Chad W. Makuch

Jeff Smith is a partner in the Cleveland office and a member of the firm's Employee Benefits Practice Group. He works with clients to create, implement and maintain their retirement and health plans. He also advises employers on the impact of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements (MEWAs) and Voluntary Employer Beneficiary Associations (VEBAs). While in la...

Galen L. Schuerlein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice. Galen L., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Galen L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joan M. Gross is Senior Counsel to the firm’s Estate Planning, Wealth Transfer and Preservation Section, working out of the Cleveland office. For over 40 years, Joan has assisted clients in transferring their wealth, in a tax efficient manner, to the individuals and charities they wish to benefit. Joan is an OSBA Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. She is also listed in the 2005-20 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and the 2008-20 editions of...

Fabiola Cini is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Fabiola, who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Fabiola is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Elena has focused her career on issues affecting older persons and individuals with disabilities. Her practice includes Medicaid planning, planning for families with special needs, estate planning, guardianship, estate administration, and trust administration. Elena provides her clients with steadfast support and guidance as they plan for the years ahead. She understands the challenges encountered by individuals with disabilities. For over a decade, she worked with community mental health age...

Michael J. Zbiegien is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Michael J., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ryan Babiuch is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Ryan, who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ryan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Teplitzky has extensive experience in documenting commercial loan transactions and general business law. He represents numerous financial institutions in connection with the documentation and restructuring of commercial lending transactions. He also represents corporate clients in mergers and acquisitions as well as general business matters. Mr. Teplitzky also has extensive experience in business divorces involving closely held businesses. Mr. Teplitzky is a member of the Cleveland Metrop...

John Gerak routinely advises employers on all aspects of the employment relationship. John has developed a reputation as a true business partner, assisting employers to avoid litigation through highly focused custom training, human resource policy and process improvement and legal compliance. In the event litigation cannot be avoided, John has extensive experience litigation sing-plaintiff employment cases as well as class action discrimination and wage and hour cases.

Karen Gabriel Moss has practiced immigration law for more than twenty years, focusing on business and family based immigration. She represents the full spectrum of businesses from Fortune 500 companies to family businesses. Her diverse practice includes large manufacturers, technology companies, health care employers, large law firms, engineering firms and family businesses. Prior to joining NGC, Karen was co-managing partner at Rosner, Ortman & Moss, routinely named one of the best immig...