David D. Watson

Jennifer Orr is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Securities. Jennifer, 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 Jennifer is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A focused practice in the defense of various professionals including lawyers, accountants, and insurance agents and brokers for claims of malpractice, errors and omissions, as well as professional licensing issues. In addition to his professional liability practice, Joe has significant experience handling commercial trucking (long haul and short haul) as well as commercial coach carrier matters. His practice also includes litigation of insurance coverage and bad faith issues, various general ...

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...

Ken Laino began his career in 1978 in New York City, specializing in corporate and securities law. A few years later, he moved to Ohio, and he has now been practicing law in Cleveland for more than forty years. While his practice is diverse, Ken focuses principally on asset protection planning, business law, real estate, and estate planning. In addition to Ohio, he is also licensed to practice law in Florida and New York. Ken counsels both individuals and business entities with respect to ass...

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.

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.

Eugene Roytberg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Eugene, 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 Eugene is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John Slivka, an attorney and certified public accountant, has a practice that consists in large part of providing advice with regard to tax, business, and succession planning and consulting for privately-owned businesses and their owners. Since being admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1981, he has handled matters involving mergers and acquisitions, C and S corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, passive activities, ownership succession, estate/gift issues, other individual tax matte...

Stephen H. Gariepy is a partner and National Co-Chair of Hahn Loeser’s Estate Planning, Wealth Transfer & Preservation Section. Steve focuses his practice on leading-edge estate planning techniques. His ability to design creative and comprehensive plans – and make them practical and understandable – has attracted clients nationwide from the ranks of Forbes 400, business owners, families and nonprofit organizations. Steve regularly counsels owners of privately held compan...

Passionate about real estate and development, John has dedicated his over 30-year career to protecting clients’ property rights and achieving their goals. Practicing in all facets of real estate – including acquisition, disposition, leasing, finance, construction, eminent domain, and real property tax – John represents national and regional clients in industry sectors including commercial, office, retail, industrial, and residential. Notably, John devotes a significant part ...