
Derek Hartman
Super Lawyers®Litigation Lawyers in Cleveland, OH in Cleveland, OH
About Derek Hartman
Derek P. Hartman, shareholder at Cavitch, Familo & Durkin Co., brings over a decade of litigation experience, representing individuals and businesses in complex civil disputes across Ohio, the United States, and internationally. Licensed in all state and federal courts in Ohio, he advocates for clients in high-stakes federal and state court cases, arbitrations, and mediations. A trusted legal advisor in product liability and commercial litigation, Hartman has successfully defended product manufacturers in breach of contract, breach of warranty, and consumer-related tort claims. His work includes representing one of the “Big Four” automobile manufacturers in lemon law, breach of warranty, and Consumer Sales Practices Act cases statewide. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees Derek Hartman included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors Super Lawyers – Rising Star, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Other Sources of Feedback About Derek Hartman Included on the 2026Ohio Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2025 Ohio Super Lawyers list 2024 Ohio Super Lawyers list 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers list 2022 Ohio Super Lawyers list 2019 Ohio Super Lawyers list
Education
Legal Education
- University of Akron School of Law, Akron, Ohio
- J.D.
Non Legal Education
- Kent State University, summa cum laude, B.A., Psychology, B.A. Paralegal Studies
Current Employment Position(s)
- Shareholder
Pro Bono Activities
- The Steak Club Foundation, 2017-2019, 2024-Present
- Representative Clients
- Represented former FirstEnergy C-Suite executive as local counsel in three (3) class-action lawsuits which arise from the passing of HB6.
- Represented prominent local, national, and international businesses in protecting their brands and reputations through complex litigation involving design patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual property rights.
- Represented shareholders in securities class action litigation involving the merger of two publicly traded companies. Represented various product manufacturers in claims involving product liability, breach of warranty, breach of contract, and related claims
- Represented former owner of industrial property in defending claims for breach of fiduciary duty and other business-related torts.
- Represented businesses in complex commercial litigation in all forums, including federal court, state court, and arbitration, in various jurisdictions throughout the United States
- Identify, engage, and manage local counsel and expert witnesses throughout the world.
- Represented clients in defense of adverse possession claim instituted by a neighbor concerning property and littoral rights involving land which abuts the shore of Lake Erie
- Conducted several bench trails on landlord-tenant rights including, but not limited, to residential and commercial evictions and damages hearings.
- Successfully defended claims for fraud, breach of fiduciary duties, and a judicial partition of real estate seeking $700,000 in damages by
- Represented a prominent foreign real estate investor in litigation which arose from a real estate broker’s failure to properly maintain ~$150,000 in a trust account.
- Represented Defendant in defending a federal FLSA collective action which resulted in a favorable settlement prior to class certification.
Bar Admissions
- Ohio
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio
Other Affiliations
- Ohio State Bar Association
- Futures Committee, 2017
- Defense Research Institute
- Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys
- Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2026
Attorney Details
| Full Name | Derek Hartman |
| Firm | Cavitch Familo Durkin Co LPA |
| Address | 1300 East Ninth Street, 20th Floor, Cleveland, OH 44114 |
| Phone | 216-472-4624 |
| Website | www.cavitch.com |
| Website | www.bradleyhull.com |
| Website | cavitch.com/blog |
| New Clients | ✓ Currently accepting |