Abbie Pappas

Jim Bright has been practicing law since 1976. He applies his considerable expertise to advising individuals and families on estate planning, tax planning (including income and estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes), and charitable gift planning. He also provides counsel to trustees of private foundations on administration, initial formation, and tax qualification. Prior to the formation of SSSB, he served as President of Spieth, Bell, McCurdy & Newell Co., L.P.A. Jim is a Fellow of...

Sonja C. Rice is a partner in the firm’s Business Law Area, member of the firm’s Construction Law Practice Group, chair of the firm’s Women’s Leadership Initiative, and member of the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Sonja’s practice focuses on commercial transactions and the development and negotiation of a wide variety of commercial contracts, including master services agreements, supply chain and manufacturing agreements, professional services co...

Margo Meola joined the firm as a Shareholder in July of 2015. Prior to joining BSPP, she was a partner with Davis & Young. Ms. Meola began her career as an Attorney Clerk for the Honorable Joseph J. Vukovich in the Seventh District Court of Appeals. She has extensive civil trial and appellate experience and has handled complex and mass tort litigation, as well as medical malpractice and insurance coverage matters. Mrs Meloa is licensed to practice in both Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Christina D’Eramo Evans is a partner and Chair of the firm’s Cleveland office Estate Planning, Wealth Transfer & Preservation Section. Christina is an OSBA Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law and a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Her practice is focused on assisting individuals and families with the transmission of their wealth in a tax advantaged manner that at the same time accomplishes desired intent and preserves...

As a nationally-ranked master swimmer, Harry knows the importance of setting goals and the preparation and tenacity necessary to meet those goals. Harry approaches each matter with zeal and a fresh perspective. He can mastermind a plan and follow it through to success. On behalf of both corporate debtors and creditors, including commercial lessors, financial institutions, financially-distressed businesses, financing companies, lessees, Official Creditors' Committees, secured lenders, and Trus...

Paul Fidler joined the Firm in 1996 and became a Partner in 2003. He works with individuals, businesses, and foundations, and his practice emphasizes estate planning and administration; trust administration; income taxation of estates, trusts, and individuals; planning for charitable gifts and foundations; and business succession planning. Paul is a frequent speaker and author on a wide range of estate planning topics. In particular, he has a strong expertise in qualified retirement plans and...

While fully engaged as Managing Partner of Buckley King, Brent Buckley counsels and represents financial institutions, private equity firms, lenders, businesses and executive management on business issues, complex and structured finance, workouts, asset-based lending, corporate internal investigations, and commercial litigation matters. Brent is nationally recognized for excellence in both corporate law and banking and finance litigation. He is named among the prestigious Legal Who's Who as o...

Jeffrey A. Gorski is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Jeffrey A., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James P. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. James P., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Area of Emphasis Cary Snyder is a shareholder in the Litigation Group of Babst Calland. He primarily works in the areas of complex commercial litigation and appellate practice. Mr. Snyder has experience in all stages of litigation, from drafting complaints through dispositive motions, discovery, settlement, and trial. He also represents clients in matters before federal and state appellate courts. Prior to joining Babst Calland, he was an associate in the Cleveland, Ohio office of a full-serv...