Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Cleveland
Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell combines a 150-year legacy of legal excellence with forward-thinking solutions to address complex legal challenges. Founded in 1867, our firm has built a reputation as one of Ohio's most respected legal advisors, serving individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. Our multidisciplinary team of attorneys specializes in business law, real estate, trusts and estates, and litigation, delivering tailored strategies that align with clients' unique needs. With expertise licensed across multiple jurisdictions, including Ohio, Florida, Illinois, and New York, we provide comprehensive counsel for high-stakes litigation, intricate real estate transactions, and sophisticated estate planning.Recognized for our preeminence in trusts and estates, seven of our attorneys are Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), underscoring our commitment to safeguarding legacies. Beyond legal practice, we actively contribute to the community through leadership roles in professional associations and nonprofit organizations. Our client-first approach prioritizes listening, understanding, and delivering results, ensuring clients receive both legal expertise and strategic partnership. This dedication to excellence has positioned us as trusted advisors to Cleveland's business icons and emerging leaders alike.
Services
Business Law
Real Estate
Trusts & Estates
Litigation
Data Privacy
Highlights and features
- We offer over 150 years of legal expertise with a client-first approach.
- Our attorneys are licensed across multiple jurisdictions, including Ohio, Florida, and New York.
- We provide multidisciplinary solutions for complex legal challenges.
- Seven attorneys are Fellows of the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.
- Our team combines tradition with innovative strategies for modern legal needs.
Associations and certifications
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)
Services
Business Law
Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell provides comprehensive business law services, including formation, mergers, acquisitions, and compliance. Our attorneys advise clients on commercial contracts, data privacy, and employment law, ensuring strategic growth. With expertise in Ohio and multiple jurisdictions, we serve startups, corporations, and nonprofits, combining tradition with innovative solutions for modern challenges.
Real Estate
Our real estate practice covers commercial transactions, development, financing, and leasing. Attorneys guide clients through complex deals, leveraging decades of experience in Northeast Ohio. We specialize in resolving environmental issues and structuring creative solutions, such as the historic 'Henderson Lease,' to protect property interests while maintaining client-focused service.
Trusts & Estates
Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell's trusts and estates team crafts personalized plans to preserve wealth across generations. Services include tax planning, probate administration, and irrevocable trust modifications. Recognized by the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, we combine 150 years of expertise with modern strategies to address evolving family and financial needs.
Litigation
The firm's litigation group handles complex disputes, including commercial, employment, and intellectual property cases. With a track record of multi-million-dollar wins, we offer trial representation, arbitration, and risk management. Our attorneys provide strategic advocacy tailored to clients' goals, serving both for-profit and nonprofit entities.
Data Privacy
Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell advises businesses on data privacy compliance and cybersecurity frameworks. Our attorneys help clients navigate regulations, mitigate risks, and respond to breaches. This practice integrates with broader corporate law services, ensuring businesses protect sensitive information while maintaining operational efficiency.
People
David M. Lenz
Managing Partner
David Lenz leads Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell with a focus on client-driven solutions. With decades of experience in trusts and estates, he guides families through complex planning. His leadership emphasizes innovation while upholding the firm's legacy of excellence.
Neelraj Arjune
Associate
Neelraj Arjune specializes in business law and real estate transactions. He assists clients with commercial contracts and development projects, leveraging his expertise to deliver practical solutions aligned with strategic goals.
Veronica Garofoli
Partner
Veronica Garofoli is a litigation expert with a track record in high-stakes cases. She represents clients in commercial disputes and employment litigation, combining aggressive advocacy with strategic problem-solving to achieve favorable outcomes.
Charles Adler
Partner
Charles Adler focuses on estate planning and tax strategies. As a Fellow of ACTEC, he designs customized plans to preserve wealth and navigate complex probate matters, ensuring clients' legacies endure across generations.
James Vail
Partner
James Vail specializes in real estate and business law, advising on transactions and development projects. His expertise spans commercial leasing and financing, providing clients with actionable insights to secure property interests.
Questions
What areas of law does Schneider Bell specialize in?
We specialize in business law, real estate, trusts and estates, litigation, and data privacy, serving clients across multiple jurisdictions with tailored legal solutions.
How long has Schneider Bell been in practice?
Schneider Bell has provided legal services since 1867, combining over 150 years of tradition with modern strategies to address contemporary legal challenges.
Do you serve clients outside of Ohio?
Yes, our attorneys are licensed in Ohio, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, allowing us to represent clients nationwide.
What distinguishes your trusts and estates practice?
Seven of our attorneys are Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), reflecting our leadership in sophisticated estate planning and probate matters.
How do you approach complex litigation cases?
Our litigation team combines trial experience with alternative dispute resolution to achieve efficient outcomes, focusing on clients' specific goals in commercial, employment, and intellectual property disputes.
