Republic Lawyers

In 1971, Mr. Malek entered into private practice and opened his own law firm in Columbus, Ohio. The Law Firm of Malek & Malek emphasizes representation of those people tragically injured in workers' compensation accidents, automobile collisions, dog bite and other serious injury events. For nearly 40 years, he has provided expert legal services to the community, representing many fine people and citizens of greater Columbus and surrounding counties.

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.

As a tough but compassionate attorney, I bring a unique set of skills to family law cases. I understand how difficult facing divorce, child custody disputes, or domestic violence can be, and am dedicated to providing each of my clients with zealous, caring representation throughout every stage of their case. I am committed to making myself available to address the needs of my clients and answer their questions, and will work hard for the most positive result in your case.

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.

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...

Jamie Campbell Manning is a respected divorce attorney with over 12 years experience. She practices solely in the area of divorce. Jamie was an endorsed candidate for Franklin County Domestic Court Judge in 2010 and has been in solo practice since 2005. Jamie earned her Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University in 2001 and her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Rochester in 1998. Once divorced, Jamie is now happily married and the mother of a precocious toddler and an active infant.

Adam Lee Nemann grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and moved to Ohio to pursue his education. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, with an enthusiasm for law and public speaking, he attended Capital University Law School. It was during law school that Nemann thrust himself into the world of trial advocacy. By day, he worked in a prominent criminal defense firm preparing to defend the accused, by night, he attended law school and volunteered for mock trial and trial advocacy clinics. Nemann obtained a limited license to practice law while an intern, representing his own...

I practice in two main areas of law: Probate and Criminal Defense law.

I am licensed in the State of Ohio and State of Tennessee, the U.S. Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

Probate Law includes drafting, modifying and administering (or helping others administer) wills and trusts, assisting in name changes, adoptions, administering probate estates, wrongful death claims and assisting clients in becoming guardians of persons and estates. Our firm's focus on Criminal Defense focuses on felony and municipal trial work and assisting clients on appeals and...

Thomas W. Lally, an experienced trial attorney, has represented individual and business clients for many years in Canton, Stark County, Ohio and the surrounding cities of Massillon and Alliance; and counties of Summit, Wayne, Tuscarawas and Carroll, Ohio.

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.

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...

Erika M. Smitherman was born in Norwalk, Ohio and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1993. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University, with minors in both English and Philosophy. Ms. Smitherman remains active in the Ohio State Alumni Association. After graduating from Ohio State, Ms. Smitherman furthered her studies at Capital University Law School. After graduating from Capital in May 2000, she was sworn into the Ohio Bar in November 2000. ?Ms. Smitherman began employment at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in the Consumer Protection Section and later, she simultaneously...

It's time for something different; a fresh and innovative approach to personal injury law. When you walk in our lobby, you'll see the quote, "The most dangerous phrase in any language is we've always done it this way."

Communication is at the forefront of our operation. The number one complaint about lawyers across the profession is a lack of communication between attorney and client during the course of representation. Many personal injury firms assign "case managers" or other administrative staff to handle cases and field client calls. I assure you this is NOT...

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.

Chris Crull was born and raised in Indiana. After graduating from high school, Chris enlisted and served in the US Navy from 1986 – 1990, achieving the rank of E-5.

After the Navy, Chris attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy. From there, Chris attended Kent State University and earned a Master’s Degree in philosophy.

After earning his Master’s Degree, Chris spent several years teaching introductory philosophy classes at Kent State University and at the University of Connecticut. During those years, he also worked as a cabinet...

Attorney Svetlana Kats is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association with more then 12 years of progressive experience in Immigration Law practices.
We Provide Every Immigration Legal Service Including: Fiance Visas, Green Cards Based on Marriage, Employment-Based Green Cards, Work Visas, Investor’s Visas, Citizenship, Family-Based Immigration, Deportation Defense.

Andrew Biller's law practice focuses on wage and hour litigation. Mr. Biller has experience with a variety of wage disputes including overtime exempt/nonexempt misclassification, illegal tip pools, improper paycheck deductions, unpaid minimum wage and overtime, and unpaid off-the-clock work. Mr. Biller handles both individual wage and hour claims as well as representative (collective and class) actions to collect wages on behalf of groups of workers. Mr. Biller was selected as a 2015 - 2020 Ohio Super Lawyers "Rising Star" and Columbus CEO magazine's list of "Top Lawyers" for 2015. Mr. Biller has been at the forefront of litigating...

