Stillwater Lawyers

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...

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....

I practice in two main areas of law: Probate and Criminal Defense law.

I am licensed in the State of Ohio and State of Tennessee, the U.S. Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

Probate Law includes drafting, modifying and administering (or helping others administer) wills and trusts, assisting in name changes, adoptions, administering probate estates, wrongful death claims and assisting clients in becoming guardians of persons and estates. Our firm's focus on Criminal Defense focuses on felony and municipal trial work and assisting clients on appeals and...

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.

William is a criminal defense attorney. He attends court on an almost daily basis. He travels to courts all over Central Ohio. William founded Lehner Law LLC in 2020. William loves solving problems for others. In his spare time, he enjoys kayaking and hiking with his dog, wife, and two children.

Beverly J. Farlow is the founding and principal attorney of Farlow & Associates. Since 1985, she and her skilled team of attorneys in Dublin have been protecting the rights of their clients. Their decades of in-depth legal experience has equipped them with the tools and knowledge they need to fight for you. Whether you are going through a divorce, need legal assistance as a school employee, or have been accused of a crime, they can handle all that and more. They are exceedingly proficient in a vast range of practice areas and have a long track record of success that...

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 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...

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.

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.

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.

At Atkins and Atkins, Attorneys at Law, we pride ourselves on being a source of strength and expertise to help guide our client's through what is often one of the most difficult periods of their life. I have always had a strong interest in helping others and have found great fulfillment through my work. I pride myself on being able to provide my clients a shoulder to lean on during stressful times as well as guidance in navigating the often confusing legal system. I work tirelessly to protect the best interests of my clients and obtain the...

It's time for something different; a fresh and innovative approach to personal injury law. When you walk in our lobby, you'll see the quote, "The most dangerous phrase in any language is we've always done it this way."

Communication is at the forefront of our operation. The number one complaint about lawyers across the profession is a lack of communication between attorney and client during the course of representation. Many personal injury firms assign "case managers" or other administrative staff to handle cases and field client calls. I assure you this is NOT...

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.

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...

I am a OSBA Board Certified Family Law Specialist located in Westerville, Ohio. I strive to provide high quality yet affordable legal representation in all areas of domestic relations and custody matters. If I can be of service, please contact my office.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

Caroline’s legal practice operates at the forefront of the intersection of defamation law and media. She is well-versed in the intricacies of working with media organizations to address client issues arising from disputes with editors, publishers, and other key members of news organizations. Before and while attending law school, Caroline studied and worked alongside journalists, both in the United States as a legal researcher and internationally as an intern journalist. She understands the difficult challenges and First Amendment protections that both media organizations and individuals face in balancing the vital role news organizations play in society and the potential harm that...

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...

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...

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...