Corporate

Born in the tiny coal-mining community of Williamson and raised in Parkersburg, West Virginia, by blue-collar working-class parents who placed a premium on hard work, honesty, and personal integrity, Bernie Layne of Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC learned from an early age that his path to success would have to be paved with over achievement. While both of his parents grew up in abject poverty that can only be understood or imagined by those who have experienced day-to-day life in ‘coal camp’ housing in southern West Virginia, they became acutely aware of the value and necessity of education and sweat equity as a means of rising above their circumstance. It is from this culture and environment that Bernie’s parents instilled in him, and his two sisters, to never forget where they have come from and to always use their God-given talents and abilities to help people around them who are disadvantaged, hurting, disabled, destitute, or who are being abused by those in a more powerful position than themselves in society. Growing up in Parkersburg, just across the river from Marietta and Belpre, Ohio, he gained a deep, abiding respect for the hardworking people on both sides of the border. Rising from the social position of an ‘underdog,’ it isn’t hard to understand how Bernie has come to embrace these roots by becoming a highly successful legal advocate and defender of the rights of injured working-class West Virginians and Ohioans. A Strong Competitive Spirit As you can imagine, it takes tremendous family support and lots of competitive spirit to become one of only a few college graduates in his family and to become the first lawyer in his immediate or extended family. That love for competition was introduced to him as a child, by his father, an accomplished sportswriter at the Williamson Daily News. Bernie developed a love for the game of basketball and baseball and eventually earned a baseball scholarship to attend the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia. As a college student-athlete, Bernie was introduced to the importance of academic and athletic discipline, teamwork, handling success and overcoming failure. As his dream of playing professional baseball faded, his commitment to personal development and higher education strengthened. Before leaving UC, Bernie was named the Ivor F. Boiarsky Award Winner, which annually recognizes the top Political Science Student in the graduating class, won a statewide award for his senior thesis, in the area of Public Law Policy, on the pitfalls and environmental evils associated with an inadequate and corrupt strip mine permitting system in West Virginia, was voted by his peers as the Student Body President and was chosen by the administration to deliver the commencement address on behalf of his graduating class, while sharing the stage with the late Senator Robert C. Byrd. Inspired to help the disadvantaged Using his undergraduate success as a springboard, Bernie went on to attend graduate school at The Ohio University, where he received a Master of Arts Degree in Sociology. After graduate school, Bernie returned to Appalachia where he worked with elderly and disabled individuals through the Title 19 Medicaid Waiver Program in Southern West Virginia. The year spent working with catastrophically injured people through Title 19 firmed his resolve and commitment to make a difference in the lives of the hardworking citizens of this state. This experience made Bernie aware of the obstacles that face disabled and poverty-stricken individuals and the myriad of statutory and legal hurdles they face, while unable to afford adequate legal assistance to address their needs. Bernie’s disappointment in the legal system and its treatment of handicapped, disabled, and elderly individuals led him to attend law school at The University of Dayton School of Law where he graduated with his Juris Doctor in the Spring of 1999. After finishing law school, Bernie remained in Dayton as a judicial extern for The Honorable Barbara Gorman, the first female judge of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. In the years following his law school graduation, Bernie has remained committed to preserving the rights of injured and disadvantaged citizens of our state and has limited his practice to cases which involve people who have been injured due to the negligence of another person, corporation or governmental body. Throughout his career, he has successfully taken on big corporate asbestos producers who exposed plant workers and pipefitters to deadly and cancer-causing asbestos fibers. He has successfully confronted coal mining companies that deliberately injured workers through a neglect of OSHA regulations and state laws designed to protect this state’s workers. Further, Bernie has successfully resolved wrongful death cases involving children, medical malpractice and poorly designed products by large corporate interests who chose to place profits as a priority over the safety of our citizens. In 2021, Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC expanded to a new office in Columbus, OH. For Bernie, who earned both of his graduate degrees in Ohio and has many close family members in Columbus and the surrounding towns, this was a homecoming of sorts, an opportunity to advocate for hardworking people throughout both Ohio