Columbus, OH Employment Attorney News Archive

The legal battle against systemic misconduct continues to escalate, with thirty former Ohio State Buckeyes joining the mounting class-action lawsuit, intensifying the scope of civil litigation. Former athletes, including Al Washington, are at the center of accusations spanning decades of alleged misconduct, raising profound questions about the university's failure to provide proper employment oversight.

This devastating case spotlights major failures in personal injury law, drawing parallels to ongoing legal conflicts throughout the region, including in Cleveland. Attorney Rocky Ratliff is leading the effort for the survivors, who are challenging figures like Gordon Gee and demanding accountability for what documents reveal about leadership knowledge. The fight continues to deeply impact the legal community near Cleveland, demonstrating the fight for justice against institutional cover-ups.

Former coach Ted Ginn Jr. is facing professional fallout after being charged with DUI in Tarrant County, Texas. Ginn publicly addressed the incident, offering an apology while navigating the immediate professional consequences of the charges.

The situation has cast serious doubt on his continued employment and underscores the critical need for robust criminal defense representation.

Meanwhile, the UFL moved forward with scheduling, announcing that Todd Haley will manage coaching duties for the Columbus Aviators against the Dallas Renegades.

Texas has achieved an extraordinary milestone by winning the Governor’s Cup for an unprecedented 14th consecutive year. This accolade underscores the state's exceptional leadership in business growth, with over 1,400 new corporate expansions and relocations transforming its economy.

Presented by Gov. Greg Abbott at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin, the award reflects an impressive $75 billion in capital investments, alongside the creation of 42,000 new jobs throughout the Lone Star State. According to Site Selection, Texas accounted for a remarkable 18% of qualifying projects in the U.S. for 2025, greatly surpassing second-place Illinois, which noted 680 projects.

Gov. Abbott praised local economic development teams for their vital contributions to attracting diverse business interests. He highlighted the importance of Texas' real estate laws in facilitating corporate expansion, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a dynamic and resilient employment landscape that can effectively handle both economic growth and downturns.

A Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) bus driver has raised alarm bells, calling her vehicle a “death trap.” This statement underscores serious safety concerns revealed in recent state reports about student transportation.

The Ohio Department of Education, along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, has flagged critical deficiencies that could lead to penalties against CMSD unless significant improvements are made. At a recent school board meeting, attendees voiced concerns about the lack of adequate maintenance. Reports surfaced of unsafe buses with inoperable lights and missing first aid kits.

CMSD's Communications Officer Jon Benedict acknowledged these troubling issues. He confirmed that a corrective action plan has been submitted to ensure the district complies with safety regulations.

As these developments unfold, local officials and community members are closely monitoring the district's commitment to adhering to real estate law concerning student transportation safety in the Greater Cleveland area.

Jerime Graham-Woods, a 34-year-old from Mount Vernon, Ohio, has been sentenced to 42 months in prison for making alarming online threats against law enforcement and government officials. This case highlights a disturbing trend in civil litigation regarding digital harassment.

In November, Graham-Woods entered a guilty plea that also included charges of unlawful firearm possession. His case is particularly significant for criminal defense attorneys in Northeast Ohio due to the serious implications of his actions. Between June and September 2023, Graham-Woods's volatile social media posts included incitements to violence, which have raised serious concerns among community leaders in the Cleveland area.

The investigation, conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the FBI’s Toledo Resident Agency, has caught the attention of local attorneys and elected officials. They emphasize the urgent need for stricter measures to combat violent rhetoric on digital platforms.

Upon his release, Graham-Woods will be under supervision for three years, reinforcing the legal system’s focus on addressing threats to public safety and the potential impact on employment across affected sectors.

William Griffith, a 40-year-old resident of Cleveland, is facing multiple felony charges following a significant discovery at a construction site near the John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Law enforcement was alerted around 4:15 AM by construction crews, leading to a rapid response from airport police, who arrested Griffith without any incident.

Griffith has been charged with six felonies, including possession of weapons under disability and breaking and entering. Authorities found that he had no ties to the ongoing construction and was not authorized to be at the site.

