Piedmont Lawyers

Bob DeRose is the Managing Partner and practices in the Complex Litigation Division of Barkan Meizlish DeRose Wentz McInerney Peifer, LLP and handles wage & hour/overtime issues, consumer protection issues, election/political issues and union side labor matters. Mr. DeRose is a native of Western Pennsylvania and a 1988 graduate of Washington and Jefferson College with a degree in Economics. He is a 1991 graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law, where he was active in workers’ rights issues. Mr. DeRose is the former president of the Workers Injury Law and Advocacy Group (WILG), a national...

Attorney Shannon G. Thatcher is licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio and the Northern District Court of Ohio. Her practice focuses on family and domestic law and estate planning. She is a member the Ohio State Bar Association, the Richland Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Attorney Thatcher is based out of Mansfield, Ohio.

Egan is a licensed personal injury lawyer and principle personal injury attorney at Elk & Elk in Washington. He also actively practices in Ohio. Egan focuses his practice on pursuing personal injury claims caused by medical negligence, nursing home neglect and motor vehicle accidents.

Attorney Svetlana Kats is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association with more then 12 years of progressive experience in Immigration Law practices.
We Provide Every Immigration Legal Service Including: Fiance Visas, Green Cards Based on Marriage, Employment-Based Green Cards, Work Visas, Investor’s Visas, Citizenship, Family-Based Immigration, Deportation Defense.

Ben Cooper helps people use the law to deal with life-changing harms. His practice focuses on wrongful death, civil rights, medical malpractice, legal malpractice, and business cases.

Ben is known as a thorough, well-prepared trial lawyer who aggressively and ethically pursues his clients' cases. He is also a skilled appellate advocate. Ben strongly believes in holding powerful companies, people, and governments accountable, and he works hard to help his clients find meaning through their cases.

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.

John Marshall received his B.A., Denison University; J.D., The Ohio State University College of Law. Since he began his practice in 1983, Mr. Marshall has devoted his career to representing individuals in employment and civil rights litigation, including discrimination, retaliation, wrongful discharge, sexual harassment, and employment contracts. He has also litigated police misconduct and First Amendment cases.

I represent individual and entities who are either under investigation, or being prosecuted, for criminal offenses. I handle a wide range of cases in both federal and state courts. I have jury trial experience in federal and state courts and have also argued appellate matters.

In 1971, Mr. Malek entered into private practice and opened his own law firm in Columbus, Ohio. The Law Firm of Malek & Malek emphasizes representation of those people tragically injured in workers' compensation accidents, automobile collisions, dog bite and other serious injury events. For nearly 40 years, he has provided expert legal services to the community, representing many fine people and citizens of greater Columbus and surrounding counties.

Columbus, Ohio Criminal Defense attorney Joe Edwards works vigilantly to defend and produce the best legal outcome for his clients. Prior to starting his criminal defense law practice, Attorney Edwards has experience as Assistant Attorney General in the federal litigation section, as well as experience as an Assistant Prosecutor for the Franklin County Prosecutor’s office where he prosecuted a variety of crimes in Franklin County, Ohio. He has experience on both sides of of the courtroom, providing Joe a unique insight in his ability to handle your case.

I believe deeply in the promise of America as a nation of immigrants. Throughout our history, immigrants and refugees from all corners of the world have come to the United States, determined to improve their lives through hard work. In the process, they have made this country a h2 and great nation. We must continue to attract the best and brightest from across the globe for our nation to flourish. Our firm, Hammond Law Group, is dedicated to continuing that dream by diligently representing immigrants and temporary workers from across the globe. In addition to my work at...

While many attorneys will state that they practice law throughout the State of Ohio, Attorney Hux is likely part of a much smaller amount of attorneys who have actually lived in the Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland areas. This means that Attorney Hux actually knows the people of Southwestern Ohio, Central Ohio, and Northeast Ohio, in addition to the unique challenges each region brings.

Attorney Hux’s desire to help those in need has always been a cornerstone of his identity. That desire to help people, coupled with an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life, has led...

