Peter N. "Pete" Lavalette

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...

“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...

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...

Thomas J. Gibney concentrates his practice in the areas of human resources management in the private and public sectors, employment litigation, private and public sector labor negotiations and contract application, workers' compensation, and federal and state safety regulation litigation. He is a member of Eastman & Smith. Mr. Gibney is a frequent lecturer on the Affordable Care Act, National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), Occupational Safety and Health Act, Family and Medical Leave Act (FML...

Gregg A. Peppel is a seasoned trial attorney and business advisor with more than 25 years of experience representing clients in complex litigation, risk management, and commercial transactions. His practice focuses on medical malpractice defense, healthcare litigation, commercial and business litigation, construction law, insurance coverage disputes, real estate matters, contract disputes, and alternative dispute resolution. Mr. Peppel regularly counsels hospitals, physicians, healthcare prov...

Michelle L. Kranz is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michelle L. practices law in Toledo, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Michelle L. Kranz since 2017. 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 ...

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...

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.

Service to clients and to his life-long community are Mr. Jacobs' focus and passion. Frank D. Jacobs concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, general tax planning, charitable planned giving, business structuring, business succession planning and planning for qualified retirement plan beneficiary designation payouts. Mr. Jacobs is admitted to the bar of Ohio and to practice in the federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. Additionally, he holds a Certified Pu...

Representing a broad and diverse range of clients encompassing individuals, professional practices, and small and large businesses, member Jared J. Lefevre assists clients with successful navigation through complex and emotionally difficult cases. Cases include closely held company disputes, non-compete and trade secrets, professional liability matters and probate litigation. To effectively assist clients and third parties in arriving at efficient resolutions of their disputes, Mr. Lefevre ob...