WH Burkley Recognized in 2026 Edition of Legal 500 US Elite – Ohio Legal 500 recently recognized WH Burkley and several of its lawyers in the 2026 Legal US Guide. The Legal 500 US Elite recognizes leading lawyers…
Chambers & Partners recently recognized WH Burkley and several of its lawyers in the 2026 Chambers USA Guide. The Chambers USA Guide identifies the best practice groups and lawyers across the US market through an independent and in-depth…
WH Burkley is pleased to announce that 7 attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Pennsylvania edition of Super Lawyers. No more than five percent of the lawyers in each state are selected by the research team at…
WH Burkley, Managing Partner, Kirk Burkley has been named the 2026 Certified Creditors’ Rights Law Attorney of the Year by the American Board of Certification at the American Bankruptcy Institute Annual Spring Meeting. This recognition honors certified attorneys who exemplify…
WH Burkley Partner Robert Bernstein has been named a recipient of the 2026 Turnaround Management Association (Pittsburgh Chapter) Lifetime Achievement Award. This distinguished honor recognizes individuals who have made sustained, significant contributions to the fields of turnaround management, restructuring, and…
WH Burkley partner Stuart C. Gaul, Jr. will be among the speakers at an upcoming National Business Institute online seminar! Date: April 16, 2026 | Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT Stuart will be presenting on several key sessions:…
2026 NACM Legal Symposium – Best Practices in Credit Management WH Burkley managing partner Kirk Burkley & partner Shawn McClure will be presenters for the 2026 NACM Legal Symposium’s online seminar on March 26, 2026. Event: Best Practices…
WH Burkley Managing Partner Kirk Burkley recently discussed the Bernstein-Burkley and Walter Haverfield merger with the Pittsburgh Business Times and Cleveland Jewish News. Read more: If you have any questions regarding the matters covered in this new alert,…
WH Burkley is pleased to announce a unified leadership structure across its practice groups, offices, and executive team — marking a major milestone in the firm’s integration following the February 2026 merger of Bernstein-Burkley and Walter Haverfield. These…
“Strategic Earnout Drafting Implications from Delaware Supreme Court in J&J/Auris” WH Burkley associate Sachin Java recently authored “Strategic Earnout Drafting Implications from Delaware Supreme Court in J&J/Auris” in the January 2026 edition of Business Law Today, an American…
WH Burkley partner Christopher Reuscher will be among the speakers at the 2026 DWT Wealth Business Owner Strategy Summit on March 5, 2026. His presentation “Navigating the M&A Journey, From Negotiation to Integration – A Seller’s Roadmap,” will…
WH Burkley Elects Peggy VanRumppe and Matthew McClelland to the Partnership WH Burkley is pleased to announce that Peggy VanRumppe and Matthew McClelland have been elected to the firm’s partnership. “We are pleased to welcome Peggy, and Matthew…
Walter Haverfield and Bernstein‑Burkley Agree to Merge, Forming WH Burkley CLEVELAND, OH & PITTSBURGH, PA – The partners of Walter Haverfield and Bernstein-Burkley have agreed to merge, effective February 1, 2026. The combined firm will operate under the…
Walter Haverfield is pleased to announce that 17 attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Super Lawyers. No more than five percent of the lawyers in each state are selected by the research team at Super…
Jordan Elliott Joins Walter Haverfield Litigation Group Walter Haverfield is pleased to announce that Jordan N. Elliott has joined the firm as an associate in the firm’s Litigation Group. Jordan clerked for Walter Haverfield upon graduation and was…
Walter Haverfield and Bernstein-Burkley are pleased to announce that combined together, 19 practice groups have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®. The Best Law Firms® rankings celebrate firms that consistently demonstrate legal excellence and…
The 47th Annual Real Estate Law Institute Walter Haverfield Real Estate attorneys Josh Hurtuk, Irene MacDougall, Nicholle Acciarri and Garrett Allen will be among the speakers at the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association 47th Annual Real Estate Law Institute…
Lacie O’Daire Returns to Walter Haverfield Walter Haverfield is pleased to announce that Lacie O’Daire has returned to the firm as a partner in the Tax & Wealth Management Group. With over two decades of specialized experience in…
Walter Haverfield Appoints Interim Managing Partner Walter Haverfield today announced that Kevin Murphy informed the firm’s Executive Committee and partnership that, for personal and professional reasons, he has decided to step down as Managing Partner. Kevin will remain…
WH Burkley is pleased to announce that 29 attorneys have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America©, 2026 edition. Best Lawyers Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch WH Burkley WH Burkley is a leading, middle-market, business solutions…
