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Michael R. Fortney

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Virtual Consultation
also known as Mike Fortney
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Avvo Rating6.1
  • Avon, OH
  • Licensed for 6 years
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About Michael

Mike specializes in civil litigation, particularly construction and business litigation. He is also an adept mediator with the skills to bring both sides to the bargaining table and resolve disputes.

Martindale-Hubbell has recognized Mike with an AV Preeminent rating signifying that Mike has reached the highest of professional excellence as well as the highest levels of skill and integrity. Mike was also recognized in 2021 as a Rising Star in litigation by Super Lawyers.

Mike graduated from Cleveland State University and the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 2014. Prior to that he was a 6th grade teacher in Rocky River.

Practice areas

MediationBusinessLitigationConstruction and development
  1. Construction and development: 35%

    Assist construction clients, including subcontractors, suppliers, and general contractors. Assist with all areas of construction projects, from the initial contract and notices of commencement or furnishing, through completion and dispute resolution.

    7 years, 100 cases

  2. Litigation: 30%

    Represent construction and other businesses in all manner of litigation and arbitration. Represent clients in appeals and navigating appellate procedure.

    7 years, 150 cases

  3. Business: 20%

    Assist businesses with all aspects of business and relations with employees, including drafting employment agreements and other employer protections, litigation, and other general counsel roles for mid-size businesses.

    7 years, 100 cases

  4. Mediation: 15%

    Conduct private civil mediation in Northeast Ohio to solve disputes for businesses and individuals in area.

    3 years, 20 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

4638495 1604949938

Contact

35765 Chester Rd
address map

Wickens Herzer Panza

35765 Chester Rd
Avon, OH, 44011

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
OHActive201410/19/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers26
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
CALI Excellence for the Future Award - ArbitrationCenter for Computer Assisted Legal Instruction2013
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Construction Practice AssociateWickens Herzer Panza2020 - Present
AssociateStark & Knoll Co., Lpa2018 - 2020
AssociateFortney Law Group2014 - 2018
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Akron Bar AssociationMember2014 - Present
Ohio State Bar AssociationMember2014 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationMember2014 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Fortney & KlingshirnNLRB Revises Joint-Employer Standard as Applied to Staffing Agencies2015
Fortney & KlingshirnThree Recent Cases Find that Workers at Uber, FedEx, and others are Employees, not Independent Contractors2015
Fortney & KlingshirnEmployer May Not Count Discretionary Payments to Employees as Prevailing Wage2015
Fortney & KlingshirnRespondent May Not Stay Arbitration Indefinitely by Refusing to Pay Fees2015
Fortney & KlingshirnCould the United States Supreme Court Find that Title VII Prohibits Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Discrimination?2015
Fortney & KlingshirnEmployee Handbook May Prevent Employer from Denying FMLA Leave2015
Fortney & KlingshirnStatutory Independent Contractor Test Only Applies to Construction Workers2015
Fortney & KlingshirnOhio Appellate Court Finds $277,900 Liquidated Damages Award Unenforceable2014
Fortney & KlingshirnArbitrator's Remedy Must Not be Contrary to Established Law2014
Fortney & KlingshirnCOSTCO Sued by EEOC for Sex Harassment based on Customer's Advances2014
Fortney & KlingshirnFacebook Posts by Employees Can Go Too Far and Lose Concerted Activity Protection2014
Fortney & KlingshirnFacebook "Like"s May Be Protected Employment Activity2014
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Cleveland State UniversityJD - Juris Doctor2014
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
State of Ohio v. DiPaoloNot guilty on both counts.
Academy Health Services, Inc. v. Rueben MillerDismissed

Reviews

(1)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Review Michael Fortney

Great Experience

Posted by

Mr. Fortney handled a breach of contract case for me. He grasped the main issues of the case quickly, and was able to reach a settlement in my company's favor without spending too much time on the case.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Attorney endorsements

(2)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Kathryn Russell, Employment and labor Attorney on Mar 7, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mike is a very knowledgeable and represents his clients with diligence and the highest professional and ethical standards. I highly recommend him.

Daniel Baron, Construction and development Attorney on Jan 18, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mike is well known in the community as one of Cleveland's qualified construction attorneys. I've spent much time with Mike in law school and I cannot think of anyone who works harder than he does.