Patricia A. "Pat" Gajda

Richard T. (“Ted”) Prasse has represented private and public sector employers in NLRB and SERB matters, labor negotiations, arbitrations, wage and hour issues (including employment class actions), equal employment litigation, employer counseling, OSHA, and Ohio Workers’ Compensation. His work has included representation of schools in constitutional and statutory issues in public, student and employee matters.

Daniela Paez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Daniela, who practices law in Cleveland, Ohio, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Daniela is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

With over 30 years of experience, Jim litigates negligence, product liability, toxic tort, employer intentional tort, insurance, commercial, and construction related claims in federal and state trial courts, as well as state appellate court. His liability defense concentration includes personal injury, property damage, construction defects, product liability, and general litigation. Jim has achieved the highest ranking, AV Preeminent®, from Martindale-Hubbell® and has been listed as a...

Jim Bright has been practicing law since 1976. He applies his considerable expertise to advising individuals and families on estate planning, tax planning (including income and estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes), and charitable gift planning. He also provides counsel to trustees of private foundations on administration, initial formation, and tax qualification. Prior to the formation of SSSB, he served as President of Spieth, Bell, McCurdy & Newell Co., L.P.A. Jim is a Fellow of...

Arthur L. Cobb is a healthcare and real estate attorney. In his healthcare practice, Art has represented healthcare and non-profit organizations in affiliations, joint ventures, hospital mergers and acquisitions, hospital financings, provider contracts, medical staff and private practitioner contracts, and governance and regulatory matters, including Medicare and Medicaid investigations. In his real estate practice, Art has represented clients in transactions involving land acquisition and im...

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...

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...

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...

Michael R. Stavnicky is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. Michael R., 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 Michael R. 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...