About

Provided by Frantz Ward LLP

The Labor and Employment Practice at Frantz Ward is a comprehensive and cohesive group that not only brings creative solutions to clients but also devotes dozens of hours to employer and job site training and CLE programs throughout the year. The lawyers in the group are also devoted to continuous updates and information via the Navigator Blog - www.laboremploymentlawnavigator.com.

Frantz Ward attorneys provide effective human resource strategies, counseling, and training to help our clients avoid costly litigation, lengthy government investigations, and other outside party intervention. We have assisted clients in the implementation of arbitration agreements and policies that enable them to avoid costly and high-risk jury trials. When litigation can't be avoided, our labor and employment lawyers consistently provide our clients with comprehensive services that lead to cost-effective, favorable results.

We represent national, regional, and local employers in the full spectrum of traditional and emerging labor law issues. Members of the group counsel our non-union clients on how to retain their status, and routinely represent employers in union organizing campaigns and unfair labor practice proceedings under collective bargaining agreements. We also negotiate collective bargaining agreements and are well-versed in the issues that arise in the bargaining process.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Labor & Employment - Ohio: North

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Frantz Ward is a distinguished labor and employment practice that is regularly sought after to advise on collective bargaining agreements and to represent clients in litigation proceedings. The law firm is highly regarded for its work covering trade secrets disputes, harassment and discrimination allegations, the termination of individual employees, plant closures and union-organizing campaigns. The team is particularly noted for its excellent track record in acting on behalf of clients in the healthcare sector. Its client base also includes well-known names from the construction, media and education sectors.

Work Highlights

  • Frantz Ward LLP assisted Oberlin College in successfully negotiating a union contract during significant national strike action.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Brian J. Kelly
1
Brian J. Kelly
1
Band 1
Brian Kelly chairs the firm's labor and employment group and advises clients on collective bargaining agreements as well as discrimination claims.

Brian Kelly is a darn good attorney.

He is extremely helpful in all situations.

Brian is an outstanding and knowledgeable professional.

He is a brilliant attorney.

Michael J. Frantz
1
Michael J. Frantz
1
Band 1
Michael Frantz has longstanding experience in advising management on employment concerns and labor issues, such as contract negotiations, and is particularly expert in the healthcare and higher education sectors.

Mike is excellent in his field and a great partner to work with.

He provides thoughtful, practical and business solutions.

Mike Frantz is the dean of labor & employment lawyers in Cleveland.

Mike Frantz is an outstanding lawyer.

Michael N Chesney
2
Michael N Chesney
2
Band 2
Michael Chesney is experienced in defending employers in claims of discrimination, FMLA cases and the misappropriation of trade secrets.

Mike Chesney is practical, knowledgeable and extremely responsive.

Mike always keeps his eyes on the end game.

Mike Chesney is a fantastic lawyer.

Andrew Cleves
U
Andrew Cleves
U
Up and Coming

Andrew Cleves is sought after by employers on a range of labor and employment matters, including collective bargaining and employee discipline matters.

Megan Bennett
U
Megan Bennett
U
Up and Coming

Megan Bennett expertly represents management in complex labor and employment matters.

She is super knowledgeable about employment law.

Megan is thorough and detailed. She provides valuable input.

She is an amazing lawyer.

Ryan T. Smith
U
Ryan T. Smith
U
Up and Coming
Ryan Smith is a partner who focuses his legal practice on labor relations and litigation. He specializes in collective bargaining as well as day-to-day issues such as compliance.

Ryan Smith is easy to work with. He is responsive and great with clients.

Ryan's skillful use of creative solutions is unmatched.

Ryan Smith is experienced in traditional labor and is a good strategist.

Ranked Lawyers at
Frantz Ward LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Ohio: North

Labor & Employment

Brian J. Kelly
1
Brian J. Kelly
1
Band 1
Michael J. Frantz
1
Michael J. Frantz
1
Band 1
Michael N Chesney
2
Michael N Chesney
2
Band 2
Andrew Cleves
U
Andrew Cleves
U
Up and Coming
Megan Bennett
U
Megan Bennett
U
Up and Coming
Ryan T. Smith
U
Ryan T. Smith
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by Frantz Ward LLP

Andrew J. Cleves

Brian J. Kelly

Brian J. Kelly

Head of Department

Douglas B. Schnee

Joel R. Hlavaty

Jonathan M. Scandling

Maris J. McNamara

Megan E. Bennett

Michael C. Nunnari, Jr.

Ryan T. Smith

Industries

Provided by Frantz Ward LLP

Construction

Health Care

Higher Education

Manufacturing

Staffing

Steel and Related Industries

Transportation