Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Northeast Ohio
Dworken & Bernstein is a full-service law firm with over six decades of experience serving families and businesses in Northeast Ohio. Founded in 1959 by David M. Dworken and Howard W. Bernstein, we have grown to become the largest law firm in Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties, with a team of 30+ attorneys specializing in diverse legal areas. Our firm combines deep local knowledge with the resources of a large practice, offering comprehensive representation in matters ranging from personal injury and family law to business transactions and criminal defense. We prioritize client relationships, maintaining offices in both Painesville and Cleveland to ensure accessibility and personalized service. Our attorneys are consistently recognized as Super Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and AV-rated professionals, reflecting our commitment to excellence in both courtroom advocacy and strategic legal counsel.We emphasize transparency, prompt communication, and practical solutions tailored to each client's unique needs, whether in estate planning, business succession, or complex litigation. With a legacy of community involvement and a focus on innovation, we provide sophisticated legal services at a fair cost, leveraging our multidisciplinary team to address overlapping legal issues efficiently. Our dedication to client education is evident in our extensive resources, including webinars and articles on topics like probate avoidance and small business protections. As a locally rooted firm with national recognition, we combine the agility of a regional practice with the expertise of a large-scale legal operation.
Services
Bankruptcy
Criminal Law
Family Law
Personal Injury
Business Law
Estate Planning
Workers' Compensation
Real Estate Law
Immigration Law
Nonprofit Representation
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- 30+ attorneys with specialized expertise in 15+ legal practice areas
- Recognized as Lake County's largest law firm with 60+ years of local experience
- Offers integrated legal solutions for overlapping personal and business matters
- Maintains dual offices in Painesville and Cleveland for maximum accessibility
- Consistently ranked among Ohio's top legal professionals by independent evaluators
Associations and certifications
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- US News Best Lawyers
- Super Lawyers
What people say
Award-winning attorneys
60 years of experience
Comprehensive legal solutions
Local courtroom expertise
Prompt communication
Services
Personal Injury Law
Our nationally recognized personal injury attorneys represent clients in cases involving car accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and product liability. With decades of courtroom experience, we secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team works on contingency, ensuring clients receive aggressive representation without upfront costs.
Family Law
Certified specialists handle divorce, child custody, adoption, and post-decree modifications with sensitivity and legal precision. We prioritize protecting family interests while navigating complex emotional and financial issues. Our attorneys provide clear guidance on property division, spousal support, and parenting plans.
Business Law
We support businesses through formation, contracts, employment law, mergers, and succession planning. Our attorneys combine industry-specific knowledge with practical business insight to protect commercial interests. Services include entity selection, shareholder agreements, and dispute resolution.
Bankruptcy
Experienced bankruptcy attorneys guide individuals and businesses through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 proceedings. We help clients eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and rebuild financial stability while preserving essential assets like homes and retirement accounts.
Criminal Defense
Skilled defense attorneys represent clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges in state and federal courts. We leverage local court knowledge to challenge evidence, negotiate plea deals, and protect constitutional rights in cases ranging from DUIs to serious criminal offenses.
People
David M. Dworken
Co-Founder
Co-founded the firm in 1959 and established its reputation for excellence in Northeast Ohio legal circles before retiring in 1995.
Howard W. Bernstein
Co-Founder
Co-founder who helped build the firm's foundation during its early years in Cleveland and Painesville offices.
Gary S. Okin
Family Law Specialist
Certified specialist in family relations law with extensive experience in complex divorce and custody matters across Northeast Ohio.
Patrick J. Perotti
Senior Partner
Longtime partner contributing to the firm's growth and legal expertise in business and corporate law matters.
Richard N. Selby II
Attorney
Experienced legal professional providing counsel in multiple practice areas while maintaining the firm's commitment to client service.
Questions
What areas of law does Dworken & Bernstein specialize in?
We handle personal injury, family law, business transactions, criminal defense, estate planning, real estate, immigration, and nonprofit representation.
How does the firm handle complex legal cases?
Our multidisciplinary team collaborates across practice areas to address overlapping legal issues, ensuring comprehensive solutions for complex cases.
Are consultations available for new clients?
Yes, we offer complimentary initial consultations for bankruptcy cases and provide tailored consultation options for other legal matters.
What makes Dworken & Bernstein different from other law firms?
We combine the resources of Northeast Ohio's largest law firm with personalized service through our dual office locations and client-focused approach.
How does the firm support business clients?
We provide end-to-end legal support for businesses, including formation, contracts, employment law, succession planning, and dispute resolution.
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