Friedman, Gilbert + Gerhardstein

05/29/2026

After decades of keeping this firm running, supporting the people behind the work, and serving as a constant presence through generations of cases, clients, and change, our office manager Michelle is retiring.

People often see the courtroom victories, the headlines, and the impact litigation. What they don’t always see are the people who make that work possible every single day behind the scenes. Michelle has been one of those people for decades. She dedicated her entire professional life to our clients, serving them and protecting them with dignity and love.

Michelle’s steady leadership and commitment helped shape FG+G into what it is today, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Thank you, Michelle, for everything you gave to this firm and the people in it!

05/22/2026

Last weekend, FG+G partner Al Gerhardstein challenged the Donald P. Klekamp College of Law graduating class to enter the profession with their eyes open and the courage to speak up when the law falls short of its own principles.

“You’re too good, too learned, and too principled to put your head down and practice law without raising questions when you observe conduct that will stretch that say-do gap,” Al told graduates.

In our work, the “say-do gap” emerges when institutions publicly champion justice and accountability while failing to deliver either when it matters most. Al has spent decades challenging that contradiction, and progress only happens when the next generation of lawyers refuses to look away.

Watch the full address here: https://ow.ly/jkHZ50Z39AQ

05/14/2026

For more than five decades, Cincinnati has shaped Al Gerhardstein’s work—and Al Gerhardstein has helped shape Cincinnati.

From the Collaborative Agreement to landmark civil rights litigation and longstanding support for organizations serving the community, Al’s impact on the city’s legal and civic landscape runs deep.

This weekend, the University of Cincinnati College of Law will recognize that legacy as Al serves as the distinguished speaker for its hooding ceremony.

Few lawyers have spent more time challenging power, defending constitutional rights, and pushing institutions toward accountability.

We can’t think of a better person to address the next generation of attorneys. Congratulations, Al!

05/12/2026

Jacob Derbin trusted the system he served. That trust failed him. After Jacob’s death on May 11, 2024, it became clear that serious breakdowns in communication, leadership, and transparency cost Jacob his life.

The information and answers Jacob’s family sought about how and why he died emerged as links to the Euclid Police Department’s historical failures to properly train, supervise, and investigate its own officers, and a culture that too often closes ranks instead of confronting missteps and misconduct.

FG+G has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Jacob’s family because his death was preventable, and his family wants answers, accountability, and change.

Read more about this case here:

Officer Jacob Derbin’s family sued over what it said were failures by Euclid police and dispatch that led to his death during a domestic violence call.

05/11/2026

What does it take to correct the injustice of wrongful convictions?

On June 2, CSU College of Law will highlight the relentless work of those fighting to expose injustice, free the innocent, and help people rebuild after the system failed them.

Why attend?
✅ Candid discussion on the impact of wrongful convictions
✅ Hear the story of our client Michael Sutton
🍪 Drinks and refreshments provided
🎷 Live jazz by Sweet Willie and the Solid Cats

Register here: https://ow.ly/BtZk50YXLTT

05/08/2026

It took more than six years to get here.

Yesterday, a jury found former sheriff’s deputy Jason Meade guilty of reckless homicide in the killing of Casey Goodson Jr. in 2020.

It took delays, mistrials, and a system that refuses to hold its own accountable, but the jury saw the truth for what it was. Jason Meade showed utter disregard for Casey’s life, murdering a young man who had no criminal history and a whole life ahead of him.

This charge does not bring Casey back, but it is a step toward accountability. Deadly force without justification isn’t policing, and it demands real consequences.

FG+G represented Casey’s family in the civil case that resulted in a $7M settlement in 2024.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/wIr850YWJI9

05/08/2026

The Ohio Association for Justice defends the right to take on powerful institutions—and win.

Yesterday, FG+G partner Sarah Gelsomino took on a leadership role in that fight as she was sworn in as secretary.

OAJ has spent decades strengthening trial lawyers and defending access to the civil justice system across Ohio. Sarah has built her career doing exactly that, and she brings a trial lawyer’s perspective—grounded in real cases and real consequences—to OAJ’s leadership. Congratulations!

04/20/2026

No one should be treated the way ICE agents treated Aliya Rahman: stripped of her rights, dragged from her car, and denied medical care and disability accommodations while held under atrocious conditions.

Aliya is fighting back. Together with co-counsel The MacArthur Justice Center, FG+G has filed a lawsuit on her behalf, challenging these blatant civil rights violations and unlawful detention.

FG+G partner Al Gerhardstein is representing multiple plaintiffs impacted by recent ICE operations in Minneapolis, bringing claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Federal power is not above the Constitution—and the FTCA remains one of the few viable paths to hold federal actors accountable and pursue damages.

Stay tuned to our page for updates on Aliya’s case and others confronting abuse and violence at the hands of ICE.

04/10/2026

Michael Roman was facing a potential life sentence for a crime he didn’t commit—until a jury saw the truth.

Not guilty.

Back-to-back murder acquittals. Six acquittals in a row. Michael's verdict continues a streak of hard-fought victories for our team.

Getting these results isn’t easy, and the verdict tells just part of the story. Defending our clients starts on day one and doesn’t end until we’ve done everything in our power to ensure justice. We show up like everything is on the line because for clients like Michael, it is.

04/09/2026

It was an inspiring night at the Ohio Innocence Project Gala—and a reminder of why this work is so important.

The event was filled with people who believe in the rights of the wrongfully convicted: clients, advocates, and keynote speaker Tony Goldwyn, actor, director, and a longtime board member and ambassador for the Innocence Project. The takeaway was clear and powerful: overturning wrongful convictions takes all of us.

📸 1: Sarah Gelsomino, FG+G client Chris Miller, and Jacqueline Greene
📸 2: Marcus Sidoti, Sarah, Elijah Hack, Jacqueline, and attorney and OIP faculty member Brian Howe
📸 3: FG+G client Michael Sutton and Sarah