Michael E. "Mike" Smith

Christopher O'Connell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. Christopher, 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 Christopher 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...

Jane F. Warner is a Shareholder who joined the firm on December 31, 2020. Jane is a trial attorney who defends health care providers and health care entities against claims of professional or institutional negligence. Jane, who has thirteen years of experience in critical care nursing, applies her medical knowledge and ability to understand and communicate the provider’s perspective to the cases she handles. This proves to be invaluable as she translates technical data into logical info...

Veronica Garofoli focuses her practice in the areas of probate litigation, probate and estate administration, and estate planning. She provides representation for issues that can complicate the settling of an estate or trust, such as probate and trust disputes involving will contests, charges of undue influence, and breach of fiduciary duty actions. She also advises fiduciaries and families in guardianship, trust, and estate administrations. Veronica is experienced in reviewing, designing, an...

John Q. Lewis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. John Q., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John Q. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Attorney Janet L. Lowder has devoted her career to defining, promoting, and protecting the legal rights of the elderly and of persons with mental and physical disabilities. Janet's activities have encompassed individual representation, litigation on a local and state-wide scale, representation of agencies and county programs serving people with disabilities and the elderly, legislation, and publication in professional journals. Janet is a recognized authority on Medicaid issues and estate pla...

Galen L. Schuerlein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice. Galen L., who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Galen L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

As chair of the firm’s Business Practice Area, Rocco I. Debitetto counsels businesses and individuals in connection with a variety of matters pertinent to all phases of business operations. He has been involved in a variety of commercial transactions from all sides of the table, including asset sales and acquisitions, business start-ups, significant contract negotiations, and commercial and asset-based financings. Several businesses further look to Rocco on a regular basis as their outs...

Dennis R. Rose represents clients across a wide spectrum of industries at both the trial and appellate level. Dennis has extensive experience handling a broad range of disputes in federal and state courts throughout the country. He has served as national litigation counsel in products liability litigation and Ohio counsel for lender liability and toxic tort matters. He represents clients in a diverse spectrum of industries, including financial services, paper, manufacturing, retail, real esta...

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...