Dworken & Bernstein has a long history of representing sellers, buyers, and developers in matters relating to zoning and land use, including representation in connection with efforts to obtain:

• zoning permits
• easements
• conditional use permits
• variances
• confirmation of non-conforming use status
• lot splits
• lot line adjustments
• septic systems
• zoning changes and amendments

Such representation includes appearing on behalf of clients before administrative and legislative bodies. We also represent clients in litigation challenging the validity and enforceability of zoning laws, both generally and as applied to the property, project, or proposed projects.

Zoning & Land Use Attorneys

Keith R. Kraus
Jodi Littman Tomaszewski
Melvyn E. Resnick
Howard S. Rabb
Joshua J. Strickland
Erik L. Walter
Grant J. Keating
Richard N. Selby II
Steven Roth

In Ohio, real estate taxes are billed in arrears. County auditors assign a fair market value to the property for the purpose of assessing real estate taxes. Property owners can challenge the county auditor’s valuation by filing a tax complaint with the Board of Revision for their county. To challenge the fair market value for the previous year, a property owner must file a tax complaint before the end of March.

Dworken & Bernstein regularly represents clients in filing tax complaints and appeals in four Northeast Ohio counties: Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula, and Cuyahoga.

We work with expert appraisers to determine the value of the client’s real estate and to properly present that information to the Board of Revision and on appeal to the Board of Tax Appeals or the Court of Common Pleas. We are adept at negotiating with the various county prosecutors, auditors, and school boards to resolve disputed valuations.

Read full article entitled “New Uncertainties in Real Estate Taxation”,
written by Jodi Littman-Tomaszewski and Josh Strickland

Tax Complaints Attorneys

Keith R. Kraus
Jodi Littman Tomaszewski
Melvyn E. Resnick
Howard S. Rabb
Joshua J. Strickland
Steven Roth

Dworken & Bernstein represents individuals and businesses when government agencies attempt to appropriate their real property for public purposes under the eminent domain laws of Ohio. A government agency may take property under the doctrine of eminent domain based on a “governmental public necessity.” Dworken & Bernstein has represented clients in numerous “necessity hearings” to challenge the government’s right to take the property.

Sometimes the client doesn’t object to the taking, so long as fair compensation is tendered. Dworken & Bernstein has longstanding relationships with expert appraisers who assist in developing the fair market value of the property being appropriated and help to ensure that our clients are fairly compensated in accordance with Ohio law.

If the parties cannot reach an agreeable settlement, the individual or business whose property is being taken is entitled to a jury trial to determine fair market value. Dworken & Bernstein has successfully tried over thirty eminent domain cases before juries and has obtained awards in excess of what the governmental agency had offered prior to trial.

Eminent Domain Attorneys

Keith R. Kraus
Jodi Littman Tomaszewski
Melvyn E. Resnick
Joshua J. Strickland
Erik L. Walter
Grant J. Keating
Richard N. Selby II
Steven Roth

As America strives to achieve energy independence, more property owners are looking below the surface of their land for income opportunities. Drilling for oil and gas is subject to complex federal, state and local laws and regulations. There are numerous stakeholders including, but not limited to landowners, developers, producers, pipeline aggregators, insurers, utilities, and the State of Ohio. Disputes and litigation are common.

At Dworken & Bernstein, our oil and gas law experts have experience both nationally and locally. We represent local and national clients from all sides of oil and gas transactions on matters including:

• negotiating and drafting oil and gas leases
• monitoring lease performance
• dispute resolution and energy litigation

Dworken and Bernstein’s oil and gas attorneys welcome inquiries and offer initial consultations free of charge.

Oil & Gas Law Attorneys

Jodi Littman Tomaszewski
Melvyn E. Resnick
Joshua J. Strickland
Erik L. Walter
Grant J. Keating
Richard N. Selby II
Steven Roth

Dworken & Bernstein’s environmental law practice has a broad Ohio, regional, and national track record in representing large corporations, small businesses, real estate developers, and local governments. We provide a full range of legal services relating to environmental issues, including:

• regulatory affairs
• remediation procedures
• permitting
• compliance with federal and state law
• commercial and corporate transactions
• legislative initiatives
• litigation

Our attorneys have worked extensively with federal and Ohio regulatory and enforcement officials. We draw upon our many years of experience in counseling and representing our clients to develop innovative solutions to solve, correct and avoid environmental problems.

Environmental Law Attorneys

Jodi Littman Tomaszewski
Melvyn E. Resnick
Joshua J. Strickland
Erik L. Walter
Grant J. Keating
Richard N. Selby II
Steven Roth

Dworken & Bernstein represents individuals, developers, and associations in all aspects of condominium law including:

• formation or amendment of the condominium declaration and bylaws
• management and governance of the homeowner’s association
• disputes between homeowners, associations, and developers
• sales and leasing of condominiums

We also represent clients in dealing with local governments and agencies in the formation and operation of condominium properties from taxation, zoning and land use, permitting, and eminent domain.

Condominium Law Attorneys

Keith R. Kraus
Jodi Littman Tomaszewski
Melvyn E. Resnick
Joshua J. Strickland
Erik L. Walter
Steven Roth