Nova Lawyers

Attorney Joe Kacyon is licensed to practice law in Ohio and Pennsylvania and is a member of the Akron Bar Association, the Ohio Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Attorney Kacyon represents clients in a variety of legal matters. The attorneys at his firm, Hoover Kacyon LLC can represent clients in most of their cases. Hoover Kacyon has divorce attorneys, criminal attorneys, probate and estate attorneys, adoption attorneys, bankruptcy attorneys and more.

Attorney Eli Heller has been practicing law in Ohio since 2013. His experience encompasses litigating complex cases in courts throughout Northeast Ohio, primarily in criminal defense, felony, juvenile and DUI defense. He is listed as a Premier DUI lawyer in Ohio by the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys.

Attorney Heller is a passionate trial lawyer who loves helping his clients through some of the most difficult challenges in their lives. He prides himself on his ability to listen and understand the issues that are important to his clients. He provides them with the guidance needed to make well-informed, strategic decisions...

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...

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...

As a family law practitioner, Anna Parise helps clients through divorce, child support, spousal support, and custody. Highly rated in peer reviews throughout her career, she is active in bringing family law legal services to those who cannot afford it. Anna’s legal practice includes domestic relations, divorce, family law, child support, spousal support, and custody. Anna is also frequently appointed by trial courts in Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Lake Counties as guardian ad litem to protect the interests of children. Formerly with a small boutique firm specializing in labor law, Anna joined Dworken & Bernstein Co., L.P.A. in 2005 becoming partner...

For over 32 years, Mr. Jordan has dedicated his practice to defending individuals who have been charged with misdemeanor and felony crimes. He has represented clients charged with a felony in Cuyahoga County, Portage County, Geauga County, Lake County, Lorain County, Ashtabula County, Summit County, Erie County and other counties across the State of Ohio. Mr. Jordan also represents individuals accused of Federal Law violations such as: drug trafficking, conspiracy, tax evasion, theft, bank robbery and failure to report as a sex offender. He has practiced in the United States District Court Northern District of Ohio, United States District...

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...

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. ...

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...

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.

Stuart E. Scott graduated Order of the Coif from Ohio State Law School in 1995, after which he joined Spangenberg Shibley & Liber. In 2005, he became a partner at the firm. He represents clients in matters such as wrongful death, medical malpractice, defective products, and dangerous drugs. He also helps handle Consumer Rights cases. Mr. Scott was selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers® Rising Stars? from 2005 through 2008, after which he was selected for the list of Super Lawyers® for three years. He serves on the Board of Directors for both the Cleveland Academy of...

William Hawal is a partner at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber. For more than 25 years, he has represented clients in numerous litigation matters and in 2015, he was named the Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for medical malpractice in the northeast Ohio area. He is admitted to practice in the Ohio Supreme Court, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio. Since 2006, Mr. Hawal has been consistently selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers®. He achieved an AV® rating on Martindale-Hubbell®, as well as being listed as a...

Nicholas A. DiCello joined Spangenberg Shibley & Liber after graduating from the Cleveland Marshall College of Law in 2002. Mr. DiCello has been selected to the list of Super Lawyers® Rising Stars? on numerous occasions, as well as on the list of Super Lawyers®. In 2012, he joined the Judge John M. Manos Inn of Court. He’s also been named as one of the “Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers” by The National Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. DiCello handles a wide range of litigation matters involving medical malpractice and professional misconduct including insurance claims, accounting malpractice, and misconduct by...

Peter J. Brodhead joined Spangenberg Shibley & Liber in 1980 and just eight years later, he became a partner. He handles countless cases including those related to asbestos exposure, dangerous drugs, catastrophic injuries, and more. Having graduated from Cleveland State University Marshall School of Law, Mr. Brodhead is admitted to practice in the Ohio Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. He has been recognized with selection to the Best Lawyers in America list from 2008 through 2015, as well as listed as a...

Thomas W. Lally, an experienced trial attorney, has represented individual and business clients for many years in Canton, Stark County, Ohio and the surrounding cities of Massillon and Alliance; and counties of Summit, Wayne, Tuscarawas and Carroll, Ohio.

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...

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.

My name is Chris Vogt and I am an Attorney at the Malek Law Firm LLC in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. I was born in South Carolina, but I was raised and grew up in Fairlawn, Ohio. From a young age, my parents instilled in me the values of integrity and diligence. After high school, I attended the University of Akron where I studied political science and business administration. Upon earning my bachelor’s degree, I made the decision to attend the University of Akron School of Law. While attending Law School, I was a member of Akron Law’s Trial Team, and...

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...

Attorney Reid Yoder is a former prosecutor for the City of Akron, who has tried numerous high-profile cases. After working for the Prosecutor's Office for four years, Mr. Yoder went to work at his private practice, specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and juvenile/domestic relations. Mr. Yoder has been honored at a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine, and has performed many acts of community service and pro-bono work. If you need representation for a personal injury or criminal case, contact Mr. Yoder today!

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.

Erin C. Eurenius is delighted to help seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their families at Butcher Elder Law. Her passion for elder law stems from her personal experiences with her grandmother, Helen. Erin’s grandmother helped to raise her while living with the family. Around the age of 84, Helen was diagnosed with dementia and a few short years later suffered from a stroke. Erin watched the repercussions of not planning ahead for these devastating occurrences in life. Erin went to doctor’s visits and hospital calls at 3:00 A.M. and visited the nursing home. She saw the guardianship and Medicaid process...

As a Cleveland divorce attorney, Susan M. Weaver has over 30 years of experience in the Northeast Ohio county court systems. This experience, coupled with a prior career in social work has given Susan the insight and sensitivity to understand her client’s needs. Whether you are looking for a divorce attorney, a seasoned child custody advocate, or you simply need help with parenting, visitation and support issues, Susan has the expertise to help you. Divorce and custody battles are emotionally charged issues for everyone involved. Susan is a skilled advocate who can cut through the emotional fog and help you...

Tad has focused extensively on Domestic Relations matters. In this role, Tad has counseled clients through high asset divorce cases, domestic custody and visitation matters, out-of-state and foreign custody disputes, and has successfully both brought and defended contempt actions and civil protection orders. Tad has handled both high asset divorce cases from the inception to completion at trial, and has also successfully minimized court involvement for his clients through negotiating advantageous settlements.

Along with developing his Domestic Relations practice, Tad has also gained considerable experience as a trial lawyer in criminal and traffic matters. Tad is experienced in negotiating desirable plea...

Mr. Wartko was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. He attended high school at Archbishop Hoban in Akron, Ohio before entering the political science program at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. While at the university, Mr. Wartko was a member of the mock trial program and an executive council member of the Beta Iota chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity. Upon graduation, Mr. Wartko attended Western Michigan University's, Thomas M. Cooley Law School. While in law school, Mr. Wartko interned for a family law practice, where he first gained an interest in the area of...

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...

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.

The Nickolls Law Firm, LLC is a Northeast Ohio Family Law Firm dedicated to advocating for families and resolving complicated and unique family issues, including divorce, child custody, alimony, property division, child support, prenuptial agreements, guardian ad litem services, mediation services, and post decree litigation.

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....

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...

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...

For most lawyers, it’s all about the money. And it could have been for me, too: I landed a cushy, high-paying job right out of law school defending insurance companies from individual claims. But I realized almost immediately that my heart wasn’t in it. The job, as comfortable as it was, lacked the rush. And instead of helping people fight their cases in front of juries as a great trial lawyer, I was doing research all day and representing nameless entities I had never even met. So I quit and decided to start my own firm where I could work exclusively towards becoming...

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.

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...

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...

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