Overview
As a member of the firm’s Business Practice Group, Karina’s work centers on estate planning, probate matters, and tax controversy. Karina guides individuals through some of life’s most challenging personal and financial situations, while also helping business leaders build and protect their ventures.
Her estate planning and probate practice includes advising clients on comprehensive wealth transfer strategies, administering estates and trusts, and navigating fiduciary responsibilities. In her tax controversy work, Karina represents individuals in disputes involving the IRS, including matters related to collections, foreign income reporting, and penalty relief.
In addition to her probate and tax practice, Karina supports the firm’s Cannabis Practice Group in litigation and trademark matters. She also advises breweries and alcoholic beverage producers as they navigate state and federal licensing and compliance requirements.
As a fluent Spanish speaker, Karina assists Spanish-speaking clients across a wide range of legal needs.
Outside of her practice, Karina is an avid reader and enjoys cultivating an ever-growing collection of plants, both indoors and in her garden. She is passionate about expanding access to higher education for first-generation students and mentors Cleveland-area college students as they navigate academic and professional pathways.
Representative Experience
- Drafted comprehensive estate plans, including wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
- Prepared and implemented charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT).
- Advised and supported fiduciaries on probate procedure, trust funding, and accountings.
- Assisted families in establishing guardianships for minors and adults.
- Represented taxpayers in tax controversy matters involving the Internal Revenue Service.
- Counseled clients on collection matters, installment agreements, and offers in compromise.
- Advised on FBAR and foreign asset reporting obligations and prepared FBAR filings.
- Supported cannabis businesses in litigation, regulatory, and trademark matters.
- Assisted breweries and alcoholic beverage producers with state and federal licensing, labeling, and compliance issues.
- Drafted entity formation documents and supported business transactions through review and due diligence.
- Provided Spanish-language support to clients across a variety of business matters.
Education & Admissions
Education
- Case Western Reserve University, J.D. (2024)
- Columbia University, B.A., History (2019)
Bar & Court Admissions
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- United States Tax Court
Involvement
Professional Affiliations
- Ohio State Bar Association, Member
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Member
Community Involvement
- Cleveland Leadership Center, OnBoard Cleveland (Class of 2026)
- Esperanza, Inc., Mentor
- College Now Greater Cleveland, Mentor
Publications
- “4 Reasons Why Cannabis Businesses Need a Succession Plan Now,” (Co-Author) Cannabis Business Times (December 2025)
- “Open Season On Regulations: Loper Bright And The Demise Of Chevron,” Probate Law Journal of Ohio (August/July 2025)
- “4 Pitfalls to Avoid When Seeking a Cannabis Trademark (and Tips to Avoid Them),” Cannabis Business Times (July 2025)
- “UPDATE to Telephone Consumer Protection Act Rule on One-to-One Consent,” Frantz Ward Client Alert (January 2025)
- “Stay Compliant: What the New TCPA Rules Mean for Your Business” Frantz Ward Client Alert (January 2025)
Representative Experience
- Drafted comprehensive estate plans, including wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
- Prepared and implemented charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT).
- Advised and supported fiduciaries on probate procedure, trust funding, and accountings.
- Assisted families in establishing guardianships for minors and adults.
- Represented taxpayers in tax controversy matters involving the Internal Revenue Service.
- Counseled clients on collection matters, installment agreements, and offers in compromise.
- Advised on FBAR and foreign asset reporting obligations and prepared FBAR filings.
- Supported cannabis businesses in litigation, regulatory, and trademark matters.
- Assisted breweries and alcoholic beverage producers with state and federal licensing, labeling, and compliance issues.
- Drafted entity formation documents and supported business transactions through review and due diligence.
- Provided Spanish-language support to clients across a variety of business matters.
Education & Admissions
Education
- Case Western Reserve University, J.D. (2024)
- Columbia University, B.A., History (2019)
Bar & Court Admissions
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- United States Tax Court
Involvement
Professional Affiliations
- Ohio State Bar Association, Member
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Member
Community Involvement
- Cleveland Leadership Center, OnBoard Cleveland (Class of 2026)
- Esperanza, Inc., Mentor
- College Now Greater Cleveland, Mentor
Publications
- “4 Reasons Why Cannabis Businesses Need a Succession Plan Now,” (Co-Author) Cannabis Business Times (December 2025)
- “Open Season On Regulations: Loper Bright And The Demise Of Chevron,” Probate Law Journal of Ohio (August/July 2025)
- “4 Pitfalls to Avoid When Seeking a Cannabis Trademark (and Tips to Avoid Them),” Cannabis Business Times (July 2025)
- “UPDATE to Telephone Consumer Protection Act Rule on One-to-One Consent,” Frantz Ward Client Alert (January 2025)
- “Stay Compliant: What the New TCPA Rules Mean for Your Business” Frantz Ward Client Alert (January 2025)
Recent News & Blog Posts
Keenan M. Jones and Karina Pantoja Provide 4 Reasons Cannabis Businesses Need a Succession Plan Now
