Our Team In The News
John P. Thomas, elected President of the Parma Bar Association
Congratulations to John P. Thomas, who was sworn in as President of the Parma Bar Association on 2/22/2025.
Schraff Thomas Attorneys Selected for Inclusion to the 2025 Ohio Super Lawyers
Congratulations to Patricia J. Schraff (Top 50 Women Ohio Super Lawyers 2022-2025, Top 25 Women Cleveland Super Lawyers 2022-2024, Super Lawyers 2017-2023), John P. Thomas (Rising Stars 2010, Super Lawyers 2023-2025), and Lindsay C. Jones (Super Lawyers 2025). Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in each state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers is a comprehensive listing of outstanding lawyers in more than 70 areas of practice. Attorneys listed in Ohio Super Lawyers have been chosen by their peers as being among the best in their profession.
John P. Thomas Elected to the Ohio Star Bar Association Council of Delegates” for the OSBA.
Congratulations to John P. Thomas, newly elected to a 3-year Term to the OSBA Council of Delegates as Governor of District 12! The Council reviews proposals from OSBA committees and sections, determines the priority of legislative efforts, and works together with the OSBA’s government affairs team to present the same to the Ohio General Assembly, Congress, and/or the Ohio Supreme Court. John has served as a valued representative with the Council since 2020.
Schraff Thomas Welcomes New Attorney: Megan E. Gross
We are excited to announce the latest addition to our legal team – Megan E. Gross! Megan graduated from Cleveland State University College of Law in 2024, and completed externships with the Cuyahoga County Probate Court under Judge Russo and the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court under Judge Collier-Williams. We initially welcomed Megan to our team as a law clerk in August, 2024, and are thrilled to have her now join us as an Attorney.
Lindsay C. Jones to present at NAELA’s Annual Conference in Bellevue, Washington, May 2025
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys holds an annual in-personal national meeting. Lindsay C. Jones, as co-Chair of NAELA’s Federal Advocacy Committee, will present together with her co-Chair, Lauren Marinaro, on the current efforts and future priorities involved with federal advocacy, as we transition into 2025 and beyond.
Lindsay C. Jones to present at the OSBA’s Elder Law Institute, April 3rd, 2025
The Ohio Bar Association’s Elder Law Institute is an annual event attended by attorneys throughout the state of Ohio. Lindsay C. Jones will be presenting this year on the intricacies involved with applying for Medicaid’s Assisted Living Waiver program.
Lake County Council on Aging 50th Anniversary March for Meals
On April 2, 2022, Schraff Thomas Law sponsored the LCCOA’s 50th Anniversary year March for Meals at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor, Ohio. This was the first live M4M event in over two years due to the pandemic. For more information on the March for Meals, click here.
John P. Thomas Re-Elected to the Ohio State Bar Association Council of Delegates
On March 7, 2022, the OSBA re-elected John P. Thomas to another two year term to serve on its Council of Delegates as a representative of District 12. The OSBA Council of Delegates operates to vet committee and section proposals to become priority legislation for the OSBA and recommends the legislation to the Ohio General Assembly. For more information on the OSBA Council of Delegates, click here.
Claudia Rose Brown Presented on Estate Planning at the Christ Presbyterian Church
On March 10, 2022, Claudia Rose Brown presented at an Estate Planning Workshop on strategic and values-based estate planning at the Christ Presbyterian Church in Chesterland, Ohio. Click here for more information.
Lindsay C. Jones Presenting at the OSBA Elder Law Institute on Medicaid Planning
Lindsay C. Jones will be presenting at the Ohio State Bar Association’s Elder Law Institute on March 10, 2021. The presentation is called Avoiding Spousal Impoverishment While Staying at Home: Issues to Consider. Click here for more information.
Patricia J. Schraff Named 2022 Ohio Super Lawyer and Top 25 Women Attorney in Cleveland
Congratulations to Patricia J. Schraff, who was named a 2022 Ohio Super Lawyer and Ranked in the Top 25 of Women Attorneys in Cleveland. To see Patricia’s Super Lawyers profile click here.
John P. Thomas to Speak on Real Property Issues with Your Estate
On December 8, 2021, John P. Thomas will present on Real Property Issues with Your Estate hosted by Northstar Title and Cleveland Mortgage Corporation. The Presentation will be held at the Warrensville Heights Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library from 10:00am to 12:00pm and will provide 2 free elective hours of continuing education with the Ohio Division of Real Estate. Click here for more information.
John P. Thomas Will Be Speaking at the Assumption Church Estate Planning Seminar
John P. Thomas will be speaking at Assumption Church in Broadview Heights, Ohio on December 1, 2021 at 1:00pm on estate planning.
