Brian R. Mertes

Brian joined Black, McCuskey in 2001 and became a partner in 2004. He is currently a member of the Firm's Management Committee and serves as Chairman of the Firm's Recruiting Committee. His practice focuses on representing businesses in labor and employment relaters matters. Brian counsels clients regarding all aspects of employee relations including compliance with state and federal labor and employment laws, hiring and terminations, employee discipline, employment policies, safety, workers' compensation, OSHA and union matters. Brian also has extensive experience defending businesses against employment related claims including workers' compensation, retaliation and discrimination. Brian also acts as general counsel to a number of businesses and non-profit organizations.

Brian received his undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Dayton and his law degree from the University of Akron. He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1995 and the U.S. District Court, Northern district of Ohio in 1997. Brian is certified as a workers' compensation specialist by the Ohio State Bar Association.

Brian frequently lectures and writes articles regarding current developments in employment and workers' compensation issues and legislation that impact employers, both large and small. He is a member of the Ohio State and Stark County Bar Associations, serves on the boards of Mercy Hospital, Junior Achievement of East Central Ohio and The Friends of Stark Parks, and belongs to the Self Insurers' Group of Ohio, the Stark County Safety Council, and the Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce.

Brian resides in Jackson Township with his wife, Julie, and their daughters. They are parishioners of St. Michael Church.