Each holiday season provides an opportunity to reflect on the year’s milestones, express our sincere gratitude to those who support our work, and celebrate the exceptional leadership, accomplishments, and dedication of the attorneys and staff at McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA.
As Ann-Marie Ahern and Chuck Nemer wrap up their first year as Co-Managing Principals, their collaborative leadership has driven meaningful progress across the firm, strengthening operations, enhancing client service, and positioning McCarthy Lebit for continued growth.
2026 Attorney & Staff Promotions
The firm is pleased to announce the election and promotion of Jenna C. Sholk to Principal of the firm, effective January 1, 2026. Jenna joined McCarthy Lebit in 2023 as an Associate in the firm’s Family Law group, where she has dedicated her practice to helping clients with a wide range of matters pertaining to domestic relations.
Julia Martinez joined McCarthy Lebit as an Operations Assistant. This year, she was promoted to Legal Assistant, where she now supports the firm’s Trusts & Estates practice group. She is currently continuing her education in paralegal studies.
This Year’s New Attorneys
We proudly welcomed six talented attorneys to our ranks – three of counsel and three associates – each bringing unique experience, energy, and perspective that further strengthen the firm’s depth and enhance the services we provide to our clients.
Christine N. Townsend joined the firm’s Taxation and Transactions groups as Of Counsel. Christine possesses a diverse legal background and extensive tax experience, advising corporate and individual clients on a wide range of transactional matters, with a primary focus on mergers and acquisitions, business structuring, and tax planning.
Sami Z. Farhat joined the firm’s Litigation group as Of Counsel. His practice spans a broad spectrum of general litigation, with a primary focus on business, commercial, real estate, and construction litigation. With more than 10 years of experience, Sami is committed to delivering practical, results-oriented counsel, whether advising on business transactions, navigating construction disputes, or mitigating risk.
Alexandra C. Eckrich joined the firm’s Litigation group as Of Counsel. Her litigation practice covers a broad range of areas, including intricate commercial litigation, management of extensive discovery and electronically stored information (ESI), business, labor and employment disputes, and insurance disputes.
José A. Nuñez joined the firm’s Transactions group as an Associate attorney after passing the February Ohio Bar Exam. His practice focus spans the Banking & Finance, Business & Corporate, Litigation, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Real Estate & Construction practice groups. José earned a bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and went on to complete his Juris Doctor, Master of Business Administration, and Business Law Certificate at the University of Akron.
Michael P. O’Neil joined the firm’s Employment group as an Associate attorney. He passed the July Ohio Bar Exam, and he supports both litigation and advisory matters related to employment law. Michael earned his bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, OH, before obtaining his Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University College of Law.
This Year’s New Staff
In addition to expanding our team of attorneys, we also welcomed new staff members to the firm. Their skills and experience play a vital role in supporting our attorneys, enhancing our operations, and continuing to provide exceptional service.
Brian A. Korsberg joined McCarthy Lebit as the firm’s Controller. With over 10 years’ experience in accounting, Brian has brought a wealth of knowledge to his role in managing the day-to-day accounting and finance functions within the firm.
Jeanne A. Gombeda joined McCarthy Lebit as Firm Administrator. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in administration and human resources within the legal industry, she oversees the firm’s professional staff and leads key initiatives that drive organizational success.
Annmarie Buckingham joined McCarthy Lebit as a Legal Assistant. In her role, she is responsible for providing support to a team of attorneys within our Transactions group.
Olivia Makofsky joined McCarthy Lebit as Operations Assistant. She provides administrative and operational support to ensure the firm’s day-to-day functions run efficiently and effectively.
Jessica Lambert joined McCarthy Lebit as Operations Assistant. She plays a key role in supporting the firm’s daily processes and internal workflows.
Awards & Recognitions
The exceptional skill, professionalism, and dedication of our attorneys reflect the high standards we hold as a firm and our commitment to providing outstanding legal service. Their achievements are a testament to the culture of excellence we strive to uphold each day. The following awards and recognitions illustrate that commitment in action.
Crain’s Cleveland Business announced the 2025 Notable Litigator & Trial Attorney Honorees, spotlighting Cleveland’s exceptional litigators and trial attorneys whose expertise, dedication, and pursuit of justice set them apart in the legal community. Christian Patno was among those honored this year for his outstanding contributions as a distinguished legal advocate. Follow the link to read more about this recognition.
McCarthy Lebit was named the 2024 recipient of Kaufman Container’s Partnership of Excellence Award – a distinguished recognition presented to a trusted partner for their invaluable contributions to the well-being of the business. Kaufman Container, a leading packaging solutions provider, is a client of the firm, and this recognition served as a reflection of the strength and depth of our decades-long partnership. We take immense pride in being a key advisor through their continued growth and innovation, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their ongoing success. Follow the link to read more about this recognition.
Crain’s Cleveland Business announced the 2025 Women of Influence Honorees, celebrating women who defy conventions and inspire future generations. Ann-Marie Ahern was among those honored this year for her impact not only in the courtroom but throughout the community she serves. Follow the link to read more about this recognition.
