About Sutter O’Connell

Founded in 2002 by renowned Cleveland defense attorneys, Sutter O’Connell was built on a commitment to bold advocacy and relentless representation. Nationally recognized for their fearless approach, Our attorneys and staff set out to create a firm where clients receive nothing short of unwavering dedication.

With offices in Cleveland, Nashville, and California, Sutter O’Connell has expanded to bring its wealth of experience and resources to clients nationwide. We proudly partner with businesses across the country, from Fortune 500 corporations and top-tier insurance carriers, to local businesses and individuals offering customized legal strategies designed to meet their unique objectives. Our breadth of experience across diverse industries enables us to deliver exceptional insight and representation where it matters most.

A trusted ally for globally recognized brands, we are dedicated to achieving results that add real value. Backed by a proven track record in over 40 states, we remain committed to the clients who started this journey with us more than two decades ago—a true testament to our dedication to fearless representation.

At Sutter O’Connell, our attorneys are passionately committed to community service and educational advancement, engaging in various initiatives that support and uplift those around them. Our team contributes as volunteers with the Legal Aid Society, the International Institute of Akron, and youth sports, where members bring their experience as high school football and track coaches to volunteer coaching for local youth.

Organizations

Our attorneys are involved in organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Women in Networking (WIN), where they actively participate in community-focused programs. Many serve as leaders, including Board President of Empowering Epilepsy and President of the Christian Legal Society, and have previously held positions with the St. Edward Legal Eagles, contributing as President, Awards Chair, and Seminar Chair.

Mentorship

Our founders fostered a deep commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of trial lawyers. We are proud to support and coach the University of Akron School of Law Trial Team, which has earned four national championships and over 40 regional titles. This partnership reflects our dedication to excellence in trial advocacy and our commitment to giving back to the legal community.

Education

We are also dedicated to advancing legal education. Members of our firm serve as Program Directors with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, helping to develop skills in deposition, trial advocacy, mediation, and e-discovery. Through the Ohio Supreme Court’s Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program, our attorneys provide mentorship to young professionals, passing on essential knowledge and ethical practices to the next generation.

Professional Roles

In addition to these community and educational initiatives, our attorneys hold prominent professional roles. For instance, our firm includes the 2024-2025 Presidents of both the Case Western Reserve School of Law Alumni Advisory Board and the Thomas J. Scanlon Irish-American Law Society of Cleveland. We are also represented within the Judge John M. Manos American Inn of Court, where one of our attorneys serves as a Master Bencher, and in the Case Western Reserve School of Law Society of Benchers. Our team’s professional accomplishments include long-standing leadership roles within the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, such as Chair, Vice-Chair, Program Chair, and Secretary/Treasurer of the Litigation Section. Many of our attorneys are recognized for their achievements as Senior Fellows of the Cleveland Bar Foundation and as honorees of the Irish Legal 100.

Together, these contributions reflect our firm’s dedication to supporting the communities we serve and enhancing the legal profession through mentorship, leadership, and active engagement.