Westlake Business Lawyers

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...

Brenden Kelley, a seasoned litigator and dedicated attorney, is committed to delivering the highest caliber of legal representation to his clients, marked by honesty and affordability. Behind his boyish grin lies a remarkable journey that has shaped him into the lawyer he is today. Brenden’s legal lineage runs deep. Born into a family of legal professionals, he was groomed from a young age to follow in his parents’ footsteps. His father, Michael V. Kelley, was a distinguished trial lawyer known for championing the rights of Ohio Steelworkers. His mother, Lynn Arko Kelley, served as a former Cleveland Heights Municipal Court Judge...

As the first member of my immigrant family to go to law school or even college, I chose to come to Cleveland from Brooklyn, New York because Cleveland has always been a diverse city of hard-working folks from all backgrounds. My father and my grandfather both knew what it meant to have their freedom and even their lives threatened by the Nazis in Germany and I have devoted my career to representing the " little guy," the working man or woman, the injured and the disabled against government, big business and corporations. My goal has always been to be the...

Jarman is an attorney in Cleveland, Ohio practicing in the areas of Cybersecurity & Data Privacy, Corporate Transactions, and Intellectual Property. Jarman has extensive research experience in several other areas of the law as well, and provides support on trademark litigation matters.

Kamal H. Dari is an attorney from Ann Arbor, Michigan. He currently serves as Of-Counsel to Herman Legal Group in Dearborn, Michigan. In addition, Kamal maintains his own practice (Dari Law, PLLC) in Ann Arbor. His areas of practice are Immigration and Business Law. Kamal received his JD, cum laude, from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, and a bachelor’s degree in sport management (BA) from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor. He is fluent in English and Arabic.

I began practicing law in 2002. I spent over 13 years with the Cleveland firm of Gallagher Sharp, primarily as a litigator, before venturing on my own and then landing at The Gertsburg Law Firm in 2017 before choosing to restart my own practice in 2020. Before becoming an attorney, I worked as a financial manager for a small business after earning his MBA. My experience allows me to understands the challenges facing small business owners, allowing me to advise, as well as provide valuable legal information. With over 20 years’ experience in the business and legal worlds, I strive...

I have a wide variety of experience coming from my practice in many different areas of law . I have done everything from drafting deeds for my clients to representing them in adoption cases and working with them while they purchased their first homes. I have handled many cases of many different types over the years some of the very unusual to the common. They were all as important to me as they are important to you. I have had wide experience representing single individuals , married couples, retirees, students, and a large variety of small businesses, restaurants, salons,...

My personal experience as the primary caregiver for my mother, who suffers from dementia, taught me the critical importance of estate planning and elder law. This journey prompted a significant shift in my legal practice, which had previously centered on different transactional law areas. Experiencing the consequences of being unprepared for life's uncertainties firsthand, I am now passionately committed to assisting individuals, families, and businesses with strategic planning. My unwavering dedication to serving my family, clients, and community ensures that their well-being remains my top priority. Contact Rhodium Law today for a free consultation. We provide bespoke legal solutions to...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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.

Ryan is a partner in the firm Lowe Eklund Wakefield & Mulvihill Co. LPA. He has been a trial attorney for 21 years limiting his practice to plaintiff personal injury litigation. He has tried cases throughout Ohio in both state and federal courts and has successfully argued before the Ohio Supreme Court. Mr. Fisher has obtained millions of dollars in compensation for victims injured or killed in automobile, truck and motorcycle accidents, as well as in medical negligence, product liability and premises liability cases. Ryan was born and raised in Greater Cleveland, having graduated from the Cleveland Marshall College of Law...

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...

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

Jonathan T. Hyman is a partner and litigation attorney at Kohrman Jackson & Krantz P.L.L. in Cleveland, Ohio. Jon concentrates his practice in the representation of businesses in employment and labor disputes and counseling companies on various employment issues. He has written and lectured extensively on myriad employment law issues, including the FMLA, sexual harassment, discrimination, wage and hour issues, and background checks. Jon has been regularly interviewed and quoted by the local and national media on employment matters, including the National Law Journal, Business Insurance Magazine, Crain’s Cleveland Business, Inside Counsel, and Lawyer’s USA. He is also a member...

