SUPER ATTORNEYS
CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | A61
JANUARY 31, 2025
Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys Local Jewish attorneys included in this section completed a questionnaire that was emailed to attorneys and/or firms. The Q&A form was also available at cjn.org and was included in the Boker Tov e-newsletter. Some opted not to answer all questions and some answers were edited for clarity and brevity. To view the list of Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys online, including attorneys added after deadline, visit issuu.com/cjpc. Attorneys did not pay to be included in this directory. Compiled by Lydia Kacala. Jack W. Abel Law firm: Abel & Zocolo Co., LPA Age: 76 Residence: Beachwood Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: University of North Carolina School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: Judaism’s emphasis on education and learning has given me the spark to first become a lawyer and secondly the curiosity to continue to learn and grow. How do you unwind when not working: Golf and fly fishing. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Always be curious. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Guardians (even though they changed names) If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: My father, of course. What is your favorite local restaurant: Jack’s Deli and Restaurant What was your first part-time job growing up: Shoveling snow and cutting lawns.
Fred J. Arnoff Law firm: Weston Hurd LLP Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: The University of Akron School of Law
Rachel Bagnolo Law firm: Gallagher Sharp, LLP Age: 32 Residence: Westlake Undergraduate university: West Liberty University Law school: The University of Akron School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has taught me the importance of kindness, integrity and compassion. How do you unwind when not working: I
play soccer, read, and spend time exploring Cleveland’s restaurant scene with loved ones. What is your favorite sports team: Tottenham Hotspurs What is your favorite local restaurant: Ginko in Tremont What was your first part-time job growing up: Babysitter Do you have an Israel experience: I have been lucky enough to travel to Israel in 2018, 2019, and was supposed to go again in 2024. Some of the most meaningful moments of my life were spent in Israel.
Josh Bass Law firm: Taft Age: 31 Residence: Pepper Pike Synagogue: Solon Chabad Undergraduate university: University of Michigan Law school: Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: The emphasis on lifelong learning in Judaism has had a profound impact on my career. Whether it’s through studying the law or learning from mentors and colleagues, I see every opportunity as a chance to grow. This mindset has helped me approach complex legal issues with curiosity and humility. How do you unwind when not working: I exercise, meditate, put on tefillin and say prayers every morning to take care of myself. I also spend time with my wife, our Bulldog and family, closely follow all Cleveland and University of Michigan sports, read books obsessively and enjoy finding hidden gem restaurants and wines. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Read “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi as soon as you can. It is very heavy, but when I found it in my 20s it changed my outlook on the essence and fragility of life. What is your favorite sports team: Tough call. I love the Cleveland Cavaliers, Browns, Guardians and Michigan football equally. If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Jesse Itzler. His unique approach to life “combining entrepreneurship, extreme endurance challenges, and a
commitment to personal growth” is truly inspiring. I’d love to discuss how he balances creativity and discipline, what he’s learned from the incredible people he’s surrounded himself with, and how he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible both personally and professionally. His ability to think big, live fully and stay authentic resonates deeply with me. What is your favorite local restaurant: L’Albatros. Zack and Julian are the best in the business. What was your first part-time job growing up: Waterway Carwash Do you have an Israel experience: My most memorable Israel experience was participating in a Birthright trip. Walking through the ancient streets of Jerusalem, floating in the Dead Sea, and standing at the Western Wall were powerful moments that connected me deeply to my Jewish heritage. The trip gave me a profound appreciation for Israel’s history, resilience and vibrant culture. It wasn’t just a journey through a country, it was a journey into my identity.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self: Freshman year of college is coming sooner than you think. Take it seriously. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns (though they’re certainly doing everything within their power to lose that status). If you could have dinner with any one person living or deceased, who would it be and why: Presuming my wife was unavailable, I’d enjoy one last meal with my late father. I can’t get enough of the family stories and sage advice for any particular situation. What is your favorite local restaurant: Han Chinese Kabob & Grill What was your first part-time job growing up: Minion at Chick-Fil-A
Howard Bobrow Law firm: Taft Law Firm Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Joshua Berggrun Law firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold Age: 33
Hugh Berkson Law firm: McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA Age: 56 Residence: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Undergraduate university: University of Texas at Austin Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: It has provided a strong foundation for a calm, measured approach to a stressful job. How do you unwind when not working: Family, cycling, hiking and music.
Rob Boroff Law firm: Gallagher Sharp LLP Age: 44 Residence: Orange Synagogue: Park Synagogue Undergraduate university: Miami University Law school: Loyola University Chicago School of Law How has Judaism played a role in your career: My Jewish upbringing emphasized the value of community, and in my industry, establishing connections, and providing support to one another is critical. How do you unwind when not working: Coaching my kids’ sports teams, working out, and hanging out with family and friends. What is your favorite sports team: Cleveland Browns What is your favorite local restaurant: ML Tavern What was your first part-time job growing up: Maintenance manager at the Beachwood outdoor pool. The skimmer and