoted his career to advocating for individuals harmed by others’ negligence. He passionately fights against corporations, insurance companies, and medical providers to ensure his clients’ voices are heard and their stories remembered. With extensive experience in litigating medical malpractice and complex personal injury cases, Craig often serves as lead counsel in jury trials across Ohio, successfully represents clients in mediation, and has secured millions in settlements and verdicts for Leeseberg Tuttle clients. Craig graduated magna cum laude from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, earning awards for Outstanding Appellate and Oral Advocacy, and was recognized as a Presidential Management Fellow by...

Columbus, Ohio Criminal Defense attorney Joe Edwards works vigilantly to defend and produce the best legal outcome for his clients. Prior to starting his criminal defense law practice, Attorney Edwards has experience as Assistant Attorney General in the federal litigation section, as well as experience as an Assistant Prosecutor for the Franklin County Prosecutor’s office where he prosecuted a variety of crimes in Franklin County, Ohio. He has experience on both sides of of the courtroom, providing Joe a unique insight in his ability to handle your case.

A Lorain County resident, James has filed over five thousand bankruptcy cases for Lorain County residents over the last two decades. He will be the only attorney you deal with from the initial interview through your court appearance. James will also educate you on how to rebuild your credit score, getting you back to a very good credit score only two years after the filing of your case.

Scott focuses on Wage & Hour litigation, ERISA claims, personal injury, and medical malpractice. His pragmatic, attentive, and aggressive approach to all cases has helped build his successful reputation, being selected to the Rising Stars list 2012-2017 and Super Lawyers 2019-2022. Scott was awarded the Best Lawyer Award in 2023. Scott is a lifelong Clevelander who loves this city and treasures his ability to represent people across the Greater Cleveland Area. His mother’s parents were Holocaust survivors and his parents instilled in him the value and need to fight for the little guy. He does this every day in his work....

Ryan Shafer is a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney who defends the rights of those facing criminal charges in Central Ohio. Shafer is an attorney at Joslyn Law Firm in Dayton, Ohio. There he handles a variety of cases, including DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes and white collar offenses. Shafer studied business and minored in political science at the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated Cum Laude in 2002. He earned his Juris Doctor at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 2006 and became licensed to practice law in Ohio the following year. Shafer began his...

I represent individual and entities who are either under investigation, or being prosecuted, for criminal offenses. I handle a wide range of cases in both federal and state courts. I have jury trial experience in federal and state courts and have also argued appellate matters.

Mike’s legal practice is focused on representing investors and developers in a wide range of real estate matters, including acquisitions, developments, sales and leasing, litigation, and opportunity zone consulting. Mike has experience representing clients on residential and commercial transactions, with a focus on representing clients in the acquisition of multi-family apartment properties. Mike has also advised clients on more than $500M of opportunity zone related projects.