CostarasLaw.com I am Attorney Nicholas Costaras, your partner in securing your family's financial future and protecting your assets. With over 11 years of expertise in estate planning, business contracts, and real estate law, I am deeply committed to helping families like yours achieve peace of mind and financial security. Specializations for Family Security: Comprehensive Estate Planning: Family is everything, and planning for your family's future is my top priority. I specialize in crafting detailed estate plans, including wills and trusts, ensuring that your legacy is preserved and your family is well cared for in the years to come. Family-Centric Business Contracts: Whether you own a...

Robert has been a practicing Attorney at Law since 1983 in Lorain, Ohio. Robert has zealously and vigorously represented his clients in his many years of practice.

Robert attended Lorain Catholic High School, graduating in 1977. He attended the University of Toledo for his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a Major in Human Resources Management, graduating in 1980. He attained his Juris Doctor degree from Ohio Northern University, Claude W. Pettit College of Law in 1982.

From 2000-2005 Robert was Legal Council for the Lorain Port Authority providing legal assistance and services to the Executive Director, Board and...

Joe received his Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1982 after graduating from Bowling Green State University. While attending law school he served as managing editor of the Cleveland State Law Review and was selected for inclusion in Who's Who Among American Law Students. Joe was honored with inclusion in Who's Who in American Law for the Millennium Edition and is a member of the Ohio Association for Justice, American Association for Justice, Cleveland Academy of Trial Attorneys, the Ohio Employment Lawyers Association, and the Ohio State Bar Association. Mr. Condeni concentrates his practice in the area...

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.

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...

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...

As a property tax attorney, Robert (“Kip”) has extensive experience in the area of property tax litigation, and related matters. For nearly 25 years, he has handled property tax matters in all 88 Ohio counties and in various jurisdictions throughout the country. In addition, Kip has represented clients in civil, business and family law disputes inclusive of litigating cases and arguing appeals in the Courts of Common Pleas, Appellate District Courts, Federal District Courts and the Supreme Court of Ohio. Recently, Kip successfully argued and established legal precedent in favor of Ohio taxpayers in Groveport Madison Local Schools Bd. of...

Alex has represented private and publicly- traded companies and non-profit organizations of all sizes, as well as their owners, in litigation along the entire spectrum of business disputes: commercial and contract, real estate, shareholder and partnership, broker-dealer, employment, unfair competition, and many others.

Martin Bielat LLC was founded on the idea of providing valuable legal solutions for environmental and real estate issues. The firm, started in 2019 by Martin Bielat, Esq., focuses on two key areas of law – environmental and real estate – but also takes clients in a wide variety of other practice areas like collections, business management, and estate planning.

Nestled in the innovative Cleveland-Marshall Solo Practice Incubator near Playhouse Square, Martin Bielat LLC prides itself on working conjunctively with its clients in order to illuminate the best solution. The firm recognizes that all cases are unique and that sometimes arriving...

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,...

Attorney Jeffery S. Brown served his country in the United States Marine Corp after graduating high school. In 1997 he graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. In 2001, he graduated from the Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan with his Juris Doctor. He is a member of the Lorain County Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association.

Hugh Berkson who is rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell®, obtained a business degree in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin in 1989, and is a 1994 graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Barristers and received both the American Jurisprudence Award, (National Mock Trial) in 1993 and the Jonathan M. Ault Mock Trial Prize for 1993-1994. Hugh later served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the CWRU School of Law, where he taught trial practice from 1995-2004.

I have been in the practice of law for over two decades and have clients all over the United States and some overseas. I have years of jury trial experience against all kinds of opposing parties from multi-billion dollar corporations to the local county prosecutor's office. I am a member of the prestigious million dollar advocates forum which less than 1% of all trial lawyers are members of, and I have prevailed in litigation against companies such as big three auto manufacturers, steel makers, nuclear materials providers, and won cases against corporate giants like Kellog Brown and Root (KBR)and Halliburton....

Rachel is a Cleveland native who holds a B.A. from Miami University, M.S. from Syracuse University, and J.D. from Cleveland State University. She has over a decade of experience in various aspects of real estate law and litigation. She has successfully represented the interests of clients before Boards of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commissions, and City Councils; represented mortgage and other lien holders in foreclosure litigation; and represented clients in contractor, construction defect litigation and other property-related disputes. She also has extensive experience guiding nonprofits and small business in matters of corporate governance, compliance and administration. Rachel and her...