James E. "Jim" Brazeau

PERSONAL INJURY & CONSUMER PROTECTION After 50+ years of practicing law, I still remember my first class action lawsuit for the civil rights of women and persons of color. Even though I had just graduated from the University of Michigan Law School, I knew that I wanted a career dedicated to civil litigation. I only wanted to engage in litigation for which fees were contingent upon winning, because hourly work required that my time and efforts be reasonable. I knew that what I wanted to do...

“Investing in client relationships enables a profit center approach to legal and financial services.” A transactional tax lawyer with regular involvement in tax controversies for over 35 years, Gary M. Harden partners with clients and collaborating professionals on a national platform, designing and implementing value added business - tax strategy. His practice areas include mergers and acquisitions (M&A), syndications, finance and insurance; with niche areas in intellectual p...

Matthew D. Harper represents in a wide range of business, construction, and real estate disputes. He is a member of Eastman & Smith’s Bankruptcy and Creditors' Rights, Business Litigation, Construction Law and Eminent Domain Practice Groups. Mr. Harper is admitted in state and federal courts throughout Ohio and Michigan and has appeared pro hac vice in business litigation in Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wisconsin.

Carrie L. Urrutia’s practice includes counseling on employment policies and handbooks, training, representing employers in administrative proceedings, defending against discrimination claims and providing guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), drug testing, privacy, harassment, workers' compensation and a host of other employment law issues. Ms. Urrutia regularly defends employers in state and federal courts as well as administrative ...

David W. Carter is an experienced estate planning attorney who advises individuals, families, and business owners on comprehensive wealth and legacy planning strategies. He focuses on creating customized estate plans that align with each client’s financial goals, family dynamics, and long-term objectives, while ensuring they clearly understand every step of the process and feel confident in their decisions. Estate planning and wealth transfer strategies Probate and trust administration ...

Casey Talbott is a member of Eastman & Smith Ltd., concentrating his practice in the defense of significant personal injury, wrongful death, and insurance coverage actions. He also has significant experience counseling railroad companies with respect to operations concerns throughout the State of Ohio. Mr. Talbott received his undergraduate and law degrees from The Ohio State University. He is a member of the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, National Association of Railroad Tria...

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

Representing a broad and diverse range of clients encompassing individuals, professional practices, and small and large businesses, member Jared J. Lefevre assists clients with successful navigation through complex and emotionally difficult cases. Cases include closely held company disputes, non-compete and trade secrets, professional liability matters and probate litigation. To effectively assist clients and third parties in arriving at efficient resolutions of their disputes, Mr. Lefevre ob...

Michelle L. Kranz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michelle L., who practices law in Toledo, Ohio, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michelle L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Location, location, location is the mantra of the real estate profession. As a lifelong and community minded resident of Northwest Ohio, Lane D. Williamson knows the location quite well. Mr. Williamson has handled multiple real estate matters including real estate acquisition and development with a concentration on land use, annexation, eminent domain, zoning and planning law and permits/entitlements that also encompasses aspects of public law. Construction, mining, manufacturing, retail, dis...