Chelsea Rivera Joins Walter Haverfield Litigation Group Walter Haverfield is pleased to announce that Chelsea Rivera has joined the firm as an associate in the firm’s Litigation Group. She brings to the firm experience both as a case manager and…
Walter Haverfield today announced that Christopher Reuscher has joined the firm as a partner in the Business Services Group. “As we continue to strategically expand the firm around our core competencies and geographical footprint, we are particularly focused…
Walter Haverfield Recognized in 2025 Edition of Chambers USA Chambers & Partners recently recognized Walter Haverfield and several of its lawyers in the 2025 Chambers USA Guide. Walter Haverfield’s Real Estate Practice advanced to Band 2 in Ohio,…
Walter Haverfield Elects Lindsay Svetlak and Alex Hurtuk to the Partnership Walter Haverfield is pleased to announce that Lindsay Svetlak and Alex Hurtuk have been elected to the firm’s partnership, effective January 2025. “We are thrilled to welcome…
Ohio Minimum Wage Increase for 2025 Effective January 1, 2025, Ohio’s minimum wage increased to $10.70 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.35 per hour for tipped employees. The minimum wage applies to all employees of businesses with…
Walter Haverfield is pleased to announce that 15 attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 edition of Super Lawyers. No more than five percent of the lawyers in each state are selected by the research team at Super…
Walter Haverfield is pleased to announce that 18 practice groups have been recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms®. The Best Law Firms® rankings celebrate firms that consistently demonstrate legal excellence and industry knowledge. Firms are…
Corporate Transparency Act Compliance for ESOPs The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), effective January 1, 2024, introduces new reporting requirements for certain corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities, including those owned by Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Entities…
Digital Assets in Estate Planning Walter Haverfield associate Alex Kuzmik was recently quoted in the Cleveland Jewish News discussing the importance of accounting for digital assets in estate planning. “Some digital assets, particularly cryptocurrencies, may have tax implications,”…
Alcohol Sales and Ohio Mobile ID Ohio recently announced a new Ohio Mobile ID option, which allows users to access a digital copy of their Ohio driver’s license through Apple Wallet. This has prompted questions from Ohio’s retail…
Walter Haverfield is pleased to announce that 25 lawyers have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America©, 2025. Best Lawyers – Lawyer of the Year John W. Waldeck, Jr. – Lawyer of the Year for Real Estate…
Lorraine Catalusci and Hannah Mahaffey Join Walter Haverfield Litigation Group Walter Haverfield is pleased to announce that Lorraine Catalusci and Hannah Mahaffey have joined the firm as associates in the Litigation Group. Lorraine’s principal background is human resources…
The Corporate Transparency Act and Estate Planning The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), enacted to combat financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing, mandates that small businesses disclose beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network…
Walter Haverfield Recognized in 2024 Edition of Chambers USA Chambers & Partners recently recognized Walter Haverfield and several of its lawyers in the 2024 Chambers USA Guide. The Chambers USA Guide identifies the best practice groups and lawyers…
Recently, the US Department of Labor (“DOL”) released their final rule, updating the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”)’s overtime pay requirements. The FLSA sets standards for minimum wages and maximum hours, and these standards cannot be waived. It…
Residents First Legislation Package Adds Requirements for Owners of Non-Owner-Occupied Residential Units The City of Cleveland recently passed legislation that may affect you. The Residents First Legislation Package, effective February 6th, 2024, added new requirements for owners of…
On April 23, 2024, The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC) issued a Final Rule banning noncompete agreements for workers. The Final Rule defines a “noncompete” clause or agreement as “a term or condition of employment that prohibits a worker…
It has been a busy few weeks in employment law developments—from the FTC issuing a nationwide ban on non-competes to the EEOC publishing its final rule interpreting the Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act and DOL revising its overtime regulations—employers…
On April 15, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued its final rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the rule was published in the Federal Register on April 19, 2024. The rule…
On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) voted 3-2 to issue a final nationwide rule banning noncompete agreements In doing so, the FTC plans to remove a vital tool used by businesses to reasonably prevent employees…
