Michael J. Frantz

Mike began his career at Thompson Hine and Flory where he spent the first 25 years of his career before establishing Frantz Ward LLP. Mike is a Founding Partner and member of the Management Committee at Frantz Ward LLP, a nearly 20-year old full-service law firm that has grown from 13 original partners to over 82 dedicated professionals. For over 40 years, Mike’s practice has been devoted to the exclusive representation of employers and their management teams in dealing with the full range of labor and employment issues. He has represented employers in contract negotiations with virtually every major union in the U.S. and Canada. Throughout his career he has focused on representing health care and higher education institutions, as well as manufacturing companies and service organizations. Mike is truly a trusted advisor to his clients and serves as outside general counsel or a member of the Board of Directors for many clients. He has been recognized at the highest ranking, Band 1, in the area of Labor and Employment by the prestigious Chambers USA: America’s Guide to Leading Lawyers in Business and designated Best Lawyers’ “Lawyer of the Year” for the past two years in Cleveland. Mike is continuously named to The Best Lawyers in America, Ohio Super Lawyers list and rated AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell. He is a Fellow of The College of Labor & Employment Lawyers, the highest recognition by colleagues for outstanding performance nationwide in the labor and employment legal profession, exemplifying integrity, dedication and excellence.

Mike’s community involvement has included service as a Board member and Officer for St. Vincent Charity Hospital, St. Ignatius High School, St. Joseph’s Academy, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, Catholic Charities, St. Malachi Center, Hanna Perkins School, The University of Notre Dame and the Boy Scouts of America.

Mike is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the Georgetown University Law Center. He and his wife, Julie, have been blessed with seven children and nine grandchildren. Mike and Julie reside in Avon Lake, Ohio.