Crystal L. Maluchnik

James (Jim) Budzik’s legal practice focuses on labor and employment law , representing employers across both the public and private sectors. He has extensive experience in collective bargaining negotiations, mediations, fact-finding, conciliations, unfair labor practice proceedings, civil service disciplinary proceedings, and grievance arbitrations. Jim advises city and village officials on matters concerning municipal law and serves as an Assistant Law Director for Mayfield Village. Ad...

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...

Name & Practice Steve Crandall is a trial lawyer with Crandall & Pera Law, LLC. He is licensed to practice law in Ohio, Kentucky, and in various Federal Courts. He has more than 30 years of experience. Areas of Focus / Expertise Handles cases involving medical negligence, personal injury, birth injury, and product liability. Known for high-stakes catastrophic injury matters, such as birth injuries, misdiagnoses, and severe medical errors. Reputation & Recognition Ranked as one of ...

Shannon K. Patton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Shannon K., 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 Shannon K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christopher O'Connell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. Christopher, 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 Christopher is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Daniela Paez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Daniela, who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Daniela is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Kelley’s primary career focus has evolved over the years beginning with an extensive general liability and insurance defense practice. He has considerable experience handling several specialty claim areas including transportation law, professional liability, product liability, construction negligence, construction defect, commercial trucking, employer intentional tort and community association claims. Steve’s practice remains broad based and includes defense of architects, eng...

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.

Paul 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 IRAs, ...

Wade Fricke has practiced management-side labor and employment law since 1989. He was one of three attorneys who founded the Cleveland office of the firm. Prior to joining the firm, Wade was a partner in Cleveland’s oldest law firm, and before that, he worked for the Cleveland office of a national full-service law firm.Wade represents companies of all sizes across the country in virtually all aspects of employee relations in union and non-union settings. In both settings, Wade’s p...