Workers and employers should be paying attention. A critical classification analysis that determines for whom the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) applies is changing soon—thanks to a new rule from the United States Department of Labor. On January…
As you may be aware, the newly enacted Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) went into effect on January 1, 2024. The Financial Crimes and Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the agency charged by Congress with the administration of the CTA, estimates…
Walter Haverfield recently reported on the passage of Ohio’s Issue 2 as part of the November 7th general election. The full text of Issue 2 went into effect on December 7th, 2023, legalizing adult use of cannabis across…
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced a final rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act setting forth factors for the classification of workers as employees or independent contractors. The final rule rescinds the 2021 Independent Contractor…
Ohio Super Lawyers Honors Walter Haverfield Attorneys Ohio Super Lawyers, a service that recognizes outstanding lawyers for peer recognition and professional achievement, has selected 13 Walter Haverfield attorneys to its 2024 Ohio Super Lawyers list. It has also…
The attorneys and support staff members of Walter Haverfield’s Cleveland office excitedly remind clients that we will be relocating to Post Office Plaza next month in January 2024. The new workspace, which has been described as dynamic and…
Ohio Administrative Rule 4301:1-1-52(B) addresses a crucial aspect concerning the adult use of marijuana within liquor permit premises. According to this rule, permit holders, their agents, or employees are explicitly prohibited from knowingly or willfully engaging in various…
On October 11, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) proposed a new rule to prohibit junk fees. “Junk fees” are understood to mean any (a) hidden fees that are otherwise mandatory but not disclosed to customers upfront…
Auto loan delinquencies are rising to levels greater than we saw in 2008-2009 recession. The amount of auto loans that are sixty (60) plus days past due are drastically rising. Forbes has stated that 6.1% of borrowers were…
Cannabis will soon be legal for adult consumption in Ohio after voters passed Issue 2. The new law, An Act to Control and Regulate Adult Use Cannabis (the Act), is set to take effect in December of 2023.…
Best Lawyers® has recognized Walter Haverfield as a “Best Law Firm” in 17 regional rankings across several categories. Firms included in these rankings are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving a tiered ranking…
Obtaining authorization to sell alcohol in Ohio is no easy task. While the legal landscape has changed considerably from the blanket Prohibition of the 1920s, trade in alcoholic beverages remains heavily controlled by the state government. Any business…
One of the places I like to stash money for my Debtor clients is with taxing authorities. Having a credit balance with a taxing authority can be a very useful asset protection plan. Everyone owes a tax for…
Harassment has remained at the top of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) most received charges since 2016. Late last month, in an attempt to provide employers with clarity, the federal agency proposed new guidelines entitled “Enforcement…
It is not uncommon for business owners to ask newly hired or even existing employees to sign employment agreements. Often times, the employee is so thrilled to accept the job that they do not take the proper time…
As we said last time, the Bankruptcy Code provides defenses to preference actions. The three most common are: 1) the “ordinary course of business” defense; 2) the “contemporaneous exchange for new goods or services” defense; and 3) the…
When examining asset protection, there should be a discussion about preferences. In Ohio, there is a preference statute that defines preferences as those that are made in contemplation of insolvency or are a fraudulent conveyance, however, a creditor…
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed a new rule that would increase the salary threshold for overtime eligibility under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), currently $35,568/year ($684/week) to $55,068 per year ($1,059/week). According to the…
On August 17, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose officially certified an initiative for the November 2023 ballot that would legalize adult use cannabis in Ohio. Under the proposal from the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, all…
Walter Haverfield is proud to announce that 27 of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers®, a leading industry publication that ranks attorneys through anonymous peer review surveys. Charles Daroff – Real Estate…
