Insights

In Leiendecker v. Ascension Genesys Hospital, the Michigan Court of Appeals established a doctrine for when property owners can be held liable for injuries caused by wild animals on their premises. The plaintiff, a contractor working at an Ascension facility, was attacked by a goose that had been living on the hospital grounds for several […]

The requirement under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(c)(1) that a motion for relief from judgment be filed within a “reasonable time” applies with equal force to motions seeking to vacate a judgment as void under FRCP 60(b)(4). The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling ends an 11-1 split in the Circuit Courts going the other […]

The Surface Transportation Board (“STB”) has issued a unanimous proposal to repeal 49 C.F.R. Part 1144, a regulation first adopted in 1985 that governs when the STB may prescribe reciprocal switching, through routes, and through rates. The STB cites significant changes in the statutory framework, rail industry structure, and stakeholder views as justification for the […]

In 2025, the Supreme Court of the United States rejected “universal injunctions” (also known as “nationwide injunctions”) as an equitable remedy given by Congress to federal courts. See Trump, et al v. Casa, Inc.,et al., 606 U.S. 831 (2025). District courts may no longer issue an injunction that operates to bar a law across all […]

On November 20, 2025, the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released a technical assistance document which emphasized that the prohibition against national origin discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 extends to Americans. Specifically, the guidance document defines national origin discrimination as treating workers unfavorably or favorably because they are from a […]

The work of estate and probate attorneys has never been more challenging—or more scrutinized. As practitioners, we’re not just managing future distributions; we’re managing future disputes, family dynamics, and the emotional volatility that can arise when significant assets intersect with loss. The emotional stakes are high, and when outcomes don’t meet expectations, disappointed heirs increasingly […]

The Michigan Court of Appeals recently clarified that non-resident vehicle owners who maintain out-of-state registration and insurance may still recover tort damages in Michigan, even if they drive in the state for more than 30 days per year. In Goings v. Giacomantonio-Snow, the court held that the statutory bar on tort recovery in MCL 500.3135(2)(c) […]

We are pleased to welcome Patrick S. Vrobel to our Cleveland office as our newest Partner! Cleveland Office Patrick joins the firms Business and Employment, and General Litigation practice groups, where he brings extensive employment litigation experience defending clients in discrimination and civil rights cases before administrative agencies and courts at all levels. He previously […]

We are pleased to welcome two new associates to our Cleveland office! Cleveland Office Toren A. Bakula joins our General Liability, Business and Employment, and Professional Liability Practice Groups with experience in various aspects of civil litigation, including employment matters, construction, business disputes, and debt collections. Jeremy S. Ribando joins our Professional Liability and General […]

We are pleased to announce that Matthew A. Smartnick has been elected partner at the firm. Matt is a seasoned litigator with a focus on the defense of transportation industry clients, and an emphasis on commercial carriers and operators facing catastrophic loss claims. As a key member of the firm’s Rapid Response team, he provides […]

We’re pleased to announce that fourteen of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 edition of Super Lawyers®, honoring outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Congratulations to all, especially the 5 Rising Stars! 2025 Ohio Super Lawyers 2025 Ohio Rising Stars

In Sherwin-Williams Co. v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s London, Slip Opinion No. 2024-Ohio5773, the Supreme Court of Ohio held that payments to prevent future harm, rather than compensate for past harm, do not qualify as damages covered by liability insurance. Specifically, although the term “damages” was undefined in the insurance contracts at issue, the Supreme […]

We are pleased to welcome four new associates to our firm, following their admission to the Ohio Bar this week in Columbus. Each of these new lawyers previously served as law clerks with our firm, and we are delighted to welcome them as full-time attorneys. Cleveland Office Abby R. Jones joins our Professional Liability and […]

We’re proud to have been named in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms®, including two of our practice groups that were nationally ranked. National Tier 1 Cleveland Tier 1 Cleveland Tier 2

A Comprehensive Guide for Maritime Professionals Our Admiralty/Maritime practice group presents this 45 minute in-depth look at the Limitation of Liability Act, its implications for vessel owners, claims adjusters, and insurance professionals, and offer practical insights and strategies to help you effectively handle limitation cases and protect your clients’ interests. What’s covered: Enter your email below […]