Mansour Gavin LPA

Bios

• 

  Miles P. Welo

  Associate

  Miles P. Welo is primarily a transactional attorney who represents clients on a broad range of business issues, including matters involving estate planning and probate litigation. Miles is also a Certified NFL Agent. His practice includes work with professional athletes, sports-related businesses, musicians, and music-related businesses. Miles successfully completed the Great Lakes Sports and Entertainment Law Academy in 2011, and served as the Vice President of the Entertainment and Sports Law Association while in law school. He is licensed to practice in the State of Ohio and has been admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio. Miles resides in downtown Cleveland and enjoys outdoor sports like football, golf and softball, as well as the indoor sport of cooking. While in law school, he served as an Assistant Football Coach at NCAA Division II-affiliated Notre Dame College. Notable Cases: Schwartz v. Tedrick, 2016-Ohio-1218

• 

  Kathryn E. Weber

  Associate

  Kathryn Weber focuses her practice on real estate and land use issues. She handles both real estate transactions and real estate litigation. She has experience representing clients in commercial and residential leasing, acquisitions and sales, landlord-tenant disputes, and development projects.She enjoys representing clients both inside and outside of the courtroom. Kathryn completed law school with a concentration in business and transactional law and was also a member of the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Mock Trial Team.Kathryn resides in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland. She enjoys checking out local bars and restaurants in Cleveland and spending time with her friends and family.

• 

  Thomas M. Turner

  Shareholder

  Thomas M. Turner is an experienced transactional lawyer in corporate and business law as well as estate planning and probate. For more than four decades, he has concentrated his practice in representing business owners, executives and closely-held businesses in matters involving personal and succession planning, income, estate and gift tax planning; mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, joint ventures, planning strategies involving the use of shareholder agreements, operating agreements, buy-sell agreements and complex life insurance arrangements.Throughout most of his career, Tom has also represented professional athletes including an MVP of the NFL, an NBA Coach of the Year, two members of NBA Championship Teams, a two-time PGA Champion, two British Open Champions, a Masters Champion, and numerous other professional athletes on their business, tax, and estate planning matters.Additionally, Mr. Turner’s practice includes the selection and formation of various ownership structures, including family limited partnerships, LLCs, C corporations and Sub-S corporations. He has extensive experience in representing significant estates and trusts, including several of the largest estates in Ohio’s history.Tom is licensed in the state of Ohio as well as the U.S. Tax Court, and is also a Certified Public Account (inactive).In 2005, Tom received the Distinguished Service Award from the Cleveland Bar Association, where he served as Treasurer from 2002-2005 and was a member of the Board of Trustees from 1999-2002 and the Certified Grievance Committee from 1996-1999.Golf and biking are among Tom’s sports activities, and he also enjoys travel.

• 

  Kenneth E. Smith

  Associate

  Kenneth Smith is an attorney practicing in civil litigation who represents companies and employers in all aspects of their business needs. He focuses his practice within the General Civil Litigation and Labor and Employment groups.Licensed in Ohio and in all federal courts in the state, Mr. Smith has represented clients in arbitration, in front of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in unemployment hearings, and at other state administrative proceedings. Outside the courtroom, he has assisted companies with obtaining various commercial licenses, and has helped draft and implement internal policies and procedures.Ken and his wife reside in Independence. An active tennis player, Ken also enjoys hiking and endeavors to one day visit every national park in the country.