In much of asset protection territory, it is a fraudulent transfer or avoidance transfer that we are worried about the most. The reason for that is that much of this protection is not just about keeping the assets…
For years, the federal courts of appeals have been divided regarding whether, in a chapter 11 plan of reorganization, the claims held by non-debtor creditors against non-debtor third parties can be extinguished without those creditors’ consent. On August…
A series of blogs on Asset Protection…. Blog #6 >>> Previously, we mentioned the idea of “fraudulent transfer” or avoidable transfer. First, we need to cover some of the basics. When thinking about asset protection, it is helpful…
On August 2, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (Board/NLRB) issued a 3 to 1 decision adopting a new standard for determining when an employer’s work rules are unlawful to the National Labor Relations Act (the “Act”). In…
Bernstein-Burkley Associate Sarah Wenrich is the Community Outreach and Public Relations Co-Chair (and has been co-chair or chair since 2021) for the Judith K. Fitzgerald Inns of Court. This particular Inn is a bankruptcy group which includes attorneys…
In 2021, the U.S. Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) as an anti-money laundering measure by implementing significantly expanded ownership and financial information reporting requirements for most U.S. corporations and other entities. The stated purpose of the…
A series of blogs on Asset Protection…. Blog #5 >>> When working with a client to protect their assets, exemption planning is important. For instance, in Ohio each spouse gets an exemption of $125,000 in real estate (plus…
Along with sunny weather, the summer season brings an opportune time to travel. With the rise of untraditional short-term rental options, such as Airbnb, comes many inquiries from clients regarding short-term rental properties. Public Accommodations A short-term rental…
Companies should be aware that their ability to claim the Employee Retention Tax Credit (“ERTC”) introduced under the CARES Act in 2020 is reaching its deadline. ERTC was an incentive for employers to keep employees on payroll during…
A series of blogs on Asset Protection…. Blog #4 >>> Having seen a couple of examples of a creditor (or debtor) building in delays in order to gain an advantage, let’s go back to square one and talk…
Businesses commonly focus on creating, protecting and monetizing their intellectual property assets. However, there can be instances when businesses neglect to effectively manage their intellectual property assets, in view of applicable tax jurisdictions, and such oversight could sometimes lead…
On May 16, 2023, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced a notice of proposed rule that would create a separate design patent bar. The proposed rule would allow more people the ability to practice before the…
A series of blogs on Asset Protection…. Blog #3 >>> Previously, Harry mentioned engineering a delay to avoid creating a possible preference. Building on that, I had a client who funded a construction-related company and was owed around…
Beginning on June 27, 2023, employers with 15 or more employees will be required to comply with the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which President Biden signed into law on December 29, 2022. The PWFA requires covered employers…
Around this time last year, in July of 2022, a new Ohio law announced sweeping changes to the real property tax appeal structure. The changes introduced by House Bill 126 affect both property owners and school districts in…
The U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (“TTAB”), in the case of In re National Concessions Group, Inc., TTAB Ex Parte Appeal No. 87168058, on May 3, 2023, affirmed the refusal to register two applications because the identified goods,…
Chambers USA, an affiliate of Chambers and Partners, which is the world’s leading ranking service of top lawyers and law firms, has selected Ralph E. Cascarilla, Charles Daroff, Ed Hurtuk, Irene M. MacDougall and Josh E. Hurtuk to be included in its 2023 USA guide.…
Following a slow period, there is currently a lot happening in the cannabis industry. To provide context, the cannabis industry is heavily regulated due to a variety of reasons, which range from protecting the public’s safety to adhering…
On Thursday, May 18, the Supreme Court unanimously shielded both Google and Twitter in cases alleging social media liability in regards to terrorist attacks in France and Turkey. The pair of decisions protect the widely used social media…
Ohio Super Lawyers, a prominent legal rating service that recognizes outstanding lawyers for their high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, has selected nine Walter Haverfield attorneys to its 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers list. It has also…
U.S. News – Best Lawyers® has recognized Walter Haverfield as a national “Best Law Firm” for its land use and zoning law practice. Furthermore, the firm received 17 regional rankings ranging from real estate to litigation to education…
