Joseph S. "Joe" Simpson

PERSONAL INJURY & CONSUMER PROTECTION No different than most kids, I dreamt of being a hero as a child and there was no bigger hero in my life than my father. He often told us stories about the people who were relying on him to resolve their tragedies. I always knew that was the kind of person I wanted to be. After earning my law degree from the University of Dayton in 1991, I joined the firm and began helping those who had been harmed with no place to go for justice. Areas of Practice: P...

With experience as a professional negotiator, a professor of organizational behavior and change, and nearly 25 years as a business lawyer, Fadi V. Nahhas takes a broad view of transactions. His unique personal and professional background has shaped both his practice and his approach to clients. Mr. Nahhas served as chair of the Eastman & Smith’s Executive Committee of the Firm and functions as outside general counsel on diverse needs of midsize businesses involved in a variety of in...

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.

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 ...

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.

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...

Peter O. DeClark is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Peter O., 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 Peter O. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James B. Yates represents public and private sector employers in all facets of labor and employment law. He is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). A member of Eastman & Smith, Mr. Yates's practice encompasses collective bargaining, general personnel planning and counseling, equal employment opportunity matters, workers' compensation and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Fair ...

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...

“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...