Rock Creek Lawyers

Patrick J. Perotti is recognized for outstanding achievements in consumer class actions and employment discrimination, locally and nationally. He is the architect of the firm’s Ohio Lawyers Give Back initiative to distribute unclaimed class action funds to charities. As an award-winning national leader in the fields of consumer class actions, employment discrimination, and wage and hour litigation; with verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 billion dollars, he is regularly selected to lead class suits in Ohio and around the country. His reputation developed from a demand for outcomes which not only offered compensation to class members but also stopped unlawful government...

A U.S. Navy veteran, Jonathan Stender represents individuals and management in a wide spectrum of labor, employment and workers’ compensation matters. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star. Jonathan is strong proponent of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). In 2014, he was selected to join the Mediation and Arbitration Panel of NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation), one of the country’s most highly regarded providers of ADR services.

Jonathan graduated cum laude with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Russian Language and Literature and Political Science/International Relations from the University of Washington in 1994. He received a Juris Doctor degree from...

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...

Kim Alabasi has practiced in the area of Immigration since 2004. Notably, Ms. Alabasi speaks Spanish fluently. She earned her undergraduate degree in Spanish/Sociology from Marquette University and later went on to work in Mexico, first as a teacher in Puebla, Mexico for two years, followed by a job with the non-profit group IMIFAP in Mexico City, Mexico. Ms. Alabasi worked for 7 years as bilingual clinical social worker with the Hispanic Unit of the Center for Families & Children in Cleveland prior to obtaining her law degree in 2003 and starting Alabasi & Associates in 2006. Ms. Alabasi...

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...

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...

Frank Bartela works to hold corporations and governments accountable to consumers and taxpayers in his class action and business litigation practice. He graduated cum laude from Case Western Reserve University Law School in 2011. Frank Bartela is an Associate in the firm’s Class Action practice group. His practice is focused on the litigation of complex civil actions including consumer class actions as well as wage and hour actions. In this capacity, Frank fights to represent the interests and protect the rights of his clients both in Ohio and across the country. Currently, his cases deal with unlawful conduct by government...

Our law office understands that when people hire an attorney, they need immediate help. We take the time to listen to all their concerns and to get all the facts about their case. We provide thorough research into the legal matter to make sure there are no surprises that can affect the outcome. Don’t let your legal situation get worse, call or email us today for a consultation.

Jim Timmerberg represents plaintiffs in class action suits and complex commercial litigation matters. In addition to earning his JD from Case Western Reserve University, Jim holds a MA in European History. He was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1997. Jim began his legal career by clerking for the Honorable Donald R. Ford in the Eleventh District Court of Appeals of Ohio. Since his clerkship, he has represented plaintiffs in complex commercial litigation matters. He joined Dworken & Bernstein Co. L.P.A.’s class-action group in August 2011.
Jim received his Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University in 1996. The University...

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.

Since 2005, Nicole Fiorelli has successfully represented numerous clients in consumer class action and wage and hour litigation. She has taken on the government and large national corporations in cases in Ohio and throughout the United States. She handles a wide range of claims including minimum wage and overtime violations, consumer fraud and statutory violations, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment.

A few of Nicole Fiorelli’s career highlights include:

Obtained a six-figure verdict against a national fitness club chain that failed to pay overtime to some of its employees and ultimately negotiated a favorable settlement for the class;
Defeated summary judgment...

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.

Melvyn E. Resnick earned his undergraduate degree in Business and Accounting with honors from Ohio University. He was awarded his law degree from Case Western Reserve School of Law and admitted to the Bar in 1966. Mr. Resnick is a member of the Lake County Bar Association. He is a past president of Tau Epsilon Rho Law Fraternity. He is licensed to practice in all Ohio courts as well as U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, since 1968 and the U.S. Court of Appeals Sixth Circuit. Mr. Resnick's practice emphasizes real estate, commercial litigation, general business, corporate banking, estate...

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...

Attorney Patrick Brickman focuses his practice on class actions and complex litigation. His cases primarily deal with unlawful conduct by government agencies, manufacturers, retailers, and employers. These actions touch on any number of legal issues across diverse areas of law, including real estate law, insurance law, commercial law, constitutional law, tax law, advertising law, wage & hour law, benefits law, and more.

