Erika Apelis

Edward (Ed) Patton is a seasoned trial attorney with a focus on corporate and business law , civil litigation , insurance defense , toxic tort, and asbestos defense. He offers strategic counsel to clients on international import and export activities, including establishing corporate compliance programs for international trade and NAFTA initiatives. Ed boasts significant knowledge and experience in governmental compliance, encompassing licensing procedures for international exports, product m...

As an elected Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), Kyle has years of experience counseling multi-generational families, business owners, fiduciaries, entities, family offices and beneficiaries regarding: Administration of estates and trusts (including tax compliance, selection of investment counsel, discretionary distributions and fiduciary accountings) Asset protection and titling Beneficiary representation Business succession Charitable giving (including priva...

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...

David Skall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs. David, 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 David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bart spent the first part of his career as an insurance advisor and securities analyst. He later became a lawyer and developed his skills as a litigator and trust attorney. This wide range of experience enables him to give his clients a comprehensive view of financial planning not often found in estate planning attorneys. Bart Leonardi is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the Ohio State Bar Association. His practice is concentrated in the areas of estate plan...

Matthew A. Secrist is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and Tax Law. Matthew A., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Donald Switzer (Of Counsel) is one of the founders of the firm. He has devoted his practice almost exclusively to the defense of physicians, hospitals and other healthcare professionals for over thirty years. Mr. Switzer’s caseload frequently consists of many high profile and high exposure lawsuits, including wrongful death, quadriplegia and other neurological impairments and cases involving significant economic damages. He has successfully defended physicians and hospitals in many coun...

Bruce J. L. Lowe is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Bruce J. L., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bruce J. L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

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 ...