
Hugh Emerson McKay, Business Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Formation, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
PartneratPorter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
Cleveland, OH
Practicing business in Cleveland since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Hugh Emerson McKay?
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Quick answer
Hugh Emerson McKay is a partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Formation, and General. Hugh has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Cleveland, OH
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Business · Formation · General
- Handles Business, Formation, and General matters from Cleveland, OH.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Hugh Emerson McKay: Hugh Emerson McKay is a partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Formation, and General. Hugh has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Hugh's practice areas in Cleveland
Hugh concentrates on business, formation, general, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Hugh handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Formation
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General
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IP
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Litigation
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Business cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Hugh 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 Hugh agrees to represent you.
Formation cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Hugh takes formation 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 Hugh agrees to represent you.
General cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Hugh takes general 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 Hugh agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Hugh takes ip 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 Hugh agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Hugh takes litigation 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 Hugh agrees to represent you.
Biography
Hugh Emerson McKay, business attorney serving Cleveland
Hugh Emerson McKay is a partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Formation, and General. Hugh has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. Hugh works from Cleveland, Ohio and takes on business matters across the region.
Hugh Emerson McKay is a lawyer practicing corporate & incorporation, commercial, litigation and 2 other areas of law. Hugh received a B.A. degree from Brown University in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. Hugh practices at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP in Cleveland, OH.
Working with Hugh on a business matter
Hugh Emerson McKay is a lawyer practicing corporate & incorporation, commercial, litigation and 2 other areas of law. Hugh received a B.A. degree from Brown University in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. Hugh practices at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP in Cleveland, OH.
Who Hugh represents
Hugh reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, formation, and general matters in Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Hugh studied and practices
University of Pennsylvania
J.D. · 1981
Brown University
B.A. · 1978
Jurisdictions
Hugh's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court U
2002 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1982 · ACTIVE
Hugh studied at J.D. in University of Pennsylvania and B.A. in Brown University.
Law school and academic background
Hugh completed J.D. in University of Pennsylvania and B.A. in Brown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Hugh runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Hugh's legal honors and published work
Hugh has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Hugh's professional memberships and bar associations
Cleveland Metropolitan (President, 2006-2007 Vice-President, 2004-2005 Member, Board of Trustees, 1991-1994) and Federal (Vice-President, Northern District of Ohio Chapter, 2005-2006) Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Hugh Emerson McKay's office in Cleveland
Hugh's primary office is at 950 Main Avenue, Suite 500, Cleveland, OH, 44113. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
950 Main Avenue, Suite 500
Cleveland, OH 44113
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Hugh Emerson McKay — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Hugh. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Cleveland.
5.0
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Hugh Emerson McKay claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Hugh Emerson McKay — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Hugh usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Hugh charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Hugh'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; Hugh will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Hugh
Hugh discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Hugh confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Hugh's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Hugh Emerson McKay
How much does it cost to hire Hugh for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Hugh walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Hugh offer a free consultation?
Hugh charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Hugh's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Hugh's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple business 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. Hugh gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Hugh take my case if I'm outside Cleveland?
Hugh 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 — Hugh 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 Hugh?
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. Hugh will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Hugh accepting new business clients right now?
Hugh's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati in Ohio
Hugh handles business matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Ohio
If Hugh's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Cleveland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