This incident has attracted attention from federal agencies, including the FBI and TSA, highlighting concerns about public safety. While the airport continues to operate normally, this situation may prompt discussions surrounding compliance and legal issues in the realms of criminal defense, employment rights, and real estate law in Cleveland and nearby areas.

In a significant incident from a suburb of Cleveland, Marshon Lattimore, a cornerback for the Washington Commanders and an Ohio State University alumnus, was arrested by authorities in Lakewood. He is facing charges related to the carrying of a concealed firearm, prompting discussions about corporate conduct in professional sports as well as implications for criminal defense.

Local legal experts are already weighing in on what this incident could mean for Lattimore's NFL career and future employment opportunities. The ramifications of this case are being closely monitored by the community, who are eager to see how the situation unfolds.

As more details emerge, updates will shed light on the upcoming legal proceedings and their potential impact on Lattimore's professional life.

Beginning January 1, 2026, Ohio's minimum wage will rise to $11 per hour for non-tipped workers. This change will have significant implications for businesses not only in Cleveland but also in nearby areas. The increase, a notable 2.8% from the current wage, follows yearly adjustments based on the consumer price index, as established by a 2006 constitutional amendment.

Key advocates for wage reform, such as Ohio State Sen. Kent Smith, D-Euclid, and Sen. Hearcel Craig, D-Columbus, are pushing for legislation that would eventually eliminate the tipped employee wage altogether. This proposed change could further reshape the employment landscape in Ohio.

As local businesses in Cleveland adjust to this new wage, they may face various challenges and opportunities, particularly concerning civil litigation surrounding compliance and employee rights. With Ohio joining 18 other states in raising its minimum wage in January, the local economy could see benefits — but businesses must also navigate the complexities of employment law effectively to ensure compliance.

Under the leadership of Joshua Edmonds, DigitalC has made significant strides in expanding digital access in Cleveland. The nonprofit has successfully connected over 7,500 households to its low-cost broadband service, meeting the requirements of a $20 million contract. After facing challenges in early 2023, DigitalC's expansion has included 4,700 new subscribers and training programs that have benefited 10,000 residents, marking a solid year for employment and community engagement.

In addition to its efforts in Cleveland, DigitalC is piloting a new initiative in Detroit. This program, funded by Rocket Mortgage's Rocket Community Fund, aims to improve connectivity for local businesses, further enhancing economic opportunities in the region.

Despite questions raised by officials on Cleveland's City Council regarding outreach efforts and future goals, Edmonds remains optimistic about achieving the ambitious targets set for 2026. The collaboration between DigitalC and Cleveland's leaders underscores a commitment to improving digital access and fostering economic growth in the area.

At the annual Homeless Memorial in Cleveland, Rev. E. Regis Bunch underscored the pressing need for compassion and action in light of the alarming rise in homelessness. The memorial commemorated around 170 individuals who tragically lost their lives in 2025, highlighting a nearly twofold increase in fatalities compared to prior years.

The event, organized by the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, brought attention to the critical implications of anticipated federal funding cuts on housing initiatives. Chris Knestrick, the Coalition's executive director, called on community members to urge Ohio’s U.S. senators to ensure continuous financial support for housing as the region faces the harsh realities of winter.

The ongoing debate about real estate funding priorities poses significant risks, particularly for vulnerable populations who may continue to suffer if policymakers regard housing as a commodity rather than a fundamental right. Local advocates and elected officials emphasize that immediate action is necessary to prevent further tragedies associated with inadequate shelter and insufficient employment opportunities in Greater Cleveland.

Jack's Deli is set for an ownership transition in January 2026, with local restaurateur Don Apel preparing to take over in University Heights, just outside of Cleveland. After a challenging year under the management of the Cleveland Restaurant Management Group, led by Marc Glassman, Apel is eager to revitalize this beloved Jewish delicatessen.

Known for his culinary successes at various establishments, including Flour in Moreland Hills, Apel's plans for Jack's Deli include creating a modernized atmosphere while tackling ongoing employment challenges in the restaurant industry. His vision is to blend nostalgia with contemporary dining experiences, potentially transforming operational methods to cut costs and enhance efficiency.

