Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP – Cleveland, OH

A Pillar of Cleveland’s Legal Community

Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP is one of Ohio’s premier corporate law firms, with a history that mirrors the growth of Cleveland itself. Founded in 1903, the firm has evolved from a small partnership into a legal powerhouse with a global reach. Calfee is renowned for its business-centric approach, serving a diverse roster of clients that includes Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and government entities. The firm is a founding member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms, giving it the unique ability to handle complex international matters while maintaining its deep local roots. Their attorneys are frequently recognized as leaders in their fields, providing strategic counsel that goes beyond legal theory to address practical business challenges.

Comprehensive Corporate Counsel

Calfee operates as a full-service firm with expertise across virtually all areas of law affecting businesses. Key practice areas include:

• Corporate & Finance: Handling mergers and acquisitions, securities compliance, and capital markets transactions.
• Intellectual Property: A nationally recognized practice managing patent portfolios, trademarks, and high-stakes IP litigation.
• Government Relations: Leveraging deep political connections to advocate for clients at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Litigation: Defending clients in complex commercial disputes, class actions, and white-collar criminal investigations.
• Real Estate & Construction: Advising on major development projects, financing, and land use issues.
• Estate & Succession Planning: Helping high-net-worth individuals and business owners preserve their legacy.

The Historic Calfee Building

The firm’s headquarters is a statement of its commitment to Cleveland. They occupy the historic Calfee Building at 1405 East Sixth Street. Originally built in 1916 as the headquarters for the East Ohio Gas Company, this Neoclassical structure was meticulously restored by the firm in 2011. The transformation is nothing short of spectacular; the building’s original central light court, which had been used as a parking garage for decades, was reimagined as a stunning two-story atrium lobby. This space now features a fountain, collaborative meeting areas, and a blend of historic architecture with modern amenities. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands as a prime example of downtown revitalization.

• Suite Access: The firm occupies the entire building. Visitors enter through the grand atrium lobby on East 6th Street. A reception desk is located in the lobby to welcome guests and direct them to the appropriate conference rooms or offices.
• Parking: While the building’s interior parking was converted into office space, the firm offers convenient parking options. Valet parking is typically available for clients at the main entrance. Alternatively, the PNC Center Garage and other public garages on East 6th Street are immediately adjacent.
• Public Transit: The location is in the heart of the financial district, just steps from Public Square and the Superior Ave & E 6th St bus lines. It is also a short walk to the mall and the convention center.

Innovation and Client Service

Calfee is known for its forward-thinking culture. 📈 The office layout was designed to foster collaboration, with open spaces and glass walls replacing traditional closed doors. This reflects the firm’s team-oriented approach to solving client problems. They are also deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, actively participating in initiatives to promote equity within the legal profession. With over 150 attorneys in Cleveland alone, Calfee combines the resources of a large firm with the agility and responsiveness of a trusted advisor.