Jeffrey D. Fish has been providing legal services in Central Ohio since 1991. He is certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a specialist in Family Relations Law. His practice areas include family law (including adoption, child support, collaborative divorce, custody, dissolution, divorce, prenuptial agreements and visitation) as well as probate matters, and real estate law. He is a Past-President and current board member of the Central Ohio Academy of Collaborative Divorce Professionals, Inc. He has also had advanced training in interdisciplinary collaborative divorce.

Jeffrey D. Fish promotes collaborative divorce as a better way to terminate a marriage....

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.

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

Ryan Shafer is a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney who defends the rights of those facing criminal charges in Central Ohio. Shafer is an attorney at Joslyn Law Firm in Dayton, Ohio. There he handles a variety of cases, including DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes and white collar offenses. Shafer studied business and minored in political science at the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated Cum Laude in 2002. He earned his Juris Doctor at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 2006 and became licensed to practice law in Ohio the following year. Shafer began his...

As an Ohio Employment Attorney, Kyle focuses his practice in a wide range of areas. Kyle has assisted dozens of clients in wrongful termination, workplace discrimination (based on race, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, military veterans, or pregnancy), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), hostile work environment, sexual harassment, retaliation, unpaid overtime and minimum wage, non-solicitation, severance negotiations, and many more cases. Kyle represents clients in jury trials, arbitrations, unemployment hearings, disciplinary hearings, mediations, and hearings in front of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you are looking for a Columbus...

Laura M. Nesbitt is an experienced attorney focusing her practice on all aspects of her client's financial matters. These services range from budget analysis and counseling, debt negotiation and settlement, foreclosure defense litigation, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy representation, credit correction following debt resolution, and estate planning. Laura Nesbitt and her firm, The Nesbitt Law Firm are unique in that the advice and expertise focus on the overall needs of the client, long term, rather than a limited, short term solution.

Attorney Christopher Junga has always had a passion for public service. Between private practice and his work with various Public Defender Offices in Ohio, he brings over 23 years of criminal defense experience to Luftman, Heck & Associates. With his wealth of legal knowledge and nearly 100 jury trials across the state, Chris is a resource for clients and a zealous advocate for those facing life-changing circumstances.

Scott focuses on Wage & Hour litigation, ERISA claims, personal injury, and medical malpractice. His pragmatic, attentive, and aggressive approach to all cases has helped build his successful reputation, being selected to the Rising Stars list 2012-2017 and Super Lawyers 2019-2022. Scott was awarded the Best Lawyer Award in 2023. Scott is a lifelong Clevelander who loves this city and treasures his ability to represent people across the Greater Cleveland Area. His mother’s parents were Holocaust survivors and his parents instilled in him the value and need to fight for the little guy. He does this every day in his work....

Mike’s legal practice is focused on representing investors and developers in a wide range of real estate matters, including acquisitions, developments, sales and leasing, litigation, and opportunity zone consulting. Mike has experience representing clients on residential and commercial transactions, with a focus on representing clients in the acquisition of multi-family apartment properties. Mike has also advised clients on more than $500M of opportunity zone related projects.

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...

Adam Lee Nemann grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and moved to Ohio to pursue his education. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, with an enthusiasm for law and public speaking, he attended Capital University Law School. It was during law school that Nemann thrust himself into the world of trial advocacy. By day, he worked in a prominent criminal defense firm preparing to defend the accused, by night, he attended law school and volunteered for mock trial and trial advocacy clinics. Nemann obtained a limited license to practice law while an intern, representing his own...

Monty L. Donohew concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning and elderlaw: aging in place planning, wills, trusts, probate, succession planning, real estate, and wealth advisory law. Monty has been admitted to practice in Ohio, Illinois and Missouri, and currently practices in Ohio and Missouri. Monty is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, and before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. He is a member of several local and state bar associations.