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...

For over 32 years, Mr. Jordan has dedicated his practice to defending individuals who have been charged with misdemeanor and felony crimes. He has represented clients charged with a felony in Cuyahoga County, Portage County, Geauga County, Lake County, Lorain County, Ashtabula County, Summit County, Erie County and other counties across the State of Ohio. Mr. Jordan also represents individuals accused of Federal Law violations such as: drug trafficking, conspiracy, tax evasion, theft, bank robbery and failure to report as a sex offender. He has practiced in the United States District Court Northern District of Ohio, United States District...

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...

At Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm, Patricia A. Brandt serves as a Partner, specializing in employment law. Her unique background includes a distinguished career in law enforcement prior to entering the legal profession. In Louisiana, Patricia broke ground as the first woman to join the parish SWAT team during her tenure at the sheriff's office. Her expertise led to her selection for the FBI Instructor Development Course, granting her the authority to teach any subject within the state's police training curriculum. Her responsibilities encompassed maintaining interior perimeters during operations and instructing officers in various disciplines, including firearms, less-lethal weapons, and...

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.

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...

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Jeffrey C. Pettys grew up in Ohio. Mr. Pettys attended The Ohio State University and received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Mr. Pettys met his wife, Pilar Cusi, while attending college. Upon graduation, Mr. Pettys worked as a Commercial Banker in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While in Pittsburgh, he and his wife decided to marry after a long courtship and decided to travel to Cebu Ciy, Philippines to be married. After returning to the United States, Mr. Pettys made plans to attend law school at Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from Law...

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.

The Nickolls Law Firm, LLC is a Northeast Ohio Family Law Firm dedicated to advocating for families and resolving complicated and unique family issues, including divorce, child custody, alimony, property division, child support, prenuptial agreements, guardian ad litem services, mediation services, and post decree litigation.

Erin C. Eurenius is delighted to help seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their families at Butcher Elder Law. Her passion for elder law stems from her personal experiences with her grandmother, Helen. Erin’s grandmother helped to raise her while living with the family. Around the age of 84, Helen was diagnosed with dementia and a few short years later suffered from a stroke. Erin watched the repercussions of not planning ahead for these devastating occurrences in life. Erin went to doctor’s visits and hospital calls at 3:00 A.M. and visited the nursing home. She saw the guardianship and Medicaid process...

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...

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...

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.

My name is Chris Vogt and I am an Attorney at the Malek Law Firm LLC in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. I was born in South Carolina, but I was raised and grew up in Fairlawn, Ohio. From a young age, my parents instilled in me the values of integrity and diligence. After high school, I attended the University of Akron where I studied political science and business administration. Upon earning my bachelor’s degree, I made the decision to attend the University of Akron School of Law. While attending Law School, I was a member of Akron Law’s Trial Team, and...

I am a OSBA Board Certified Family Law Specialist located in Westerville, Ohio. I strive to provide high quality yet affordable legal representation in all areas of domestic relations and custody matters. If I can be of service, please contact my office.

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...

Ben Calkins is an honors graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School.After law school, Mr. Calkins clerked for a Federal Judge before joining one of the World's largest law firms, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey.Mr. Calkins has also worked at and been a partner in several of the other most prominent old style law firms.

Ben Calkins started listening to the clients and to their many complaints about old style law firms.Mr. Calkins was committed to complete and total client satisfaction from the start of his legal career and recalls, with some pride, a client at his first...

Mr. Wartko was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. He attended high school at Archbishop Hoban in Akron, Ohio before entering the political science program at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. While at the university, Mr. Wartko was a member of the mock trial program and an executive council member of the Beta Iota chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity. Upon graduation, Mr. Wartko attended Western Michigan University's, Thomas M. Cooley Law School. While in law school, Mr. Wartko interned for a family law practice, where he first gained an interest in the area of...

For most lawyers, it’s all about the money. And it could have been for me, too: I landed a cushy, high-paying job right out of law school defending insurance companies from individual claims. But I realized almost immediately that my heart wasn’t in it. The job, as comfortable as it was, lacked the rush. And instead of helping people fight their cases in front of juries as a great trial lawyer, I was doing research all day and representing nameless entities I had never even met. So I quit and decided to start my own firm where I could work exclusively towards becoming...