Wade M. Fricke, Employment Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, OH
Trusted employment attorney serving Cleveland.
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Are you Wade M. Fricke?
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Quick answer
Wade M. Fricke is an attorney based in Cleveland, OHIO. The practice focuses on Employment.
- Based in
- Cleveland, OHIO
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Employment
- Handles Employment matters from Cleveland, OHIO.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Cleveland) (2022).
About Wade M. Fricke: Wade M. Fricke is an attorney based in Cleveland, OHIO. The practice focuses on Employment.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Wade takes on
Wade concentrates on employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case Wade handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Wade 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 Wade agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Wade M. Fricke — employment lawyer in Cleveland
Wade M. Fricke is an attorney based in Cleveland, OHIO. The practice focuses on Employment.
Wade Fricke has practiced management-side labor and employment law since 1989. He was one of three attorneys who founded the Cleveland office of the firm. Prior to joining the firm, Wade was a partner in Cleveland’s oldest law firm, and before that, he worked for the Cleveland office of a national full-service law firm.Wade represents companies of all sizes across the country in virtually all aspects of employee relations in union and non-union settings. In both settings, Wade’s practice focuses on issue avoidance and positive employment practices. In union settings, Wade has extensive experience in contract negotiations and, where necessary, grievance resolution and arbitration, and strike management and resolution. His experience in non-union settings includes extensive employment relations auditing, supervisor training, union representational election work, drafting and reviewing employee handbooks and work rules, sexual harassment and other training, and most aspects of preventative-maintenance labor and employment counseling regarding state and federal regulation of the workplace. Wade’s employment counseling experience includes practice before the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board. Wade is one of eight attorneys serving on the steering committee of the firm’s 125-plus member Traditional Labor Practice Group.
How Wade handles employment matters
Wade Fricke has practiced management-side labor and employment law since 1989. He was one of three attorneys who founded the Cleveland office of the firm. Prior to joining the firm, Wade was a partner in Cleveland’s oldest law firm, and before that, he worked for the Cleveland office of a national full-service law firm.Wade represents companies of all sizes across the country in virtually all…
The kind of cases Wade takes
Wade reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment matters in Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Washington and Lee University
J.D. · 1989
Princeton University
— · 1984
Jurisdictions
Wade's state bar admissions
Ohio, Ohio State Bar
ACTIVE
Wade studied at J.D. in Washington and Lee University and — in Princeton University.
Law school and academic background
Wade completed J.D. in Washington and Lee University and — in Princeton University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Wade runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Wade has received 10 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Cleveland)
2022
Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management (Cleveland)
2019
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Ohio Super Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA – America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV rated with Martindale-Hubbell
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Cleveland) (2022). Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management (Cleveland) (2019). Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Management (2026).
Locations
Wade M. Fricke's office in Cleveland
Wade's primary office is at 127 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio, 44114. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Wade M. Fricke
Wade 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 Wade M. Fricke — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Wade usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Wade charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Wade'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; Wade will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment 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 Wade
Wade discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment 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. Wade confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Wade's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Wade M. Fricke
How much does it cost to hire Wade for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Wade walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Wade offer a free consultation?
Wade charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Wade's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Wade's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple employment 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. Wade gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Wade take my case if I'm outside Cleveland?
Wade 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 — Wade 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 Wade?
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. Wade will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Wade accepting new employment clients right now?
Wade's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati in Ohio
Wade handles employment matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment attorneys in Ohio
If Wade's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Cleveland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.