Department profile
Frantz Ward LLP

Labor & Employment

USA Guide 2026 : Ohio: North


Frantz Ward LLP

Rankings

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: https://www.frantzward.com/category/labor-employment-blog/

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.

Industries (7)

  • Health Care
  • Higher Education
  • Manufacturing
  • Staffing
  • Steel and Related Industries
  • Transportation
  • Construction

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Labor & Employment - Ohio: North

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Frantz Ward LLP 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

Provided by Chambers

  • Frantz Ward LLP acted for the Cleveland Clinic Foundation regarding an allegation of tortious interference regarding the plaintiff's employment relationship.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The firm communicates exceptionally well, are incredibly dedicated and really partner with you.

    Labor & Employment respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleMichael J. Frantz
    Senior StatespeopleMichael J. Frantz

    Michael J. Frantz

    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.
    • He brings so much knowledge to the table.

      Labor & Employment respondentUSA
  • Band 1Brian J. Kelly
    Band 1Brian J. Kelly

    Brian J. Kelly

    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 my absolute go-to on the most technical issues.

      Labor & Employment respondentUSA
  • Band 2Michael N Chesney
    Band 2Michael N Chesney

    Michael N Chesney

    Michael Chesney is experienced in defending employers in claims of discrimination, FMLA cases and the misappropriation of trade secrets.
    • Michael incorporates the law in a practical way.

      Labor & Employment respondentUSA
  • Band 4Megan Bennett
    Band 4Megan Bennett

    Megan Bennett

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

    • Megan delivers excellent customer service and consistently addresses our company's needs effectively.

      Labor & Employment respondentUSA
  • Up and ComingAndrew Cleves
    Up and ComingAndrew Cleves

    Andrew Cleves

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

    • What sets Andrew apart is his sharp legal insight combined with a calm, confident approach that brings clarity to even the most complex or high-pressure situations.

      Labor & Employment respondentUSA
  • Up and ComingRyan T. Smith
    Up and ComingRyan T. Smith

    Ryan T. Smith

    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.
    • He is very knowledgeable in labor relations and handles situations with ease and expertise.

      Labor & Employment respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Frantz Ward LLP (6)

Ohio: North

Members

Provided by Frantz Ward LLP

Frantz Ward LLP has rankings in the following guides

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