Laura McBride

Joan M. Gross is Senior Counsel to the firm’s Estate Planning, Wealth Transfer and Preservation Section, working out of the Cleveland office. For over 40 years, Joan has assisted clients in transferring their wealth, in a tax efficient manner, to the individuals and charities they wish to benefit. Joan is an OSBA Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. She is also listed in the 2005-20 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and the 2008-20 editions of...

David Vance is an attorney with Vance Law, LLC in Westlake, Ohio. His practice focuses on Employment Law - Individuals, Employment Law - Management, and Litigation - Labor and Employment. David has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2025 for his work in labor and employment law matters. David represents both employees and employers in a broad range of workplace and employment matters throughout Ohio. After spending nearly 15 years primarily representing employers, he now advises individual...

Kenneth Smith is a dedicated attorney practicing in civil litigation, advocating for companies and employers across a broad spectrum of their business needs. His practice areas include insurance defense , general civil litigation , labor and employment , and intellectual property law. Licensed in Ohio and all federal courts within the state, Mr. Smith has successfully represented clients in various legal settings including trials, arbitrations, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission proceedi...

James (Jim) Budzik’s legal practice focuses on labor and employment law , representing employers across both the public and private sectors. He has extensive experience in collective bargaining negotiations, mediations, fact-finding, conciliations, unfair labor practice proceedings, civil service disciplinary proceedings, and grievance arbitrations. Jim advises city and village officials on matters concerning municipal law and serves as an Assistant Law Director for Mayfield Village. Ad...

A Partner in the Litigation Area, Eric B. Levasseur is a commercial litigator and trial attorney who represents clients in business disputes around the country. A trusted advisor and creative advocate, Eric strategically guides his clients from the pre-litigation planning stage through trial and the highest levels of appeal. In over twenty years in practice, Eric has earned a reputation for cutting to the core of disputes to deliver a successful result, whether inside or outside the courtroom...

John E. Schiller is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Real Estate and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. John E. practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized John E. Schiller 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 John E. Schiller is held by other lawyers.

Christopher L. Tazzi is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Christopher L. practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Christopher L. Tazzi since 2024. 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 Christopher L. Tazzi 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...

JILL FRIEDMAN HELFMAN is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. She concentrates her practice in the area of family law. Ms. Helfman's experience includes both analysis and litigation of complex business valuation issues, treatment of retirement assets in divorce, tax considerations involved in the payment and receipt of spousal support, and custody issues. She is a frequent presenter at continuing legal education programs. Ms. Helfman received her undergrad...

Craig Owen White is a senior partner in Hahn Loeser’s business transactions group and serves as the firm’s National Chair of Strategic Relations and Community Outreach. Based in the firm’s Cleveland office, Craig guides clients and companies of all sizes through mergers, acquisitions, divestures, strategic alliances, financing, enterprise governance and licensing issues throughout the United States and abroad, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. He has particular ...