• 

  Bruce G. Rinker

  Shareholder

  Mr. Rinker is a shareholder of the firm and has extensive experience in real estate law as a litigator and practitioner for cases involving eminent domain, planning and zoning, land use, permitting, and administrative review by local governmental agencies, boards, commissions and councils.Bruce was a labor relations representative, state appellate court law clerk, Assistant County Prosecutor in the felony criminal division and has been a trial attorney for over 40 years. He also served as a councilman for several years prior to serving as Mayfield Village's Mayor from 1993-2015. He is licensed in Ohio and has been admitted to the Ohio and U.S. District Courts.Notable cases include:Mentor Lagoons (park assemblage)Euclid Corridor WideningSpeedway v. Berea Planning Commission, 2013-Ohio-3422 (8th Dist. 2013)DiSanto v. Solon, 2008 Ohio 293, 8th Dist. Ct. of AppealsVisconsi v. Strongsville, 2004 Ohio 4908, 8th Dist. Ct. of AppealsMayfield Heights v. Shemo, 2002 96 Ohio St.3d 379K. Hovnanian Oster Homes LLC v. Lorain Ohio Zoning Bd. of Appeals, 2015-Ohio-5317 (9th Dist. 2015)Bruce is an avid swimmer, duffer and music lover. He lives in Pepper Pike with his wife, Laura, sharing in the joy of a grandson - and hoping for more grandchildren!

• 

  Timothy T. Reid

  Counsel

  Timothy T. Reid is an experienced civil litigation trial attorney serving as trial counsel for insurance carriers, corporations, employers and political subdivisions. He has represented clients in wrongful death, professional malpractice, employment and transportation injuries, police misconduct and Civil Rights claims.Tim is licensed to practice in the State of Ohio, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, he has served as Law Director/Prosecutor for the cities of Wickliffe and Brunswick.In his spare time, Tim can often be found on the golf course. He also enjoys travel and reading. He resides in Solon.

• 

  Michael P. Quinlan

  Shareholder

  Michael Quinlan is an experienced trial and civil litigation attorney with a background in criminal prosecution and defense. He focuses his practice in the areas of insurance defense, products liability, criminal defense, toxic tort and state and federal civil litigation.Mr. Quinlan is licensed in the State of Ohio and has been admitted to the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio and Southern District of Ohio.Mickey and his family reside in Bainbridge Township, where he devotes time to a number of community organizations. His particular passion is advocacy for individuals with Down Syndrome, and he serves on the Board of Directors of the Northeast Ohio Upside of Downs. He is also active as a coach and volunteer in youth sports.

• 

  Edward O. Patton

  Shareholder

  Edward O. Patton is an experienced attorney specializing in Corporate and Business Law as well as Civil Litigation. He advises corporate clients regarding international import and export activities and establishing Corporate Compliance Programs for International Trade and NAFTA programs. He has extensive knowledge and experience in governmental compliance including licensing procedures for international exports, product marking procedures for importation and U.S. Customs, preparing and filing licenses and product classification requests with the Bureau of Industry and Security, and assisting clients with NAFTA, International Trade Commission and Customs Audits.Mr. Patton has extensive practice before U.S. Customs, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, NAFTA and other U.S. Governmental Agencies that control and regulate international trade.Ed’s areas of practice also include general litigation, insurance defense, criminal defense, corporate litigation, and asbestos and silica litigation.He is licensed to practice in Ohio and is a member of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio and Southern District of Michigan.Ed is a voracious reader, a long-time golfer, rugby fan, and also enjoys home rehabilitation.He and his wife Annemarie reside with their children in Lakewood.

• 

  John W. Monroe

  Shareholder / Vice-President

  John Monroe focuses his practice on real estate and land use issues. He handles matters such as real estate transactions, including sales, acquisitions and leasing; real estate litigation, including landlord-tenant disputes, boundary disputes, title issues and zoning matters; manufactured home park law; and administrative appeals from governmental bodies.Mr. Monroe’s recent notable cases and transactions include:Successfully prosecuted and argued an unconstitutional zoning ordinance/takings case in the Ohio Supreme Court in the case of State ex rel Sunset Estate Properties, LLC v. the Village of Lodi, 2015-Ohio-790Represented national automobile retailer in property acquisition and redevelopmentRepresented landlords/tenants in multiple restaurant/bar leasesRepresented manufacturers in warehouse leasingRepresented retail shopping center developers in lease negotiations, construction financingRepresented municipality in acquisition of propertyRepresented manufactured home park owners in refinance and sale of park and assetsCoordinated transfer of 74 properties in fifteen states to new entity in reorganizationLead real estate attorney for acquisition/sale of 20-acre manufactured home parkRepresented hotel in administrative appeal of alleged fire suppression/alarm violationJohn, his wife Mary Cavanaugh, and their children live in Euclid. In addition to family time, John enjoys summer boating and transitions to snowboarding and ice hockey in winter. In fact, he is Commissioner of Euclid Senior Hockey, an adult hockey league.

