Michael E. "Mike" Smith

Steve Nobil is the managing partner of the firm's Cleveland office. He devotes his practice to representing public and private sector employers in all areas of traditional labor law including union organizing campaigns, contract negotiations, arbitrations, union avoidance, supervisory training, and other related labor advice and counsel. He has an outstanding success record in countering union organizing attempts and he has been involved in many mergers and acquisitions from a labor and emplo...

Jennifer Orr is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Securities. Jennifer practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Jennifer Orr 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 Jennifer Orr is held by other lawyers.

David Skall is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. David practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized David Skall 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 David Skall is held by other lawyers.

Jennifer Horn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Venture Capital Law. Jennifer, who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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, ...

Diane Calta is a key member of the firm’s civil litigation and real estate and land use practice groups, bringing over 25 years of legal experience in municipal law, economic development, litigation, real estate, eminent domain, and probate and estate planning. She currently serves as Director of Law for Mayfield Village and as special legal counsel for the City of Independence. Her previous roles include serving as Director of Law for the cities of Beachwood and Green. Diane has also h...

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...

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...

Edward H. Chyun is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Edward H. practices law in Cleveland, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Edward H. Chyun since 2018. 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 Edward H. Chyun is held by other lawyers.

Terry Lardakis is a partner in the firm's Cleveland office. He has extensive experience in the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and the representation of employers in union organizational campaigns and elections nationwide. Terry has represented employers in traditional labor matters including arbitrations, union decertification, craft severance, and unfair labor practice litigation across the country. He has also handled numerous matters involving wage and hour, family and med...