Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP

Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP is a full-service law firm with experience dating back to 1867. We focus on delivering excellent client service by providing forward-thinking, creative solutions to complex legal problems.

Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP brings together Schneider, Smeltz, Ranney & LaFond PLL and Spieth, Bell, McCurdy & Newell Co., L.P.A., which are two of Cleveland’s oldest and highest quality law firms. With this combination, the firm has one of the largest trusts and estates practice groups in Ohio.

We provide a broad range of services and a deep bench of legal talent for our clients. Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP has lawyers who are licensed to practice law in Ohio, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and the Commonwealth of Virginia and before various federal and state courts. The firm’s primary practice areas include business law, real estate, litigation, family law, taxation, and trusts and estates, with attorneys uniquely suited to meet the needs of businesses, individuals, and charitable organizations.

Our attorneys are highly respected industry veterans with decades of experience which sets them apart as true leaders in our legal community. We are proud of having one of the only Ohio law firms with seven attorneys who are Fellows in the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). Lawyers are elected to be Fellows based on their outstanding reputation, exceptional skill, and substantial contributions to the field by lecturing, writing, teaching, and participating in bar activities. These lawyers collectively have nearly 200 years of experience in devising practical solutions and advising clients in trust and estate matters.

Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell has been recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked by Best Lawyers® regionally in 12 practice areas. Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell is proud to have 26 lawyers recognized in the 2025 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. Additionally, 10 of the firm’s attorneys have been selected to the 2024 Ohio Super Lawyers® list and nine attorneys to the 2024 Ohio Rising Stars list.

As part of our firm’s culture, we promote active leadership and involvement in the profession and in our community. We have attorneys who are leading important legal and business associations, committees, and boards, as well as are civic and local government leaders throughout our region.

The firm is an active member of Primerus, a society of the world’s finest independent, boutique law firms. With nearly 200 member firms in more than 40 countries, each firm is screened to ensure its commitment to excellence as embodied in the Six Pillars: Integrity, Excellent Work Product, Reasonable Fees, Continuing Legal Education, Civility and Community Service.

Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP is dedicated to providing thoughtful, practical solutions to the complex problems faced by our clients, with a strong devotion to delivering excellent personal and timely service.