Douglas A. McWilliams

David Lenz joined the Firm in 2006, became a Partner in 2013, and was elected to serve as Managing Partner in 2020. His practice focuses primarily on planning for and administering wealth transfer for individuals and families, in addition to counseling charitable organizations. David considers each client’s unique estate planning needs, creating comprehensive plans and helping families communicate their purpose and goals to the next generation. This often includes complex charitable, re...

Tal Young has practiced trust and estate law for more than 45 years. He had been a Director and Shareholder of Spieth, Bell, McCurdy & Newell for a decade when it combined with Schneider, Smeltz, Ranney & Lafond in 2016 to form SSSB. Prior to that, he had been a Founding Partner of Young and Dietsch for 11 years, which followed 19 years as an Associate and Partner with Squire Sanders & Dempsey. He applies his years of expertise to handling a wide range of probate, trust, and estat...

Ann E. Knuth focuses her legal practice in labor and employment law. With over 30 years of experience, Ann guides employers through the entire employment relationship, from recruitment to termination. She counsels businesses of all sizes, from start-up companies to international corporations, to help them manage their human capital and meet their business goals. Ann leverages her deep understanding of labor and employment law to assist clients in building policies and adopting proactive compl...

Fabiola Cini is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Immigration Law. Fabiola practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Fabiola Cini since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Fabiola Cini is held by other lawyers.

Timothy L. Zix is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Labor and Employment, Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants and Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Timothy L. practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Timothy L. Zix since 2013. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Timothy L. Zix is...

Attorney Ethan A. Welch is committed to helping families with vulnerable loved ones preserve their resources and plan for the years ahead. His primary areas of focus are elder law, Medicaid planning, and special needs planning. He also practices in the associated areas of estate planning, trust and estate administration, and probate. Ethan's extensive knowledge of elder law and special needs planning ensures that his clients' rights are protected. His compassion and understanding bring his cl...

Matthew A. Secrist is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and Tax Law. Matthew A. practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Matthew A. Secrist since 2023. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Matthew A. Secrist is held by other lawyers.

Gregg Johnson is Chair of the Business and Real Estate Practice Groups at Schneider Bell. Gregg joined the Firm in 2011 and became a Partner in 2014. He began his career as a public accountant with Grant Thornton LLP in Cleveland, before entering the legal profession and practicing with Reminger Co., LPA, in Cleveland for nearly five years as a member of its Corporate practice area. Gregg concentrates his practice on corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate matters. I...

David R. Tavolier is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law and Tax Law. David R. practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized David R. Tavolier since 2006. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which David R. Tavolier is held by other lawyers.

Peter S. Nealis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law. Peter S. practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Peter S. Nealis since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Peter S. Nealis is held by other lawyers.