Steve Bales

About Steve Bales

Steve joined Flannery | Georgalis as Chief Transition Officer following 40 years as a successful civil trial attorney and managing partner at Ziegler Metzger LLP. Since joining the Ohio Bar in 1983, Steve has provided his clients with consistent legal advice and counsel. While many aspects of the law have changed (and will continue to change), delivering high quality legal services in a cost-effective and efficient manner has not. While maintaining an active litigation practice, Steve served as the Managing Partner at Ziegler Metzger for 8 years. Steve has represented employers and employees alike in employment-related disputes, such as enforcing and defending claims related to trade secrets, restrictive covenants and confidentiality agreements. Steve has substantial experience in federal and state courts as well as arbitration forums, such as FINRA and other self-regulatory organizations or approved forums. For nearly twenty years, Steve has led the Ziegler Metzger probate and trust litigation practice. Steve has represented clients in state probate and common pleas courts throughout Ohio. Steve’s clients range from seniors who have suffered from the actions of agents under power of attorney, beneficiaries denied inheritances as a result of improper actions of others and fiduciaries seeking to navigate the requirements of specific estates or trusts. Steve has tried multiple cases to decision before state probate courts. Steve regularly represents corporate and individual fiduciaries and beneficiaries (including non-profits and other charitable organizations) in will and trust contests and defense. Outside of the legal profession, Steve is an active member of the Boy Scouts of America. Steve is an Eagle Scout (Class of 1972) and a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association. Steve is a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award and the James E. West Fellowship Award. Steve served two terms as President of the Greater Western Reserve Council in Warren, Ohio and remains active with his local community Boy Scout troop. Steve welcomes the opportunity to meet with Eagle Scouts throughout northeast Ohio and to offer his assistance in helping them begin their careers after high school or college. Steve is also a member of the Executive Board of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the American Red Cross. As an active board member, Steve serves as the Chair of the Service to Armed Forces Committee.

Experience

1. Chief Transition and Integration Officer

   Flannery Georgalis, Llc

   Jan 2024 — Present

Education

• Cleveland State University - Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

  J.D.

  1980 — 1983

• Rockford University

  B.A., cum laude

  1975 — 1979