Northwood Lawyers

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...

Vania Stefanova is the head of the Immigration Litigation Division at Herman Legal Group, providing services in removal/deportation defense and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals. An immigrant from Bulgaria, Vania has over 20 years of experience in immigration law. Throughout her successful career, she has handled matters in all areas of immigration law. From family-based immigration such as relative and fiancé petitions – to business/employment and investment immigration (e.g. E, L, R visas, EB1/2 immigrant petitions) – to naturalization, Vania works tirelessly to give our clients the best advice and outcomes possible.

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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

Neal E. Shapero is the managing shareholder of the law firm of Shapero | Roloff Co., L.P.A. and has over 30 years of experience representing injured persons and their families throughout Ohio and across the country. Neal is an experienced litigator and has conducted numerous trials with a high rate of success. His reputation and experience have led to frequent requests by colleagues, throughout the country, to serve as co-counsel in complex and sophisticated matters such as medical malpractice, nursing home abuse and neglect, railroad injury cases, products liability, wrongful death, civil rights violations and commercial litigation. ...

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

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...

Icove Legal Group Ltd. Is a public interest law firm which handles cases primarily in the areas of social security disability law, consumer law, civil rights law, ADA and housing discrimination law. We do not charge for consultation and many cases can be handled on a contingency fee basis.

Jessica Doogan is an Associate in the Labor and Employment practice area concentrating primarily on Wage and Hour/Overtime violations under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable Ohio law, Employment Law, and violations of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Jason Cox is an Associate Attorney in the Litigation Department, concentrating his practice in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability and premises liability. Mr. Cox also practices employment law, primarily focusing on Wage and Hour/Overtime violations under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable Ohio laws.

Mr. Cox is an Ohio native and attended law school in Columbus, Ohio. While in law school, Mr. Cox worked full time as a law clerk for Barkan Meizlish in their Litigation Department, as well as the Social Security and Workers’ Compensation departments.

Mr. Cox graduated from The Ohio State University...

After being admitted to the bar in 1989, Patrick DiChiro began his practice primarily in the areas of Criminal Defense, Domestic Relations, Civil Litigation, and Probate Law where he has obtained favorable verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients. Over the years, Patrick DiChiro has expanded services to his private practice, and is recognized as a reputable Trial Lawyer.

As a Trial Lawyer, Patrick DiChiro has used his extensive experience to establish favorable outcomes within the Trial Court and throughout various Appellate Courts, on behalf of clients and other attorneys in need of assistance with their complex cases.

Patrick...

I am a civil litigation attorney focusing in the defense of contractors, architects, engineers and other business professionals, as well as insurance carriers in coverage disputes and individual defendants in automobile accident cases. I also represent plaintiffs in personal injury cases, provided there is no conflict, and do some transactional and legal drafting work. Prior to my current position, I was a judicial staff attorney for Judge Michael Jackson in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. Before that position, for over nine years, I owned and managed a solo practice. At that time, I focused my practice in...

I am Brian Spitz, the founder and managing attorney at Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm. My journey in law began after graduating with honors from Case Western Reserve University in 1997. Following my graduation, I honed my skills in trial and litigation at some of Cleveland's most respected law firms. My dedication to advocating for my clients led me to establish The Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm in 2007, where I currently serve as the Managing Attorney. My academic credentials include a law degree from Case Western Reserve University Law School in Cleveland, Ohio, where I graduated with honors in 1997....

Daniel S. Dubow's educational journey culminated in 2016 when he earned his Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, following his undergraduate studies at the same institution, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in 2013. During his time as a law student, Danny demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and social justice. He gained valuable experience by interning at the Franklin County Public Defender's office and participating in a Criminal Defense Clinic, both of which allowed him to assist those in need of legal representation. In addition to his focus on criminal law, Danny expanded his...

Robert is is passionate about helping his clients. He is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, the Parma Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Justinian Forum.

If you are in need of skilled and experienced attorneys to assist you with Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury / Serious Accidents, Probate and Wills, or Social Security Disability, we invite you to call us for a free consultation and discuss how we can help you. When you call, you will deal directly with us. WE are dedicated to solving your legal problems and PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS!”

I have provided problem solving and comprehensive planning to individuals and businesses for twenty-two years. My representation and advice have helped a broad and diverse group of companies, executives, and entrepreneurs across a wide range of representative matters. From start-ups and financing to business sales and acquisitions or assisting with day-to-day legal needs, I have aided numerous clients and family-owned businesses. I take a vested interest in my clients’ success, and as outside general counsel I advocate for and advise them on the myriad of issues encountered in structuring, negotiating, and documenting both complex and common corporate and commercial transactions....

Bridget tirelessly advocates for her clients, ensuring that the law is accessible to them. Hailing from Hudson, Ohio, she focuses her practice in the areas of family law, real estate, and employment law. She has a passion for juvenile custody disputes and regularly litigates cases in juvenile court. When she isn't litigating, she spends her time with her golden retrievers, Finn and Stella.

Dan Williams represents clients in criminal matters, including juvenile, adult misdemeanor and felony, DUI/OVI defense, and expungements. He was admitted to the Ohio bar in 2012. He represents clients throughout NE Ohio including Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties. After working tirelessly for the past three years advocating for the rights of indigent criminal defendants throughout Lake County, Dan joined Dworken & Bernstein. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Miami University, Dan moved to Chicago where he worked as an Account Executive for a nationwide mortgage lending company. But his pride in his hometown never wavered, and he returned to Cleveland...