This change in ownership not only highlights Apel’s ambitions but also reflects broader trends in local business and corporate dynamics. The intersection of real estate law and employment practices continues to shape the Cleveland culinary landscape, making this transition a noteworthy development for the community.

Ibrahim Shehadeh's legal challenges intensified this week as his defamation lawsuit against Dallas Eckman, a political activist from the Cleveland Liberation Center, was dismissed by Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Shannon Gallagher. The lawsuit stemmed from comments made by Eckman during a City Council meeting, where he accused Shehadeh of being involved in racially charged confrontations against supporters of Antoine Tolbert, the leader of New Era Cleveland.

This setback follows another recent blow for Shehadeh, who faced a ruling denying his appeal for a variance for a gas station on Madison Avenue.

In other news, the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, under the leadership of Chair Dave Brock, is focused on boosting voter engagement as the November 2026 elections approach. The party has set an ambitious goal to register 43,000 new voters, aiming to strengthen Democratic turnout and reclaim electoral power in Cleveland. They are receiving significant support from former State Rep. Jeffrey Crossman in this initiative.

Andrea Lucas, Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), recently urged white males in California and across the nation to step forward if they have experienced race or sex discrimination at work. This call comes as pressures increase to tackle perceived biases in employment practices.

Lucas made her appeal in response to Vice President JD Vance's criticism of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which he argues can lead to discriminatory practices themselves. In this context, Lucas reaffirmed the EEOC's commitment to fighting unlawful discrimination against this demographic.

However, legal experts are raising concerns about Lucas's targeted outreach. Jenny Yang, a former EEOC chair, warned that this focus might compromise the agency's role in enforcing civil rights impartially. Critics argue that by prioritizing complaints from specific groups, the EEOC could inadvertently sidestep broader issues of workplace inequality, particularly in California's diverse workforce, which grapples with various discrimination challenges.

As the EEOC intensifies its efforts to clarify laws related to DEI and discrimination, the debate surrounding equitable treatment in employment continues to create controversy within the corporate sector.

A high-profile bribery trial is set to begin in January 2026 in Akron, involving former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and ex-SVP Mike Dowling. They are seeking to block crucial testimony from Jason Lisowski, the company's chief accounting officer. The defense team argues that a memo from Lisowski, which associates a controversial $4.3 million payment with possible illegal activities, should not be presented in court.

The outcome of this legal battle carries significant implications for business practices in Cleveland, especially in light of increasing scrutiny surrounding corporate ethics and employment misconduct. Summit County Judge Susan Baker Ross has not yet made a decision on this matter. Meanwhile, state prosecutors contend that jurors should have the opportunity to assess the credibility of Lisowski's firsthand knowledge.

As this case progresses, it highlights the complex links between Ohio's political scene and corporate governance, raising important questions about accountability and integrity within the business sector.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is pushing for a total ban on synthetic kratom, fueled by growing safety concerns in Cleveland and surrounding areas. This effort comes after a thorough review by the state health department, which has connected kratom to more than 200 overdose deaths in the past five years.

State officials have reported a notable increase in emergency calls related to kratom use, leading the governor to request an emergency rule from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. The call for action has sparked a debate among legal experts and community advocates in the Cleveland region. Some are urging for clearer regulations distinguishing between synthetic and natural forms of kratom.

As discussions unfold, all eyes are on the Drug Enforcement Administration, which is set to make decisions regarding the status of 7-hydroxymitragynine in the spring. This decision could have significant ramifications for Ohio’s legislative landscape concerning business practices and employment within the kratom industry.

Cleveland-area residents may soon see a rise in electric bills as Ohio's grid operator, PJM Interconnection, readies for its second capacity auction of the year. This auction could lead to significant price increases in 2027, with capacity prices already climbing due to surging demand from data centers and the retirement of older power plants.