• 

  Tracey S. McGurk

  Shareholder

  Tracey McGurk is an experienced trial attorney who focuses her practice in the areas of Real Estate Litigation, Civil Litigation, Employment Law, Environmental Law, Workers Compensation, Insurance Defense Litigation, and Toxic Tort Litigation.Ms. McGurk is licensed in Ohio and has been admitted to the Ohio and U.S. District Courts in both the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio. Her notable cases include:Li-Conrad v. Curran, et al., 11th Dist. Lake No. 2015-L-085, 50 N.E.3d 573 (2016)Rhonda Wheatley v. Howard Hanna, et al., Lorain County Case No. 13CV178927ALopresti & Sons, Inc., Plaintiff-Appellee v. Neil Castaldi, Defendant-Appellant No. 89748 Court of Appeals of Ohio, Eighth Appellate District, Cuyahoga County 2008 Ohio 1267; 2008 Ohio App.State ex rel. Rhenium Alloys, Inc. v. Indus. Comm’n of Ohio, No. 09-AP-326, Court of Appeals of Ohio, Tenth Appellate District, Franklin County, 2010 Ohio 1379; 2010 Ohio App.DPJLR, Ltd. v. Howard Hanna, et al., No. 90883, Court of Appeals of Ohio, Eighth Appellate District, Cuyahoga County, 2008 Ohio 5872; 2008 Ohio App.Thomas M. Loya, et al. v. Howard Hanna, et al., C.A. No. 24378, Court of Appeals of Ohio, Ninth Appellate District, Summit County, 2009 Ohio 448; 2009 Ohio App.Tracey and her husband Chris reside in Bay Village with their family. Her free time is devoted to her young sons. When there’s free time, she enjoys reading, walking and quiet relaxation.

• 

  Daniel J. McGuire

  Counsel

  Mr. McGuire is an experienced trusts and estates attorney, helping clients obtain solutions based on their unique situations, concerns and goals. Dan has represented clients in the entire wealth spectrum, and is adept at advising clients to address changing circumstances that require planning for the future.Dan is licensed in the states of Ohio and Florida. Before joining Mansour Gavin, he was involved on the administrative side of trusts, ensuring the stated goals and intentions of trust grantors were correctly interpreted and executed.  Dan also served as a mentor to newer trust officers, teaching the practicalities of trust administration, and providing them an accelerated education in the field.Dan enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons and extended family and friends. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading, and has an unrequited love for golf.

• 

  Samuel R. Martillotta

  Shareholder / Vice-President

  Mr. Martillotta has significant experience in environmental law and safety matters, including assuring compliance with current governing regulations and addressing federal, state and local regulatory issues. His practice also focuses on toxic tort litigation, involving the defense of asbestos litigation in both state and federal courts.He is licensed in the State of Ohio and the United States District Court, Northern District.Sam's personal focus is family and faith. He serves on his church’s Board of Elders and is involved in its Men’s Ministries and Adult Ministries Programs. He also likes to read, watch baseball and play golf. Feel like talking? Sam enjoys listening to others’ life stories.