Lindsay C. Jones to speak at Lake County Bar Association Real Estate Seminar
On November 12, 2021, Lindsay C. Jones will present at the annual LCBA Real Estate Seminar on Ohio’s Notary Public Modernization Act. The Seminar will be held in the Probate Court Hearing Room, 2nd Floor from 1:00-4:30p. To read more about the Seminar, click here.
Patricia J. Schraff Leads Panel Discussion on Advanced Health Care Directives
On October 8, 2021, Patricia J. Schraff Hosted a Panel Discussion at the West Geauga Library with the Geauga County Bar Association Advanced Directives Committee and Hospice of the Western Reserve. To read more about the event in the Geauga Department on Aging Senior News, click here.
Tara M. Pavlovcak Elected to Board of Association of Specialists in Aging
Schraff Thomas Law is pleased to announce that Tara M. Pavlovcak has been elected to serve on the board of directors of the Association of Specialists in Aging (ASA) whose mission is to promote the well being of older persons in Lake and surrounding counties.
Lindsay C. Jones Appointed to OSBA council and NAELA committee
Lindsay C. Jones recently accepted appointment as a regular council member of the Estate Planning, Trust and Probate law section with the OSBA, and was also appointed to the federal advocacy committee of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).
Patricia J. Schraff to Present at Ethics and Eldercare Seminar
On June 30, 2021, Patricia J. Schraff will present at an Ethics and Eldercare Seminar called “Working with Challenging Seniors” at the Lantern of Chagrin Valley. The program is approved by the Ohio Social Work Board for 1.0 hours of CEU credit. To read more about the presentation, click here.
Schraff Thomas Law to Co-Sponsor the C3A Consortium 2021 Annual Conference: Stamping Out Financial Exploitation
On June 11, 2021, Schraff Thomas Law will Co-Sponsor the C3A Consortium Annual Conference, which will focus on combating financial exploitation of seniors. The C3A Consortium advocates for older adults who may be victims of elder abuse and neglect. We promote elder abuse awareness, advocacy, intervention and prevention. To read more about the C3A Consortium read here.
Lindsay C. Jones Presents to Lake County Bar Association on Notary Public Modernization Act
On May 26, 2021, Lindsay C. Jones was the featured presenter at the May Lunch Forum for the Lake County Bar Association. The presentation was titled “State of Ohio’s Notary Public Modernization Act.” To read more about the event click here.
Lindsay C. Jones Authors Article in Geauga County Bar Association Ipso Jure on Legalities of Stimulus Checks
The May 2021 edition of Ipso Jure features an article from Lindsay C. Jones, “When is a Decedent Entitled to a Stimulus Payment” which details the eligibility of estates to receive and retain stimulus checks from the IRS. To view the article, please click here.
John P. Thomas Co-Chairs Law Day Committee of Lake County Bar Association
On April 30, 2021, John P. Thomas co-chaired the Lake County Bar Association Law Day Event held at the Painesville Municipal Court. Law Day was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958 and is celebrated annually to recognize the role of law and its importance on society. To view the article in the Lake County News Herald click here.
Schraff Thomas Law to Co-Sponsor Drive-Thru CEU Event
On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, Schraff Thomas Law is co-sponsoring and hosting “Realistic Optimism,” From Lemons to Lemonade Looking Forward to the Future, a drive-thru CEU event providing 1.0 hours of CEU credit by the Ohio Social Work Board. Click here for more details on the event.
Lindsay C. Jones Featured in NAELA News
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) recently featured the profile of Lindsay C. Jones in its Jan/Feb/Mar 2021 Journal. Ms. Jones is an Ohio Ambassador on the NAELA State Advocacy Committee.
Virtual Wine Night to Support 2021 March for Meals
Schraff Thomas Law is sponsoring the Lake County Council on Aging “Virtual Wine Night” on Friday, March 19, 2021 to support the 16th Annual LCCOA March for Meals.
Lindsay C. Jones Presenting at the OSBA Elder Law Institute on IRAs and Medicaid
Lindsay C. Jones will be presenting at the Ohio State Bar Association’s Elder Law Institute on March 12, 2021. The presentation is called IRAs and Medicaid: The New Frontier, and will explain how required minimum distributions from retirement funds can impact Medicaid eligibility. Click here for more information.
New Schraff Thomas Law Associate
Schraff Thomas Law is pleased to announce the addition of Claudia Rose Brown as an Associate who will practice in the areas of long term care and Medicaid planning and estate planning.
