Peter N. "Pete" Lavalette

Gene R. Abercrombie concentrates his practice in the area of real estate law, with an emphasis on commercial sale and leasing transactions of all sizes, 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges, zoning and planning, condominium and homeowners’ association representation, real estate tax valuation appeals throughout Ohio, real estate brokerage law and mechanics’ lien law. Gene is listed in Best Lawyers in America ®, including "Lawyer of the Year," for 2022 for Real Estate Law in the Toledo,...

PERSONAL INJURY & CONSUMER PROTECTION No different than most kids, I dreamt of being a hero as a child and there was no bigger hero in my life than my father. He often told us stories about the people who were relying on him to resolve their tragedies. I always knew that was the kind of person I wanted to be. After earning my law degree from the University of Dayton in 1991, I joined the firm and began helping those who had been harmed with no place to go for justice. Areas of Practice: P...

Casey Talbott is a member of Eastman & Smith Ltd., concentrating his practice in the defense of significant personal injury, wrongful death, and insurance coverage actions. He also has significant experience counseling railroad companies with respect to operations concerns throughout the State of Ohio. Mr. Talbott received his undergraduate and law degrees from The Ohio State University. He is a member of the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, National Association of Railroad Tria...

Matthew D. Harper represents in a wide range of business, construction, and real estate disputes. He is a member of Eastman & Smith’s Bankruptcy and Creditors' Rights, Business Litigation, Construction Law and Eminent Domain Practice Groups. Mr. Harper is admitted in state and federal courts throughout Ohio and Michigan and has appeared pro hac vice in business litigation in Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wisconsin.

Gregg A. Peppel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Gregg A., who practices law in Toledo, Ohio, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gregg A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kevin D. Devaney, a registered pharmacist and an attorney, brings his perspective as a health care provider, as well as over thirty years of legal experience, to his role in assisting health care clients with peer review matters, compliance issues and health care-related business transactions (including mergers and acquisitions). He is a member of Eastman & Smith. Mr. Devaney earned a bachelor of science in pharmacy and masters of business administration from the University of Buffalo, an...

With more than 40 years of experience in business litigation, Reginald S. Jackson, Jr., of counsel, is a valuable addition to Eastman & Smith’s roster of attorneys. Mr. Jackson’s practice includes complex business litigation, federal white collar criminal defense and professional liability. Additionally Mr. Jackson has arbitrated and mediated in excess of 130 matters involving breach of contract, business torts, lender liability, shareholder actions and UCC. He is board certif...

Heidi N. Hartman, member, concentrates her practice in the areas of employment law, labor law and related litigation. She has represented large and small employers in a variety of industries -- including automotive, education, manufacturing and health care -- in a wide assortment of employment matters and disputes. Ms. Hartman counsels employers to resolve situations with their employees and regularly defends employers in litigation if charges are filed in administrative agencies, such as the...

PERSONAL INJURY & CONSUMER PROTECTION After 50+ years of practicing law, I still remember my first class action lawsuit for the civil rights of women and persons of color. Even though I had just graduated from the University of Michigan Law School, I knew that I wanted a career dedicated to civil litigation. I only wanted to engage in litigation for which fees were contingent upon winning, because hourly work required that my time and efforts be reasonable. I knew that what I wanted to do...

“Investing in client relationships enables a profit center approach to legal and financial services.” A transactional tax lawyer with regular involvement in tax controversies for over 35 years, Gary M. Harden partners with clients and collaborating professionals on a national platform, designing and implementing value added business - tax strategy. His practice areas include mergers and acquisitions (M&A), syndications, finance and insurance; with niche areas in intellectual p...