Resources

Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

Brennan Manna Diamond Welcomes Seven New Attorneys

News Article

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

(AKRON and CLEVELAND) – Brennan Manna Diamond (BMD) is pleased to welcome the following attorneys: in our Akron office, Blake R. Gerney, David J. Hrina, Matthew R. Duncan, Hamilton DeSaussure, Jr., Stephen E. Matasich and Paul C. Filon; and in our Cleveland office, Russell T. Rendall.

With the arrival of attorneys Duncan, Hrina and Filon, BMD dramatically expands its Intellectual Property services, specifically patent.  “Our clients have asked us to have more IP depth to meet their needs, and we are delivering,” says BMD’s President, Matthew Heinle.

The addition of attorneys Gerney, DeSaussure, Matasich and Rendall further enhance several of the firm’s key practice areas, including, corporate, real estate and commercial litigation; bolster our leadership and experience in the industries we currently serve; and provide access to different client markets as well as fortifying the firm’s presence both nationally and in Northeast Ohio.

BMD is distinguished by the longstanding commitment and tradition of client service excellence and the true unity of purpose through which we offer our clients innovative and creative solutions to achieve their goals and objectives.  Our shared Core Values guide our approach:  We believe in “Clients First.”  We care about out clients.  We listen, solve issues and empower our clients to be successful.  We reward demonstrated commitment to our clients.  We believe in a “Business Family.”  We care about each other and each other's families and our communities.  We are servant leaders with the highest level of competence and character.  We have fun working together.  We believe in “Entrepreneurship.”  We provide a platform for success upon which our attorneys can build their practice, and our professional support staff can build successful careers.  We believe in freedom, responsibility and self-discipline over bureaucracy.  “Our Core Values resonate with each of the partners joining BMD.  It was why they left their established firms to join BMD,” explained Heinle.  “This is a terrific group of attorneys whose outstanding work and commitment to exceptional client service complement what we are already doing as a firm.  Their arrival further underscores the breadth of experience and the high-quality value of legal services we offer our clients and speaks to the significance of the firm’s Core Values.  We are very excited to have them here.”

Jack T. Diamond, BMD Chief Executive Officer added, “BMD offers our team members a sophisticated entrepreneurial platform built over time and run by great people.  We are uniquely positioned to provide opportunities which no other firm can offer.  The addition of our newest team members is extremely beneficial for our clients.  We are very happy to have them here and look forward to many successful years ahead.”

About Blake R. Gerney

Mr. Gerney has more than 20 years of legal experience.  His practice focuses on commercial real estate, land use, construction law and financial services, including development, zoning, construction documents, leasing, finance and loan documentations.  He is one of only 20 Ohio State Bar Association Certified Specialists in Business, Commercial and Industrial Real Property Law and the only one certified in Akron and Canton.  He is also a licensed Ohio Title Agent.  He joins BMD from the law offices of Day Ketterer. 

You can reach Mr. Gerney at:

P:  330.436.8905 | E: brgerney@bmdllc.com

About David J. Hrina

Mr. Hrina’s practice focus is intellectual property counseling individuals and businesses on obtaining, protecting, monetizing, enforcing and defending their intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and confidential information.  He also focuses on business and environmental law.  Mr. Hrina joins BMD from the law firm of Buckingham, Doolittle and Burroughs.

You can reach Mr. Hrina at:

P:  330.436.8901 | E:  djhrina@bmdllc.com

About Matthew R. Duncan

Mr. Duncan joins BMD from Buckingham, Doolittle and Burroughs.  He is a litigation attorney who represents business owners, individuals, banks, property owners and individuals.  His litigation practice focus involves business disputes, probate matters, oil and gas, landlord-tenant law, creditors’ rights in bankruptcies and toxic torts/asbestos litigation defense.  

You can reach Mr. Duncan at:

P:  330.253.4925 | E:  mrduncan@bmdllc.com

About Hamilton DeSaussure, Jr.

Mr. DeSaussure is a litigation attorney whose practice focus is insurance and corporate defense and employment law for individuals and businesses.  He has over 25 years of experience in federal and state courts throughout Ohio.  He also provides counsel for a variety of not-for-profit organizations and civic groups.  Mr. DeSaussure joins BMD from the law firm of Day Ketterer in Akron.

