Top Business Lawyers in CLEVELAND | 109 available

We are a full-service strategic advisory and business law firm representing and serving entrepreneurs and executives of start-up and middle-market enterprises in business transactions, litigation and arbitration, and regulatory matters. At our heart, we’re problem solvers focused on providing sophisticated legal and business strategies that help you and your business flourish. We understand that every legal issue or regulatory roadblock can impact the overall health of your business, and our proactive, holistic approach provides you with the support and freedom to create and manage your venture with confidence.

Tim is a litigation attorney who focuses his practice on employment discrimination, civil rights litigation, governmental liability, eminent domain matters and professional negligence. He has substantial trial experience in race discrimination cases, sex discrimination cases, and wrongful termination cases. Tim also has extensive experience representing clients before the EEOC and the OCRC. Tim received his B.A. in 1987 from The Ohio State University and his J.D. in 1991 from the University of Toledo. He received his Ohio Bar admission in 1991 and also has admission before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Tim is a member of the Defense Research Institute and has been honored with selection for membership in The Judge John M. Manos Inn of Court. In addition to his legal practice, Tim has written several articles for various publications and has presented seminars on employment issues to numerous public officials and agencies including the County Commissioners Association of Ohio and participating members of the County Risk Sharing Authority.  Tim also served as a past instructor and supervising attorney for Cleveland-Marshall College of Law’s Housing Law Clinic Program which represents indigent tenants in the Cleveland Housing Court.

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My core practice is business civil litigation. I focus on representing businesses and professionals in court. I counsel and assist businesses on start up issues, risk avoidance, and adherence to applicable laws and regulations. I also represent individuals in meritorious claims against bad businesses when necessary.

Steve Petras practices international business transactions as a partner in the Business Practice Group.  He has facilitated commercial and corporate transactions in most countries throughout the world. When representing companies seeking to expand operations in foreign jurisdictions or in business transactions with parties from different countries, Steve seeks to create effective and efficient corporate and tax structures and enforceable agreements in the multiple jurisdictions involved. Furthermore, he advises on the compliance of the business activities and the parties with the applicable U.S. and foreign laws and regulations. Steve has deep experience representing clients in the manufacturing and technology industries, where his technical background and interest enables him to better fit the transaction with the underlying technology of his clients’ businesses.. Steve has led BakerHostetler’s International Industry Team since 1998. He is actively engaged in the international community of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio having served as the President of the Greater Cleveland International Lawyers Group, Chair of the International Section of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Chair of the Board of the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, and President of the Cleveland World Trade Association.  He is an Adjunct Professor in the International LL.M program of Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Dedicated to increasing international business in the United States and Ohio, Steve has been appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce as a member the Northern Ohio District Export Council and by Governor Voinovich as an Ohio Commodore.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of the World Affairs Councils of America.. Experience. -      On behalf of The Clinton Foundation’s HIV/AIDS Initiative, negotiated agreements for supply of antiretroviral medicines to treat adults and children suffering from or living with HIV/AIDS in the numerous developing countries of that program. These agreements covered the supply of drugs by pharmaceutical companies as well as the supply of testing equipment and supplies by the biomedical equipment manufacturers.  These agreements and the infrastructure created enabled millions of people to receive life-saving treatment.. -      Involved in structuring working capital financing transactions for the mining and delivery of natural resources using innovative security and payments methods.  This structure enabled the client to provide working capital on trade-by-trade basis at very low risk but significant revenue.. -      Numerous international mergers and acquisitions spanning the transaction value range from nominal to over US$ Billion.. -      Prepared major sourcing and outsourcing agreements enabling expansion of operations to India, the Philippines and other countries.. -      Prepared numerous international joint venture agreements for manufacturing, software development, marketing, research and other purposes for client business expansion into China, Brazil and other countries.  These projects cover various technologies, products, and services including automobile parts, appliance components, food products, machinery, environmental remediation equipment, and others.. -      Established U.S. operations for foreign companies through new entities, startup operations, joint ventures, and other arrangements, including selection of available incentives.. -      Performed international coverage analysis of reinsurance and insurance issues concerning large losses caused by such things as legal compliance failures and product defects.. -      Prepared product representation and distribution agreements across the world for technology-based clients, including the auto, medical, life sciences, machinery, gearing, software, housing, plumbing supply, aviation, and numerous other industries.. Recognitions. -      Alpha Kappa Epsilon International Business Honor Society (2005 to present). Memberships. -      . Law Institute: Executive Committee. -      Ohio Commodore: Appointed by Governor Voinovich (1996). -      Cleveland Council on World Affairs: immediate past Chair of the Board. -      Cleveland World Trade Association: past president. o   World Trade Center of Cleveland: Advisory Board. -      Greater Cleveland International Lawyers Group: past president. -      Northeast Ohio International Business Network: Founding Board Member. -      United States Department of Commerce: Northern Ohio District Export Council member. -      American Bar Association: International Law Section. -      Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association: International Law Section, past Chair. Community. -      Cleveland State University James J. Nance College of Business Administration International TRADE Program: Advisory Board. -      Case Western Reserve University School of Law: Society of Benchers, Member. -      MetroWest Kiwanis Charitable Foundation: Chairman

