Benesch Partners Marisa Darden and Michael Meuti Honored as Crain’s Cleveland 2025 Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys

Benesch is pleased to announce that partners Marisa Darden and Michael Meuti have been named to the 2025 Crain’s Cleveland Business Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys. This annual feature celebrates the exceptional talent and achievements of legal professionals across Northeast Ohio. The recognition highlights attorneys who have demonstrated expertise in litigation and trial law while making meaningful contributions to their communities.

This year’s 41 honorees are accomplished professionals celebrated for their courtroom successes, dedication to mentorship, promotion of diversity in the legal field and commitment to philanthropy. The Crain’s Cleveland Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys list honors individuals who exemplify the highest standards of excellence and service, reflecting the significant impact of the legal profession in the region.

“We are incredibly proud of Marisa and Michael,” said Managing Partner Gregg Eisenberg. “They are true leaders in the field who advocate tirelessly for clients and exemplify the qualities celebrated by Crain’s Cleveland Business—excellence, leadership and a dedication to making a positive impact both within and beyond the legal field.”

View the full list of Crain’s Cleveland’s 2025 Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys here.

Marisa T. Darden

As a partner and chair of Benesch’s White Collar, Government Investigations & Regulatory Compliance Practice Group, Marisa brings a wealth of experience as a former state and federal prosecutor. She advises on a broad spectrum of issues, including federal and state law violations, complex financial investigations, and corporate inquiries into sexual harassment and workplace discrimination. Before joining Benesch, Marisa served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Ohio and Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Case Western Reserve School of Law, lecturing on criminal law. Recognized for her contributions to the legal field, Marisa was named a Crain’s Cleveland Women of Note and Notable Black Leader honoree and is actively involved in her community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Federal Bar Association’s Northern District of Ohio Chapter and the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation. Marisa is also dedicated to mentoring younger attorneys and maintains a robust pro bono practice.

Michael D. Meuti

Michael, as chair of Benesch’s Appellate Practice Group, is a trial-court and appellate litigator who represents businesses and individuals in high-stakes disputes and government investigations. With a problem-solving approach, he focuses on achieving practical and efficient outcomes for his clients. His trial-court practice spans commercial litigation and class-action defense, addressing consumer-protection, false-advertising and environmental claims across diverse industries such as retail, energy, healthcare and manufacturing. Michael’s appellate work is shaped by his prior experience as a Sixth Circuit clerk and Simon Karas Fellow, where he represented state entities before prominent courts, including the Ohio Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. Michael serves on the firm’s Litigation Operations Committee, Hiring Committee and Pro Bono Committee, as well as on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio and the Cuyahoga Valley Native Sons & Daughters.