
Michael Gerard Riley, Employment Contracts Attorney in Ohio
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Employment Contracts, Estate Planning, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Cleveland Managing MemberatMcDonald Hopkins LLC
OH
Practicing employment contracts in Ohio since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Michael Gerard Riley?
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Quick answer
Michael Gerard Riley is a cleveland managing member based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Employment Contracts, Estate Planning, and General. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McDonald Hopkins LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Cleveland, OH
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Employment Contracts · Estate Planning · General
- Handles Employment Contracts, Estate Planning, and General matters from Cleveland, OH.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael Gerard Riley: Michael Gerard Riley is a cleveland managing member based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Employment Contracts, Estate Planning, and General. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McDonald Hopkins LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on employment contracts, estate planning, general, probate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment Contracts
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Estate Planning
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General
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Probate
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Tax
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Employment Contracts cases in Ohio
Michael takes employment contracts matters in 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Ohio
Michael takes estate planning matters in 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in Ohio
Michael takes general matters in 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Ohio
Michael takes probate matters in 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Ohio
Michael takes tax matters in 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael Gerard Riley — employment contracts lawyer in Ohio
Michael Gerard Riley is a cleveland managing member based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Employment Contracts, Estate Planning, and General. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McDonald Hopkins LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Michael Gerard Riley is a lawyer practicing executive compensation and governance, succession planning, taxation and 2 other areas of law. Michael received a A.B. degree from College of the Holy Cross in 1978, and has been licensed for 39 years. Michael practices at McDonald Hopkins LLC in Cleveland, OH.
Working with Michael on a employment contracts matter
Michael Gerard Riley is a lawyer practicing executive compensation and governance, succession planning, taxation and 2 other areas of law. Michael received a A.B. degree from College of the Holy Cross in 1978, and has been licensed for 39 years. Michael practices at McDonald Hopkins LLC in Cleveland, OH.
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment contracts, estate planning, and general matters across Ohio.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Syracuse University College of Law
J.D. Case · 1987
College of the Holy Cross
A.B. Brown · 1978
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Ohio
1987 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. Case in Syracuse University College of Law and A.B. Brown in College of the Holy Cross.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. Case in Syracuse University College of Law and A.B. Brown in College of the Holy Cross. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Professional Membership •Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Law Section •Estate Planning Council of Cleveland
membership
Locations
Michael Gerard Riley's office in Cleveland
Michael's primary office is at Fifth Third Building, 600 Superior Avenue, East, Suite 2100, Cleveland, OH, 44114-2653. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
McDonald Hopkins LLC
Fifth Third Building, 600 Superior Avenue, East, Suite 2100
Cleveland, OH 44114-2653
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael Gerard Riley — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing employment contracts attorneys in Ohio.
5.0
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Gerard Riley claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Gerard Riley — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment contracts attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment contracts attorney in Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment contracts 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment contracts practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment contracts 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment contracts practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Gerard Riley
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a employment contracts case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some employment contracts attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do employment contracts cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple employment contracts 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Ohio?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new employment contracts clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment Contracts attorneys serving Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati in Ohio
Michael handles employment contracts matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment contracts attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment contracts attorneys in Ohio
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment contracts attorneys in Ohio handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