and West Virginia. Recognized by his peers Bernie’s success and achievement have been greatly rewarded as he and his partners have built an accomplished law firm at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC. His professional attributes and success have also been noticed by his trial lawyer peers. In 2005, he was given the Distinguished Service Award by the West Virginia Association for Justice (WVAJ), which is a group that represents the interests of the injured and disabled in West Virginia. Attorney Layne has been a member of WVAJ and the American Association for Justice for more than a decade. He is past president of WVAJ, serving from June 2013 to June 2014. He has also served on the WVAJ Executive Committee (nine years), the WVAJ Board of Governors and as a member of the LAWPAC organization. He was recently invited to join the prestigious, Southern Trial Lawyers organization and has been apponted to The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center where he serves on its Executive and Building & Grounds Committees. Additionally, he served a two-year stint as a member of the West Virginia Bar Association’s Judicial Campaign Advertising Committee, which sought to regulate unfair, unethical and untruthful advertising during judicial campaign election cycles. In 2013, he was appointed to the University of Charleston Board of Trustees and served on the Executive and Outreach Committees within that board. He is now serving his twelfth year on the board. In 2014, he was named Alumnus of the Year at the University of Charleston. In 2017, he was appointed chairman of the Welch Challenge Campaign, an $8 million fund-raising initiative at the school. Also in 2013, Mr. Layne received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating attorneys can achieve from that organization. Only 2% of all practitioners nationwide earn that rating. In 2018, Bernie was selected to the West Virginia Super Lawyers list by his peers. Bernie has obtained several significant verdicts and settlements and has been granted membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. On a community level, Bernie recently completed a seven-year term on the Putnam County Career and Technical Center’s Healthcare Advisory Board, on which he worked with other community leaders to design, implement and guide the LPN Nursing Program at the school. His efforts in this area are consistent with his desire to work toward broad based community and rural health care initiatives which support healthcare for the underprivileged throughout our state’s communities.

David M. Carlson, an esteemed attorney with a notable track record, currently practices personal injury and criminal defense law. He has been duly admitted to the Illinois bar since 2001 and is also accredited to practice before the United States District Courts for the Northern Districts of Illinois and Indiana since 2002 and 2003, respectively. His legal career is distinguished by his comprehensive understanding and application of the law, drawn from his extensive educational background and professional experiences. David completed his law degree at Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2001, where he was honored as the class speaker at his graduation. He furthered his education with a specialized program in 2021 through the Judicial Education Program at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia School of Law. This program enhanced his knowledge in a broad range of topics, including corporate governance, economics, and the responsibilities of corporate entities towards stakeholders. Before commencing his law studies, David earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Arizona in 1993. Throughout his college years, he was an active member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and worked various jobs, from delivering packages for United Parcel Service to construction work, to finance his education. Alongside practicing law, David served in the judiciary from 2013 to 2024. He began as an Associate Judge in the 12th Judicial Circuit, Will County, Illinois, where he handled an array of cases spanning family law to civil and criminal matters. Following this role, he was promoted to Circuit Judge, presiding over the felony division, which is the second largest in the state. Under his leadership, his team was responsible for managing a robust caseload and integrating new technological systems into the court’s operations. He was commended for his diligence and commitment to justice and retention in a 2020 general election with a significant majority vote affirmed his position. Today, David is not only a member of the Illinois State Bar Association but also retains his connections with the Illinois Judges Association, reflecting his ongoing commitment to his professional community. His former role as both Associate Judge and Circuit Judge illustrates his depth of experience and leadership abilities, particularly in managing complex legal challenges and advancing judiciary processes. David M. Carlson is more than just a seasoned attorney; he is a respected professional who brings a wealth of knowledge, a deep sense of responsibility, and proven leadership to every case. He represents clients with both tenacity and integrity, ensuring that their legal needs are met with the highest standards of excellence.