Lindsay C. Jones Developed OSBA CLE Program on the Notary Public Modernization Act
Lindsay C. Jones developed the course plan for an OSBA sponsored CLE program entitled “Calling All Notaries: Updates You Need to Know” which will be a Live Interactive Webinar on February 5, 2021 from 9:00am to Noon. Click here for more information on the Webinar.
LCCOA March for Meals Goes Virtual in 2021
John P. Thomas, President of the Lake County Council on Aging, contributed to an article published in the The Bridge publication of the LCCOA.
Andrew J. Santoli Elected Judge of Cuyahoga Common Pleas Court
On November 3, 2020, the citizens of Cuyahoga County elected Andrew J. Santoli as Judge of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, General Division. He takes his oath of office on January 6, 2021. Click here to read the article on cleveland.com
Patricia J. Schraff Presents on Advanced Directives
Patricia J. Schraff recently presented at the Advanced Directives Seminar at the West Geauga Senior Center for the Geauga County Bar Association. Click here to watch the presentation.
OSBA Council of Delegates Annual Meeting
John P. Thomas, a member of the OSBA Council of Delegates from District 12, attended the Virtual 2020 OSBA Annual Meeting on July 24, 2020. The Council of Delegates is the OSBA’s own “house of representatives,” with 133 members, proportionally representing each OSBA district around the state.
John P. Thomas Elected President of Lake County Council on Aging
The Lake County Council on Aging Board of Directors recently elected John P. Thomas as President effective May 21, 2020 for a two-year term 2020-2022.
Andrew J. Santoli Wins Judicial Primary
Schraff Thomas Law is pleased to announce that Andrew J. Santoli was declared the winner in the Democratic Primary for Judge of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, General Division. He now proceeds to the general election on November 3, 2020.
Senior Resource Panel
John P. Thomas will be speaking during a panel discussion at Maplewood at Chardon on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 12:30pm regarding important senior planning topics.
Why Everyone Needs a Living Will & Health Care Power of Attorney
John P. Thomas recently contributed to an article published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
March for Meals Event
Schraff Thomas Law is a proud sponsor of The Lake County Council on Aging “March for Meals” event. The fundraising event is scheduled for Saturday, March 21st at the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor at 8:30am.
Pat Schraff and Lindsay Jones presenting at the Elder Law Special Needs Planning & Practice Management seminar
Lindsay C. Jones will be presenting at the Ohio State Bar Association’s Elder Law Institute on March 12, 2020. This panel discussion will focus on Stakeholder Liaison interaction with the Ohio Department of Medicaid, and includes as panel members Attorney Ronda J. Cress (Senior Legal Counsel with ODM), and Rachel Hopmoen (Section Chief, Eligibility Policy with ODM).
Patricia J. Schraff will be presenting at the Ohio State Bar Association’s Elder Law Institute on March 13, 2020, regarding the topic of Protecting Baseline Residents’ Rights. This timely topic will include important information on the impact of COVID-19 for nursing facility residents and their families.
Click here for more information about the 2-day seminar in Columbus, Ohio.
Winter Break Event
The Lake County Council on Aging is hosting their annual “Winter Break Event” to support March for Meals on February 20, 2020 at Pastina Rustic Italian Kitchen in Mentor. John Thomas is Vice President of the Board of the LCCOA and on the committee planning the event. Click here for more information.
New Schraff Thomas Law Associate
Schraff Thomas Law is pleased to announce the addition of Tara M. Pavlovcak as an Associate who will work in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, and guardianships.
Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Holiday Scholarship Dance
Schraff Thomas Law proudly sponsored a table at the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Dance on December 6, 2019. Last year, the Chamber awarded 20 scholarships and made donations to area organizations.
John P. Thomas will be speaking at the St. Joseph Parish Will & Estate Seminar
John P. Thomas will be speaking at the St. Joseph Parish Will & Estate Seminar on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 from 7:00-8:00pm in Strongsville, Ohio.
Patricia J. Schraff answers the question: “How Do I Set Up A Trust For My Special Needs Family Member In Ohio?”
Creating a special needs trust can be an important way to protect the financial future of a disabled family member. Click here to read Patricia’s complete answer.
John Thomas speaks at Retirement 101 Seminar
John Thomas will be speaking at a Seminar entitled Retirement 101 on October 2nd and 3rd at Grand River Cellars, 5750 S. Madison Rd., Madison, OH 44057.
Lindsay C. Jones, Ohio NAELA Chapter Member of the Year 2019
It is our pleasure to announce that Lindsay C. Jones has been chosen as the Ohio NAELA Chapter Member of the Year award, for 2019. This is the first year that this honor has been awarded in Ohio, and that decision was based on several factors – including leadership, character, and a dedication to advocacy efforts (at both the state and federal level). Congratulations!