Experts, including Jon Gordon from Advanced Energy United, predict that these trends will lead to persistent high costs for consumers. Legal professionals also emphasize the need for current real estate law and regulatory frameworks to enforce accountability among data centers. This accountability is crucial for lessening the potential negative impact on the local economy and workforce.

As local officials and organizations like Consumers for Better Grid push for necessary reforms, PJM is working to address the growing backlog of proposed power generation projects. This effort aims to stabilize the energy market and could have profound effects on business operations and employment trends throughout Cleveland and its neighboring suburbs, as stakeholders adapt to the changing demands on energy resources.

The Cleveland City Council's Safety Committee is making strides with Tanisha’s Law, despite differing opinions within the Bibb administration. This pivotal legislation aims to reform the city’s crisis response system, particularly in mental health situations.

Michael Anderson, nephew of Tanisha, who tragically lost her life during a mental health crisis, passionately urged for legislative action. His heartfelt plea underscores the urgency of this issue.

Council Member Michael Polensek stressed the need for timely progress, stating, "The train’s leaving the station." Meanwhile, fellow sponsor Stephanie Howse-Jones proposed the creation of a dedicated Department of Community Crisis Response to address these critical needs.

The proposed law seeks to enhance the co-response model, integrating mental health professionals alongside law enforcement. This initiative is designed to tackle issues related to civil litigation and employment disparities in crisis management.

With the backing of other council members, Tanisha's Law is expected to advance in early 2024, marking a significant step forward in prioritizing the welfare of Cleveland's underserved communities.

Ohio lawmakers concluded a heated debate over intoxicating hemp products during a late-night session, resulting in a compromise bill. The new legislation prohibits the sale of edible hemp outside state dispensaries but permits THC beverages at licensed venues.

This bill, led by House Republican negotiator Rep. Brian Stewart, garnered substantial support from the House, despite opposition from Democrats like Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney from Westlake. Sweeney criticized the bill for undermining job protections associated with marijuana use.

The impact of this legislation is significant for businesses in the Cleveland area, as it will reshape the real estate and employment landscapes amid these changing regulations.

The Senate is set to vote on the amendment on December 9, which could send the legislation to Governor Mike DeWine for final approval. If enacted, the new real estate law may come into effect by early 2024.

As the edible hemp industry braced for potential legal challenges, stakeholders are encouraged to stay agile in adapting to Ohio's rapidly evolving regulatory environment surrounding hemp commerce.

Ohio lawmakers have taken a significant step in the cannabis industry by approving a bill that bans intoxicating hemp products from being sold outside licensed dispensaries. This measure has now been sent to the Senate for consideration. The Ohio House passed the bill with a vote of 52-34, showcasing bipartisan opposition from elected officials, including House Speaker Matt Huffman and Sen. Bill DeMora of Columbus. This division highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding marijuana legislation in the state.

Advocates, such as David Bowling, Executive Director of the Ohio Cannabis Coalition, warn that these new regulations could negatively impact local economies that rely on cannabis sales. Several key amendments were proposed during the legislative process but ultimately were not adopted, raising concerns about the potential effects on business and employment opportunities, especially in real estate sectors associated with cannabis retail.

As the bill awaits its fate in the Senate, stakeholders across Greater Cleveland are closely monitoring developments in Ohio's cannabis market, bracing for possible changes that could reshape the industry and its economic implications.

The Cleveland Community Police Commission has taken a significant step by approving a new disciplinary policy aimed at enhancing equity in policing practices. This revised policy is designed to clearly outline the consequences for officer misconduct, helping to create a culture of accountability within the police force.

Commissioner Piet van Lier emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it ensures officers are fully aware of the corrective measures that will follow violations. The policy categorizes offenses into distinct levels, ranging from minor infractions that can be corrected through coaching to severe misconduct that may lead to immediate termination.

Incorporating insights from experts such as Kayla Pincus, the commission aims to reduce excessive discretion exercised by the city's police chief and safety director. This initiative responds directly to concerns from former officer Richard Jackson regarding inconsistencies in disciplinary actions. Ultimately, the commission hopes that these changes will strengthen public trust in Cleveland's policing system.