Attorney Mehrmann concentrates in the areas of personal injury law, workers compensation, divorce, and business law. In addition, Attorney Mehrmann serves as corporate counsel to numerous closely held corporations who engage in all types of business. As a corporate attorney, he routinely represents clients in the purchase, lease, and development of real estate, in employment disputes and relations, in negotiating franchise and distribution agreements and counseling company owners in day to day business operations. A good lawyer should also be a good negotiator. Achieving fair settlements for our clients when possible, to minimize legal fees and anxiety is our goal. However, when negotiations fail, Attorney Mehrmann has the trial experience needed to protect your rights. Attorney Mehrmann lives on the South Shore, has coached youth football and baseball, and served on the Community Development Advisory Council for the Town of Plymouth, Massachusetts for a period of four (4) years. Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference. In obtaining a1.6 million dollar recovery for an injured motor cycle driver, I was able to establish that the responsible driver had excess coverage through a company with whom he was employed and fend off allegations that a failed headlight on the bike was the cause of the accident by using experts and scientific testing. How did you build a successful practice? A successful practice is built by only taking cases you are qualified to handle then by following through with the hard work and commitment needed to achieve the best result given the situation . What should clients look for in a lawyer? Knowledge experience and competence. beware of empty promises. How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases? Very important. being local to the legal problem gives the lawyer a better context to understand the problem and recognize the solution, allows the attorney a better opportunity to actually visit local important locations without increased traveling costs to the client and makes direct client attorney contact which is also quite important, easier and more affordable. What information can you provide in a free phone consultation? During a free consultation I can usually identify the issues, give a preliminary assessment of the strengths and if present weaknesses of the case and provide a fee estimate. What information do you need in a free phone consultation? Any documents they have which are related to the legal issue for which they seek consultation. What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community? I have been practicing law at this location for 30 years . I am committed to any cause i undertake , have a great track record, work hard and am responsive to my clients. I take pride in doing well for my clients. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? Helping people through what is usually one of the most difficult problems they have ever faced. What are your other interests in addition to law? Art, history, travel, outdoors, exercise, family Are you involved in your community? At this time in my life and other than socially , only in the practice of law.

Committed to delivering quality legal counsel at an affordable price to businesses, individuals, and organizations. Johnstone & Obert is a law firm with offices in McMinnville, Oregon. It is involved in the general practice of law, with an emphasis in litigation (Federal and State courts), appellate practice, business, corporate, school, insurance, real estate, and international law, estate planning, family law, as well as an active probate practice. Johnstone & Obert has maintained legal offices in McMinnville, Oregon since 1972 and the firm has represented and has been attorney of record for over 65 school districts, several insurance companies as defense counsel, and a significant number of corporate clients (both profit and non-profit) involved in various businesses including international airline operations, aircraft sales, aircraft parts manufacturing, communications, logging, farming, commercial agribusiness, banking, heavy equipment parts manufacture, retail sales, service industries, construction, and land development.

