Overview
Stacey defends and advises employers on a wide variety of workplace matters and claims including discrimination, wrongful termination, wage and hour issues, restrictive covenants, and FMLA, ADA, and Title VII compliance.
She passionately advocates for employers before state and federal courts and administrative agencies around the country. Stacey also regularly advises clients on day-to-day issues that arise in employment relationships and with creating and revising multi-state employee handbooks, workplace policies, severance agreements, and assisting employers with supervisor training and workplace DEI programs.
Stacey is dedicated to protecting employers’ diverse interests by providing clear, reliable legal counsel in an approachable manner. When disputes arise, Stacey works to resolve conflicts effectively while drawing on the unique skills acquired from her decade-long career as a litigation paralegal before becoming a licensed attorney, offering valuable insights to her clients.
During law school at Cleveland State University College of Law, Stacey participated in the Pardon, Clemency, and Reentry Clinic, where she represented individuals seeking clemency from the Ohio Governor and other post-conviction relief. This experience provided her with a key understanding of the judicial system and has enriched her client advocacy.
Outside of work, Stacey enjoys spending time with her husband, Devin, and daughter, Lydia Rose.
Representative Experience
- Advised local healthcare systems of various sizes on employment law and compliance issues under the FMLA, ADA, ADEA, HIPAA, wage and hour regulations, and service and emotional support animal laws, ensuring full compliance and reducing the risk of exposure.
- Defended a local healthcare provider in complex ERISA litigation where plaintiffs—former employees—sought to hold the client responsible for multimillion-dollar damages stemming from alleged breaches related to the company’s employee defined contribution plan.
- Obtained settlement for client alleging claims of retaliation, harassment, defamation, and constructive termination against employer.
- Secured dismissal of commercial contract lawsuit against a small business owner in which the plaintiff attempted to hold the client personally liable for unpaid sales commissions.
- Obtained settlement through alternative dispute resolution in plaintiff-side will contest action.
Education & Admissions
Education
- Cleveland State University College of Law, J.D., 2022
- Kent State University, B.A., 2015
Bar and Court Admissions
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
Involvement
Professional Affiliations
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Member (2018-Present):
- Labor and Employment Section, Member
- Litigation Section, Member and Head of Programming
- Young Lawyers Section, Member
- Women in Law, Member
- Mental Health & Wellness Committee, Member and Chair (2023-2024)
- Bar Circles, Working Parents, Member and Programming Coordinator
- Federal Bar Association, Member
- Ohio State Bar Association, Member
- Westshore Bar Association, Member
Community Involvement
- Cleveland State University Young Alumni Council, Council Member
- Cleveland State University College of Law, Alumni Mentor
Firm Involvement
- Vice Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (2025 – Present)
Publications
- “OSHA’s New PPE Rule: Ensuring Proper Fit for Construction Workers,” Frantz Ward On the Level / Labor & Employment Law Navigator (December 2024)
- “Texas Federal Court Halts New DOL Overtime Rule Nationwide, Citing Overreach: What Employers Need to Know,” Frantz Ward Labor & Employment Navigator Blog (November 2024)
Presentations & Lectures
- “Anchored in Compliance: Navigating Marijuana and Employment Law,” Frantz Ward Labor & Employment Seminar (June 2025)
- “FMLA & ADA Essentials Unplugged,” Co-presenter, OSBA Fundamentals of Employment Law Webinar (May 2025)
- “Building Bridges: Navigating Relationships with Clients and Opposing Counsel,” Moderator, CMBA (May 2024)
- “Mind Matters: Breaking the Mental Health Stigma,” Moderator, CMBA (March 2023)
Representative Experience
- Advised local healthcare systems of various sizes on employment law and compliance issues under the FMLA, ADA, ADEA, HIPAA, wage and hour regulations, and service and emotional support animal laws, ensuring full compliance and reducing the risk of exposure.
- Defended a local healthcare provider in complex ERISA litigation where plaintiffs—former employees—sought to hold the client responsible for multimillion-dollar damages stemming from alleged breaches related to the company’s employee defined contribution plan.
- Obtained settlement for client alleging claims of retaliation, harassment, defamation, and constructive termination against employer.
- Secured dismissal of commercial contract lawsuit against a small business owner in which the plaintiff attempted to hold the client personally liable for unpaid sales commissions.
- Obtained settlement through alternative dispute resolution in plaintiff-side will contest action.
Education & Admissions
Education
- Cleveland State University College of Law, J.D., 2022
- Kent State University, B.A., 2015
Bar and Court Admissions
- State of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
Involvement
Professional Affiliations
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Member (2018-Present):
- Labor and Employment Section, Member
- Litigation Section, Member and Head of Programming
- Young Lawyers Section, Member
- Women in Law, Member
- Mental Health & Wellness Committee, Member and Chair (2023-2024)
- Bar Circles, Working Parents, Member and Programming Coordinator
- Federal Bar Association, Member
- Ohio State Bar Association, Member
- Westshore Bar Association, Member
Community Involvement
- Cleveland State University Young Alumni Council, Council Member
- Cleveland State University College of Law, Alumni Mentor
Firm Involvement
- Vice Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (2025 – Present)
Publications
- “OSHA’s New PPE Rule: Ensuring Proper Fit for Construction Workers,” Frantz Ward On the Level / Labor & Employment Law Navigator (December 2024)
- “Texas Federal Court Halts New DOL Overtime Rule Nationwide, Citing Overreach: What Employers Need to Know,” Frantz Ward Labor & Employment Navigator Blog (November 2024)
Presentations & Lectures
- “Anchored in Compliance: Navigating Marijuana and Employment Law,” Frantz Ward Labor & Employment Seminar (June 2025)
- “FMLA & ADA Essentials Unplugged,” Co-presenter, OSBA Fundamentals of Employment Law Webinar (May 2025)
- “Building Bridges: Navigating Relationships with Clients and Opposing Counsel,” Moderator, CMBA (May 2024)
- “Mind Matters: Breaking the Mental Health Stigma,” Moderator, CMBA (March 2023)
