Hannah J. Kraus

Hannah J. Kraus

Associate

Cleveland

T 216.363.6109

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Overview

Hannah maintains a broad labor and employment practice, advising clients on all facets of workplace law. She represents employers in disputes before state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies, and regularly provides day-to-day counseling to help mitigate risk and ensure smooth workplace operations.

In her litigation practice, Hannah defends employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour violations under Title VII, the ADA, the FMLA, the FLSA, and similar state laws. She frequently appears before the EEOC, OCRC, and other state civil rights agencies, and also represents clients in matters before the NLRB. She oversees cases from start to finish, drafting pleadings, dispositive motions, written discovery, deposition outlines, mediation statements, and settlement agreements.

Hannah also counsels clients on everyday employment issues, helping them take proactive steps to reduce risk and strengthen workplace policies. She drafts employment, separation, and restrictive covenant agreements, as well as complex multi-state employee handbooks and policies. She also regularly supports mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions by identifying employment-related risks during due diligence and helping clients assess how those risks may affect deal value, structure, and post-close integration.

Known for her tactical approach, diligence, and versatility, Hannah is a trusted advisor to clients navigating sensitive or high-stakes employment matters. Her ability to quickly adapt to shifting circumstances makes her a valuable partner in achieving both immediate and long-term business objectives.

What I Do

Labor & Employment

Experience

Represented the Austin American-Statesman as lead negotiator in bargaining with the Austin NewsGuild to reach agreement on a first labor contract between the Statesman and its front-line journalists following 3.5 years of bargaining culminating in a 21 hour marathon bargaining session before a federal mediator in Austin, Texas.   Statesman journalists unanimously ratified the contract November 21, 2024.

Key Contacts: Joseph R. BlalockSteven M. MossHannah J. Kraus

Defended client against a claim of unpaid wages and unpaid overtime for a remote, on-site ATM technician. Secured a complete victory at arbitration by proving that NCR’s policies and practices appropriately paid for all time worked by such remote technicians, provided the technicians follow company policy and appropriately report their time worked. Also successfully defeated novel claims by claimant’s counsel that imputed income for personal use of a vehicle or insurance premium credits for being healthy should be considered wages to increase the regular hourly rate and overtime premiums and not fringe benefits.

Key Contacts: Adam PrimmGrace M. KaramHannah J. Kraus

Represented a private equity buyer in its acquisition of a wholesale distributor of pipes, valves, and fittings.

Key Contacts: Amelia ParkerMelissa R. GrimMorgan McCrackenJessica N. AngneyReed W. SirakConnie A. PorterAdam PrimmMichael R. BeerM. Casey KucharsonJonathan R. ToddMichael D. StovskyDuncan H. PoirierHannah J. KrausMegan E. FaskaMichele (Mike) SoriceJacob C. LavisVanessa I. GomezJulia RolniakAlexander M. MossLogan Bryant

Represented Qualus Power Services, a portfolio company of New Mountain Capital, in its acquisition of Linda Rogers & Associates, a specialized advisory, program management, and engineering firm with differentiated capabilities in information technology, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity, in support of critical power infrastructure and network resiliency and reliability.

Key Contacts: Dorothea R. CarletonLeah BeitnerLisa M. KimmelMitchell E. GechtAshik ShahHannah J. KrausRachit ParikhMark LarsenDaniel S. Marks

Represented Qualus Power Services, a portfolio company of New Mountain Capital, in its acquisition of The Asset Company, PLLC (d/b/a ASSET Engineering), a provider of specialized engineering services to utilities, renewable and energy storage developers, and industrial clients throughout the United States.

Key Contacts: Dorothea R. CarletonLeah BeitnerMitchell E. GechtHannah J. KrausRachit ParikhPeter E. HannaMark LarsenDaniel S. Marks

Represented Trivest in the platform acquisition of Province, a leading and nationally recognized restructuring and advisory firm.

Key Contacts: Nicolette EddyMelissa R. GrimJaclyn S. RuchErmias Y. AbebeConnie A. PorterLisa M. KimmelMitchell E. GechtRichard F. TracannaHannah J. KrausRachit ParikhKristo PantelidesMark LarsenDaniel S. MarksJulia RolniakLogan BryantYelena G. Katz

Represented a private equity-back manufacturer of machine tools in its acquisition of a manufacturer of plastic injection molding & precision machined components for telecom equipment.

Key Contacts: Anthony G. Rossi IVKevin D. MargolisJennifer R. HooverLisa M. KimmelRichard F. TracannaDuncan H. PoirierMatthew P. DelguydMegan L. MehalkoJennifer L. GarberichHannah J. KrausMark LarsenMegan K. MacCallumDaniel S. MarksJulia Rolniak

Represented Qualus Power Services, a portfolio company of New Mountain Capital, in its acquisition via merger of GridBright, a leading power industry technology solutions firm.

Key Contacts: Ryan J. WilliamsLisa M. KimmelMitchell E. GechtRichard F. TracannaHannah J. KrausRachit ParikhKristo PantelidesMark LarsenJonathan N. FoxDaniel S. MarksBrad Wenclewicz

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Credentials

Education

Cleveland State University College of Law, 2021, J.D.
  • summa cum laude
  • Business Editor, Cleveland State Law Review
  • President, Student Bar Association
  • Vice President, Jewish Law Students Association
The Ohio State University, 2018, B.A. in Psychology and Criminology
  • magna cum laude
  • Alpha Phi Epsilon
  • Minor in Hebrew

Clerkships and Bar Admissions

Ohio
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio

More

  • Board Member, Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Young Leadership Division
  • Member, Cleveland Employment Inn of Court
  • Member, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Member, FDCC Ladder Down Cleveland, Class of 2024
  • Member, LEADS Cohort of Future Jewish Leaders, 2022
  • Listed, Ohio Super Lawyers – Rising Stars, 2026
  • Recognized by Cleveland Jewish News as a “Local Lawyer/Super Attorney,” 2022
  • Published in Cleveland State Law Review, “Buckeyes Against the Boycott: Why Ohio’s Law Opposing BDS is Protected,” 2020