Partner Gary Johnson focuses his efforts in commercial litigation, business entities creation and maintenance, land use, environmental, construction law, zoning, estate planning and probate. After receiving a B.S.B.A. from Georgetown University, he completed his J.D. at the University of Toledo Law School, obtaining his Ohio Bar admission in 1979. He completed a two year clerkship in the Ohio Eighth Appellate District and became a Cuyahoga County Assistant County Prosecutor. Gary has admission to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Gary is an AV Preeminent®-rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell and since 2013, he has been named an Ohio Super Lawyer in Business Litigation by Thomson Reuters. He has been chairman of the Lakewood Planning Commission and is past President of the Cleveland Georgetown University Alumni Association and the St. Ignatius Alumni Association and is involved with various charitable boards.
Education
Practice Areas
Experience
Assistant Prosecutor, Cuyahoga County, 1981-83
Court of Appeals Clerk, 1979-81
U.S. Senate Internship, 1973-74
Press, Publications and Presentations
Representative Matters
Represents clients in commercial litigation, business entities creation and maintenance, land use, construction law, zoning, estate planning and probate.
Has represented business clients and numerous insurance clients in commercial litigation matters involving more than 60 civil jury trials and more than 90 appeals.
Successfully opposed class-action certification in an action for fraud and alleged violations of the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Federal Truth in Lending Act arising from plaintiff’s purchases of used motor vehicles.
Obtained Summary Judgment in favor of a potentially responsible party (PRP) in an action brought by another PRP seeking to hold the defendant PRP jointly and severally liable for costs under Section 107(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.
Obtained Summary Judgment for the defendant in a case claiming breach of express and implied warranties, violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and violation of the Ohio Consumer Practices Sales Act.
Successfully compelled arbitration in a case alleging fraud, violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Federal Truth in Lending Act arising from the plaintiff’s purchase of used motor vehicles.
Participated in a nine-week trial, obtaining a directed verdict in environmental coverage litigation.
Obtained judgment after a bench trial in favor of a developer in a claim brought by the plaintiff/tenant who alleged that he was entitled to rent abatement due to the defendant’s failure to complete construction and the landlord’s cross-claim for eviction and past-due rent.
Obtained a directed verdict for an automobile dealership and manufacturer on plaintiff’s claim for breach of express warranties, deceptive trade practices, fraud and negligence, and successfully defended that judgment on appeal.
Honors, Awards and Civic/Community Involvement
Bar Admissions
216-687-3295
