Roetzel & Andress LPA is pleased to announce significant growth for the firm with seven new attorneys in offices across Ohio and Florida. The recent additions provide enhanced services to clients involving real estate, estate planning, corporate, transactional, tax and litigation matters.
The firm’s new attorneys are shareholder David W. Woodburn and associate Steven Howard Roth, both based in Cleveland; of counsel Christopher W. Tackett and associate Daniel B. Waters, both based in Columbus, Ohio; of counsel Garey F. Butler and associate Ashley S. Suarez, both based in Fort Myers, Fla.; and Akron-based associate Michelle R. Reese.
“Roetzel continues to strategically expand the strength and bandwidth of its attorney teams in all our offices to better serve our clients in diverse practice areas,” said Roetzel Chairman Robert E. Blackham. “We are thrilled to welcome David, Steven, Christopher, Daniel, Garey, Ashley and Michelle, who bring deep experience and fresh perspectives for helping our clients achieve their business goals.”
Mr. Butler, Ms. Suarez and Ms. Reese joined Roetzel’s acclaimed Real Estate Group, which has been recognized by Midwest Real Estate News as one of the "Best of the Best" law firms. Many Roetzel real estate attorneys are nationally recognized as "Best Lawyers in America" in Real Estate Law, as well as board certified in Real Estate Law by the Florida Bar. In addition, the firm’s real estate attorneys are active leaders in local industry and related civic associations and many have experience as law directors, city attorneys and assistant county attorneys representing developers and local governments.
Cleveland Attorneys
A member of Roetzel’s Corporate, Tax & Transactional Group, as well as the Estate Planning Team, Mr. Woodburn focuses his practice on estate planning law, with an emphasis on business succession and asset protection planning. Prior to joining the firm in late January, Mr. Woodburn was chair of the Trusts & Estates Practice Group at Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC. Mr. Woodburn received his J.D. from the University of Akron School of Law. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Akron and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Miami.
Also a member of the Corporate, Tax & Transactional Group, Mr. Roth focuses his practice in the areas of corporate/business transactions; real estate; intellectual property; and sports, media and entertainment law. Prior to joining Roetzel in January 2019, he worked for several private and public businesses and organizations, including as in-house counsel for a private equity company and as a legal consultant for a multi-billion-dollar steel company. He also has worked for multiple professional sports teams, including NFL and NBA franchise teams, governing bodies, and sports agencies. Mr. Roth received his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He also holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude), both from Case Western Reserve University.
Columbus Attorneys
Mr. Tackett represents businesses in commercial contract litigation and business disputes, employment litigation and compliance matters, and various types of administrative litigation. He primarily handles commercial litigation matters involving contract disputes between businesses, contentious business breakups, claims for misappropriation of trade secrets, and disputes regarding alleged non-solicitation or non-compete violations between businesses and their former partners or associates. Prior to joining Roetzel in March, Mr. Tackett was an attorney at Nordone Limited. He also previously was an attorney at Murray & Murray Co., L.P.A. Mr. Tackett received his J.D. from Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law and he currently is working toward a Master of Laws at Capital University Law School. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio University.
Mr. Waters focuses his practice on tax law. Prior to joining Roetzel in April, he was an attorney at a real estate development company. He also formerly practiced at Grey Jones & Associates and Nardone Limited. Mr. Waters received his J.D. from Charleston School of Law, his Master of Laws in taxation from Boston University School of Law, and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Fort Myers Attorneys
Mr. Butler assists clients in real estate, general corporate and probate matters. In his real estate practice, he represents business and individual clients in all aspects of commercial and residential real estate, and in industries that include retail, healthcare, banking and hospitality. Prior to joining the firm in early January, Mr. Butler was a shareholder at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC. He received his J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law. He also holds a Master of Laws in taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University.
Ms. Suarez focuses her practice on real estate law with an emphasis on residential and commercial transactions, real estate development, and commercial leasing. Prior to joining Roetzel in December 2018, she was an attorney at Zampogna Law Firm. Ms. Suarez received her J.D. from Ave Maria School of Law and her Bachelor of Science from Florida State University.
Akron Attorney
Ms. Reese concentrates her practice on commercial real estate transactions, with an emphasis on financing, conveyances, and condominium and association matters. Prior to joining Roetzel in January, Ms. Reese was an attorney at Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A. Before law school, she worked as an environmental health and safety technician, assisting a variety of corporations and manufacturers with environmental health and safety matters. Ms. Reese received her J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She also holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Findlay and an Associate of Science from the University of Akron.