• 

  Ernest P. Mansour

  Shareholder

  Mr. Mansour is the founding partner of the firm and specializes in Corporate and Business Law.  He continues to counsel corporate clients on complex business issues, antitrust litigation and labor matters. He has extensive trial experience in national and international jurisdictions and has successfully represented clients before the United States Supreme Court.Mr. Mansour is licensed in the State of Ohio, and his notable cases include:Crawford Fitting Company v. J.T. Gibbons, Inc. Champion International Corporation v. International Woodworkers of America, AFL-CIO, CLC, 482 U.S. 437, 107 S. Ct. 2494, 96 L.Ed.2d 385 (1987)Walker v. Engle, 703 F.2d 959, 12 Fed R. Evid. Serv. 1819 (6th Cir. 1983)Ernie and his wife Lois reside in Shaker Heights, and enjoy spending time at their home in Naples FL. He is actively involved in a number of civic, community and charitable organizations.

• 

  Amy L. Kullik

  Shareholder

  In addition to a successful general litigation practice, Ms. Kullik has administrative and litigation experience in all aspects of public and private sector labor and employment law. She counsels employers on litigation prevention, human resource management, health and safety issues, and proactive compliance strategies for federal and state laws. She develops and conducts training and compliance seminars for employers, managers, supervisors and employees and defends employers in cases involving allegations of discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation and wrongful discharge, as well as wage and hour disputes.She is currently admitted in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio,  U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.  Amy frequently lectures on employment law and mentors law students and new lawyers.Amy's notable cases include:Cole v. Swagelok Co. 1:16-cv-03009, U.S. Dist. Ct. Northern Dist. Of Ohio (summary judgment granted)Kompa v. Swagelok Co. 1:16-cv-02263, U.S. Dist. Ct. Northern Dist. Of Ohio (dismissal with prejudice)Dragmen v. Swagelok Co., 2014-Ohio-5345, 8th Dist. Ct. of AppealsOverstreet v. Mack Industries, Inc., et al, 2007 Ohio 2911, 8th Dist. Ct. of AppealsLayne v. Giant Eagle, et al, Case No. 05CV142567, Lorain Cty. Ct. of Common Pleas (defense verdict)Bowers v. Swagelok Company, 2006 Ohio 3605, 8th Dist. Ct. of AppealsGlasgow v. Goshen Dairy Stores, Inc., et al, 2004CT 020074, Tuscarawas Cty. Common Pleas Ct. (defense verdict)Kiser v. Invacare Corp., Case No 05CV14741, Lorain Cty. Ct. of Common Pleas (defense verdict)Vitatoe v. Lawrence Industries, Inc., 153 Ohio App.3d 609, 2003 Ohio 4187, 8th Dist. Ct. of AppealsHayes-Williams v. City of Cleveland, Case No. 1:97-cv-00542, U.S. Dist. Ct. Northern Dist. Of Ohio (defense verdict)

• 

  Mitchell T. Kolesar

  Associate

  Mitchell Kolesar is a member of the firm’s corporate and business law and real estate and land use departments. He has extensive experience counseling clients on corporate business matters, real estate development, contract negotiations, and assisting new businesses with entity formation.His wide-ranging transactional experience includes representing buyers and sellers throughout all phases of the merger and acquisition process and consulting real estate developers throughout the life cycle of the real estate projects.Mr. Kolesar is actively involved with Business Volunteers Unlimited Young Professionals Leader Corps. He also volunteers his time to Torchbearers, which strengthens the connection between Akron area non-profits and emerging leaders, as well as Archbishop Hoban High School.Mitchell resides in Akron and enjoys spending time with his family, including his dog Lue. When time and weather allow, Mitchell loves to be on the golf course.

• 

  Jennifer E. Horn

  Shareholder

  Jennifer Horn focuses her practice in the areas of corporate and intellectual property law. Her wide-ranging corporate experience includes business counseling, contract preparation, review, and negotiation, corporate governance,  commercial lending, and mergers and acquisitions.  She also provides guidance on antitrust law, data privacy, and the legal aspects of cybersecurity issues, and has served as outside corporate counsel to several global corporations.In addition to her corporate transactional practice, Jen works with clients on intellectual property matters such as copyright and trademark permissions, copyright and patent licensing agreements, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, and social media policies.  She handles all aspects of trademark clearance, preparation, and registration, and has experience advising clients in acquiring and protecting all phases of their intellectual property portfolio.She is licensed in Ohio and has been admitted to the Ohio Supreme Court and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio.Jen and her husband Brian reside in Bay Village with their two young sons.

