Contact Information
Midwest Region
24100 Chagrin Blvd.
Suite 300
Beachwood, OH 44122
Phone: (216) 464-3022
midwest@ortamerica.org
Jurisprudence Awards - Bios
ANN-MARIE AHERN
Ann-Marie Ahern is Co-Managing Principal and head of the Employment Law group at McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA. She is a dedicated, tireless advocate, and trusted advisor and has successfully litigated hundreds of employment disputes on behalf of her clients. As a Certified Specialist in Labor & Employment Law, Ann-Marie is knowledgeable of all facets of employment law and represents clients at each stage of the employment relationship. She approaches her practice with the understanding that a career is more than a paycheck, and that the loss of a job can be devastating.
Ann-Marie is an award-winning advocate and a top Labor & Employment Specialist in Ohio. Ann-Marie has been recognized repeatedly for her professional excellence, including multiple “Lawyer of the Year” honors from The Best Lawyers in America in labor and employment litigation and employment law. She has also been consistently named among Ohio’s top attorneys by Super Lawyers. A respected voice in her field, she is frequently invited to speak and provide commentary on employment law issues.
Ann-Marie has tried cases involving age, sex, race, and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, non-compete issues, breach of contract, and illegal retaliation. She has been at the forefront of the #MeToo and sexual harassment awareness movement and has been a steadfast supporter of victims of all forms of illegal discrimination. During her career, she has obtained verdicts and settlements on behalf of her clients in excess of $70 million.
Beyond her legal accomplishments, Ann-Marie has demonstrated a deep and sustained commitment to education and mentorship. For many years, she has served on the Visiting Committee for Cleveland State University College of Law, where she also led the Job Placement Workgroup. She currently serves on the Board of St. Joseph Academy, an all-girls school in the City of Cleveland dedicated to empowering young women to achieve academic excellence and inspiring lives of compassionate leadership and service in a global society. The school fosters unity and service to the "dear neighbor," and all creation. As a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Governance Committee, she plays a key role in guiding the school’s leadership and mission. This year, she is also serving as an advisor to the school’s Mock Trial team.
Ann-Marie’s dedication to young people extends beyond the classroom. She has coached girls youth soccer for many years, working with athletes ranging in age from eight to eighteen, and has served as a mentor with College Now, supporting students as they pursue higher education opportunities.
Her career reflects a steadfast belief in dignity, opportunity, and the power of using one’s voice to uplift and protect others. Through her leadership in the legal profession, her mentorship of students, and her service to community and educational organizations, she has created lasting impact both professionally and personally.
LAWRENCE E. OSCAR
If loyalty were a person, it would look a lot like Larry Oscar. A true Cleveland “lifer.” In an era of professional job-hopping, Larry is a rare breed: he has spent his entire 45 year career at Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP. Hahn Loeser is still his home, where Larry is now paying it forward by mentoring younger lawyers as Larry was mentored earlier in his career by Hahn Loeser’s senior partners of that day. These career relationships matter to Larry.
Larry joined Hahn Loeser in 1981, when the firm immediately gave him an opportunity and role in the seminal chapter 11 case of White Motor Corporation. Larry has been involved in many of the high profile chapter 11 cases in our region and the country since, particularly in the steel industry, where he has appeared dozens of times for major publicly-traded companies. Larry has been one of the top business bankruptcy lawyers in Ohio for many years, according to the Chambers & Partners and Best Lawyers publications. Larry didn’t just occupy a corner office; he steered the ship as the firm’s Managing Partner for nine transformative years, when Hahn Loeser opened its Chicago and San Diego offices.
Larry’s influence extends beyond the client boardroom and courtroom to the civic community. Larry has chaired several important community organizations. He served as Board Chair of the Cleveland Leadership Center and has been an important leader in the arts community as Board President and Honorary Lifetime Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa). Additionally, he supported the Cleveland music world as the Founding Chair of the Advisory Council of the Cleveland Orchestra. He has been a volunteer for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland as well as a supporter of ORT. He also served on the CSU Law School-Law and Leadership Advisory Council, the Visiting Committee of CWRU Law School and on the Board of the Greater Cleveland Partnership. Larry was listed as a ”Notable Non-profit Board Leader” by Crain’s Cleveland Business in 2023 and listed in Cleveland Magazine’s Cleveland 500 list of community leaders for several years running including 2025.
At home in Shaker Heights, Larry’s life is just as full. He is happily married to Jeanne Shatten—a retired city planner and not-for-profit professional, who definitely keeps Larry pointed in the right direction. Together, they boast a lively dynasty of five adult children and four grandchildren. A lifetime member of B’nai Jeshurun Congregation, Larry’s roots in the community run deep. Larry and Jeanne love traveling together and taking in all types of art performances and exhibitions.
When he’s away from the law, his community endeavors and his family, you can find him at the “Books & Bourbon” men’s book club—where the literary analysis is sharp, but the spirits are smoother, or on the golf course. Larry’s had 3 holes-in-one, twice with his life-long buddies from Cleveland Heights High as witnesses. Whether he’s advocating for a client or championing a museum, Larry remains one of Greater Cleveland’s most dedicated, spirited, and committed leaders.