BGMD LAW - Key Persons

Managing partner J. Michael Murray is distinguished in The Best Lawyers in America in two separate categories: First Amendment Law and White Collar Criminal Defense, both of which include cases that have taken Murray to courts throughout the nation. His trial experience spans a wide variety of other cases, from civil rights actions involving employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and violation of constitutional rights by police and other public officials, to personal injury, product liability and medical malpractice cases and various business litigation matters. In addition, Murray has extensive experience as an appellate lawyer, arguing appeals in federal and state appellate courts all over the country. Whether seeking recovery for a client injured by medical malpractice or whose civil or constitutional rights have been violated or defending a client facing criminal prosecution, Murray works fiercely and passionately in pursuit of justice for them. And, indeed, his advocacy has produced seven-figure settlements and awards, acquittals after lengthy and hard-fought criminal trials, as well as many reported judicial opinions by appellate courts that have helped shape the law. For a description of the types of cases Murray handles, see Constitutional Litigation, Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Business & Employment, Liquor Law and Appellate under our Areas of Practice. Education: Cleveland Marshall College of Law, J.D. summa cum laude University of Notre Dame, B.A.

Mark DeVan has worked tirelessly as a criminal defense attorney for clients facing investigation or prosecution in state and federal courts throughout Ohio. He has represented defendants in many white collar and general criminal matters including capital murder, public corruption, assault, fraud, and arson, and has appeared on behalf of a number of individuals, including professionals, in disciplinary proceedings. DeVan has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, Ohio Super Lawyers*, and Marquis Who's Who in American Law. He has also served as President of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and on various committees of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. For a description of the types of cases Devan handles, see Criminal Defense and Appellate under our Areas of Practice. Education: Cleveland Marshall College of Law, J.D. Ashland College, B.A.

Steve Shafron possesses a diversity of experience in both civil and criminal cases. He has extensive experience in litigating First Amendment cases, but he has also handled employment discrimination cases as well as civil rights claims against governmental defendants. He has defended a number of clients against criminal charges, in state and federal court, both at the trial and appellate levels. Shafron is a talented brief writer who evaluates legal issues with particular care and sensibility. The painstaking analysis that he brings to problem-solving for his clients has likewise produced a number of judicial decisions securing important constitutional and legal rights on their behalf, and recently, a substantial jury verdict on behalf of an injured client. Shafron has received an AV rating (highest level of professional excellence) from Martindale-Hubbell based on reviews of his fellow attorneys. For a description of the type of cases Shafron handles, see Constitutional Litigation, Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Business & Employment and Appellate under our Areas of Practice. Education: Case Western Reserve University, J.D.

Bill Livingston has been recognized as Ohio Super Lawyer Rising Star, an honor reserved for the top 2.5 percent of attorneys under the age of forty. Livingston has a broad array of experience in criminal and civil matters at both the trial and appellate levels. He has represented clients charged with serious crimes, from homicide to public corruption, and has fought for people seeking post-conviction relief. Livingston has also represented students in Title IX and other investigatory proceedings at colleges and universities. In addition, his practice includes seeking redress for clients whose civil and constitutional rights have been violated and those who have been injured as a result of medical malpractice or negligence. Livingston's substantial First Amendment practice has taken him to courts across the country, where he passionately defends his clients' constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression. Education: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law - magna cum laude - Criminal Law Concentration Mercyhurst College, B.A. 2009; cum laude