James M. Brennan

John R. Mitchell is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bet-the-Company Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. John R. practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized John R. Mitchell since 2016. 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 John R. Mitchell is held by other lawyers.

Jennifer is a partner at Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP. She serves as a high net worth family counselor with knowledge and understanding of sophisticated estate planning techniques and the broader needs of high net worth families. Her strength lies in communicating complex matters in plain terms and working collaboratively as part of an advisor team to provide practical counsel to multigenerational families consistent with their risk tolerance, goals, family dynamics, and desire for comple...

Ted Dunn brings sophisticated strategy and extensive trial experience to his litigation practice. He represents businesses in complex disputes, including risk management, insurance coverage, contract disputes, professional liability, product liability, workplace intentional torts, and casualty and wrongful death cases. Ted also handles trademark infringement, trade secrets, unfair competition, and closely held entity disputes. Ted is licensed to practice law in Ohio, and is admitted to the Un...

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, ...

Rick Amburgey is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction Law and Real Estate Law. Rick practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Rick Amburgey since 2020. 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 Rick Amburgey is held by other lawyers.

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...

Daniela Paez is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Daniela practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Daniela Paez since 2026. 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 Daniela Paez is held by other lawyers.

Donald J. Richardson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Donald J. practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Donald J. Richardson since 2026. 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 Donald J. Richardson is held by other lawyers.

Philip R. Bautista is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Insurance and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Philip R. practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Philip R. Bautista since 2019. 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 Philip R. Bautista is held by other lawy...

Mr. Teplitzky has extensive experience in documenting commercial loan transactions and general business law. He represents numerous financial institutions in connection with the documentation and restructuring of commercial lending transactions. He also represents corporate clients in mergers and acquisitions as well as general business matters. Mr. Teplitzky also has extensive experience in business divorces involving closely held businesses. Mr. Teplitzky is a member of the Cleveland Metrop...