Patrick attended the University of Dayton for his undergraduate work, and the University of Akron School of Law for law school, where he was an advocate on the Moot Court Team and an Associate Editor for the Akron Law...

Irving Rosner is the head of Dworken & Bernstein’s Workers’ Compensation Department which helps the Firm’s clients who are injured at work. Prior to joining Dworken & Bernstein in 1986, Mr. Rosner was a trial attorney and prosecutor for the United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, in Washington, D.C. and in Cleveland, Ohio. In Mr. Rosner’s seven year stint (1979-1986) at the Justice Department, he tried complex cases against some of the nation’s finest litigators. Meticulous planning, preparation, and strong advocacy were essential traits that Mr. Rosner brought with him to Dworken & Bernstein when he...

Mr. Kraus graduated from Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia) in 1981 with a B.A. in Political Science. He received his law degree in 1984 from Case Western Reserve University School of Law (Cleveland, Ohio). He practiced law in a small family firm, Kraus & Kraus, from 1984 until 2000. In 2000, Mr. Kraus joined Dworken & Bernstein as an associate attorney and in July 2003, was made a partner in the firm. He has been a member of the Lake County Bar Association, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, and the Florida Bar. Mr. Kraus has also served as a mediator with...

Stacy Stefanik’s main focus is workers’ compensation, both administratively and in litigation. She also has extensive experience handling Social Security disability claims and unemployment matters. She has represented clients at the administrative level, in court and on appeal and has tried cases in Common Pleas court, argued before the Court of Appeals, and briefed cases in the Court of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court.

Stacy graduated from Calvin College in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in Japanese. She received her Juris Doctorate from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and was admitted to practice law...

Experience Magistrate, Lake County Domestic Relations Court March 1992 - December 31, 2002 Magistrate, Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court July 1997 - December 1998 Acting Judge, Painesville Municipal Court March 2008 - continuing Education Bachelor of Business Administration, Kent State University, 1983 Juris Doctor, Cleveland Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University, 1989 Admitted to practice before the Courts of the State of Ohio, the Federal District Court and the United States Supreme Court. Professional Organizations Lake County Bar Association Ohio State Bar Association Ohio Womenâs Bar Association Family Law Committee, Lake County Bar Association Ohio Association of Domestic Relations Judges (former member) Ohio Association...

DENNIS J. IBOLD is one of the co-founders of the law firm of Ibold & O'Brien established in 1980 and formerly Petersen & Ibold. The general practice of Mr. Ibold includes an emphasis in family law, real estate, business law and personal injury. Super Lawyers Magazine, the leading attorney rating system for consumers named Dennis J. Ibold for eighteen consecutive years, 2006 through 2023, as an "Ohio Super Lawyer". "Super Lawyers" are selected from the top 5% of Ohio attorneys. The selection process includes a state wide survey of lawyers; evaluation based on twelve indicators of peer recognition and professional...

Attorney Scott Kuboff is a partner at Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA, where he focuses his litigation practice on personal injury, medical negligence, and wrongful death. Scott attended the University of Toledo where he earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration and graduated cum laude and with College Honors. Scott then attended Cleveland State University College of Law where he was the President of the Student Bar Association and active in Moot Court. Following his graduation, Scott immediately began his practice with a prominent Cleveland criminal defense firm where he gained extensive courtroom and trial experience. In 2013, Scott transitioned his practice to...

Makridis Law Firm brings over 40 years of legal experience to Criminal, Personal Injury, Bankruptcy, Employment, Workers' Compensation, Social Security Disability, Estate Planning, and Domestic cases. Schedule your free consultation today by calling (330) 394-1587.

For more than fifteen years, Kristina has protected and counseled clients during the most difficult periods in their lives. She has developed a sophisticated federal and state practice with a particular focus on internet-based crimes. Her experience is regularly enlisted for complex cases involving allegations of sexual assault, and she has worked on national defense teams representing students and executives facing prosecution in the United States and abroad. Kristina is also extremely adept at working with families and defending juveniles facing prosecution, particularly when the child has a physical or mental disability.

