Skilled, Respected and Effective
We defend people charged with OVI and criminal offenses across Northern Ohio, and we represent workers and unions throughout the state. We are in criminal courtrooms and unemployment hearings every week, and at arbitrations and bargaining tables throughout the year. At every stage, you work directly with your attorney, start to finish.
2,500+
OVI and criminal cases handled
NHTSA Certified
SFST and ARIDE trained
Direct Access
To your attorney, no gatekeepers
Free Consultations
Confidential, no obligation
What Sets Us Apart
We care deeply about the people we serve, and we believe that shows in what we actually do, not in promises every firm makes.
More than 2,500 OVI and criminal cases, over 1,500 unemployment hearings, and hundreds of labor arbitrations and contract negotiations. That depth of experience means we know how each of these systems actually works, and where it breaks down.
We tell you the truth about your case, the strengths and the risks, so you can make sound decisions. We fight hard for the best possible resolution, and you will always know we gave it everything.
We never assume the police, the agency, or the employer got it right. We dig into the facts, stay current on the law, and prepare relentlessly, bringing the same intensity to an unemployment hearing that we bring to a courtroom trial.
Our Attorneys
Driven by a passion for justice and the protection of our clients' rights, our attorneys bring real experience and personal commitment to every case. We have effectively advocated for clients before judges, arbitrators, hearing officers, and juries.
Founder & Managing Attorney
OVI, criminal, unemployment, and union labor law
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Senior Associate
OVI, criminal, and union labor law; NHTSA and forensic-trained
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Associate
Criminal, OVI, employment, and labor law
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Attorney
Veteran trial lawyer; criminal, OVI, and unemployment appeals
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Why Clients Choose Us
Your attorney is always a call away, with no gatekeepers in between. We keep you informed at every step and build the strategy around your goals, never a template.
Everyone deserves quality representation. We offer reasonable flat fees, payment plans, and contingency options where appropriate, so cost never stands in the way of strong representation.
We use secure, modern tools to keep your case organized and our communication fast and private. Every motion and filing is drafted and reviewed by your attorney, never automated, and your information stays protected by strict confidentiality safeguards.
Hear from past clients and see recent results.
Practice Areas
Facing an OVI charge? You need an experienced OVI defense attorney who can protect your rights, fight the charges, and work to save your license, your record, and your job. Certified in both the NHTSA SFST and ARIDE courses, we have handled over 2,500 OVI and criminal cases and bring the experience to pursue your best possible outcome.
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If you have been charged with a crime, you need a criminal defense attorney who offers personalized representation and the legal knowledge to navigate the criminal justice system. You deserve an attorney who communicates openly and explains your options, backed by the trial experience to aggressively pursue your case through trial when needed.
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Don't be fooled by the informal feel of Unemployment Review Commission telephone hearings. These are real hearings, governed by law, and often your best and last chance to present evidence and secure your benefits. We have the experience to navigate the appeal process and present the strongest possible case for the benefits you deserve.
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Facing employers with deep resources and union-busting consultants, union leaders need attorneys they can trust. We are skilled negotiators at the bargaining table, fierce advocates in arbitration, and experts in unfair labor practice charges. We provide aggressive representation to local unions, plus research and support for the attorneys who represent them.
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Testimonials
"Professional, upfront, knowledgeable, made the whole appeals process way less stressful, made me feel comfortable at the hearing, and won my appeal! Highly recommend using!"
Josh
"He got my license back in a month. then got my case dropped within the same month. He is an awesome lawyer. He did his best work on my case. And he put a lot of effort into my case. If you want a lawyer that you can trust and that will put in time and effort definitely pick Brian J. Smith. If I ever run into trouble in the future, I will be back requesting him."
Desiree
"I highly recommend the Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd.. The entire team was professional, supportive, and truly amazing throughout my case. They guided me step-by-step through the process and successfully won my appeal. If you're looking for a firm that is both compassionate and effective, I’d definitely recommend them. I couldn't have done it without their help!"
Tabitha
"Excellent service, not only did I win my case but the level of customer service was phenomenal!! Anytime i had a question it was answered so that i could understand it.
I was also extremely prepared and ready before we went to court.
It was such a nice process. I would recommend this company to anyone i know!!"
Jennifer
"Great attorney's, very knowledgeable; they took care of everything which made it a smooth process, kept me updated, and answered all my questions. Would recommend"
Luke
"I highly recommend Brian. He was very informative and handled/negotiated my case far better than I thought possible. Worth every penny, I would have paid him more, seeing what he did for me. He is a very good attorney, he is very detailed, and makes sure the police go by the book, if not he finds it, exploits it and handles it accordingly. Best attorney I've used. Thank you Mr Smith. Highly recommend him."
Dale
"I cannot recommend Brian enough. His intuitive approach to what I thought was a doomsday scenario, proved to be the right call. I will say that is the experience that money cannot buy. I cannot express my gratitude enough."
Patrick
"Helped us find the best possible outcome (dismissal of a charge) in a very stressful and important time when my husband was charged with an offense. He was also able to handle everything remotely with only one trip to the area, since this occurred when we were on vacation. He helped make a very horrible time, just a bit more manageable. Very professional, yet relatable and down to earth. Would use his services again, but let's hope we never need to, lol."
Krystie
"I was extremely happy working Brian & John on my case. They were very thorough & easy to talk with. I would highly recommend them to anyone!"
Debra
"Great law firm. My attorney help me immensely. My job fired me unjustly and they help me get my unemployment back. They help file everything and keep you updated on what going on. Very friendly and helpful. Wish these guys the best in the future!"
Chris
"Brian and his colleague John were incredibly helpful and supportive. Not only did they make me feel secure, I felt represented and heard. I won my case with their help and hard work! I highly recommend them for anyone who is having to fight their employer for unemployment. I can not thank them enough!"
Amanda
"Brian Smith is the best! He handled my claim in a most timely manner an professional manner. Could not have done this by myself. Bravo!!!"
Doris
"I would absolutely recommend Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd. Brian and John worked with my (juvenile) son and I on a very challenging case. The case even went to the Supreme Court. . . We wouldn’t have WON without their experience and dedication. They were very professional, considerate and understanding especially when things became overwhelming for us. We couldn’t be more thankful for their services."
Sonia
Contact
20545 Center Ridge Road, Ste. 215, Rocky River, OH 44116
Huron, Ohio. Port Clinton, Ohio. Wickliffe, Ohio.
Please keep in mind that the success of any legal matter depends on the unique circumstances of each case and we cannot guarantee particular results for future clients based on successes we have achieved in past legal matters.
The Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd. provides legal services throughout Ohio, from Cleveland to Toledo, including Sandusky, Akron, Vermilion, Huron, Elyria, Lorain, Port Clinton, Rocky River, Parma, Oak Harbor, Norwalk, Milan, Amherst, Sheffield, Avon, Oberlin, North Ridgeville, North Olmsted, Bay Village, Westlake, Cleveland Heights, Lakewood, Brook Park, Garfield Heights, Euclid, Maple Heights, Bellevue, Clyde and Berea, and within counties such as Cuyahoga, Lorain, Erie, Ottawa, Sandusky, Huron, Geauga, Lake, Ashtabula, Portage and Summit.
Copyright 2015 - 2026 Brian J. Smith, All rights reserved. ADVERTISING MATERIAL. Updated August 2026.