John J. Schrot, Jr.’s legal career has predominantly focused on family law. He also has extensive experience in contract negotiations, commercial transactions, employment law, real estate, insurance, construction, securities, corporate law, arbitration, and other intricate personal and contractual relationships. Mr. Schrot received the prestigious Top 10 Attorney Award from both the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (NAFLA) and American Institute of Family Law Attorneys (AIOFLA), recognizing him as one of the Top 10 family law attorneys in Michigan. NAFLA was established with the primary goal of discovering and recognizing the top 10 family law attorneys in each state for their hard work, knowledge, skill, experience, expertise and success in their practice of family law. AIOFLA is similar, as well as having an emphasis on "client satisfaction." The attorneys who make the NAFLA and AIOFLA Top 10 must first be nominated. He has been consistently recognized as a Super Lawyer(Super Lawyers.com), a Top 100 Matrimonial and Family Attorney by The National Advocates, and in the dbusiness Magazine as a Top Lawyer in Metropolitan Detroit in the practice areas of family law and litigation; and selected by his peers as a Leading Lawyer in family law in Michigan. He has served by court appointment as a special master of discovery, facilitator, mediator, umpire, arbitrator and receiver. He has consistently achieved an AV Preeminent rating, the highest peer rating by Martindale Hubbell, a nationally recognized directory of attorneys, for his legal ability and ethical standards. He received the Distinguished Lawyer Award from the Shamrock Bar Association, and has been named a Leader in the Law. He has appeared in state and federal courts throughout Michigan and has argued in the Michigan Court of Appeals and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Professional memberships include the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan and Oakland County Bar Association, ABA section memberships include litigation, family law and business law. Section memberships in the State Bar of Michigan include family law and business law. He is an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. Mr. Schrot is a past chairman of the Oakland County Bar Association’s Circuit Court Committee. He is also a member of the City of Birmingham Board of Ethics, Past Grand Knight of the Birmingham Knights of Columbus, Past President of the Birmingham Rotary Club, among other volunteer positions. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, and has been past chair of the Board of Directors of the Birmingham YMCA and the City of Birmingham Ethics Board and Advisory Parking Committee. He was the recipient of the Federal Bar Foundation Edward Rakow Scholarship Award at the Detroit College of Law in 1976, where he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Detroit College of Law Review. He also served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Harold H. Bobier, Judge of the U.S. District Court in Bankruptcy for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Zachary Mushkatel discovered his affinity for the law by chance. As a political science major at the University of Arizona, he first aspired to become a professor. But an unexpected invitation to participate on a mock trial team at the university encouraged him to turn his competitive spirit and drive to help others into a legal career. “The law is about representing the client’s best interest, being able to think on your feet, and being a master of language and persuasion,” he says. “It just felt like home to me.” Mushkatel graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2004 and has gone on to build a thriving law firm representing clients in the Sun Cities, Northwest Valley and the Phoenix metro region. Mushkatel brings a diverse array of legal expertise to his practice at Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC. He started as a public defender before joining the law office of Henry Florence and Sherry Bell to work as a criminal defense attorney. In 2008, he joined forces with Mathis Becker to form Mushkatel and Becker. Throughout that period, he gained experience working in various practice areas, including personal injury, estate litigation, estate planning, guardianship and conservatorship work, probate, corporate litigation, real estate, and various civil matters. Mushkatel’s cross-disciplinary background provides for comprehensive counsel to clients to explore all possible legal avenues. Today, Mushkatel assists individuals throughout the Valley in personal injury, estate and civil litigation matters. Providing exceptional client service and producing results are his top priorities. “My job is to provide a lifeline to clients who feel stuck or helpless and to go to bat for them,” he says. Several of Mushkatel’s personal injury cases have resolved in excess of one-million dollars. He is the recipient of the 2020 Top-Rated Lawyer Award from Avvo and has been named a “Top 40 Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers and a Premier Attorney by The National Academy of Jurisprudence. For Mushkatel, delivering maximum results does not mean sacrificing personal relationships. Success comes from taking the time to get to know each client’s individual needs and tailoring the legal approach to match his or her goals. Building those relationships results