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Five Brennan, Manna & Diamond attorneys named Super Lawyers/Rising Stars
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: February 5, 2013
Recognition for a job well done is what all workers strive for, and being selected by one’s peers as one of the best in the field can go a long way toward generating business.
This year, five attorneys from the Akron-based law firm Brennan, Manna & Diamond received such an honor, with two being selected as Ohio Super Lawyers and three named Ohio Rising Stars by Law & Politics Magazine, Northern Ohio Live magazine, and Cincinnati Magazine.
“I am very proud of the professional talent with whom I have the opportunity to work,” said Jack Diamond, president of Brennan, Manna & Diamond. “These attorneys are the best in their field and it is nice to receive public recognition for what you already know to be true.
“Our firm is continuing to grow. We now have over 60 lawyers in four offices, including one in Shanghai, and the firm offers expertise in a variety of areas.”
Super Lawyers magazine is published in all 50 states, and Washington D.C., listing the top 5 percent of attorneys in each state in more than 70 practice areas.
Candidates are nominated by their peers or are identified by the research department during the research process and are evaluated based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Brennan, Manna & Diamond’s 2013 Super Lawyers are partners Richard W. Burke and Robert A. Hager.
Burke was chosen for his estate planning and probate work.
“Rick is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and a great legal talent in northern Ohio,” said Diamond. “If anyone were to ask for the names of the top three probate and estate planners in the area, his name would always be on that list.”
Diamond said Burke handles complex estate planning work, including several matters over $100 million dollars.
“Other law and accounting firms see him as the ‘go-to’ guy for these type of matters.”
Diamond said Burke also makes it a point to do a lot of pro bono work, serving as a board member of Northern Ohio Golf Charities & Foundation, which is part of a volunteer organization that has sponsored professional golf tournaments at Firestone Country Club for over 57 years. The tournaments have provided over $21 million to local charities that work to improve the quality of life in northeast Ohio.
He is a member of the board of directors of ACCESS Inc., which provides shelter for homeless women and children, a distinguished board member of Greenleaf Family Center and a member of the Advisory Council for Akron Children’s Hospital.
“Rick is one of the most caring attorneys I’ve ever met,” said Diamond.
Hager was singled out for his construction/surety work. “He has an expertise in construction law and commercial litigation,” said Diamond. “He is one of if not the best construction lawyers in the area, coming up with innovative ideas to help his clients avoid problems.
“For example, major construction projects often end up with disputes, so what Bob does is start the project with an agreement by the parties on how to resolve disputes, right up front before the work begins. That way any potential disputes are resolved internally, saving the expense of people suing each other.”
In addition to Burke and Hager, partner Martin J. Pangrace was named a 2013 Rising Star, as were associates Adam D. Fuller and Justin M. Alaburda.
Rising Stars are selected in the same fashion as Super Lawyers, but must be 40 or younger or be in practice for 10 years or less. They are not evaluated by practice area, and no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in a given state make the Rising Stars list.
Pangrace, who is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited Green Associate, received recognition for his construction litigation work.
“Martin works on a lot of environmentally sustainable construction projects, helping clients to control the cost,” said Diamond.
“With the firm linking the legal and business sides together, we are helping hospitals and universities to explore the unbelievable cost-saving measures available using this new technology.”
In the case of Alaburda, it was his expertise in business litigation that earned him his Rising Star status.
“Justin works with Martin and Bob,” said Diamond. “Since joining the firm, Justin continues to take on and tackle tough, complex litigation matters. He is an important part of our continued litigation success.”
Fuller stood out for his employment litigation defense work.
“He has a lot of experience advising employers about the changes in employment law and representing employers in litigation. He represents businesses ranging from hospitals to machine shops.
“Brennan, Manna & Diamond is proud of all of its attorneys and these five are examples of the level of competency that is prevalent in our firm. We will continue to strive for excellence in ways to serve our clients.”