Small business attorney practicing primarily in the areas of Business Startups, Corporate, Transactional Business and Business Sales and Acquisitions.For over 20 years, I have worked with small to medium size closely held businesses in the Cleveland and Akron areas. My clients are generally start-up businesses, serial entrepreneurs, small closely held businesses, family owned businesses and mid-sized companies.

Since 1999, I have been a transactional attorney focusing on corporate and business counseling, corporate and commercial transactions, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, entertainment and sports law, labor and employment and commercial litigation.  I serve as general business and transactions counsel for small and mid-sized growth-oriented businesses, individuals and nonprofits throught Ohio and Florida.  I am regularly engaged in negotiating a wide variety of business and commercial agreements as well as conseling clients in the areas of corporate governance, strategic start-up planning and implementation, minimization of risk, litigation, litigation management and avoidance.

Serving as the Ohio Regional Coordinating Partner, Larry works closely with the firm’s leadership when contributing to the oversight of offices in Cleveland and Columbus. He was managing partner and CEO of Hahn Loeser for more than eight years. He feels privileged to work with 300+ talented people who are committed to client success. He especially enjoys working with the firm’s younger attorneys, guiding them as they begin to navigate their careers.. Larry serves as a key advisor to executive management at NYSE and Fortune 1000 companies, providing counsel for a wide range of situations and issues, including debtors’ and creditors’ rights, reorganization and bankruptcy, as well as for overall business strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and political developments.. Larry has the ability to get to the essential issues of a situation, achieving exceptional results for clients facing financial distress. He advises clients as if he has a personal stake in the matter, allowing him to diagnose the critical paths to meeting client goals and excelling in debtors’ and creditors’ rights, reorganization and bankruptcy. Clients view him not only as their attorney but as their trusted business advisor, and Larry takes great pride in those relationships.

Rochelle Paley’s practice includes representation of businesses and individuals in business matters including preparation of contracts, leasing and landlord matters, all manner of transactions, debt restructuring and workouts, creditors’ rights, and civil litigation.

Over her 33 years in practice, Sarah has earned a reputation as a domestic relations attorney who serves clients compassionately and effectively.. Her expertise in family law includes a broad range of issues in divorce and dissolution of marriage proceedings including valuing businesses and business interests, dividing retirement assets, determining support and designing and parenting plans. She is also experienced in post-divorce matters such as the modification and enforcement of support and parenting agreements and relocation. Her legal work for same-sex couples includes structuring parental rights agreements and dissolving unions and marriages.. Sarah’s approach is to explore whether certain dispute resolution strategies can achieve her clients’ goals through alternatives to litigation, but she also has extensive experience with complex litigation for businesses and families. She has advanced training in interest-based negotiation processes of Cooperative and Collaborative Law and is a qualified divorce mediator.. Sarah is regarded by her clients as an attorney who is compassionate but also a tough competitor, a characteristic she demonstrates outside her legal work as an ice hockey player. She is married with one grown son.