Kristina has achieved great success protecting students and...

Susan’s life work is to help students in crisis and to meet their legal needs. She handles matter ranging from special education issues, student disciplinary matters and Title IX investigations. Susan has the knowledge and experience required to navigate due process complaints and shaping of 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs. She also handles student matters involving hazing, bullying and social media.

Susan has gained a national reputation for representing student and professors in Title IX cases. She is routinely hired as a student advisor for the campus investigation and hearing phase of proceedings and also subsequent university...

JOEL A HOLT, Esq./CIPP-US, is an experienced attorney concentrating his practice in the areas of business law, civil litigation, real estate law, probate and estate planning, and cybersecurity and privacy. Attorney Holt serves as outside general counsel for small and midsize businesses, bringing experience and professionalism at an affordable rate. Attorney Holt is a certified privacy professional, holding a CIPP-US certification from the International Association of Privacy Professionals. He has a broad legal background, including appellate advocacy, corporate formation and governance, securities, and transactional law. Mr. Holt is also a proficient civil litigator, with 16 years' experience in Ohio...

I am a trial attorney in Cleveland, Ohio. I primarily focus on real estate litigation and business litigation. I have experience with contract dispute resolution for companies large and small, and I have represented both landlords and tenants in housing matters. I have litigated cases at the trial court and appellate court levels on the State of Ohio, as well as both the Northern and Southern District Courts of Ohio and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. I have successfully moved to deny certiori before the Supreme Court of Ohio. I am focused on dispute resolution and resolving client matters as quickly...

Neil is an AV rated Super Lawyer and Board Certified Employment law Specialist. He is a passionate, resourceful and tireless advocate who has represented individuals and companies in employment and business disputes for over 30 years.

Neil began his legal practice at Squire, Sanders & Dempsey in Cleveland in 1986. He practiced employment law with his own firm from 1993 until 2016, when he joined Elfvin, Klingshirn, Royer & Torch, LLC.

Neil's knowledge and experience work for his clients. "I grew up on a Lake Erie winery. There I learned hard work and the values I use today. I...

Eric Valente, JD, MBA, is an attorney and founding member of Valente Law, LLC. He studied business administrations and earned his MBA while attending law school at the University of Toledo. Eric began his career doing business litigation at J.W. Krueger & Associates, LLC, where he still maintains an office. Eric has always had a creative, entrepreneurial spirit, and estate planning and business counseling provides him with the opportunity to engage these interests while helping clients achieve their goals. Eric's focus areas are estate planning (Wills, Trusts, Healthcare Planning), Probate Administration and Business Law. Eric is a...

I always knew I wanted to do something in consumer protection. I started my first career out of graduate school as a policy analyst in the Office Of Public Safety for The Mayor of The City Of Los Angeles. I helped increase the quality of life of 12 million Angelenos and did not know any of them. So, I decided to move back to Cleveland to help the people I grew up with, saw on a daily basis, shared interests and cares with, and came to know and call friend.

II went to law school to do just...

Often, people feel like they need a little extra help, an extra hand to hold during their tough battles in life. That can be especially true when you're dealing with family issues or trying to stay in the country against all odds. That's why I take my responsibilities seriously. Because it's not just a job, its someone's life. And I'm glad I get to hold your hand and win our fight together. I'm licensed to practice law in the state of Ohio. I graduated with honors in both Law and Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. I handle cases...

Ian Friedman is a partner at the law firm of Friedman & Nemecek, L.L.C., based in Cleveland, Ohio. He has earned a fierce reputation for successfully defending individuals and organizations in complex criminal and white collar matters. He is a frequent author and lecturer on matters related to criminal justice. He represents individuals and entities across the United States and has served as counsel in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Ian is the current President of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, and past-President of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He was the first lawyer to...

Nick Weiss opened his practice after years of civil litigation and in-house counsel experience. A transplant from Maine, he now represents families, individuals, and businesses, throughout northeast Ohio. He is proud to have been AV Preeminent rated by Martindale Hubbell every year since 2020 and is an Ohio Rising Star on Superlawyers.