Joseph M. "Joe" Mentrek
About Joseph M. Mentrek
Joseph M. Mentrek is a lawyer based in Cleveland, OH and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2018. Joseph M. Mentrek is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
- Litigation - Trusts and Estates
- Tax Law
- Trusts and Estates
Current Firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
Education: Ohio Northern University, J.D., graduated 1985 and Ohio Northern University, B.S., graduated 1982
Location: Cleveland, OH
Nearby Lawyers
As the Firm's Administrative Partner, understanding the strategies of business is critical. Rosemary's knowledge, judgment and intuitive perception are the sources for her unique deal strategies in corporate, real estate and finance transactions. She counsels small businesses to large corporations on corporate, real estate and finance matters, and represents financial institutions, private lenders, investors and corporate borrowers in: Asset-Based Loans Loan Portfolio Transactions Mezzanine F...
Robert C. Petrulis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Robert C., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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...
Timothy J. Fitzgerald is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law and Insurance Law. Timothy J., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Timothy J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Jeffrey W. Van Wagner is the Managing Shareholder of BSPH. His career as a litigator and trial attorney has now spanned three decades. He is a 1979 graduate of Case Western Reserve School of Law and has extensive litigation and trial experience in the areas of nursing home liability, medical malpractice defense of physicians and institutions, and product liability. He has extensive experience in defending physicians and institutions where opioid prescription practices are at issue and is well...
Jim Vail joined the Firm in 1979 and has been a Partner since 1986. He served as the Firm's Managing Partner from 1996 through 2019. Jim primarily counsels businesses, nonprofit and health care organizations in all aspects of their operations, including formations, mergers and organizations, joint ventures, contracting, and succession planning. Jim argued a case before the United States Supreme Court where he obtained a unanimous favorable decision. Spectrum Sports, Inc. v. McQuillan, 506 U.S...
Amanda M. Pipik-Leip is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Amanda M., 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 Amanda M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Patrick J. Krebs is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law. Patrick J., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patrick J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
With compassion, dedication, and years of aviation litigation experience, Jamie R. Lebovitz has focused his practice on helping families who have lost loved ones in aviation disasters. Jamie is a senior partner at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy. He practices in the areas of personal injury and wrongful death litigation with a concentration in aviation, railroad, and trucking calamities. Jamie has more than 35 years of experience as a trial attorney, and he has recovered numerous mult...
John Gerak routinely advises employers on all aspects of the employment relationship. John has developed a reputation as a true business partner, assisting employers to avoid litigation through highly focused custom training, human resource policy and process improvement and legal compliance. In the event litigation cannot be avoided, John has extensive experience litigation sing-plaintiff employment cases as well as class action discrimination and wage and hour cases.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.