McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has elected Ann-Marie Ahern and Charles Nemer as the firm’s new Co-Managing Principals, effective January 1, 2025.
This leadership transition follows the successful tenure of Rob Glickman, who served as McCarthy Lebit’s Managing Principal since 2018. Glickman, who has been with the firm for more than 20 years, will assume a new leadership role as Co-Chairman of the Board alongside McCarthy Lebit President Kenneth Liffman. He will return to his thriving legal practice, remain head of the firm’s litigation practice group, and continue to serve on the Executive Committee.
Under Glickman’s guidance, the firm navigated the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic and the exciting relocation of its offices to 1111 Superior Avenue. The firm also experienced notable growth and reinforced its reputation as a leader in the legal community.
Glickman said he believes Ahern and Nemer are prepared to provide the leadership needed for the firm to continue growing while providing outstanding service to their clients.
“It’s always better to transition leadership when the firm is in a consistent position of strength,” said Glickman. “Transitioning from a single Managing Principal to Co-Managing Principals makes sense for the firm, as most Managing Partners at similarly aligned firms often step back from their law practice when assuming this role. McCarthy Lebit, however, does not ask that of its Managing Principals. This dual role will allow both Ann-Marie and Chuck to serve the firm while continuing their tremendous work for our clients.”
McCarthy Lebit’s distinguished history is marked by consistent, visionary leadership. The appointments of Ahern and Nemer honor this legacy, positioning the firm as a destination for entrepreneurial attorneys who value a collaborative culture, opportunities to grow their practices, and a steadfast commitment to the highest standards of client advocacy.
“I believe so fundamentally that McCarthy Lebit is a special law firm, not only in terms of the value and results that we bring to our clients, but also the independence we provide to our lawyers to be the architect of their own success,” Ahern said. “I am so excited to build on our strategic plan, and grateful that our shared leadership model will permit me to continue my own practice while doing so.”
“I’m grateful for the trust and support shown by the firm’s Executive Committee and partners. It means the world to me. I intend to carry out my duties with the same tenacity, focus, and attention to detail that I would for the clients in my own practice,” Nemer said.
Ahern and Nemer bring decades of combined legal knowledge and leadership experience to their new roles as Co-Managing Principals. They will both continue to actively practice law, reaffirming McCarthy Lebit’s dedication to delivering the personalized, responsive service that clients have come to expect.
Ahern, McCarthy Lebit’s first female Strategic Partner, has held numerous key leadership roles within the firm, serving on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, leading the firm’s Employment Law Group and founding the Women’s Initiative Network.
As a Certified Specialist in Labor & Employment Law, Ahern’s legal practice is founded on steadfast advocacy. She has dedicated her career to assisting clients navigate the complex and sensitive issues that arise in the employment relationship, successfully litigating hundreds of cases and recovering over $70 million in verdicts and settlements. Her practice spans complex workplace issues such as severance negotiations, employment contracts, discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge, non-compete agreements, and whistleblower advocacy.
Ahern has been recognized as a top labor and employment attorney in Ohio and is a three-time honoree as Cleveland “Lawyer of the Year” (2020, 2022, 2025) by Best Lawyers®. Ahern has been named an Ohio Super Lawyer® for 10 consecutive years and has been recognized as one of the state’s top attorneys by Ohio Super Lawyers®, as demonstrated by her inclusion on the Ohio Top 100 and Cleveland Top 50 lists. Ahern has also received recognition by Crain’s Cleveland Business as a “Notable Woman in Law,” and by Cleveland Business Journal as a “Woman of Influence.” Additionally, she is a member of the Cleveland State University College of Law Hall of Fame.
“Over the past ten years, I have spearheaded many key initiatives for the firm, including, most recently, McCarthy Lebit’s Long-Term Planning Initiative. Serving as Co-Managing Principal is an opportunity to propel our vision and mission forward, strengthening our ability to uphold our commitment to our clients to ‘Expect More. Get More’,” shared Ahern. In her new role, Ahern will continue to exemplify the firm’s core values, leveraging her deep expertise and dedication to drive progress and foster growth across multiple areas.
