Press Releases

Benesch Partner Marisa Darden Named to Leadership Cleveland Class of 2026

July 16, 2025

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Benesch is pleased to announce that Marisa Darden, Chair of the firm’s White Collar, Government Investigations & Regulatory Compliance Practice Group, has been selected for the Cleveland Leadership Center’s (CLC) Leadership Cleveland Class of 2026.

Leadership Cleveland is a highly selective program that brings together 66 senior-level executives across Northeast Ohio’s public, private and nonprofit sectors. Over the course of 10 months, participants will engage in cross-sector dialogue, explore civic challenges and opportunities, and build lasting connections with others committed to driving positive change in the Cleveland community.

“The Leadership Cleveland Class of 2026 steps into a powerful moment of opportunity – to forge meaningful connections, explore the civic assets and complex challenges that shape our community, and become catalysts for transformational change across our region,” said Becky Ruppert McMahon, President and CEO of Cleveland Leadership Center.

The new class joins a network of more than 11,000 CLC alumni from the organization’s 47-year history.

A former state and federal prosecutor, Marisa advises companies and individuals in civil and criminal investigations and prosecutions brought by law enforcement and regulatory agencies. She has tried more than 15 complex criminal cases to verdict and argued before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Marisa also conducts internal investigations and provides counsel on matters involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, bribery, corruption, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and other alleged criminal and civil violations. Her experience includes investigations related to wire and mail fraud, as well as complex financial investigations.

Marisa has been recognized by Chambers USA as a Leading Lawyer in White Collar Crime & Government Investigations, selected to Ohio Super Lawyers and named to Crain’s Cleveland Business Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys list.

Read the full article here.