Michael E. Cicero, Appellate Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and General
MemberatNicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC
Cleveland, OH
Practicing appellate in Cleveland since 1992.
- 34+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Michael E. Cicero is a member based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC.
- Based in
- Cleveland, OH
- Experience
- over 34 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · General
- Handles Appellate, Business, and General matters from Cleveland, OH.
- Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michael E. Cicero: Michael E. Cicero is a member based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on appellate, business, general, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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General
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Government
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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Appellate cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael takes appellate 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael takes government 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael E. Cicero — appellate lawyer in Cleveland
Michael E. Cicero is a member based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC.
Mike Cicero has spent his entire career practicing at the local, state and federal levels across all areas of public sector law, including civil and criminal trial and appellate litigation, Section 1983 civil rights defense, and planning and zoning.
Mike has been a municipal law director and/or prosecutor over his 30-plus year career and currently serves as the law director/prosecutor for the Village of Hunting Valley, the assistant law director/prosecutor for the City of University Heights, the assistant law director/assistant prosecutor for the City of South Euclid, assistant solicitor/housing prosecutor for the Village of Newburgh Heights, and the prosecutor for the City of Richmond Heights, the Village of Gates Mills and Mayfield Village. For almost 25 years, Mike has served as legal counsel for the Northern Ohio Risk Management Agency (NORMA), a municipal self-insurance pool composed of 11 municipalities.
Mike also represents businesses, handling commercial trial and appellate litigation as well as corporate real estate transactions and related matters.
Career
Prosecutor, South Euclid (2016-present); legal counsel (1998-2003)
•Prosecutor, Richmond Heights (2014, 2016-present)
•Prosecutor, Mayfield Village (2013-present); assistant prosecutor (1998-2013)
•Prosecutor, Gates Mills (2014-present); assistant prosecutor (1998-2013)
•Prosecutor, Hunting Valley (2008-present); assistant prosecutor (1998-2007)
•Legal counsel, NORMA
•Assistant legal advisor, SPAN
•Prosecutor, Lyndhurst (2014-2015); assistant prosecutor (2007-2013)
•Assistant prosecutor, Bedford (1992-1997)
•Assistant prosecutor, Highland Hills (1992-1997)
Publications and interviews
•Author, ' Drunk-Driving Laws Tightened, ' NGC Legal Insights (Spring 2017)
•Author, ' Preventing Credit Card Skimming, ' NGC Legal Insights (Spring 2016)
•Source, ' Are Car Insurers Gouging Us over Speeding Tickets?, ' dailyfinance.com (April 17, 2014)
•Quoted, ' Getting Busted for These 5 Traffic Violations Will Wreck Your Budget, ' gobankingrates.com (December 2013)
•Quoted, ' Is It Worthwhile to Hire a Lawyer to Fight Traffic Tickets?, ” autoinsurancecenter.com (August 2013)
•Author, ' Ohio in the Fast Lane, ' NGC Legal Insights (Summer 2013)
•Quoted, “ Are Distracted Driving Laws Preventing Accidents?, ” www.eLocal.com (March 15, 2013)
•Quoted, ' InsuranceQuotes.com Survey: One-Fourth of Adult Drivers Have Gotten Traffic Tickets in Past 5 Years, ' www.InsuranceQuotes.com (February 2013)
•Author, ' Ohio Liberalizes Sealing of Convictions, ' NGC Legal Insights (Winter 2012-2013)
•Author, ' When Is Weaving Not Weaving?, ' NGC Legal Insights (Winter 2012-2013)
•Quoted, ' Texting-While-Driving Ban Goes into Effect Today across Ohio, ' The News-Herald (Aug. 31, 2012)
•Quoted, ' Ohio Texting While Driving Ban in Effect, ' WKYC-TV Channel 3 (Aug. 31, 2012)
•Author, ' Ohio Cracks Down on Distracted Driving, ' NGC Legal Insights (Summer 2012)
Speaking engagements
•Featured lecturer, 'Modern Building and Housing Prosecutions,' Northeast Ohio Municipal Prosecutors' Association (April 2024)
•Featured lecturer, 'OVI Law Update, Concealed Handgun Laws, Traffic, and Search and Seizure Updates,' Suburban Police Anti-Crime Network (February 2017 - April 2017)
•Featured lecturer, 'OVI Law Update, Concealed Handgun Laws, Traffic, and Search and Seizure Updates,' Valley Enforcement Group (February 2017 - April 2017)
•Guest lecturer, 'Current Developments in Drunk Driving Law,' Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association seminar (November 2015)
•Instructor on laws and regulations, classes for Ohioans seeking licenses to carry concealed weapons (2013-2014)
•Featured lecturer, 'OVI Law Update,' CLE, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University (December 2013)
How Michael handles appellate matters
Mike Cicero has spent his entire career practicing at the local, state and federal levels across all areas of public sector law, including civil and criminal trial and appellate litigation, Section 1983 civil rights defense, and planning and zoning. Mike has been a municipal law director and/or prosecutor over his 30-plus year career and currently serves as the law director/prosecutor for the…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and general matters in Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Cleveland Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University
J.D. · 1991
Miami University
B.S. Mass · 1987
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Ohio Supreme Court U
1992 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Cleveland Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University and B.S. Mass in Miami University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Cleveland Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University and B.S. Mass in Miami University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Michael E. Cicero's office in Cleveland
Michael'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.
Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC
Terminal Tower, Suite 2900, 50 Public Square
Cleveland, OH 44113
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael E. Cicero — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael E. Cicero
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple appellate 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Cleveland?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new appellate clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati in Ohio
Michael handles appellate matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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