• 

  Veronica T. Garofoli

  Associate

  Veronica T. Garofoli focuses her practice on probate litigation as well as wealth management and estate planning.  She is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio and has been admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio.Determined to follow in the path of her late grandfather, Anthony J. Garofoli, Veronica attended law school at his alma mater.  While at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, she externed at the Cuyahoga County Probate Court as well as the Eighth District Court of Appeals.Veronica is a Cleveland native, educated at Beaumont School for Girls. Her years of experience as an athlete and a captain empower her to bring a teamwork approach to her representation of clients.Veronica resides in Pepper Pike and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.   She loves cheering on Cleveland sports teams, especially the 2016 NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

• 

  Brendon P. Friesen

  Shareholder

  Brendon is a shareholder at Mansour Gavin LPA. Licensed in Ohio and Illinois, he focuses much of his practice on the daily legal strategy within the broad range of his clients’ business needs and markets. He is an accomplished trial attorney, trying many cases to verdict in state, federal, arbitration and international forums. Brendon principally advises corporations and individuals in the following areas:Corporate start-up, structuring, capitalization and governance;Mergers and acquisitions;Commercial law and transactions (Uniform Commercial Code), products liability, anti-trust and general business disputes;Intellectual property transactions, licensing, registration and enforcement for trademarks, copyrights, domains, patents, non-compete agreements and trade secrets;Real estate matters including the sale and purchase or real property, residential and commercial leasing and county tax valuation complaints and appeals;Cannabis and CBD regulatory compliance;Entertainment industry; andCreditors’ rights (debt collection), receivership and foreclosure.Brendon is the chair of the law firm’s business and corporate services group and co-chair of the marketing committee. He is also the firm’s liaison to the international law group, Legal Netlink Association (LNA). Brendon is a member of LNA’s executive committee and hosted the LNA fall meeting in Cleveland in October 2016.Brendon, his wife Meghan and family reside in Highland Heights. In addition to family time, he enjoys fishing, golf and other sports. Originally from Southern California, Brendon grew up playing water polo and is a two-time NCAA All-American water polo goalie. He remains active in the development of the sport here in Cleveland for both youth and adult players and is a director and officer with the Cleveland Water Polo Club.

• 

  Jeffrey M. Embleton

  Shareholder / Managing Director

  Jeffrey M. Embleton is an experienced Labor and Employment, Civil Litigation, and Environmental Law Attorney.  Mr. Embleton is a Shareholder and Managing Director at Mansour Gavin. He has represented clients before state and federal courts in Ohio and several other states and has appeared before Ohio Supreme Court and the Sixth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals. Jeff has represented companies before OSHA, the NLRB, and various other state and federal regulatory bodies.His practice includes representing businesses in employment discrimination and harassment claims; wrongful termination claims; and related employment claims. He counsels employers on Rightful Terminations, Harassment Training, and other employment-related training. He also works with companies on union-free training and related issues.Jeff represents companies and individuals in claims involving trade secret disclosure and non-competition disputes. He has also represented executives in preparation of executive employment and severance agreements. He has extensive experience representing companies in business disputes, including UCC claims, contract disputes, and other business claims.His notable cases include:Parrett v. American Shipbuilding 990 F.2d 854Tullis v. UMB Bank 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 87223Duchon v. Cajon 791 F.2d 43Central States Stamping v. Terminal EquipmentHollins v. Atlantic Co. 993 F. Supp. 1097Vitatoe v. Lawrence Industries (2005) 153 Ohio App. 3d. 609Cornell v. Parson Coal (1993) 96 Ohio App. 3d.1Brandenburger v. Hilti (1989) 52 Ohio App. 3d.21Jeff and his wife Patti reside in Geauga County.  Avid gardeners and beekeepers, they love hiking and snowshoeing, and enjoy music and the arts. They often travel to visit their five children and come home to spoil their two dogs.