from creating an unpretentious yet professional environment that puts people at ease. “Most law firms run like businesses,” says Mushkatel. “The problem is that a business’s interests may not always run in stride with a client’s best interests. Our clients are our Number One priority, and the way we show it is by sitting back and listening quite a bit.” Community service is important to Mushkatel and every attorney the firm. Each lawyer is required to worki on at least two pro bono cases at all times. Mushkatel believes those services should be provided not for the accolades or to meet State Bar requirements, but simply because helping others is fundamental to the legal profession. Mushkatel is licensed in the State of Arizona, the Federal District Court of Arizona and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He is on the board and a faculty member for the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy, a program of the State Bar of Arizona’s Trial Practice Section. He is a past president and a member of the West Maricopa County Bar Association and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Sun Valley Lodge. A former semi-professional baseball pitcher, Mushkatel has coached his son’s Little League team for several years. When he is not working, he enjoys golf and spending time with his family.Zachary Mushkatel discovered his affinity for the law by chance. As a political science major at the University of Arizona, he first aspired to become a professor. But an unexpected invitation to participate on a mock trial team at the university encouraged him to turn his competitive spirit and drive to help others into a legal career. “The law is about representing the client’s best interest, being able to think on your feet, and being a master of language and persuasion,” he says. “It just felt like home to me.” Mushkatel graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2004 and has gone on to build a thriving law firm representing clients in the Sun Cities, Northwest Valley and the Phoenix metro region. Mushkatel brings a diverse array of legal expertise to his practice at Mushkatel, Robbins & Becker, PLLC. He started as a public defender before joining the law office of Henry Florence and Sherry Bell to work as a criminal defense attorney. In 2008, he joined forces with Mathis Becker to form Mushkatel and Becker. Throughout that period, he gained experience working in various practice areas, including personal injury, estate litigation, estate planning, guardianship and conservatorship work, probate, corporate litigation, real estate, and various civil matters. Mushkatel’s cross-disciplinary background provides for comprehensive counsel to clients to explore all possible legal avenues. Today, Mushkatel assists individuals throughout the Valley in personal injury, estate and civil litigation matters. Providing exceptional client service and producing results are his top priorities. “My job is to provide a lifeline to clients who feel stuck or helpless and to go to bat for them,” he says. Several of Mushkatel’s personal injury cases have resolved in excess of one-million dollars. He is the recipient of the 2020 Top-Rated Lawyer Award from Avvo and has been named a “Top 40 Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers and a Premier Attorney by The National Academy of Jurisprudence. For Mushkatel, delivering maximum results does not mean sacrificing personal relationships. Success comes from taking the time to get to know each client’s individual needs and tailoring the legal approach to match his or her goals. Building those relationships results from creating an unpretentious yet professional environment that puts people at ease. “Most law firms run like businesses,” says Mushkatel. “The problem is that a business’s interests may not always run in stride with a client’s best interests. Our clients are our Number One priority, and the way we show it is by sitting back and listening quite a bit.” Community service is important to Mushkatel and every attorney the firm. Each lawyer is required to worki on at least two pro bono cases at all times. Mushkatel believes those services should be provided not for the accolades or to meet State Bar requirements, but simply because helping others is fundamental to the legal profession. Mushkatel is licensed in the State of Arizona, the Federal District Court of Arizona and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He is on the board and a faculty member for the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy, a program of the State Bar of Arizona’s Trial Practice Section. He is a past president and a member of the West Maricopa County Bar Association and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Sun Valley Lodge. A former semi-professional baseball pitcher, Mushkatel has coached his son’s Little League team for several years. When he is not working, he enjoys golf and spending time with his family.

Andrew R. Kravis, Esq. is an attorney licensed to practice in Michigan, New York and New Jersey. He is the CEO of Kravis & Wurgaft, P.C., a full service boutique law firm he founded in 2013. He is a graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law and received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The University of Southern California. Andrew’s law practice focuses on corporate, real estate, non-profit, litigation and intellectual property law.

