Christopher M. Ernst

Forrest A. Norman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Railroad Law. Forrest A., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Forrest A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen Byron is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Municipal Law. Stephen, 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 Stephen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Deborah D. Zielinski is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Deborah D., 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 Deborah D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joe Gibbons joined the Firm in May 2005 and became a Partner in January 2006. Prior to joining the Firm, Joe spent the majority of his career with McGinty, Gibbons, Hilow & Spellacy Co., LPA, and Carney & Broadbent, both located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Over the years, Joe has represented a variety of individuals, businesses, institutions, and governmental entities. His primary practice areas include estate planning, estate and trust administration and related litigation, real est...

Paul B. Daiker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Family Law. Paul B., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul B. 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...

Paul R. Harris is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Paul R., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ronald O’Keefe handles a wide range of corporate law for clients, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, spinoffs, securities, and corporate governance. He also provides guidance to financial-services clients. Ron enjoys taking a concept such as a merger and making it into reality by dealing with the various business, financing, regulatory and personnel issues along the way. He finds satisfaction in solving client challenges and brings 37 years of corporate experience to his ...

Steven M. Goldberg founded the Goldberg Legal Co., LPA litigation firm 33 years ago and has practiced law continuously since. Over the years he has successfully litigated and tried complex civil and criminal matters in U.S District Courts, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and various state courts. Mr. Goldberg has briefed and argued dozens of appeals at the state and federal level including in the Ohio Supreme Court, Carpenter v. Consolidated Rail Corp., 69 Ohio St. 3d 259 (1994). Mr. Goldberg&r...