Piedmont Lawyers

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.

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....

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...

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....

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.

As a tough but compassionate attorney, I bring a unique set of skills to family law cases. I understand how difficult facing divorce, child custody disputes, or domestic violence can be, and am dedicated to providing each of my clients with zealous, caring representation throughout every stage of their case. I am committed to making myself available to address the needs of my clients and answer their questions, and will work hard for the most positive result in your case.

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...

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...

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...

Erika M. Smitherman was born in Norwalk, Ohio and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1993. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University, with minors in both English and Philosophy. Ms. Smitherman remains active in the Ohio State Alumni Association. After graduating from Ohio State, Ms. Smitherman furthered her studies at Capital University Law School. After graduating from Capital in May 2000, she was sworn into the Ohio Bar in November 2000. ?Ms. Smitherman began employment at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in the Consumer Protection Section and later, she simultaneously...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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,...

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.

Craig has devoted his career to advocating for individuals harmed by others’ negligence. He passionately fights against corporations, insurance companies, and medical providers to ensure his clients’ voices are heard and their stories remembered. With extensive experience in litigating medical malpractice and complex personal injury cases, Craig often serves as lead counsel in jury trials across Ohio, successfully represents clients in mediation, and has secured millions in settlements and verdicts for Leeseberg Tuttle clients. Craig graduated magna cum laude from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, earning awards for Outstanding Appellate and Oral Advocacy, and was recognized as a Presidential Management Fellow by...

Chelsea Long graduated summa cum laude and third in her class from Capital University Law School in 2010, where she received her Juris Doctor. While attending Capital, Chelsea was a research assistant to Professor Susan M. Gilles, clerked for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, and externed for Judge Jeffrey Sutton in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. She was a member of the Capital University Law Review as a staff member in her second year and as a Research Editor in her third year. Prior to law school, she attended Ohio University, where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Music History...

Anna emphasizes her practice in the areas of divorce, family law and estate planning. Anna is a founding member of The Cleveland Academy of Collaborative Professionals and a member of the Collaborative Practice Group of the Center for Principled Family Advocacy. Anna is also a certified family law mediator. Anna practices in the courts of Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake Counties.

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...

Currently the only Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) in Fairfield County, and one of only 30 CELAs in Ohio, Jennifer enjoys serving as President of the Ohio chapter of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, as the President of the AHA! Children's Museum, as the Vice President of the Fairfield County United Way, as the Secretary of the Fairfield County Republican Executive Committee, and as the Treasurer of the Fairfield County Bar Association. She founded Sitterley Law LLC to focus on Asset Protection, Probate, and Estate Planning services. Sitterley Law LLC is located on the second floor in...

Attorney Dorian Keith Baum grew up in Brush Prairie, WA, simultaneously graduating from Prairie High School and getting an Associates of Arts degree from Clark College. After graduation, he moved to Seattle, WA to attend the University of Washington, where he graduated with bachelor of arts degrees in both Philosophy and Sociology with a minor in Law, Societies, and Justice. Dorian then attended the University of Akron, School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctorate degree. While there, he was voted Secretary and Treasurer of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society (SELS) and Vice President of the Akron chapter...

Over thirty years ago, Thom Cooper created the law firm that would become Cooper, Adel, Vu & Associates with the goal of representing seniors in a way that maximized their independence and minimized the stress and burden placed on loved ones. Since then, Attorney Cooper has provided educational seminars throughout Ohio to spread the word about estate planning and elder law. He has helped thousands of seniors and their families find public benefits to protect and preserve their assets. Thom was among the first 19 attorneys in Ohio to become dually certified by the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) as...

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,...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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!

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...

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...