Three McDonald Hopkins attorneys recognized as Crain's Cleveland 2025 Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys

McDonald Hopkins is proud to announce that Crain's Cleveland has recognized attorneys Richard Blake, David Cupar and Franklin Malemud as 2025 Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys.

This recognition is given to attorneys who excel in high-stakes, complex litigation. Richard, Dave and Franklin have demonstrated exceptional skill in advocating for their clients and handling critical cases with significant financial and personal implications. Their recognition reflects not only their courtroom expertise but also their dedication to delivering outstanding legal representation to their clients.

Richard Blake has served as Chair of McDonald Hopkins’ Government Compliance, Investigations, and White Collar Defense Practice Group for 13 years. He focuses his practice on a wide-range of criminal and civil matters, including health care fraud, securities fraud, Controlled Substances Act violations, contract procurement fraud, and public corruption. Richard’s dedication to his clients is unmatched, and his ability to assemble tailored teams has led to remarkable success. He approaches every case with a profound understanding of the responsibility entrusted to him, often defending his clients’ reputation and freedom.

Dave Cupar has been the Chair of McDonald Hopkins’ Intellectual Property practice since 2009. In that time, he has grown the practice from 4 attorneys to more than 21.Dave handles high-stakes intellectual property litigation nationwide, securing significant victories. In addition to his own robust practice, he has developed a diverse team and strategy to help clients protect their innovations in nearly every industry. Dave has also been instrumental in fostering stronger connections within Northeast Ohio’s MedTech community by collaborating with leading organizations such as Ohio Life Sciences, Team NEO, and Wave Strategies. 

Franklin Malemud serves as Chair of the Trust and Estate Litigation Practice Group. His practice focuses on disputes and problem solving involving family wealth transfer, wills, trusts, guardianship, conservatorship, powers of attorney, and living wills. Additionally, Franklin has experience in professional liability defense litigation focused on lawyer negligence .He specializes in handling tricky trust and estate disputes, often dealing with complicated family dynamics. In one specific case highlighted in his nomination, he helped resolve a trust-related conflict by sorting through allegations of wrongdoing while keeping the family on good terms. His focus is always on finding fair solutions without creating lasting divisions.

Congratulations on the well-deserved recognition!