How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a adr case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Stephen offer a free consultation?

Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.

How long do adr cases in Ohio typically take?

Simple adr 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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Cleveland?

Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?

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. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Stephen accepting new adr clients right now?

Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Stephen Michael Bales, ADR Attorney in Cleveland

Quick answer

Stephen Michael Bales is a managing partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Bankruptcy. Stephen has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ziegler Metzger LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Cleveland, OH
Experience: over 43 years
Known for: ADR · Appellate · Bankruptcy

Handles ADR, Appellate, and Bankruptcy matters from Cleveland, OH.
Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Stephen takes on

Stephen concentrates on adr, appellate, bankruptcy, business, and civil rights. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Cleveland, Ohio

Stephen takes adr 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Appellate cases in Cleveland, Ohio

Stephen takes appellate 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Bankruptcy cases in Cleveland, Ohio

Stephen takes bankruptcy 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Cleveland, Ohio

Stephen takes business 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Cleveland, Ohio

Stephen takes civil rights 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Stephen Michael Bales — adr lawyer in Cleveland

Stephen Michael Bales is a managing partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Bankruptcy. Stephen has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ziegler Metzger LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Stephen Michael Bales is a lawyer practicing arbitration, defense litigation, fdcpa defense litigation and 11 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from Rockford College in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years. Stephen practices at Ziegler Metzger LLP in Cleveland, OH.

Working with Stephen on a adr matter

Stephen Michael Bales is a lawyer practicing arbitration, defense litigation, fdcpa defense litigation and 11 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from Rockford College in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years. Stephen practices at Ziegler Metzger LLP in Cleveland, OH.

Clients Stephen works with

Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, appellate, and bankruptcy matters in Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Cleveland State University
J.D. · 1983
Rockford College
B.A. · 1979

Jurisdictions

Stephen's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
2001 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2000 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2000 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1998 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1987 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1986 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1983 · ACTIVE

Stephen studied at J.D. in Cleveland State University and B.A. in Rockford College.

Law school and academic background

Stephen completed J.D. in Cleveland State University and B.A. in Rockford College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Stephen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Stephen Michael Bales's office in Cleveland

Stephen's primary office is at 1111 Superior Avenue, Suite 1000, Cleveland, OH, 44114. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Ziegler Metzger LLP

1111 Superior Avenue, Suite 1000

Cleveland, OH 44114

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Stephen Michael Bales — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Cleveland.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen Michael Bales claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Stephen Michael Bales — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen'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; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Cleveland, Ohio

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Stephen

Stephen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr 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. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Stephen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Stephen Michael Bales

How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple adr 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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Cleveland?
Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?
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. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new adr clients right now?
Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Ohio residents in the last few months, answered by adr attorneys like Stephen Michael Bales. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can Mediation Be Used To Resolve A Workplace Harassment Claim In Illinois?
I reported a workplace harassment issue in Chicago, IL, but I want to avoid a lengthy legal battle. My HR department suggested mediation as a way to resolve the issue amicably. I’m
1 verified answer · ADR · Illinois
Is Mediation Confidential For Business Disputes In Nevada?
I’m involved in a business dispute in Las Vegas, NV, and I’m thinking about mediation. I’m concerned about privacy and what might happen if the details get out. Is mediation confid
1 verified answer · ADR · Nevada
Can Mediation Help Resolve A Debt Dispute In South Carolina?
I live in Charleston, SC, and I’m dealing with debt collectors regarding an unpaid medical bill. I really want to resolve this without going to court. I’ve heard mediation can be a
1 verified answer · ADR · South Carolina
Can I Mediate A Child Custody Dispute In California If We Agree?
I live in Los Angeles, CA, and my ex-partner and I have agreed to some terms regarding child custody after our separation in June 2023. We think mediation could help finalize our a
1 verified answer · ADR · California
Can Mediation Help Resolve An HOA Dispute In Arizona?
I’ve been having issues with my homeowners association in Scottsdale, AZ, over some unfair fines. I feel like we could reach a compromise, but I don’t know if mediation is an optio
1 verified answer · ADR · Arizona
What Should I Do If Mediation Fails In Minnesota?
I've been trying to mediate a separation agreement in Minneapolis, MN, but it feels like we’re not making any progress. If mediation fails, I’m worried about what my next steps sho
1 verified answer · ADR · Minnesota

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati in Ohio

Stephen handles adr matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

Stephen Michael Bales, ADR Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio

Quick answer