Robert A. Zimmerman

Represented Joseph’s and Mary’s Home, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health system in Cleveland, in the Cuyahoga County Council budgeting process. Joseph’s and Mary’s Home provides housing for those with serious medical conditions who would otherwise not have a place to live after hospital discharge. Cuyahoga County approved a significant appropriation for the 2024-2025 budget period to support Joseph’s and Mary’s Home, thus helping to protect a most vulnerable population.

Represented OneOhio Recovery Foundation in cases before the Ohio Supreme Court and the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas concerning the Ohio Public Records Act and Ohio Open Meetings Act (“Acts”). The cases concluded on terms favorable to OneOhio and led to a change in law to clarify that the Acts do not apply to OneOhio. OneOhio is proceeding with its important work in an open and transparent manner to assure the monies are distributed to those who need them most.

Successfully litigated multiple complex commercial lease disputes on behalf of prominent shopping malls and real estate developers.

Successfully won exemption for circus from state law banning wild animal ownership.

Successfully litigated multi-million dollar breach of asset purchase agreement, breach of warranty and breach of material sourcing contract cases.

Saved County $500,000 by the transfer of unused dollars from one fiscal year to the next. 

Prosecuted over 100 commercial and residential eviction cases without a single loss.

Won judgment in defamation case on behalf of oil company against anti-fracking activists. Sustained on appeal denial of a motion to vacate that judgment.

Won dismissal of a “bet the company” action brought by former employee who claimed right to company ownership.

Orchestrated a law change on behalf of a local government client, Cuyahoga County, and local land banks regarding how taxes are handled during land bank possession of property.

Successfully lobbied for legislation that permitted inter-county transfer of nursing home beds.

Successfully advocated on behalf of sports facility management company chosen by state university to manage its arena.

Successfully represented Cuyahoga County Prosecutor and Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutors office in wrongful discharge case brought by former assistant prosecuting attorney.

Won summary judgment in unjust enrichment action brought against commercial landlord by contractor of former tenant.

Obtained state and local tax incentives to promote construction of manufacturing facility.

Advised Cuyahoga County Board of Elections on competing ballot issues to reform county government.

Served as outside general counsel to Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish’s transition team.

Successfully lobbied for reduction in proposed fee increase for disposal of construction demolition and debris.

Successfully litigated breach of covenant not to compete cases.

Successfully petitioned the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to add tablets and pills as an acceptable form for the oral administration of medical cannabis, expanding the types of cannabis available to patients and allowing our client to return to market.

Represent condemning authorities, land owners and tenants in all phases of eminent domain proceedings.

Won council variance on behalf of substance abuse recovery housing provider in city of Columbus.

Successfully represented large companies in Columbus, Ohio affected by rezonings. 

Won dismissal of extraordinary writ action against Cuyahoga County Judges challenging transfer of cases under local commercial docket rules.

Successfully advocated against City of Cleveland proposed ordinance holding security alarm companies financially responsible for false alarms.

Worked with City of Cleveland to allow Ringling Bros. Circus to proceed over legal objections to the use of an elephant guide.

Worked to win $700,000 Ohio capital budget appropriation to re-purpose closed juvenile detention center as diversion facility.

Represented another national cannabis company in obtaining a processor license issued by State of Ohio Medical Marijuana Program.

Represented one of the largest vertically integrated multistate cannabis operators in the United States in obtaining large cultivator and processor licenses issued by the State of Ohio Medical Marijuana Program.

Obtained rezoning of parcel to permit construction of apartment building.

Resolved administrative appeal challenging township denial of zoning variance for an accessory structure. Structure ultimately allowed.

Won at trial decision overturning BZA order denying requested zoning variances.

Defeated in litigation attempt by landowner to build structure over objections of neighbor.

Obtained use variance allowing law firm to operate in residential district.

Obtained use variance to operate facility on behalf of an international machine gear works company.

Obtained declaration of similar permitted use and conditional use permit on behalf of national transportation company for operation of regional dispatch and preventative maintenance facility.

Shaker Heights City Council Representative to Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals for eight years.

Secured dismissal of injunctive relief action filed against association of Ohio counties by several individual counties.

Prior counsel to Ohio Elections Commission while serving as an Assistant Ohio Attorney General and have litigated cases before the Commission on behalf of private clients.

Won administrative action resulting in award of license under Ohio Medical Marijuana Program.

Successfully defended the legality and constitutionality of Ohio Medical Marijuana Program in multiple court actions.

In a case of statewide and national significance, won writ of prohibition issued by Ohio Supreme Court on behalf of Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge to prevent retired judges from convening private jury trials.

Employment law compliance and investigations.

Pre-litigation counseling and pre-suit resolution of claims.

Won labor arbitration on behalf of municipal police department which terminated an officer for assaulting another officer in the police station.

Secured dismissal via dispositive motion of scores of actions for wrongful discharge and violation of federal and state civil rights laws, including those brought under the Ohio Civil Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ADA, ADEA, FMLA and others.

Achieved excellent results for employment law clients in jury and bench trials and administrative actions.

Successfully defended automobile finance company against business tort action filed by automobile dealership, resulting in settlement payment from dealership to finance company on finance company’s counterclaim.

Secured pre-class certification dismissal of putative class action asserted against national news magazine.

Won dismissal of federal court action brought against business investor/lender.

Successfully litigated breach of fiduciary duty action on behalf of beneficiary against former trustee of trust, resulting in substantial recovery for beneficiary.