Congratulations to MDK’s 2021 Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars Winners!

At MDK, people are at the heart of everything we do. We value our attorneys and their contributions to MDK’s success. It makes us even more proud to learn that their efforts were recognized by a high number of independent peers. This year, throughout the many weeks and months of uncertainty and change, the professionalism and integrity of our attorneys provided inspiration to everyone at the firm.  Please join us in congratulating our wonderful attorneys and valued team members for their Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars awards!

‍Matt Richardson: 2021 Best Lawyers, Litigation, Real Estate
‍Matt Richardson is MDK’s Director of Litigation and practices out of our home office in Columbus. Matt manages the essential task of limiting litigation risk for the firm and our clients. He is an executive editor and regular contributor to the MDK Regional Quarterly. “Regarding the Best Lawyers award, this is my third consecutive year winning, and I am pleased that my peers respect my work enough to have nominated and confirmed me again for 2021,” he says.

Matt received his law degree from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2003 and is back at OSU in a teaching role, inspiring and mentoring young lawyers. He teaches a section in a 2L course entitled Appellate Advocacy, helping students draft mock appellate briefs and oral arguments in cases pending before the Ohio Supreme Court or U.S. Supreme Court. “It's a very rewarding experience to teach such motivated students. I had taught undergraduate writing and literature courses at OSU in the 90s, which I enjoyed, but the law students are much more motivated. As a result, I can enjoy teaching the law students more,” says Matt about his teaching career.

‍Angela Kirk: 2021 Best Lawyers, Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law

‍Angela Kirk's practice places an emphasis on settlement and as such she regularly participates in mediations throughout the state of Ohio. In addition to case work, Angela manages MDK’s law clerks and administers the firm's research needs.

One of MDK’s most admired leaders, Angela has created a positive impact when presenting continuing legal education courses at local bar associations, serving as a moderator and speaker at the American Legal and Financial Network’s TEACH event, and mentoring attorneys through the Ohio Supreme Court’s Lawyer Mentoring Program.

Angela remarks, “I was greatly honored to receive the designation of ‘Best Lawyer’.  However, if I have excelled at my practice it is largely due to the support, training, and expertise of the support staff and my colleagues who have made me at least a better lawyer, if not the ‘best’.”

‍Ted Cahill: 2021 Super Lawyers Rising Stars

‍Ted Cahill has won Super Lawyers Rising Stars award for the last three years. We are extremely happy and proud that Ted joined MDK as a law clerk in 2009 and grew to become MDK’s Director of Bankruptcy. At this time, Ted leads MDK’s bankruptcy attorneys and staff and defends clients at both the trial and appellate level. Ted is an invaluable part of the MDK Academy and is a frequent contributor to the MDK Regional Quarterly.

Ted’s civic contributions include participation in the Southern District of Ohio Bankruptcy Law Attorney Advisory Committee and serving as Chair of the Bankruptcy Law Institute Committee. In addition, Ted is a member of the Southern District of Ohio Bench Bar Planning Committee.

“What a surprise to be named a Rising Star three years in a row.  I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work with wonderful clients, courts, and most importantly coworkers.  I appreciate a job well done, and it’s good to know that the nominating and selection committees do too,” he says.

‍Melissa Hamble: 2021 Super Lawyers Rising Stars

‍Melissa Hamble has more than ten years of experience at MDK working for creditors' rights. She regularly represents financial institutions in connection with residential foreclosures, foreclosure defense, evictions, and collections.

Melissa is also a certified mediator and completed a concentration of course work in alternative dispute resolution. Her past legal experience includes an externship for a federal district court judge, general litigation at the Capital University Law School Litigation Clinic and assisting at a family law practice.

“I am honored to have been named a Rising Star for the past 8 years. This distinction is not only a credit to my legal career, but also to all of my colleagues at Manley Deas who assist me every day.  Without their continued support, I would not be the lawyer I am today,” says Melissa.

‍Justin Ritch: 2021 Super Lawyers Rising Stars

‍We are proud of Justin for winning Super Lawyers Rising Stars Award three years in a row. Focusing primarily on matters in Cuyahoga County, Justin has built a great reputation for himself and MDK in front of judges and his peers.

Following graduation from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Justin was sworn into the Ohio Bar in 2009 and has practiced in the area of creditors' rights and foreclosure and civil litigation since that time. In 2016, he received his license to practice law in Pennsylvania.

Reflecting on his Rising Stars designation, Justin says, “I am once again honored to receive the award and humbled to be included with the excellent attorneys around the state.  All recognition and accolades earned are shared with my truly incredible colleagues here at MDK."

To our dear award winners and esteemed colleagues, we are proud of you and your accomplishments! We are grateful for your continued support of MDK’s mission and we are looking forward to our continued success on the path to redefining the legal profession.