My name is Christian Carson, and I'm the senior attorney and founding member of Carson Law Firm LLC. I've focused on providing legal services to individuals and small business owners in a wide breadth of areas of expertise.. I am a small business owner myself. I've been where you've been--wrestling with government red tape or chasing down a bad contractor who didn't finish the job. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and a written contract is the first step to defusing possible disputes down the line. A trusted legal adviser on your team will leverage your entire team's experience to produce a more effective and certain result.. When preparing a legal argument, any good attorney strives to understand the other side's argument as well as their own. That's why I also offer civil litigation services to individuals who have been wronged by unscrupulous business owners. For these types of disputes, I try to make my services as affordable as possible by quoting fixed fees, or, when possible, a contingency fee arrangement where you don't pay for my services until we reach a favorable result.. My background lies at the very intersection of business and law--accounting and finance. Before attending law school, I interned in the accounting department of GrafTech International, and worked in the tax department of PricewaterhouseCoopers, advising clients on international, state and local tax issues.. I hold a bachelor and master's degree in accountancy, and a law degree from the renowned Case Western Reserve University. There, I worked closely with some of the most respected professors in their fields.. Post-graduation, I was a member of the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland's federal tax assistance team and later moved on to a full-time real estate title examination position. In mid-2013, I made the decision to go solo.. In college, I co-founded and still actively manage WireBids, an online auction platform that we have cultivated into the premiere online marketplace for industrial-scale printing and bindery equipment.. Real estate is one of my greatest interests, and I hold several rental properties that I've rehabbed and tenanted. The Cleveland real estate market holds one of the greatest potentials for growth in the nation, and I intend to position my firm to provide the best service to those who choose to join me to invest and grow here.. I also regularly publish a blog about Cleveland-area goings-on called Rebuild CLE. I encourage anyone with an interest in real estate or Cleveland generally to check it out.. I hope to hear from you soon. Reach out to me at any time via email or phone,.. All the very best,. Christian E. Carson, Esq.

Mr. Viola focuses his practice on business transactions, including serving as outside general counsel to entities and individuals who provide services and products.. Mr. Viola’s practice involves real estate law, including construction, contracting and development.  He has significant experience in projects encompassing the sale, purchase and/or development of commercial/retail, residential, office and industrial properties.  His involvement includes all phases of negotiation, acquisition, construction, financing and disposition.  He has drafted various real estate documents, including purchase agreements, leases, easements, construction documents (including all AIA forms), homeowner association (HOA) declarations and related documents. Mr. Viola also advises his clients in determining the feasibility of real estate projects, including reviewing construction issues, title commitments, surveys and application of governmental regulations.. Mr. Viola counsels numerous privately held businesses with regard to everyday matters. For example, he advises businesses on entity selection, buy/sells, vendor contracts, partnerships and joint ventures.

Justin Powell engages in a diverse Commercial and Corporate Law practice. Justin is at the beginning of his career but has assisted with stock and asset acquisitions, drafting contracts, and business litigation. He gained valuable knowledge about lending from his time working as a loan originator, and his financial background is beneficial when working with complex business transactions.. Justin graduated magna cum laude from The University of Akron School of Law. While in law school Justin received the Cali Excellence Award in Corporate Law for earning the highest grade in the class.. Prior to law school, Justin received his Master of Arts degree in financial economics from Youngstown State University. Prior to graduate school, Justin worked as a loan originator for two years. While attending Ohio University on a wrestling scholarship he received his Bachelor of Science degree in economics.. Justin is a rising star member of IR Global’s international professional network. This allows him to better serve his clients in cases with a national or international nexus by drawing on expertise from jurisdictions around the world. For more information, visit our International Business Page or IR Global’s website.

Joe is the Chair of Reminger’s Broker-Dealer and Investment Advisor Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement Practice Group, and a senior member of the Financial Services, Securities Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Estates, Trusts and Probate Litigation groups. In his nationwide practice, Joe represents public and private companies and individuals in the financial services, banking, brokerage, insurance, real estate, manufacturing, and construction industries in a wide array of cases involving breach of contract and fraud claims, issues relating to claims of unfair competition and trade secrets violations, and general tort litigation. His primary focus is complex securities litigation and arbitration, financial institution litigation, compliance consulting, regulatory investigations and inquiries, and broker-dealer liability defense, in which he represents broker-dealers, investment advisors, banks, and insurance companies and their licensed and registered personnel in claims involving allegations of professional misconduct. His background in business litigation and representing financial services providers also translates well into his experience in matters of estate and trust litigation.. With more than two decades of legal experience, Joe has earned a reputation throughout the state of Ohio and nationally as a litigator specializing in complex business disputes, commercial litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. He has been named repeatedly to the Ohio Super Lawyers list, a designation reserved for only 5% of Ohio lawyers, and has achieved Martindale-Hubbell's highest ranking, AV Preeminent®. According to feedback obtained during the rating process, Joe was described as an attorney who “excels at determining a strategy that is cost-effective for the client and then expertly executing that strategy through top-notch work product and advocacy,” and he was recognized as an “excellent lawyer with a wide range of experience and knowledge” who is “among the top defense counsel in the broker-dealer bar.”. Joe presently serves as the Chair of the Securities Litigation Committee of the American Bar Association’s Litigation Section and as the Chair of the Ohio State Bar Association’s Litigation Section, is a member of the Judicial Selection Committee of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, and serves on the Board of Directors of LifeAct of Northeast Ohio as a member of its Governance and Advocacy committees. He also writes and speaks frequently throughout Ohio and nationwide on topics of interest to litigators and financial services professionals, and has been an active member of the Defense Research Institute (DRI), the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys (OACTA) and the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA).