Seven attorneys have been recognized as 2025 Leading Lawyers by Ohio Business Magazine, an annual distinction that honors the top legal talent across the state of Ohio. The recognized attorneys and their area of practice include Ann-Marie Ahern (Labor & Employment), David Cuppage (Business, Insurance), Brian Farnan (Banking & Finance), Rob Glickman (Construction, White Collar), Jennifer Hallos (Estate Planning, Tax), Christian Patno (Personal Injury), and Carianne Staudt (Business, Tax). Follow the link to read more about this recognition.
In the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, 28 McCarthy Lebit attorneys were recognized. 22 attorneys were honored as Best Lawyers®, and six attorneys were included as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®. Of the 28 attorneys recognized in the 2026 Edition, two attorneys were named “Lawyer of the Year.” Ann-Marie Ahern was honored as the Cleveland, OH “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation – Labor and Employment, and Jack Moran was honored as the Cleveland, OH “Lawyer of the Year” for Employment Law – Individuals. In addition to Ann-Marie and Jack, Hugh Berkson, David Cuppage, Brian Farnan, Danielle Garson, Rob Glickman, Jennifer Hallos, Tobias Hirshman, Kimon Karas, Robert Kracht, Kenneth Liffman, David Lum, Michael Makofsky, Charles Nemer, Christian Patno, Andrew Perry, Richard Rabb, David Schaefer, John Seich, E. Roger Stewart, and Mark Wallach also received Best Lawyers® recognition. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® included Alexandra Eckrich, Frank George, Adam Glassman, Taylor Mehalko, Ryan Palko, and Colin Ray. Follow the link to read more about this recognition.
McCarthy Lebit was featured in the 2026 Chambers USA Spotlight Guide. The firm was recognized in three practice areas, including Corporate/Commercial, Labor & Employment, and Trusts & Estates, making McCarthy Lebit the only firm to be ranked in three practice areas. Follow the link to read more about this recognition.
McCarthy Lebit earned national and regional rankings across 30 practice areas in the 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms®. These rankings reflect the firm’s long-standing commitment to excellence, client service, and achieving exceptional results across a broad range of legal disciplines. Follow the link to read more about this recognition.
In the 2026 Edition of Ohio Super Lawyers®, 24 McCarthy Lebit attorneys were recognized. 18 attorneys were honored as Ohio Super Lawyers®, and six attorneys were included as Ohio Super Lawyers: Rising Stars®. Of the 24 attorneys recognized in the 2026 Edition, three attorneys have been named to multiple “Top Lists.” Christian Patno has advanced to the #2 ranking of all Super Lawyers® in Ohio, rising from the #3 position he held for several years. Ann-Marie Ahern has ranked on the Top 100 Ohio, Top 50 Women Ohio, and Top 50 Cleveland “Top Lists.” David Schaefer has ranked on the Top 100 Ohio and Top 50 Cleveland “Top Lists.” In addition to Christian, Ann-Marie, and David, Hugh Berkson, David Cuppage, Danielle Garson, Rob Glickman, Robert Kracht, Kenneth Liffman, David Lum, Michael Makofsky, Jack Moran, Charles Nemer, Andrew Perry, Richard Rabb, Colin Ray, John Seich, and Mark Wallach also received Ohio Super Lawyers® recognition. Ohio Super Lawyers: Rising Stars® included Alexandra Eckrich, Sami Farhat, Frank George, Adam Glassman, Ryan Palko, and Jenna Sholk. Follow the link to read more about this recognition.
Organizational Leadership Appointments
Through active involvement in professional organizations and meaningful engagement in the community, our attorneys contribute their time, experience, and leadership to help shape the legal profession and support the communities we serve. Many of our attorneys maintain long-standing involvement in a variety of external organizations, and in 2025, two attorneys stepped into formal leadership roles, extending the same dedication and professionalism they bring to their legal practice. The following leadership appointments reflect that dedication to service.
Principal Colin Ray was sworn in as the new Vice President of the Cleveland Academy of Trial Attorneys (CATA), Ohio’s largest and most active local trial organization. He was sworn in by former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio, Maureen O’Connor, alongside Secretary Katie Harris and Treasurer Thomas Ryan.
Principal Christian Patno was sworn in as President of the Ohio Chapter of ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates), a national association of highly accomplished trial lawyers selected for their professional excellence and dedication to preserving the constitutional right to a civil jury trial. Christian has been a long-standing and active member of the organization, most recently serving as the chapter’s Vice President.
Community Philanthropy
In the spirit of the late Dan McCarthy and in keeping with the culture of the firm, McCarthy Lebit continued its long-standing commitment to community service through robust charitable involvement throughout the year. The firm proudly supported a wide range of nonprofit and community organizations across Northeast Ohio through financial contributions and corporate sponsorships, including the Cleveland Food Bank, Cleveland Legal Aid, Harvest for Hunger, the American Heart Association, InMotion for Parkinson’s Disease, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation, ORT-Ohio, NAMAT USA, The Keepers Foundation, numerous educational institutions, and many other worthy causes.
Looking ahead to 2026, we are energized by the possibilities the future holds. With a steadfast focus on innovation, growth, and service excellence, our leadership team is dedicated to building on MLCL’s proud legacy of success. We remain deeply committed to strengthening client relationships, expanding our capabilities, and setting new standards of value and impact in the legal industry. As always, our guiding principle is clear: Expect More. Get More.