Chambers USA, an affiliate of Chambers and Partners, which is the world’s leading ranking service of top lawyers and law firms, has selected Walter Haverfield’s Real Estate Group to be ranked in its 2022 USA guide for Band…
Chambers USA, an affiliate of Chambers and Partners, which is the world’s leading ranking service of top lawyers and law firms, has selected Ralph E. Cascarilla, Charles Daroff, Ed Hurtuk, Irene M. MacDougall and Mark I. Wallach to…
Ohio Super Lawyers, a prominent legal rating service that recognizes outstanding lawyers for their high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, has selected 13 Walter | Haverfield attorneys to its 2022 Ohio Super Lawyers list. It has…
November 4, 2021 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® has recognized Walter | Haverfield as a national “Best Law Firm” for its land use and zoning law practice. Furthermore, the firm received 20 regional rankings, the largest number of regional rankings in firm history.…
October 28, 2021 The Irish Legal 100, a compilation of the most distinguished U.S. legal professionals with Irish roots, has named Kevin Patrick Murphy and John N. Neal to its 2021 edition. The list includes attorneys, legal scholars…
August 19, 2021 Walter | Haverfield is proud to announce that 42 of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the 2022 edition of Best Lawyers®, a prominent, worldwide attorney ranking publication. Individuals are recognized by Best Lawyers®…
May 25, 2021 Chambers USA, an affiliate of Chambers and Partners, the world’s leading ranking service of top lawyers and law firms, has selected Walter | Haverfield’s Real Estate Team to be ranked in its 2021 USA guide…
May 21, 2021 Chambers and Partners, a London-based independent research company that conducts rankings of law firms and attorneys, has selected Ralph E. Cascarilla, Charles Daroff, Ed Hurtuk, Irene M. MacDougall and Mark I. Wallach to be included in its 2021 USA guide. Cascarilla, Daroff,…
May 14, 2021 Former Walter | Haverfield litigation partner, Darrell A. Clay, is the newest Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Ohio federal court. Clay is succeeding James R. Knepp II, who was recently elevated to serve…
March 9, 2021 Walter | Haverfield attorneys, Doug Eppler, Miriam Pearlmutter, Max Rieker and Greg Watkins, have been elected as the firm’s newest partners. The four additions bring the firm’s partnership to 55 members. “I am proud to…
Ohio Super Lawyers, a prominent legal rating service that recognizes outstanding lawyers for their high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, has selected twelve Walter | Haverfield attorneys to its 2021 Ohio Super Lawyers list. It has…
December 7, 2020 The Supreme Court of Ohio has reappointed Darrell A. Clay, partner at Walter | Haverfield, to chair the state’s Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness. Clay, who has served on the Board since 2015,…
November 5, 2020 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® has recognized Walter | Haverfield as a national “Best Law Firm” for its land use and zoning law practice. Furthermore, the firm received 19 regional rankings, the largest number of…
October 2, 2020 Mark Fusco, a partner at Walter | Haverfield who focuses his practice on litigation, was recently appointed to the Board of the Federal Bar Association – Northern District of Ohio Chapter (FBA-NDOH). Mark is one…
September 11, 2020 Cleveland Jewish News, a weekly online and print publication, has recognized Walter | Haverfield attorneys, Charles Daroff and Miriam Pearlmutter, in its 2020 class of Difference Makers. Difference Makers are characterized as those who are…
August 20, 2020 Best Lawyers®, a prominent worldwide attorney ranking publication, has recognized Todd Hunt and Christina Peer as “Lawyer of the Year” for its 2021 U.S. edition. Hunt and Peer are partners at Walter | Haverfield. “Lawyer…
August 20, 2020 Walter | Haverfield is proud to announce that 38 of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the 2021 edition of Best Lawyers®, a prominent, worldwide attorney ranking publication. Individuals are recognized by Best Lawyers®…
May 29, 2020 Chambers USA, an affiliate of Chambers and Partners, the world’s leading ranking service of top lawyers and law firms, has selected Walter | Haverfield’s Real Estate Team to be ranked in its 2020 USA guide…
May 1, 2020 Walter | Haverfield is pleased to announce four attorneys – Ben Chojnacki, James McWeeney, Jamie Price and Peter Zawadski – have been elected to the firm’s partnership based on their…
Chambers and Partners, a London-based independent research company that conducts rankings of law firms and attorneys, has selected Ralph E. Cascarilla, Charles Daroff, Ed Hurtuk, Irene M. MacDougall and Mark I. Wallach to be included in its 2020 USA…
U.S. News – Best Lawyers® has recognized Walter | Haverfield as a national “Best Law Firm” for its land use and zoning law practice. The firm also received 16 regional rankings ranging from real estate to litigation to…