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...

I am a civil litigation attorney from Northeast Ohio practicing all over the state and into other states. I practice in all facets of civil litigation, with a heavy emphasis in construction law.

I also act as a private mediator and am adept at solving all types of civil disputes.

I have maintained an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 2019 indicating the highest level of legal ability and ethical standards.

Kim Alabasi is fluent in Spanish and brings valuable experience as a licensed independent social worker and teacher in Mexico to her immigration law practice. She has practiced in the area of Immigration since 2004. 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. After obtaining her master’s degree in social work from Case Western University, Kim worked for 7 years as bilingual clinical social worker with the...

Attorney Tim Steinhelfer is a graduate of Tulane University and the Chicago-Kent College of Law. He is an award winning writer whose extensive pretrial litigation skills make The Steinhelfer Firm especially well equipped to handle high-asset divorces and other forms of complex civil litigation. His years of experience as a court appointed guardian ad litem for children give him the insight to handle any child custody dispute by putting the children first. Attorney Tim Steinhelfer also has a robust appellate practice. He has argued before the Supreme Court of Ohio and is licensed in federal court. ...

Described by his clients as a natural-born problem-solver, Attorney Matthew A. Mishak is the best choice for helping you through your legal issues in Lorain County.

After graduating summa cum laude, in the top ten percent of his class from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 2006, Attorney Mishak served as an assistant Lorain County Prosecutor (LCPO) (Dennis P. Will) for six years before becoming the Chief Prosecutor for the City of Elyria.

Former Prosecutor
As an Assistant County Prosecutor, Attorney Mishak represented various County entities, including the Lorain County Commissioners, Lorain County Job and Family Services (LCJFS), the Lorain County Health Department,...

"The practice of law gives me an opportunity to get to know and help all types of people. The work never becomes dull because different challenges await me with each case." Attorney David P. Miraldi chose the legal profession based on the example of his father, Ray L. Miraldi, a well-known and respected trial attorney in Lorain County for many years. David graduated from The College of Wooster where he graduated with honors and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society. In 1978, he graduated summa cum laude from the Ohio State University College of Law where he published several...

George N. Wukovich is an attorney licensed to practice before all Federal and State courts and agencies exercising jurisdiction within the State of Ohio. Since 1985, Attorney Wukovich has been in private practice as a small firm litigation associate (1985-1997) and as a sole practitioner (1997-present). He successfully represents the interests of individuals, families and small businesses. Attorney Wukovich is also presently active in several professional or legal organizations and other unique special interest groups.

“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” – M. Gandhi

I was 23, uninsured, and injured on my stagehand job. To fight for getting my hospital bills paid, I hired a lawyer. He inspired me, and for the next seven years, I worked and saved for law school.

When I graduated, a big law firm hired me to fight for businesses in court. But I wanted to fight for employees, and eight years later, I opened my own firm and became a small business owner myself. I learned, however, that lawsuits rarely have real “winners.” Real...

John maintains the preeminent Martindale Hubble AV ratings. His practice also includes Probate, Real Estate, Business and Personal Injury.

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...

Rick is an attorney in Middleburg Heights, Ohio who works mainly in Family Law (Divorce, Support, Custody, etc.). In additional to representing litigants in divorce, custody, and support matters, he also acts as a Guardian ad Litem and represents the rights of children. His practice also includes work in Probate (Wills, Trusts, Estates, etc.), Criminal, and Appellate Advocacy, and provides services throughout Cuyahoga, Lorain, and Medina counties. He graduated from Ohio Northern University with his Bachelors of Science Degree in 2003 and went on to receive his law degree from Ohio Northern University in 2006. ...

As the founding attorney of Erb Legal LLC, Thomas L. Erb, Jr. has dedicated his practice to representing Medina residents and their families in a variety of cases under Ohio law, including family law, juvenile law, estate planning, and personal injury cases. Attorney Erb graduated from Case Western Reserve Law School in 2012 and was admitted to the State Bar of Ohio shortly after. Today, Tom’s practice covers clients from Medina and Wayne Counties. You trust Attorney Erb to protect you and your family’s legal interests in cases like divorce, parentage, child custody, adoption, juvenile law, estate planning, probate, and personal injury...

Before launching his own practice, Brian served as an Assistant Public Defender in Portage County, Ohio. While there, Brian made a name for himself by putting his own freedom at risk in order to defend his client's rights. When ordered by a rogue judge to proceed to trial after a mere two hours assigned to the case, Brian declined to begin the trial because he did not want to sacrifice the client's right to effective assistance of counsel and a fair trial. Brian was immediately arrested for refusing the judge's illegal orders. The case garnered national attention. The National Association...

Subodh (rhymes with “abode”) Chandra (rhymes with “tundra”) is the founding and managing partner of The Chandra Law Firm LLC. Chandra’s practice focuses on high-profile civil and appellate litigation, including civil-rights, employment, and business litigation; and on internal investigations and white-collar-criminal law, in both federal and state courts. The litigation that Chandra handles often has a crisis-communications, public-policy dimension.

Before founding the firm, Chandra served as Director of Law of the City of Cleveland, a billion-dollar corporation. Chandra led the work of an 82-lawyer department with both criminal and civil divisions. He also sometimes served as the City’s acting...

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...

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...