Overview

Hugh has extensive experience representing corporate entities and financial institutions in complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts. He has successfully represented several Fortune 500 companies in major litigation, trying cases to successful jury verdicts.

As a former president of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Hugh created the 3Rs initiative in partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The initiative, which connects lawyers, judges, law students and paralegals with high school students in Cleveland and East Cleveland schools, is considered landmark educational programming. The program has won numerous awards and become a national model for real-world curriculum and volunteerism. Hugh has received the Honorable William K. Thomas Professionalism Award from the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, as well as the President's Award.

Hugh consistently has been listed in Best Lawyers® and is recognized in Ohio Super Lawyers®. He is recognized by Chambers USA as one of Ohio's leading attorneys in Commercial Litigation. Hugh achieved the AV Preeminent Rating – the highest possible rating from Martindale Hubbell®.

Education

  • University of Pennsylvania Law School  (J.D., 1981)
  • Brown University  (B.A., 1978)

Bar Admissions

  • Ohio
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
  • Supreme Court of the United States

Professional Associations

  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, President, 2006-2007
  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation, President, 2015-2016
  • National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Faculty Member
  • Eighth District Judicial Conference, Life Member
  • Harold Burton Chapter of the American Inns of Court, former President; Master Bencher
  • Ohio State Bar Association

Honors & Awards

  • Chambers USA, Litigation: General Commercial, Ohio
  • The Best Lawyers in America®
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Living Legacy Award, 2023
  • Martindale-Hubbell®, AV Preeminent

Community

  • Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Board of Trustees
  • Cleveland Leadership Center, Board Member
  • Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross, Chapter Chair, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Board of Directors
  • Cleveland Zoological Society, Board of Trustees, past Chair
  • The Diversity Center (fka NCCJ), Board of Trustees
  • The Human Fund, Board Member
  • Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Visiting Committee
  • Cleveland City Club, Executive Committee, President, 2011-2012