How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a business case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Matthew offer a free consultation?

Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew'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. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Cleveland?

Matthew 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 — Matthew 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 Matthew?

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. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Matthew accepting new business clients right now?

Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Matthew T. Fitzsimmons, Business Attorney in Cleveland

Quick answer

Matthew T. Fitzsimmons is an of counsel based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Employment. Matthew has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Cleveland, OH
Experience: over 46 years
Known for: Business · Class Action · Employment

Handles Business, Class Action, and Employment matters from Cleveland, OH.
Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Matthew T. Fitzsimmons

Matthew concentrates on business, class action, employment, entertainment, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Cleveland, Ohio

Matthew 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Class Action cases in Cleveland, Ohio

Matthew takes class action 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Cleveland, Ohio

Matthew takes employment 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in Cleveland, Ohio

Matthew takes entertainment 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

General cases in Cleveland, Ohio

Matthew 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 Matthew agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Matthew T. Fitzsimmons — Over 46 years of Ohio business experience

Matthew T. Fitzsimmons is an of counsel based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Employment. Matthew has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Matt Fitzsimmons practices in the areas of general civil and complex/commercial trial and appellate litigation. His practice includes business and commercial litigation, class actions and employment, product liability, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), real estate tax (ad valorem) and health care litigation.

Matt’s work in real estate tax cases has resulted in numerous significant reductions in the fair market value of commercial and industrial properties, including several seven-figure tax refunds for clients.

Since 2010, Matt has been selected annually to the Ohio Super Lawyers lists in business and commercial litigation. He receives many referrals from Cleveland's largest law firms and frequently serves as local counsel for major out-of-state firms.

Matt has substantial experience in both state and federal appellate courts.

Career

Adjunct professor, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University (2008-present)
•Mediation (2008-present)
•Law clerk to Chief Justice Frank D. Celebrezze, Ohio Supreme Court (1980-1982)

Publications and interviews

•Author, ' Removing Cremated Remains from a Cemetery, ' NGC Legal Insights (Fall 2019)
•Author, ' Settling Sexual Harassment Claims May Be More Difficult Under New Tax Law, ' NGC Legal Insights (Fall 2018)
•Author, ' AEDs in the Workplace, ' Beach Cliff Beacon (July 2018)
•Author, ' AEDs in the Workplace, ' NGC Legal Insights (Winter 2017-2018)
•Author, ' Ohio Quietly Eliminates Automatic Right to Appeal Decisions of Board of Tax Appeals to Ohio Supreme Court, ' NGC Legal Insights (Fall 2017)
•Author, ' What if your company is the target of a union organizing campaign?, ' NGC Legal Insights (Summer 2017)
•Author, ' Confusion remains over federal overtime rules, ' NGC Legal Insights (Summer 2017)
•Author, ' Travel and Training Outside the Workday: Overtime or Not?, ' NGC Legal Insights (Winter 2017)
•Author, ' Overtime Compensation for Non-Exempt Employee Travel and Training, ' Beach Cliff Beacon (April 2017)
•Quoted, ' What's Going on with the Final Rule Regarding Overtime Pay?, ' FingerCheck (Jan. 13, 2017)
•Author, ' New Rule on Overtime Compensation Scheduled to Take Effect December 1, ' NGC Legal Insights (Summer 2016)
•Author, ' Overtime Changes Proposed, ' NGC Legal Insights (Fall 2015)
•Guest, Kaleidoscope, WEWS-TV5 show featuring NorthEast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services Inc. (NEON); segment begins at 7:20 minutes (April 2015)
•Profiled, ' Making a Difference: NEON's Light Shines Bright, ' Beach Cliff Beacon (March 2015)
•Quoted, ' 4 Common Legal Mistakes Small Businesses Make, ' Intuit Small Business Blog (Dec. 19, 2013)
•Author, ' Before Litigation, Try Mediation, ' NGC Legal Insights (Summer 2013)
•Author, ' Climbing a Stairway to Heaven' (a tribute to the 343 New York City firemen who died at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001), Society & Culture, Notre Dame Magazine (Winter 2001-2002); Congressional Record, Extension of Remarks (daily ed. Oct. 16, 2001) (Statement of Rep. Kucinich)

Matthew's approach to business cases

Matt Fitzsimmons practices in the areas of general civil and complex/commercial trial and appellate litigation. His practice includes business and commercial litigation, class actions and employment, product liability, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), real estate tax ( ad valorem ) and health care litigation. Matt’s work in real estate tax cases has resulted in numerous significant reductions in…

Clients Matthew works with

Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, class action, and employment matters in Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area.

Credentials

Matthew T. Fitzsimmons's legal education and bar admissions

University of Dayton School of Law
J.D. · 1980
University of Notre Dame
A.B. Government · 1975

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
1997 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1984 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1981 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1980 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in University of Dayton School of Law and A.B. Government in University of Notre Dame.

Law school and academic background

Matthew completed J.D. in University of Dayton School of Law and A.B. Government in University of Notre Dame. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Matthew T. Fitzsimmons

Matthew has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Matthew T. Fitzsimmons's office in Cleveland

Matthew's primary office is at Terminal Tower, Suite 2900, 50 Public Square, Cleveland, OH, 44113. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC

Terminal Tower, Suite 2900, 50 Public Square

Cleveland, OH 44113

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Matthew T. Fitzsimmons — 4.6/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Matthew. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Cleveland.

4.6

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Matthew T. Fitzsimmons claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Matthew T. Fitzsimmons — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew'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; Matthew 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 Matthew

Matthew 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. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Matthew'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 Matthew T. Fitzsimmons

How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew'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. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Cleveland?
Matthew 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 — Matthew 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 Matthew?
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. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new business clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Ohio residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Matthew T. Fitzsimmons. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Tax Obligations Do I Have As A Sole Proprietor In Ohio?
I started a small graphic design business in Columbus, Ohio, as a sole proprietor last year. I’m confused about my tax obligations, including estimated taxes and self-employment ta
1 verified answer · Business · Ohio
What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With Labor Laws In Texas?
My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati in Ohio

Matthew handles business matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

Matthew T. Fitzsimmons, Business Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio

Quick answer