Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr., Business Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Entertainment, and Family Law
Cleveland, OH
Practicing business in Cleveland since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr.?
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Quick answer
Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr. is an attorney based in Cleveland, OHIO. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and Family Law. Stephen has over 50 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Cleveland, OHIO
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Business · Entertainment · Family Law
- Handles Business, Entertainment, and Family Law matters from Cleveland, OHIO.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (Cleveland) (2025).
About Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr.: Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr. is an attorney based in Cleveland, OHIO. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and Family Law. Stephen has over 50 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr.
Stephen concentrates on business, entertainment, family law, general, and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Entertainment
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Family Law
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General
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M&A
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Business cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Stephen 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Stephen 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Stephen takes family law 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
General cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Stephen 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Stephen takes m&a 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr. — Over 50 years of Ohio business experience
Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr. is an attorney based in Cleveland, OHIO. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and Family Law. Stephen has over 50 years of legal experience.
Stephen J. Knerly, Jr. focuses his practice on matters involving art transactions, nonprofit corporate law, closely held and family-owned businesses and international commercial transactions.
Josh serves as Co-Chair of the Firm’s Non-Profit Institutions section.
In his art law practice, Josh has represented museums, foundations, trusts and collectors in the acquisition, disposition, lending and borrowing of and estate planning for works of art, including domestic and international transactions, claims and dispute resolution involving antiquities and the Nazi era. Josh has been a frequent speaker on art-related matters before meetings of the ALI-CLE Museum Law Conference, the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the American Bar Association (Section of International Law), the Institute of Art and Law and the Federal Cultural Property Advisory Committee. Josh is a former adjunct professor of art law at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He has been a guest lecturer at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law, University of Akron School of Law, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and DePaul University College of Law.
Josh also represents nonprofit corporations, trusts, foundations and museums on formation issues, general business and corporate matters, governance issues, conflict of interest policies, accessions, deaccessions, contracting, outsource agreements, executive compensation and employment agreements, tax planning, international transactions and construction projects.
Josh counsels closely held and family businesses on various matters, including mergers, acquisitions and dispositions, financings, generation transfers and recapitalizations.
How Stephen handles business matters
Stephen J. Knerly, Jr. focuses his practice on matters involving art transactions, nonprofit corporate law, closely held and family-owned businesses and international commercial transactions. Josh serves as Co-Chair of the Firm’s Non-Profit Institutions section. In his art law practice, Josh has represented museums, foundations, trusts and collectors in the acquisition, disposition, lending and…
The kind of cases Stephen takes
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, entertainment, and family law matters in Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr.'s legal education and bar admissions
Case Western Reserve University
J.D. · 1976
Bowdoin College
— · 1972
Jurisdictions
Stephen's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
ACTIVE
Ohio
1976 · ACTIVE
Stephen studied at J.D. in Case Western Reserve University and — in Bowdoin College.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed J.D. in Case Western Reserve University and — in Bowdoin College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr.
Stephen has received 23 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (Cleveland)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Nonprofit / Charities Law (Cleveland)
2021
Lawyer of the Year — Nonprofit / Charities Law (Cleveland)
2013
Best Lawyers in America — Art Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Nonprofit / Charities Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — International Mergers and Acquisitions
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Charitable Gift Planning
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Museums
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Private Foundations
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Tax-Exempt Organizations
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chevalier of the Legion of Honor (France)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — American Bar Foundation, Fellow
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Society of Benchers, Case Western Reserve University School of Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Working Group, Reproduction of Art and Cultural Heritage (ReACH) Project
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers and Partners
2026
Best Lawyers in America — HNW Guide, Art and Cultural Property Law, 2021-25
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (Cleveland) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Nonprofit / Charities Law (Cleveland) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Nonprofit / Charities Law (Cleveland) (2013). Best Lawyers in America — Art Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026).
Locations
Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr.'s office in Cleveland
Stephen's primary office is at 200 Public Square, Suite 2800, Cleveland, Ohio, 44114. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr.
Stephen has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen'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; Stephen 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 Stephen
Stephen 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. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephen'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 Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr.
How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen'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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Cleveland?
Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?
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. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new business clients right now?
Stephen'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
Stephen handles business matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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