Business Details
45 Years
experience
Employment Law Attorneys in Ohio
Zashin & Rich is a law firm built on a wealth of knowledge, experience, and commitment to serving its clients. Since its founding in 1981, the firm has established itself as a leader in workplace law, representing publicly traded corporations, privately held companies, and public sector employers of all sizes. Our attorneys combine legal expertise with a comprehensive understanding of clients' industries to provide personalized guidance and counsel. We advise employers on laws affecting workplace relationships, assist in developing mutually beneficial labor relations, and defend against employee claims.As panel counsel for most Employment Practices Liability Insurance carriers, we offer tailored strategies for proactive workforce management and vigorous defense of employment-related litigation. Our practice extends beyond workplace law to include business and real estate matters, general and corporate litigation, sports and entertainment industry representation, and family law.
Services
Employment Law
Labor Law
Workers' Compensation
Non-Compete Litigation
Wage and Hour Compliance
Trade Secret Protection
Family Law
Sports Law
Business Law
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in workplace law for Ohio employers
- Our attorneys are OSBA Certified Specialists in Employment and Labor Law
- We serve as panel counsel for most Employment Practices Liability Insurance carriers
- Our team includes 2026 Best Lawyers award recipients with decades of industry expertise
- We provide proactive workforce management strategies and litigation defense
Associations and certifications
- Best Lawyers
- Super Lawyers
- OSBA Certified Specialists
Services
Employment Law
We provide comprehensive employment law services for employers, including compliance counseling, policy development, and litigation defense. Our attorneys handle discrimination claims, wrongful termination cases, and workplace safety regulations. With decades of experience, we help businesses navigate complex federal and state employment laws.
Labor Law
Our labor law practice focuses on collective bargaining agreements, union negotiations, and National Labor Relations Act compliance. We represent employers in unionized and non-unionized environments across Ohio. Our team has appeared in over 70 Ohio courts including the Ohio Supreme Court.
Workers' Compensation
We defend employers in all phases of workers' compensation matters, developing effective claims management strategies. Our attorneys handle claims investigations, hearings, and appeals before the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. We help businesses minimize costs and maintain workplace safety standards.
Non-Compete Litigation
Our Non-Compete/Trade Secret Practice protects clients' confidential information through litigation and preventive measures. We draft enforceable restrictive covenants and defend against employee misappropriation claims. The practice is led by attorneys with cybersecurity expertise.
Wage and Hour Compliance
We counsel employers on compliance with Fair Labor Standards Act and Ohio wage laws. Our services include misclassification audits, overtime pay calculations, and defense against collective action lawsuits. The practice is led by a nationally recognized specialist in wage and hour law.
People
Stephen S. Zashin
Managing Partner
Managing partner with over 40 years of experience in employment and labor law. Represents professional sports teams and serves as head of the Employment and Labor Groups. Certified Specialist in Employment and Labor Law by OSBA.
Michele L. Jakubs
Practice Leader
Practice leader of the Wage and Hour Practice with 23 years of experience. Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law, counseling national and local employers on employment law compliance and litigation.
Ami J. Patel
Practice Leader
Practice leader of the Non-Compete/Trade Secret Practice. Handles complex trade secret litigation and restrictive covenant enforcement. Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law with 13 years of experience.
George S. Crisci
Attorney
Certified Specialist in Employment and Labor Law with 17 years of experience. Represents employers in state and federal courts across Ohio. Selected as 2026 Best Lawyer for labor and employment law expertise.
Jonathan A. Rich
Attorney
Certified Specialist in Family Relations Law with 31 years of experience. Handles divorce, child custody, and family law matters. Recognized as Best Lawyer in family law practice area.
Questions
What areas of law does Zashin & Rich specialize in?
We specialize in employment law, labor law, workers' compensation, non-compete/trade secret litigation, wage and hour compliance, family law, sports law, and business law.
Do you represent both public and private sector employers?
Yes, we represent employers in both public and private sectors, including cities, school districts, and publicly traded corporations.
Are your attorneys certified specialists?
Yes, multiple attorneys hold OSBA Certification as Specialists in Employment and Labor Law.
What makes Zashin & Rich different from other law firms?
We exclusively represent employers and have been recognized as Best Lawyers Tier 1 firm in Cleveland and Columbus regions since 1981.