Michael D. Makofsky

Matthew K. Grashoff focuses his practice on construction law and commercial litigation and has experience in the areas of insurance coverage and appellate practice. Matt manages cases at all stages of the construction process, from bid disputes through project correspondence, scope disputes, change order disputes, alternative-dispute-resolution mechanisms such as dispute review boards and the ODOT step process, and lien and bond claims. He represents clients through all stages of litigation b...

Tom Connick has established a reputation of handling complex and high-stakes litigation. His experience includes Insurance law, Catastrophic Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Class Actions, Commercial and Business Litigation, Appellate Advocacy, Mass Torts, Construction law, Consumer Fraud, Shareholder Litigation, Employment Law, and appeals throughout the State of Ohio and federal court, including the Ohio Supreme Court, where he has argued three times. Tom is also licens...

With over 40 years of legal experience, Patricia Ritzert focuses on governmental law, public finance, and business law as a member of the firm’s Corporate and Business Law group. Her extensive background includes serving as an assistant law director for the cities of Akron and Cuyahoga Falls, as well as various Ohio port authorities. Ms. Ritzert’s experience spans a wide range of local government issues, including employment, land use, taxation, finance, claims for and against tow...

Daniel A. DeMarco represents creditors, both secured and unsecured, creditor’s committees, indenture trustees, trustees, receivers and debtors in numerous reorganization proceedings. He served as chair the firm’s Commercial Services & Restructuring Practice Group and was a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. Dan represents secured lenders including The CIT Group, U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finance, Inc., Textron Financial Corporation, BMW Financial Services NA LLC, Foot...

Margaret W. Wong is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Margaret W., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 1995. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Margaret W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matthew A. Secrist is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and Tax Law. Matthew A., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ken Laino began his career in 1978 in New York City, specializing in corporate and securities law. A few years later, he moved to Ohio, and he has now been practicing law in Cleveland for more than forty years. While his practice is diverse, Ken focuses principally on asset protection planning, business law, real estate, and estate planning. In addition to Ohio, he is also licensed to practice law in Florida and New York. Ken counsels both individuals and business entities with respect to ass...

Gary S. Desberg is a Principal in the Cleveland law firm of Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A., where he practices primarily in the areas of real estate law, business law and secured lending. Mr. Desberg has extensive experience in commercial real estate transactions through his representation of several national and regional chain store tenants, as well as his work for lenders, owners, and managers of office, retail, and multi-family residential properties. Mr. Desberg’...

William M. Phillips is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. William M., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen Byron is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Municipal Law. Stephen, 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 Stephen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.