• 

  Anthony J. Coyne

  Shareholder / President

  Anthony Coyne is President of Mansour Gavin, and his practice is focused on business law, municipal law, zoning and planning, eminent domain, real property, and litigation.An expert on urban affairs, he has authored several papers, served as Executive Assistant to the Director of Transition for Cleveland Mayor Michael R. White and was Judicial Extern for Judge Alice M. Batchelder, who currently serves on the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.He is licensed to practice in the State of Ohio and has been admitted to the Supreme Court of Ohio, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio. His notable cases include:Board of Trustees v. City of Painesville (6th Cir. 1999), 200 F.3d 396Court St. Dev. v. Stow City Council (9th Dist. 1998), 129 Ohio App. 3d.359Danis Clarkco Landfill Co. v. Trustees of German Twp., No. C-3-96-481, 1997 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 21037Kishmarton v. William Bailey Constr., Inc. (2001), 93 Ohio St. 3d 226Loreto Dev. Co. v. Village of Chardon (1998), 81 Ohio St. 3d. 1239City of Mentor v. Osborne, Nos. 98-L-226, 98-L-228, 98-L-229, 98-L-230, 201 Ohio App. LEXIS 2355Murray Energy Corp. v. City of Pepper Pike (8th Dist.), 2008-Ohio-2818City of North Olmsted v. North Olmsted Land Holdings (8th Dist. 2000), 137 Ohio App.3d 1State ex rel. Michael Shemo v. City of Mayfield Heights (2002), 96 Ohio St.3d 379Visconsi-Royalton, Ltd. v. City of Strongsville (8th Dist.), 2004-Ohio-4908Mr. Coyne is a member of the Board of Directors of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy in Cambridge, Massachusetts as well as St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Ohio Canal Corridor.He is a frequent guest lecturer and has spoken before organizations such as the National Business Institute, Lorman Educations Series, the Cleveland and Ohio State Bar Associations, Ohio Planning Conference, CLE International Seminar on Eminent Domain, Urban Land Institute and International Council on Shopping Centers on such topics as eminent domain, zoning and land use and municipal law.Active in the community, Mr. Coyne served on the Planning Commission for the City of Cleveland from 1990-2015, and was its Chairman for 15 years. In addition, he was appointed by Mayor Frank Jackson to serve as Chairman of the Group Plan Commission of the City of Cleveland.Tony likes to spend his time with his wife Rachelle and family. He is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys golf, bicycling and jogging, as well as all the cultural and artistic opportunities Cleveland has to offer. The family lives in Ohio City.

• 

  James A. Budzik

  Counsel

  James A. Budzik’s practice is concentrated in public and private sector labor and employment law representing management and employers. He specializes in collective bargaining negotiations, mediations, fact-finding, conciliations, unfair labor practice proceedings, civil service disciplinary proceedings and grievance arbitrations on behalf of numerous public sector entities. He advises city and village representatives on municipal law issues.  In addition, Jim counsels employers in wage and hour laws, civil rights, discrimination laws, unemployment laws and workers' compensation.Jim regularly appears in court and before administrative agencies, including the Industrial Commission of Ohio, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Ohio Civil Rights Commission, the National Labor Relations Board and SERB. He is licensed in the State of Ohio and admitted to the Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio, U.S. Sixth Circuit, and U.S. Supreme Courts. His notable cases include:Harrison v. Judge, 63 Ohio St. 3d 766Goble v. Brunswick, 142 Ohio Misc. 137 (2007-Ohio-4125)State, ex rel. Coyne v. Brook Park, 2003-Ohio-5383Mitchell v. Bainbridge Twp., 2004-Ohio-3687Amser Corp. v. Village of Brooklyn Heights, 1993 Ohio App.  LEXIS 2384Jim and his family live in North Royalton. A diehard Cleveland sports fan, he optimistically awaits the next professional sports championship. Jim also takes an active interest in politics.

