McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA is pleased to announce that Ann-Marie Ahern has been named Cleveland, Ohio’s “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation – Labor and Employment for the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
Since 2017, Ann-Marie Ahern, McCarthy Lebit’s Co-Managing Principal and head of the firm’s Employment Law group, has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers®. As an OSBA Certified Specialist in Labor & Employment Law, she brings deep expertise across all facets of employment law, with a practice defined by steadfast advocacy and an unwavering commitment to her clients.
Ann-Marie’s practice spans complex workplace issues such as representing executives and other employees in employment litigation and severance negotiations involving employment contracts, discrimination, wrongful discharge, non-compete agreements, and whistleblower claims. She has successfully litigated hundreds of employment disputes on behalf of her clients, recovering $70+ million in verdicts and settlements. With over 25 years of experience representing employees, she is widely recognized as a trusted resource for employees in job transitions.
Each year, only one attorney in each practice area and designated metropolitan location is recognized as the “Lawyer of the Year.” Individuals are selected based on impressive peer feedback for their respective practice area(s) and geographic location. This esteemed designation signifies the high level of respect a lawyer has earned within the legal community from other lawyers in the same practice areas for their experience, professionalism, and integrity. This year marks Ann-Marie’s second consecutive year earning this prestigious “Lawyer of the Year” distinction and the fourth time overall she has received this honor.
- 2020 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year,” Employment Law – Individuals
- 2022 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year,” Litigation – Labor and Employment
- 2025 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year,” Employment Law – Individuals
In addition to being recognized as a 2026 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year,” Ann-Marie was also listed in the 2026 Edition in the following practice areas. She is among the 28 McCarthy Lebit attorneys who received Best Lawyers® recognition this year.
- Employment Law – Individuals
- Employment Law – Management
- Litigation – Labor and Employment
Read more about the Best Lawyers® methodology for selection.