Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano, General Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
focused on General and Real Estate
Cleveland, OH
Trusted general attorney serving Cleveland.
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Are you Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano?
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Quick answer
Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano is an attorney based in Cleveland, OHIO. The practice focuses on General and Real Estate. Currently practicing at Kaman & Cusimano LLC.
- Based in
- Cleveland, OHIO
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- General · Real Estate
- Handles General and Real Estate matters from Cleveland, OHIO.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Community Association Law (2026).
About Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano: Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano is an attorney based in Cleveland, OHIO. The practice focuses on General and Real Estate. Currently practicing at Kaman & Cusimano LLC.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano
Joseph concentrates on general and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Joseph takes general matters in Cleveland, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Joseph takes real estate matters in Cleveland, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano — Attorney of Ohio general experience
Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano is an attorney based in Cleveland, OHIO. The practice focuses on General and Real Estate. Currently practicing at Kaman & Cusimano LLC.
Jay Cusimano is a managing partner with Kaman & Cusimano LLC in Cleveland, Ohio, where his practice focuses on Community Association Law and Real Estate Law. In 2005, Jay became the second attorney from Ohio to be accepted into the national College of Community Association Lawyers. In 2013, he was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 20th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Real Estate Law and Community Association Law, and he has received this peer recognition each year since. Jay was also named to the Thomson Reuters Ohio Super Lawyers list in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Super Lawyers is an annual peer-review selection that recognizes attorneys in the top five percent statewide.
Jay is known for his practical approach and clear communication with clients. His practice involves advising community associations on day-to-day operational matters, including the interpretation and amendment of governing documents, contract drafting and review, and financing matters for associations. Jay has handled community association loans with an aggregate value exceeding $150 million. He co-authored the article “Loans to Condominium Associations,” published in The Practical Real Estate Lawyer, a publication of the American Law Institute and the American Bar Association. In addition, Jay previously authored the chapter on “Ohio’s Condominium Act/Consumer Protection Provisions” for the Ohio Consumer Law book.
How Joseph handles general matters
Jay Cusimano is a managing partner with Kaman & Cusimano LLC in Cleveland, Ohio, where his practice focuses on Community Association Law and Real Estate Law. In 2005, Jay became the second attorney from Ohio to be accepted into the national College of Community Association Lawyers. In 2013, he was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 20th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his work…
Who Joseph represents
Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general and real estate matters in Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano's legal education and bar admissions
Middlebury College
B.A. · 1988
Case Western Reserve University
J.D. · 1992
Jurisdictions
Joseph's state bar admissions
Ohio, Ohio State Bar
ACTIVE
Joseph studied at B.A. in Middlebury College and J.D. in Case Western Reserve University.
Law school and academic background
Joseph completed B.A. in Middlebury College and J.D. in Case Western Reserve University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joseph runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano
Joseph has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Community Association Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Community Association Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).
Locations
Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano's office in Cleveland
Joseph's primary office is at 50 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio, 44113. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano
Joseph has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joseph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joseph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Joseph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Joseph
Joseph discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Joseph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joseph's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joseph J. "Jay" Cusimano
How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joseph offer a free consultation?
Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside Cleveland?
Joseph is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Joseph will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Joseph?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joseph accepting new general clients right now?
Joseph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati in Ohio
Joseph handles general matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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If Joseph's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Cleveland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
