Frederic X. (Fritz) Shadley

October 12, 2023 – Ulmer & Berne LLP and 11 of its partners received honors in the 2024 edition of Benchmark Litigation. Consistently recognized by clients and peers as a firm with skilled attorneys who handle complex, high-stakes litigation, Ulmer has earned Benchmark’s highest possible ranking – “highly recommended” in Ohio – for the 11th year in a row.

“Our litigators are exceptional, and they are dedicated to providing first-class client service, so we’re thrilled to see this repeated recognition from Benchmark,” said Scott P. Kadish, Ulmer Managing Partner. “These are very deserving attorneys who consistently employ effective litigation strategy and unwavering determination to obtain the best results, and I am proud of the way they are making a meaningful impact for our clients through their hard work every day.”

Michael Rafalowich, Managing Editor of Benchmark, noted in his editorial about the firm that Ulmer is “highly regarded for its team of experienced litigators, especially in the financial services industry.” Clients interviewed by Benchmark agreed, noting Ulmer attorneys are, “extremely knowledgeable,” while another highlights the firm for its “excellent counsel.”

Following extensive research to identify the nation’s leading litigators, Benchmark honored the following Ulmer partners:

• Paul J. (PJ) Cosgrove (Product Liability)
• Jeffrey S. Dunlap (General Commercial Litigation)
• Frances Floriano Goins (Securities Litigation)
• Joshua A. Klarfeld (Product Liability)
• Amanda Martinsek (General Commercial Litigation)
• Jeffrey F. Peck (Product Liability)
• Frederic X. (Fritz) Shadley (Construction, Product Liability)
• Joseph P. Thomas (Product Liability)
• Michael N. Ungar (General Commercial Litigation, Securities Litigation)

The 2024 edition of Benchmark US also includes the national labor & employment lawyer rankings, which name an elite group of lawyers who have been recognized by peers and clients alike for their exceptional reputations and achievements in labor and employment. Benchmark ranked Ulmer as a leading labor and employment firm and honored Partners Jeffrey S. Dunlap, Stephanie E. Harley, and Kip Schwartz as Labor and Employment Stars.

For the 10th year in a row, Michael N. Ungar, Chair of Ulmer’s Litigation Department, was named to Benchmark’s list of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America, the group Benchmark considers to be the most elite trial strategists in their fields. Partner Frances Floriano Goins was also named to the list of the Top 250 Women in Litigation, marking her 10th consecutive appearance on Benchmark’s list of the top female litigators across the country.

These awards follow Ulmer’s firm-wide distinction as Benchmark’s Ohio Litigation “Firm of the Year,” for 2023, in recognition of its formidable litigation practice, strategic counsel, and innovative client advocacy. This marked the seventh consecutive time the firm has achieved such recognition.

Ulmer’s respected Litigation Department is comprised of first-chair, courtroom-tested trial attorneys who focus on delivering top-tier service. With multijurisdictional capabilities, the Ulmer team appears in state and federal trial and appellate courts and before governmental and private regulatory bodies nationwide. In addition to class actions, complex commercial, financial, intellectual property, mass torts, and regulatory proceedings, Ulmer regularly represents clients in internal investigations, white collar matters, bankruptcies, and ADR proceedings.

Benchmark Litigation is the definitive guide to the world’s leading litigation firms and lawyers. They provide law firm and lawyer rankings based on extensive interviews with litigators, dispute resolution specialists, and their clients, as well as analysis of the market’s most important cases and firm developments.