Zachuary Meranda is a dedicated criminal defense lawyer practicing in the Columbus, Ohio area. Attorney Meranda graduated cum laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and was admitted to the Ohio State Bar in 2008, as well as the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio in 2009. Today, he pursues his passion of defending individuals who have been wrongfully accused of all types of crimes. Attorney Meranda began his career as a public defender with the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office. He came to realize that he was the last line of defense for many, which cultivated his...

Attorney Rachel Lynn Smick is a family law litigator, as well as an experienced trial lawyer in matters of personal injury, probate law, and real estate matters.

Rachel first joined the prior named firm of Joseph A. Kacyon & Associates in 2015. Now, at Hoover Kacyon, LLC, Rachel focuses extensively on Domestic Relations matters. In this role, Rachel counsels clients through high asset divorce cases, complex domestic custody and visitation matters, out-of-state and foreign custody disputes, and has successfully both brought and defended contempt actions. Rachel has handled high asset divorce cases, high conflict custody and visitation matters, and post-decree matters...

Chris Crull was born and raised in Indiana. After graduating from high school, Chris enlisted and served in the US Navy from 1986 – 1990, achieving the rank of E-5.

After the Navy, Chris attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy. From there, Chris attended Kent State University and earned a Master’s Degree in philosophy.

After earning his Master’s Degree, Chris spent several years teaching introductory philosophy classes at Kent State University and at the University of Connecticut. During those years, he also worked as a cabinet...

Greetings! I'm Troy, a seasoned attorney with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional legal guidance and support. Currently, I serve as a practicing attorney at Northwest Law and hold the position of Regional Counsel for Northwest Title Family of Companies. Professional Background: I wear two hats in the legal realm. As a practicing attorney with Northwest Law and Regional Counsel for Northwest Title Family of Companies, I've honed my skills in real estate law while primarily serving the South Central Ohio Region. Before joining Northwest in 2017, I successfully managed my own general practice for three years. Today, my practice focuses on...

When experience counts...Call me to help you navigate your way through your situation! I was born in Cleveland, Ohio. When I was young my passion has always been to bring fairness to our justice system. I have been chasing this objective ever since. I earned my Bachelors Degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Clarion University in Political Science. While at Clarion University, I played football on a full athletic scholarship, was a 4 year starter and the team Captain. I earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration at the University of Akron. ...

Since 1983 I have been assisting people with legal matters both in and out of court. Whether it is a social security or workers’ compensation claim, a question regarding adoption, a divorce or dissolution, land contract, Will, personal injury claim, or other matters, I can help. Whether you are seeking an attorney for a one-time case or to assist you in other areas, sometimes over a period of years, you will be sharing information with me about your life. The information you give me is confidential and is vital to me in order to give you proper legal advice. Therefore,...

Steve Voudris is an Ohio State Bar Association Certified Specialist in Labor & Employment Law who focuses his practice on representing employees who have been wrongfully terminated, suffered discrimination in the workplace, or have not been paid their overtime wages, tips or any wages for any unpaid time (such as for training or for working through lunch). He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin Law School and Miami University. He spent the first six years of his legal career at the Cleveland office of Jones Day, one of the largest law firms in the world, and...

At The Keating Firm LTD, we focus solely on personal injury cases. Our attorney, Brad Keating, has spent the past decade helping Ohio clients who have been injured due to the negligence of others. When you call our law firm, you will immediately recognize the level of commitment that we take toward your claims. You will speak directly with Brad, and he will explain the options that are available to you to help you recover compensation.

Ryan R. McNeil owns and operates McNeil Law Firm, LLC in downtown Akron, Ohio. McNeil Law Firm, LLC specializes in representing individuals and small business across Northeast Ohio in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases.

At Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm, Patricia A. Brandt serves as a Partner, specializing in employment law. Her unique background includes a distinguished career in law enforcement prior to entering the legal profession. In Louisiana, Patricia broke ground as the first woman to join the parish SWAT team during her tenure at the sheriff's office. Her expertise led to her selection for the FBI Instructor Development Course, granting her the authority to teach any subject within the state's police training curriculum. Her responsibilities encompassed maintaining interior perimeters during operations and instructing officers in various disciplines, including firearms, less-lethal weapons, and...