• 

  Charles T. Brown

  Shareholder

  Charles Brown is an accomplished estate planning and probate attorney with more than 26 years of experience in probate litigation. He has previously served as Magistrate since 1988, and Chief Magistrate and Probate Court Mediator since 2009 for Cuyahoga County, the largest and most prominent probate court in the state of Ohio.Mr. Brown has handled thousands of cases involving all aspects of probate litigation, including wealth management and estate planning.He is a lecturer and continuing legal education (CLE) teacher on a variety of topics involving probate issues and procedures.In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his wife, Barb, and three children, cooking and a number of outdoor activities, including golf, hiking, fishing, and his dog Riley.Notable Cases:Schwartz v. Tedrick, 2016-Ohio-1218

• 

  Sandra J. Brantley

  Counsel

  Ms. Brantley is an experienced fiduciary, trust, and estate planning and probate lawyer with over 25 years of practice. As a former Senior Counsel for National City Bank (now PNC Bank, N.A), she has concentrated her practice on advising trustees, executors and investment managers regarding their respective duties and liabilities. Additionally, Ms. Brantley has extensive experience in estate planning and probate matters.Ms. Brantley advises both corporate and individual trustees regarding duties and liabilities, and advises individuals regarding estate planning matters.She is an author of the Ohio Trust Code, a speaker on the Ohio Trust Code, and is licensed in the State of Ohio.Sandra resides in Bay Village with her family. She is an avid gardener, enjoys reading and maintaining relationships with family and friends.

• 

  Timothy A. Boyko

  Shareholder

  Mr. Boyko is an experienced attorney who practices in the areas of probate and estate planning, including wills, trusts and powers of attorney, elder law, real estate and business law. He previously served as managing partner of the law firm of Boyko, Dobeck & Weaver before joining Mansour Gavin in late 2016. He is currently admitted to practice law in both the State of Ohio and the State of Florida, as well as the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio.Tim represents individuals, companies and non-profit organizations in his practice. He has extensive experience in estate planning, probate and elter law matters, as well as in representing clients with business and real estate matters. In addition, Tim counsels clients with issues involving Florida probate, estate planning and real estate.Tim is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, Parma Bar Association, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Mr Boyko involves himself with various community organizations, including serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of UH Parma Medical Center.Tim has three children, and in his spare time enjoys traveling. He is greatly involved in fundraising for The Patty Boyko Foundation in memory of his late wife; the Foundation provides comfort services to cancer patients.

• 

  John P. Bacevice, Jr.

  Associate

  John (Jack) Bacevice, Jr. is a seasoned litigator with a focus on federal and state tort defense, specifically constitutional litigation. His practice focuses on federal civil rights, business litigation, municipal law, and labor and employment.John began his law career with a two-year clerkship for the City of Cleveland, where he ultimately served as an Assistant Director of Law. While there, he gained considerable knowledge in 42 U.S.C. § 1983 litigation specifically defending Cleveland police officers accused of violating a plaintiff’s or decedent’s constitutional rights under color of law. He has gained extensive experience litigating employment civil rights cases serving as lead counsel in alleged unlawful reverse discrimination cases in federal court.Mr. Bacevice is a Cleveland native and is a proud St. Ignatius alumnus. He currently resides in downtown Cleveland and loves to cheer on all of Cleveland's sports teams.John's notable cases include:Bielawski v. City of Cleveland, et al. 1:12-CV-1392 N.D. OhioMitchell v. Grasha, et al. 1:12-CV-2181 N.D. OhioLewis v. City of Cleveland, et al. 1:13-CV-589 N.D. OhioOhio Properties, LLC v. City of Cleveland 1:16-CV-2120 N.D. OhioCarr v. Johnson, et al. 1:17-CV-620 N.D. OhioHowse v. Hodous, et al. 1:17-CV-1714 N.D. OhioThe Scrap Yard, LLC et al v. City of Cleveland, et al. 11-4076 United States 6th Circuit Court of AppealsDonnita Carmichael v. City of Cleveland, et al. 12-3657 United States 6th Circuit Court of AppealsDeborah Morabito v. Roger Holmes, et al. 14-3612 United States 6th Circuit Court of Appeals