Jay Salamon is a securities litigation and arbitration attorney with the firm McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman, Co. LPA. Jay graduated with honors from Kent State University in 1977 and is a 1980 graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Law.  His exceptional research skills and his talent for drafting clear and persuasive legal arguments are core elements in our firm’s success.. Research and writing are essential parts of the practice of law, and the quality of a lawyer’s work in these areas often is pivotal to the outcome. Jay has for more than three decades devoted nearly 100% of his time to perfecting these skills.  He researches complex and sometimes unresolved issues of law and writes most of the significant briefs and memoranda that are filed on our client’s behalf.  Over the years, he frequently has been retained by other lawyers and law firms to assist them with strategy and to prepare written arguments in difficult legal matters.. Jay’s securities practice is devoted exclusively to the representation of investors injured by stockbrokers, investment advisors, insurance agents, and other investment professionals. He is rated AV® Preeminent™5.0 out of 5 by Martindale-Hubbell®.   A long time member of the Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA), Jay has authored articles for and served as a one of the original editors of the PIABA Bar Journal, a nationally distributed quarterly journal covering the practice of securities arbitration and issues related to the representation of injured investors.

Jay Milano  first spoke in court during a murder trial and has practiced at that level of intensity for 25 years. Initially concentrating on criminal defense, his clients have included Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus, Hell’s Angels, sports figures, doctors, judges, and lawyers, as well as an uncountable number of people who just needed help. He has tried not guilty verdict cases involving the death penalty, multiple murders, the death of an infant (wrongly believed to have been assaulted), and the death of a toddler (wrongly believed to be the victim of Shaken Baby). He is nationally known as a defender of those falsely accused of sexual assault on children, having successfully defended the comedian Roseanne’s father when she accused him of abuse. He led the team that freed Jenny Wilcox, who had been incarcerated for 11 years for sex crimes she did not commit. He regularly represents professionals accused of crimes, executives, doctors, and lawyers. Mr. Milano led the exposure of corruption within the Catholic Church and the profound harm it caused the victims of abuse.

I specialize in business transactions, business consulting, intellectual property, sports, media and entertainment, labor and employment matters, and much more. My practice involves representing and counseling clients in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, commercial and residential real estate transactions, sports, media, and entertainment law, banking and finance (lenders and borrowers), intellectual property, business start-ups, franchise law, construction law, and business formation.

I specialize in assisting Ohio and Colorado businesses operating in or seeking to enter heavily regulated industries, including cannabis/hemp, hospitality, and alcohol/liquor.

Greetings from Cleveland, Ohio! I am the founder and principal member of a boutique law firm Lougovskaia Boop LLC. We are a full-service firm for small and medium-sized businesses. We represent clients in areas of business and construction disputes, product liability, general business law and immigration law. Feel free to browse our website at or drop me a message at We are also available to meet with clients worldwide via Skype technology.

Dennis R. Lansdowne joined Spangenberg Shibley & Liber in 1985. Five years later, he made partner.. Dennis has represented individuals in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases; he has also represented large corporations.. "My background and training have allowed me to pursue cases for both people and businesses that have suffered harm. It is an interesting and exciting practice," he says.. Dennis graduated summa cum laude from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, where he was a member of the Law Review. Cleveland-Marshall will recognize Dennis as Alumnus of the Year in 2013.. After graduating from C-M, he served as law clerk to the Honorable Robert B. Krupansky at both the Northern District of Ohio and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.. "Working in both the trial and appellate courts gave me a unique opportunity to see the litigation process, and I was fortunate to observe many fine lawyers from Ohio and other parts of the country. I knew I wanted to devote myself to that process and practice at the highest level," Dennis says.. After his clerkships, Dennis joined Jones Day as an associate. While there, he concentrated on commercial litigation, representing corporations in insurance, product liability, securities, and contract disputes.. At Spangenberg, Dennis has represented hundreds of people who were seriously injured or lost a loved one due to the negligence of a doctor, nurse, nursing home or other healthcare provider. He is well-known for being able to make complex medicine easy for a jury to understand.. His passion about medical negligence led him to create and teach a course on the subject for several years at Cleveland-Marshall.