Nemer has played a pivotal role in the firm’s leadership initiatives, contributing significantly to its strategic direction and growth. On the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, Nemer has helped shape policies that enhance the firm’s operations and foster collaboration among attorneys while upholding a client-focused approach.
“McCarthy Lebit is more than just a full-service law firm offering cutting-edge personalized services to its clients. For me it represents loyalty, commitment, respect for each other and for our clients. I am so excited about the future of this firm and to have the amazing opportunity in this new role to help build upon our continued growth and success both now and in the future,” shared Nemer.
With a diverse legal practice, Nemer possesses a wealth of experience in municipal law, land use and development, real estate transactions, hospitality and liquor law, and title joint ventures and insurance defense, among other areas. Nemer has successfully represented local and national property owners and developers in zoning and land use matters across Ohio. He has extensive experience navigating permit applications, variances, and appeals of municipal decisions. His practice also includes handling complex commercial real estate transactions, receivership matters, and loan resolutions, making him a trusted advisor to a wide range of clients, including lenders, developers, and public entities.
Nemer is also recognized as a top-tier legal professional by Best Lawyers®, where he has been honored for his exceptional work in real estate law. Additionally, Ohio Super Lawyers® has ranked him among the leading attorneys in the state for his legal proficiency in the category of “Closely Held Business.” In addition to his legal practice, Nemer has a notable record of public service. He was appointed to the Ohio Lottery Commission by Governor Bob Taft, serving as Vice-Chair during his tenure. Currently, he serves as Magistrate for Newburgh Heights and Bedford Municipal Court, exemplifying his commitment to the community.
Nemer intends to build on the firm’s strong foundation, continuing to drive its growth while fostering an environment that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and client success.
“I am forever grateful to Rob Glickman for his tireless dedication, service, and leadership in solidifying the relationships which continue to make this firm thrive,” said Nemer. “I look forward to continuing to uphold these fundamental ideals in my new role and, alongside Ann-Marie, to advance McCarthy Lebit’s mission of ‘Expect More. Get More.’”
As part of McCarthy Lebit’s leadership evolution and strategic vision, the firm is pleased to announce that Michael Makofsky and Jennifer Hallos have been elected to the firm’s Board of Directors.
Makofsky, a Principal at McCarthy Lebit, is on the firm’s Executive Committee and is a member of the Banking & Finance, Business & Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Venture Capital & Private Equity practice groups. Michael has also been elected to serve as the firm’s Administrative Principal.
Hallos, a Principal at McCarthy Lebit, is a member of the Taxation, Trusts & Estates, Business & Corporate, and Mergers & Acquisitions practice groups.
McCarthy Lebit remains steadfast in its mission to empower clients with tailored solutions that align with their goals, while upholding the firm’s core values of tenacity, integrity, and client value. To ensure exceptional service, the firm recruits top-tier talent and fosters an environment that supports both personal and professional growth, empowering our legal professionals at all stages of their careers.
This leadership transition reflects the firm’s commitment to continuity, stability, and a forward-thinking approach to client service and growth. The leadership team looks forward to building on the firm’s success while maintaining its steadfast commitment to clients, fully embodying the firm’s brand promise: Expect More and Get More.
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About McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA
McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA is premier full-service law firm with 70 attorneys and employees headquartered in downtown Cleveland, OH. McCarthy Lebit offers 20 diverse practice areas, including employment law, estate planning, litigation, and business transactions, serving individuals, families, and small-to-mid-sized businesses throughout Northeast Ohio. The firm’s reputation for excellence is evidenced by numerous attorney accolades, including recognition by The Best Lawyers in America® and Ohio Super Lawyers®. McCarthy Lebit is also recognized both nationally and regionally as a leading law firm by Best Law Firms®.