• 

  Cristina Vacar

  Paralegal

  Cristina Vacar is a probate and litigation paralegal. She has been working in the legal field for 3 years, primarily in estate planning and probate.Cristina has a B.A. from Case Western Reserve University and a post degree certificate in Paralegal Studies from Cuyahoga Community College. She currently resides in Bay Village, Ohio.

• 

  Sheila M. Snyder

  Paralegal

  Sheila Snyder is a labor and employment and litigation paralegal. Her main focus is workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation. She has been employed at Mansour Gavin since 2007 and has been working in the legal field for over 20 years in both private and public sector labor and employment. Sheila obtained her Associate Degree in Legal Assisting Technology and BA from the University of Toledo. Sheila resides in Strongsville, Ohio with her family.

• 

  Terry A. Shook, CP

  NALA Certified Paralegal

  Terry Shook is an insurance defense and litigation paralegal who has been working in the legal field for over 28 years. Before returning to Mansour Gavin, Terry was a full-time litigation paralegal in Florida where she became a Registered Paralegal (FL). In 2009, Terry completed the NALA Certified Paralegal Examination and received her CP credential. She resides with her family in Medina County.

• 

  Michele M. Kerling

  OSBA Certified Paralegal

  Michele Kerling is a litigation paralegal whose main focus is e-discovery and large document productions. In addition, she has been the Intellectual Property paralegal for the firm for over 10 years. She has been with Mansour Gavin since 1990 and has been in the paralegal position for over 25 years. Michele has an Associate Degree in Legal Administration and Office Management from The University of Akron and received her Certificate in Paralegal Studies from David N. Myers University. She became an OSBA Certified Paralegal with the inaugural group in 2007. Michele resides in North Royalton with her family.

• 

  Sarah B. Harris

  OSBA Certified Paralegal

  Sarah Harris is a probate and estate planning paralegal. She has been working in the legal field for over 12 years, primarily in estate planning and probate. She has a BA from UCLA, a post degree certificate in Legal Studies from Ursuline and has been OSBA certified since 2012. Prior to this, Sarah worked in television production and project development in California.

• 

  Beth A. Goist

  Paralegal

  Beth Goist is a litigation paralegal who has been in the legal field for almost 20 years. She has experience working at a large law firm. She has most recently spent the last 17 years as a Litigation Paralegal at a large financial institution where she concentrated on large complex litigation matters. Beth has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Sociology from the Ohio State University. Beth resides in Westlake, Ohio with her family.

• 

  Traci K. Sage

  Firm Administrator

  Traci Sage joined Mansour Gavin in 2018 and serves as the Firm Administrator. Reporting directly to the Executive Committee, Traci is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the firm. She is directly involved in all areas of firm administration, including human resources, accounting and finance, facilities management, event planning, marketing and information systems. Working closely with firm management, she helps develop and implement key processes and guides policy consistent with the strategic plan of the firm. With more than 20 years of finance and administration experience, Traci approaches firm operations with a focus on maximizing firm productivity for the benefit of its employees and clients. Traci received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She lives in Hudson, Ohio with her family.

• 

  Leslie M. Young

  Marketing Coordinator

  Leslie Young is an experienced marketing professional with over 15 years of corporate communications, project management, strategic planning, and event management experience. Leslie manages the firm’s social media, event planning, corporate sponsorship, and business development efforts.Leslie earned a B.A. in Communications from The University of Michigan and resides in Chagrin Falls with her husband and two daughters.