Carrying On a Family Legacy—And Forging His Own Path. From a Childhood Steeped in Law to a Practice Built on Empathy. Brenden Kelley’s first lessons in justice came early. Growing up in a household of legal professionals, he saw firsthand how law could be a powerful force for good—or a devastating weapon of exploitation. His father, a distinguished trial lawyer, championed the rights of Ohio Steelworkers. His mother, a former Cleveland Heights Municipal Court Judge, dedicated her career to standing up for those unable to protect themselves. Their example taught him that the law isn’t just a set of rules—it’s a promise to safeguard people and their futures.. Witnessing the Dark Side of the System. When Brenden was just sixteen, that promise nearly broke. He and his family found themselves entangled in a situation where lawyers pursued their own interests rather than justice. The experience opened his eyes to the very real damage legal malpractice can cause, and it sparked a lifelong commitment to make things right for people who’ve been let down by the system.. Early Career & Founding His Own Firm. After honing his litigation skills at a boutique law firm, Brenden launched his own practice in 2022 with a clear mission: to bring empathetic, high-caliber representation to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and victims of legal malpractice—all at a fair and transparent cost. He set out to create a legal experience where clients feel heard, respected, and truly protected.. Recognized for Excellence. Despite humble beginnings—in an apartment with little more than a laptop and a P.O. Box—Brenden grew his practice into a firm now serving clients across Ohio and Pennsylvania. Along the way, he built a reputation for treating each client with the empathy, respect, and unwavering support that define his approach to law.. Credibility & Community Engagement. Brenden’s dedication to ethical, client-focused advocacy quickly gained attention. He has been recognized by numerous organizations for his leadership, skill, and commitment to justice, earning accolades such as “Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch,” “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, and “Litigation Lawyer of the Year” by Lawyers Monthly. Beyond the courtroom, he pours his passion into community involvement—serving on multiple bar association committees that uphold professional ethics, improve access to justice, and focus on mental health and wellness for attorneys. He also dedicates time to his alma maters through advisory boards and councils, helping future generations navigate both the opportunities and challenges of legal practice.. Why It Matters. To Brenden, the law is more than case files and court dates; it’s the difference between despair and hope, between injustice and real change. He aims to be the advocate he once wished for, ensuring that every client is treated with dignity and supported by someone who genuinely cares about their future. By blending his family’s legacy of service with his own personal resolve to right the wrongs he witnessed, Brenden offers clients not just a lawyer, but a devoted ally who fights tirelessly for what’s right.. “My family taught me that truly great lawyers shoulder the burdens of their clients. I’ve seen how the system can fail, and I’ve made it my mission to help people trust in legal representation again. I’m here to stand by you, fight for you, and deliver the justice you deserve.”. Through compassionate counsel and steadfast dedication, Brenden Kelley ensures that every client’s voice is heard—and every fight is won with integrity.

Attorney Shadrach G. Neiss provides business counseling and advocacy services for all commercial transactions and disputes, including civil litigation and arbitration. Throughout his career, Mr. Neiss has represented clients in simple and complex litigation and has appeared before municipal and state administrative boards as well as municipal, county, appellate and federal courts in Ohio and Florida (currently inactive in FL). As an advocate, Mr. Neiss prides himself on counseling his clients with creative, efficient and effective solutions to their legal issues.. Mr. Neiss also represents commercial real estate investors and tenants in acquiring, leasing, redeveloping and managing retail, office and multifamily properties, including structuring and negotiating private equity and institutional financing. Mr. Neiss further represents parties in residential real estate transactions, including buyers and sellers as well as landlords and tenants. During the financial crisis, Mr. Neiss gained significant experience assisting owners of distressed properties in predatory lending litigation and foreclosure defense, including loan workouts.. Mr. Neiss graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York with a degree in Philosophy and Religion. Mr. Neiss then received his Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law where he studied all sides of real estate law, including real property, real estate finance, land use law, real estate investment analysis and private equity syndication. Attorney Neiss is licensed in Ohio and Florida (currrently inactive in Florida).