216.696.8700
Derek P. Hartman
Associate
216.736.7248
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Derek P. Hartman

Associate
216.736.7248
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I have been advised by Derek Hartman since 2018. Derek has proven to be a very detailed orientated, solution driven professional advisor. Derek always has his client's' interests and cost / benefit considerations in mind. Always available, courteous and effective.

Francois Venet
Real Estate Owner

OVERVIEW & EXPERIENCE

Derek Hartman is a skilled attorney who brings over a decade of experience to the firm’s Litigation team. Over the course of his career, Derek has represented both individuals and businesses of all sizes, including small businesses and Fortune 500 companies, through every phase of civil litigation. He has also counseled clients in arbitrations and mediations, both private and court ordered. Derek previously owned and operated his own law firm where, besides servicing his clients, Derek managed day-to-day operations. He is passionate about using his skills and energy to apply the rule of law to further the interests of his clients and community. 

Derek holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and paralegal studies from Kent State University, where he graduated summa cum laude, and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron School of Law. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, as well as the Akron and Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Associations. 

An avid Cleveland sports fan, Derek is a Browns season ticket holder and enjoys golfing, skiing and spending time with his fiancée and their dog, Chloe and cat, Chance. 

Representative Experience
  • Represented original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in CERCLA litigation involving E-Waste facility in Ohio with potential liabilities in the tens of millions of dollars.  
  • Represented one of the “big four” automobile manufacturers in defending claims for lemon law, breach of warranty (state and federal) and violations of the Consumer Sales Practices Act in courts throughout the entire State of Ohio. 
  • Represented one of the major petroleum corporations in defending premises liability claims.  
  • Successfully defended claims for fraud, breach of fiduciary duties and a judicial partition of real estate seeking $700,000 in damages by asserting counterclaims which resulted in a near six-figure settlement for the Defendant. 
  • Represented a prominent foreign real estate investor in litigation which arose from a real estate broker’s failure to properly maintain funds in a trust account.   
  • Represented a manufacturing client in defending a federal FLSA collective action which resulted in a favorable settlement prior to class certification. 
  • Represented clients in defense of adverse possession claim concerning property and littoral rights involving land which abuts the shore of Lake Erie. 
  • Represented numerous businesses in commercial litigation with claims involving breach of contract, product liability, and breach of express and implied warranties. 
  • Conducted several bench trails on landlord-tenant rights including, but not limited to, residential and commercial evictions and damages hearings.  
  • Prosecuted and defended dozens of depositions.   
  • Drafted numerous pleadings and motions (including, but not limited to, dispositive motions, motions to strike and motions to compel) and participated in several oral arguments. 
  • Represented investment advisors in defending a multitude of claims that arise from violations of the Ohio Securities Act with eight-figure exposure.
  • Represent notable manufacturer of auto accessories in pursuing litigation in the federal court for the purpose of protecting its intellectual property rights against infringers, both domestic and abroad.
  • Represents large northeastern Ohio accounting firm in collection actions.
AWARDS & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Awards

  • Selected to Ohio Rising Stars, 2019, 2022 – 2024

Professional Affiliations

  • Akron Bar Association 
  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Ohio State Bar Association 
    • Futures Committee, 2016 
BAR / COURT ADMISSIONS
  • Ohio 
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio 
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio 
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
MEDIA MENTIONS

PRACTICE AREAS

EDUCATION

  • University of Akron School of Law, J.D., 2011 
  • Kent State University, B.A., Psychology and Paralegal Studies, 2008, summa cum laude

RECENT KJK INSIGHTS

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I enjoy getting to know my clients on a personal and professional level and find it rewarding to develop and collaborate on litigation strategies and recommendations with both my colleagues and my clients.

Derek P. Hartman
Associate