10 Reasons Why Cavitch Familo & Durkin Co., L.P.A. Remains A Top Tier Cleveland Law Firm In 2025

As of December 21, 2025, Cavitch, Familo & Durkin Co., L.P.A. (CFD) continues to solidify its position as one of the most respected and enduring full-service law firms in the Midwest, a reputation built on over a century of service to Ohio businesses and residents. The firm’s recent inclusion in the prestigious 2026 Best Lawyers rankings is a testament to its unwavering commitment to legal excellence, demonstrating that its deep historical roots are matched by its current, top-tier performance in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. This article provides a deep dive into the firm’s contemporary standing, key personnel, and extensive practice areas, offering a clear view of why Cavitch Familo & Durkin is consistently cited for its legal prowess. From navigating complex federal tax rulings to advising on major corporate transactions and providing crucial estate planning for Ohio residents, the firm’s ability to deliver sophisticated legal solutions makes it an essential partner for clients across the region.

The Enduring Legacy and Core Profile of Cavitch Familo & Durkin

The story of Cavitch, Familo & Durkin Co., L.P.A. is one of remarkable longevity and continuous adaptation, with its roots tracing back to 1886 in Cleveland, Ohio. This long-standing history has cemented its status as one of the premier law firms in the area, specializing in providing comprehensive legal services that span the full spectrum of business and individual needs. The firm’s main office, a central hub for its operations and client consultations, is strategically located in the heart of the city.

• Full Firm Name: Cavitch, Familo & Durkin Co., L.P.A.
• Founding Year: 1886 (Roots trace back)
• Primary Location: 1300 East Ninth Street, 20th Floor, Cleveland, OH 44114
• Core Focus: Full-Service Business and Personal Legal Solutions
• Jurisdiction Served: Primarily Ohio and the Midwest Region

Recent Accolades and Key Personnel Driving 2025 Success

The firm’s recent performance has been highlighted by significant external validation, particularly from major legal industry evaluators. This recognition is not just for the firm as a whole, but for the individual attorneys who drive its success. For the 2026 edition, Cavitch Familo & Durkin was once again ranked by Best Lawyers as one of the best law firms in the United States. This prestigious acknowledgment underscores the high regard in which the firm is held by its peers and clients. A total of eleven Cavitch attorneys were individually recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, showcasing a broad base of expertise across various disciplines.

Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers and Chambers & Partners (Key Entities)

The following attorneys represent the firm’s high level of topical authority in their respective fields:

• James S. Aussem: Recognized for excellence in Corporate Law and Trusts and Estates.
• Michael C. Cohan: Acknowledged for his work in Commercial Litigation.
• Timothy D. Johnson: Noted for expertise in Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants.
• David L. O'Brien: Recognized by Chambers and Partners for exceptional legal counsel.
• Roy A. Krall: Also recognized by Chambers and Partners, highlighting his expertise.
• Max Dehn: A key contributor to the firm’s legal blog, specializing in Business and Immigration Law matters.

This consistent recognition by organizations like Best Lawyers and Chambers and Partners confirms that the firm is operating at the pinnacle of the legal profession.

Deep Dive into Cavitch Familo & Durkin’s Extensive Practice Areas

Cavitch, Familo & Durkin’s classification as a full-service law firm is supported by the sheer breadth and depth of its practice areas. The firm provides specialized counsel that allows it to handle nearly every legal challenge a business or individual in Ohio might face, ensuring comprehensive legal solutions. The firm's ability to cross-reference expertise—for example, combining Corporate Law with Commercial Real Estate knowledge—is a significant advantage for clients seeking integrated legal advice.

A Comprehensive List of Core Practice Areas (Topical Authority Entities)

The following list of practice areas demonstrates the firm’s commitment to providing specialized legal support across essential domains, serving as critical LSI keywords and entities for the firm’s topical authority:

1. Business Law: General counsel and strategic advice for companies of all sizes.
2. Corporate Law: Handling governance, compliance, and structural issues.
3. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Facilitating complex business sales and purchases.
4. Capital & Finance: Advising on financing, investments, and capital structure.
5. Estate Planning, Probate & Trusts: Essential services for wealth transfer and asset protection for Ohio residents.
6. Commercial Litigation: Representing clients in business disputes and court proceedings.
7. Employment Law: Counseling on labor disputes, contracts, and workplace compliance.
8. Commercial Real Estate: Transactions, leasing, and development for property owners and investors.
9. Family Law: Providing compassionate and effective representation in domestic matters.
10. Tax Law: Navigating complex federal, state, and local tax issues.
11. Creditor Rights & Bankruptcy: Assisting clients with financial restructuring and debt recovery.
12. Intellectual Property: Protecting trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
13. Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants: Defending professionals against negligence claims.
14. Zoning & Land Use: Guiding developers through regulatory hurdles.
15. Entertainment Law: Specialized counsel for media and creative industries.
16. Umbrella and Excess Liability Coverage: Advising on insurance and risk management.
17. Franchise Law: Legal support for franchisors and franchisees.
18. Non-Profit Organizations: Formation and compliance for charitable entities.

Current Legal Insights and Navigating Complex Challenges in 2024/2025

A key indicator of a firm’s vitality is its ability to provide timely, relevant analysis on current legal developments. Cavitch Familo & Durkin actively engages with major legal shifts, ensuring their clients are prepared for the future.

Advising on Landmark Supreme Court Rulings

In June 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States decided the case of *Connelly v. United States*. This recent ruling has significant implications for business valuation, particularly in the context of estate and gift tax, and the firm has been quick to provide expert analysis on how this affects their clients’ estate planning strategies.

Analyzing Immigration and Business Impact

The firm also demonstrated its current awareness by analyzing the impact of the September 19, 2025 Proclamation restricting the entry of certain H-1B aliens as nonimmigrant workers. Attorney Max Dehn co-authored an article detailing the effects of this proclamation on businesses, particularly those in the technology and specialized labor sectors, providing crucial guidance to corporate clients.

The Matter of Sanctions: A Necessary Context

While the firm is widely celebrated for its achievements, a full profile must include balanced context. In a notable past case, a federal judge ordered Cavitch Familo & Durkin and some of its attorneys to pay over $365,200 in sanctions. This event, while significant, underscores the high-stakes environment of complex commercial litigation and the scrutiny top-tier firms face. Firms of this caliber often handle contentious, high-value cases, and such incidents, though rare, are part of the landscape. The continued, top-tier recognition by Best Lawyers and Chambers and Partners in the years following this event confirms that the firm has maintained its overall commitment to legal quality and client service.

Conclusion: Cavitch Familo & Durkin’s Position in the Legal Market

Cavitch, Familo & Durkin Co., L.P.A. is not just a historical Cleveland institution; it is a forward-looking, highly recognized legal entity. Its 2026 rankings and the recent, timely legal analysis on critical issues like the *Connelly* case and the H-1B visa proclamation prove its current relevance and expertise. For Ohio businesses and individuals seeking a full-service law firm with deep experience in Corporate Law, Commercial Real Estate, and sophisticated Estate Planning, Cavitch Familo & Durkin offers a compelling combination of historical stability and modern, award-winning legal talent. The firm’s extensive list of practice areas and highly recognized attorneys provides the comprehensive legal solutions necessary to navigate the complexities of the 2025 business and personal legal environment.

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