Defiance Business Lawyers

Representing clients throughout Ohio since 1994. Practice limited to domestic law (custody/divorce/dissolution), criminal law, business transactions and litigation.

Geoffrey Kunkler joined Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP in 2014 and has been a Partner since 2018. His practice is centered around estate planning for individuals and business owners, as well as asset protection planning for retirees. He focuses primarily on the areas of estate planning, elder protection, estate administration, charitable and philanthropic planning and special needs planning. He also has extensive experience in conducting educational seminars on legal topics related to his expertise. Professional Accolades Education Geoff received his bachelor’s degree (B.A.) and master’s degree (M.A.) from Case Western Reserve University and his law degree (J.D.) from The Ohio State University...

Gary is the Founder and Principal Attorney at New Ridge Law, where they understand that navigating the legal landscape can be daunting for small businesses—but it doesn’t have to be. The mission at New Ridge is to simplify the complexities, providing clear, affordable, and practical guidance so you can focus on what you do best: growing your business and serving your clients. From business formation and contracts to compliance and dispute resolution, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you have a trusted partner by your side.

Matt grew up the son of small business owners in Findlay and has had a passion for helping other entrepreneurs ever since. He spent many long days as a boy trying to sell paint and wallpaper to customers in his parents' store with his mother and many longer summer days painting houses with his father. He understands firsthand the challenges of starting a small business and keeping it up and running. He attended Ohio Northern University where he attained his undergraduate degrees in History and Political Science. After graduation, Matt traveled south down I-75 for law school at the University of...

Whether in need of an assertive criminal defense attorney or a strong family law mediator, my Ohio clients have been turning to Paris K. Ellis, Attorney at Law since 1983. Armed with more than 30 years of experience, my priority is to protect your immediate interests and future opportunities. I have also earned a BV® Distinguished Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell® for my professionalism and ethics.

I attended Miami University to obtain my Bachelor's in Accounting. I then furthered my education by attending North Kentucky University, Salmon P. Chase, College of Law.

Criminal defense is a particular strength and a big part...

Russ McLaughlin has been engaged in the practice of law in the Lorain County and Cuyahoga County Ohio areas since 1974. In addition to the general practice of law, he has served as Special Counsel to two Ohio attorneys general, assistant prosecutor in the Lorain Municipal Court, Magistrate for the Lorain Municipal Court, acting judge in the Avon Lake and Lorain Municipal Courts, Law Director for the City of Avon, Special Counsel for the cities of Avon and Elyria, and counsel to the Avon Charter Review Committee. He has been an instructor of real estate and business law...

After growing up in the Pittsburgh area, I attended Penn State, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. I then attended Capital University Law School and worked with William J. Clark & Associates for 10 years. Since that time, I have practiced as a sole practitioner, currently located in Gahanna.

Member of the Columbus Bar Association and American Bar Association.

Admitted to the bars of Pennsylvania (1984) and Ohio (1985)

Participate in the Columbus Legal Aid Society's Pro Bono Bankruptcy program.

FORMER LORAIN COUNTY JUVENILE/DOMESTIC RELATIONS COURT MAGISTRATE 20 YEARS FAMILY LAW EXPERIENCE

I started law school while a Member of Technical Staff at Bell Laboratories. An engineering education and background did not help with law school, but I find that many engineering principles, diligent analysis, and problem-solving thinking help with actual law practice.

Stefanie has a broad legal background with two decades of experience in leadership, labor and employment, governance, regulatory affairs, litigation, education, contract management and compliance. She has a combination of corporate and public sector experience working with a variety of business organizations. Stefanie possesses strong verbal and written skills, combined with excellent collaboration abilities with the highest integrity and dedicated work ethic. Prior to joining the firm Stefanie was a Senior Attorney in the City Attorney's office in Columbus focused on labor and employment matters. She was the Secretary, General Counsel & Director of Corporate Health and Safety for MPW...

Lawyer whose practice since 1984 has focused on insurance-related issues and disputes, particularly the representation of insurance carriers in coverage and bad faith litigation. Also have served as outside counsel to the Ohio Superintendent of Insurance in connection with the liquidation of a failed insurance company. Practice also extends to non-insurance commercial litigation, general business disputes, and bankruptcy matters. Awarded the professional insurance designation Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) by the American Institute for CPCU. AV Peer Review Rated for ethical standards and legal ability by Martindale-Hubbell. Listed in A.M. Best's Recommended Insurance Attorneys.

I have represented companies for several years as in-house counsel. Now I am ready to represent you whether you have an issue with your business or an important family issue. I am also qualified as a divorce and family law mediator and as a parenting coordinator.

As a personal injury lawyer with over 30 years experience in Cincinnati, I am very proud of the "AV" review I’ve received from the legal publishing company, Martindale Hubbell. This company rates an attorney based upon information received from other attorneys they’ve surveyed. I’ve received the highest level of excellence in my professional as well as my ethical standards. A requirement of the Ohio Supreme Court states that every attorney participate in 30 hours of lecture every 2 years. These lectures pertain to professionalism, ethics and personal injury law. On several occasions, I have been asked to...

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Licensed in Ohio and Kentucky.

Todd Petersen has a lifetime of involvement in Northeast Ohio. His experiences as a resident, business owner and, for 20 years, attorney at law, provide him the firsthand knowledge and the perspective necessary to counsel individuals and small businesses throughout the region.

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...