You can reach Mr. DeSaussure at:

P:  330.253.5060 | E:  hdesaussure@bmdllc.com

About Stephen E. Matasich

Mr. Matasich brings 20 plus years of litigation experience.  His litigation practice includes commercial litigation, insurance defense, medical malpractice cases, as well as manufacturers in product liability claims and intentional torts.  Mr. Matasich’s practice represents clients in employment matters such as retaliatory and wrongful death discharge claims, discrimination and harassment claims, whistleblower claims, industrial accidents and VSSRs.  His extensive practice also includes occupational safety and health issues.   Mr. Matasich joins BMD from the law firm of Day Ketterer.

You can reach Mr. Matasich at:

P:  330.253.5060 | E:  sematasich@bmdllc.com

About Paul C. Filon

Mr. Filon is a registered patent attorney.  He handles matters such as patents, trademarks, trade secrets, licensing and the Internet for clients such as domestic and international companies to individual inventors and authors.  His experience includes preparing and prosecuting patent and trademark applications, brand protection, copyrights, intellectual property infringement analysis, markman hearings, licensing, contract drafting, nondisclosure agreements, litigation support, media and Internet law issues, mergers and acquisitions and non-profit law.  Mr. Filon previously practiced at the law firm of Buckingham Doolittle & Burroughs.

You can reach Mr. Filon at:

P:  440.554.5532 | E:  pcfilon@bmdllc.com

About Russell T. Rendall

Mr. Rendall’s practice is focused on litigation and providing advice and counsel for clients related to a broad array of employment and labor matters.  Russell has extensive experience handling employment-related claims and charges before state and federal courts and administrative agencies.  He regularly advises and counsels employers regarding employment policies, practices, and compliance with workplace laws and regulations, including Title VII, Ohio Civil Rights Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Equal Pay Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, and various state and local equivalents.  He also represents clients in connection with labor and collective bargaining issues, under both the National Labor Relations Act and Ohio laws governing public employees.  Mr. Rendall joins BMD from the law firm of Ogletree Deakins.

You can reach Mr. Rendall at:

P:  216.658.2205 | E:  rtrendall@bmdllc.com

 

Founded in 2000, BRENNAN, Manna & Diamond is a full-service, pro-business law firm with more than 70 attorneys nationwide. We have offices in Akron, Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio, Jacksonville, Florida and Bonita Springs, Florida.  Our practice areas include business law, commercial lending and corporate finance, health law, commercial litigation, construction law, intellectual property, patent law, bankruptcy, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, estate and succession planning, and taxation.  BMD is dedicated to aligning the incentives of legal professionals and their clients by combining creative problem-solving skills with extensive and sophisticated legal and business experience.  BMD’s distinction is the firm’s unique marriage of successful entrepreneurs and developers combined with nationally recognized leaders in the tax, education, manufacturing and health care fields in providing high-quality legal services and business advice to our clients. 

[09302019]


Recent Litigation Challenges the Affordable Care Act Preventive Services Requirement

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been met with numerous legal challenges. The most recent legal challenge, Braidwood Management Inc. v. Becerra, could affect millions of people covered by private health insurance.

BMD’s Director of Marketing Jennifer Shankleton Elected as President of the LMA Midwest Region for 2023

Congratulations to Jennifer Shankleton, BMD’s Director of Marketing, on her recent election to President of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA) Midwest Region for 2023!  LMA is a premier professional association focused on empowering marketing, business development, and client service professionals.

Brennan Manna & Diamond Attorneys Featured in The Best Lawyers in America© and Ones to Watch™ 2023 Report

Brennan Manna & Diamond (BMD) is pleased to announce 17 BMD attorneys have been voted by their peers as The Best Lawyers in America© and Ones to Watch in America™.

Physician Non-Competition Agreements 2022

Contract provisions with restrictions on physicians practicing in the same area should they change employment have been around for decades. In Ohio, courts continue to state that while provisions are generally disfavored, non-competition provisions remain enforceable. Specifically, as to physician non-competes, the courts note that such agreements are further scrutinized regarding the adverse effect on the public interest to keep healthcare professionals in a community. Courts have continued in more cases than not to enforce restrictive covenants against physicians.

Immigration Attorney Talks Crisis in Ukraine (published by Community Legal Aid, 4/6/22)

Duriya Dhinojwala interview with Community Legal Aid