Frederick R. Nance – Cleveland, OH

A Titan of Sports, Entertainment, and Corporate Law

Frederick R. Nance is a nationally renowned legal heavyweight and a Global Managing Partner at Squire Patton Boggs, one of the world’s most influential law firms. Operating from the firm’s office in the iconic Key Tower on Public Square, Fred Nance has built a career that reads like a history of Cleveland’s renaissance. He is best known for his high-profile work in Sports and Entertainment Law, having served as the primary outside counsel for the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Browns. His negotiation skills were instrumental in returning the NFL franchise to Cleveland in 1999, cementing his status as a local hero and a legal powerhouse. Beyond sports, Nance is a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 CEOs, celebrities, and public figures, handling their most sensitive and complex legal matters.

Fred Nance’s practice is as diverse as it is impressive. He is a seasoned litigator who has tried numerous cases to verdict in federal and state courts, representing clients in high-stakes commercial disputes, class actions, and insurance litigation. His expertise in Public-Private Partnerships has helped shape the skyline of Cleveland and other cities, facilitating major development projects that require the cooperation of government and private industry. As a leader within Squire Patton Boggs, he oversees the firm’s U.S. Sports & Entertainment practice, representing athletes, teams, and media personalities in contract negotiations, crisis management, and brand protection. His deep roots in the community-having grown up in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood-fuel his passion for civic engagement and social justice.

Premier Legal Services

• Sports and Entertainment: Representing professional athletes, teams, and entertainers in contract negotiations, endorsement deals, and legal disputes.
• Commercial Litigation: Handling complex business disputes, including breach of contract, fraud, and shareholder actions.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Advising on large-scale infrastructure and development projects that involve government funding and private investment.
• Crisis Management: Providing strategic counsel to high-profile individuals and corporations facing reputational threats and legal emergencies.
• Government Relations: Navigating the intersection of law and public policy to achieve client objectives at the local, state, and federal levels.

A Legacy of Leadership

Frederick R. Nance’s contributions to the legal profession have been recognized with the highest honors. He has been inducted into the Northeast Ohio Business Hall of Fame and consistently ranked among the Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. His influence extends to the boardroom, where he serves on the boards of major corporations and non-profits. Clients choose Fred Nance not just for his legal acumen, but for his judgment, his connections, and his ability to make the impossible happen. Whether in the courtroom, the boardroom, or the negotiation table, Frederick R. Nance brings a level of expertise and authority that is unmatched in the region.