Professional Experience

Cleveland attorney Peter Hessler has represented a variety of clients over the years — companies, individuals, and non-profits — who have faced challenges and opportunities in probate litigation, commercial matters and otherwise. This includes situations where the clients are drawn into court or where clients are left with no alternative but to pursue legal action.

Peter navigates his clients through whatever their challenges might be, seeking the most effective and economical way to achieve their objectives. He is committed to being a part of the solution, not a part of the problem, facing his clients. 

As examples, Peter has assisted clients in resolving:

  • Disputes over medical claims 
  • Probate-related matters 
  • A nationwide class action case claiming fraudulent practices 
  • An internet patent infringement case 
  • Multiple actions filed by a foundation seeking to enforce several “submarine patents” 
  • A deceptive advertising claim filed against a medical institution 
  • Medical negligence claims against a provider of plastic surgical services 
  • A protracted dispute between two organizations operating a school 
  • A major dispute between two large manufacturers 

Peter also serves as legal counsel and advisor to several non-profit organizations, including:

  • The Ohio District of the Lutheran Church: Missouri Synod
  • The Cleveland Lutheran High School Association
  • The City Mission
  • Building Hope in the City

Peter has shifted most of his emphasis to assisting clients with their estate planning needs and in the administration of various trusts. His goal is to assure, as much as possible, an effective administration of estates and the transfer of wealth to succeeding generations. He continues to represent a number of non-profits and other clients with which he has developed a long-standing relationship. 

Practice Areas

Litigation

Non-profit Representation

Trusts and Estates

Admissions

  • State of Ohio (All Courts), 1978
  • United States Supreme Court, 1992
  • United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 2004
  • United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, 1978
  • United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, 2005
  • Several United States District Courts, pro hac vice

Memberships / Honors / Awards

  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Ohio State Bar Association
  • Featured Attorney – Attorney-At-Law Magazine® - August 2017
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers®, 2018-present, Commercial Litigation
  • Presenter, Valparaiso University School of Law – Annual Institute on Law and Ministry, 1998, 2003
  • Former Member and Secretary, Commission on Theology & Church Relations of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
  • Former Member, President’s Advisory Council, Valparaiso University
  • Member, National Council of the College of Arts & Sciences, Valparaiso University

Education

  • J.D., Valparaiso University, With High Distinction, 1978
  • B.A., Valparaiso University, Summa Cum Laude, 1975

Publications / Presentations