Michael Schmeltzer

Partner

For nearly two decades, Michael Schmeltzer has built his career around one mission: taking on powerful corporations, insurance companies, and negligent businesses to get justice for the injured. As a partner at Slater & Zurz, he represents clients in catastrophic personal injury, construction accidents, trucking and motorcycle collisions, product liability, and wrongful death cases.

Michael isn’t afraid of tough cases. In fact, the more complex, the better. He has fought against multimillion-dollar insurance carriers, corporate legal teams, and companies that put profits over safety and has secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for his clients.

Experience

Michael’s legal career began at Hill Hardman Oldfield, LLC, where he handled personal injury and general civil litigation. He then joined Walter & Haverfield, LLP, gaining experience in employment law, workers’ compensation, insurance disputes, and corporate liability.

After transitioning his practice back to prosecuting claims on behalf of individuals and as his focus on high-stakes personal injury cases grew, Michael took on litigation roles at Ciano & Goldwasser, LLP and Amer Cunningham Co., LPA, representing clients in wrongful death, class action , medical malpractice, and product liability claims.

In 2014, he joined Slater & Zurz, where he has become known for his ability to navigate complex, high-value cases. His trial experience, strategic litigation kills, and deep understanding of insurance defense tactics have led to major victories for his clients.

Outside the Office

Michael’s commitment to serving his professional and the community does not. stop at the courthouse doors. He has served as a Representative-at-Large and on various committees for the Ohio Association for Justice, as Vice President, Chair of various committees, and Board Member for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Summit County. He has also mentored young attorneys through the Ohio Supreme Court’s Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring Program and volunteered with Community Legal Aid. Whether it’s in the courtroom or the mountains, Michael is always up for a challenge. He is a certified Ski Patroller with the Boston Mills/Brandywine/Alpine Valley Ski Patrol, where he serves as a first responder providing emergency medical care and rescue assistance.