John has served as lead trial counsel in hundreds of litigation cases in his extensive trial practice in State and Federal Courts throughout the United States. He is widely recognized as a skilled, aggressive and effective trial attorney in a wide variety of complex litigation cases, including business litigation, product liability, real estate, trademark infringement, personal injury, criminal, corporate and in all intellectual property matters. John further acts as corporate counsel for a variety of corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies and other entities ranging from fortune 500 companies to sole partnerships. John is a cum laude graduate of Merrimack College and a cum laude graduate of Suffolk University Law School in Boston, MA. John was a litigation associate in Boston for several years before being the founding and managing partner of the firm Gallant, Hausler & Lampert, P.C. in 1991. John and his partner, Tim Ervin founded Gallant & Ervin, LLC in 2000 with an emphasis and concentration on complex business and intellectual property litigation cases. John has handled cased and enforced the rights of all of the firm's national and international entertainment clients throughout the Federal and State Courts in the United States. John was named a Super Lawyer and Top Attorney in litigation by New England Super Lawyers in 2004. John is admitted to practice before the State Courts in Massachusetts and is admitted in the United States District Courts and Circuit Court of Appeals in Massachusetts. He has handled intellectual property cases and complex litigation cases before the Federal Courts in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Florida, New York, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, and Georgia. John is on the Board of Directors of several different charitable organizations and groups, including the Greater Lowell Boys and Girls Club. He is the legal director of Klin Spirits, LLC and Klin Tobacco, LLC who produces Hammer & Sickle Vodka, Hammer & Sickle Cigars and various other products.

T. McCall Stern ("McCall") is active in her community and has a passion for serving others. She practices predominately in the areas of estate planning, probate, corporate law, and fiduciary litigation. In 2014, she started the law firm and Purposed Planning, a non-profit focused on supporting elders, veterans and caregivers and on promoting a collaborative approach to planning. She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Mississippi College School of Law, graduating in the top 10% of her class. Prior to starting McCall Stern, PLLC, she worked for another law firm for eight years. During that time, she gained integral legal experience in the areas of business and corporate law, litigation, tax, estate planning, guardianships and conservatorships, and probate. Prior to entering the legal profession, she assisted various entities with lobbying initiatives, legislative tracking, business development, public relations, membership growth and retention, accounting and management.

Pradeek Susheelan, Esq. attended the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall), earning a Master's in Law (LL.M.) with certifications in Social Justice & Public Interest Law, and Public Law & Regulation. Mr. Susheelan represents large corporate clients as Of-Counsel at the Martindale-Hubble AV-Preeminent rated Corporate Immigration Law Firm ‘Fakhoury Global Immigration’ (FGI). FGI represents some of the world’s largest employers, and has a team of 100 attorneys and support staff, across six locations (California, New York, Florida, Texas, Mumbai, and HQ-Michigan). Mr. Susheelan represents clients in Immigration Court as Of Counsel at The Fogle Law Firm that has won more cases than any other firm in the hardest U.S. Circuit Court for immigrants and has offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Charleston. The Fogle Law Firm has the distinction of having their petition for Certiorari granted by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2019 for an immigration case. Mr. Susheelan assists start-ups, small businesses and individual foreign nationals seeking Permanent residence, Temporary Status, and U.S. Citizenship through his solo practice. Mr. Susheelan is a member of the New York Bar and the American Immigration Lawyers Association, chapters of Northern California, Santa- Clara, CA (Silicon Valley), Southern California, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Susheelan is an immigrant to the United States and was born in the United Kingdom. He attended School in Bangalore, India, and has lived in London, Kuwait, Dubai, Atlanta, and New York. In London, Mr. Susheelan attended the Prestigious Inns of Court School of Law that counts amongst its alumni Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Jawaharlal Nehru and four British Prime Ministers including Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher. He is a member of the Bar of England & Wales and a Barrister of the Honorable Society of the Inner Temple. He is also a member of the Berkeley Law Society. Before setting up his solo practice Mr. Susheelan was a partner at the law firm of Stewart & Susheelan, PLLC, and at the 35-year-old SYSS Law firm focused on representing the IT sector in immigration matters. Mr. Susheelan has been a speaker on Labor certification at the American Immigration Lawyers Association and ILW conferences. He is a contributor to the 2017-2018 PERM book. Mr. Susheelan has served as a moot court judge of the National Immigration Law Competition upon the invitation of NYU Law School. He has been a volunteer attorney at the ACLU's Immigrant Rights Project. When time permits he volunteers at the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant where he represents Asylum seekers.