Caryn Groedel & Associates Co., LPA

CARYN MARKOWITZ GROEDEL     

Caryn Markowitz Groedel received her Bachelors of Arts degree from George Washington University and her Juris Doctorate from George Mason University.  Caryn is a certified specialist in employment and labor law. 

Throughout her career, Caryn has been recognized for her accomplishments, including recognition by Cleveland Magazine in 2009 as one of Cleveland's Top 50 Lawyers and as one of Cleveland's Top 25 Women Lawyers.  She was recognized as a "Super Lawyer" by Ohio Super Lawyer Magazine in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011, and in February 2008 was recognized as one of Ohio's Top Employment Lawyers by Corporate Counsel magazine. 

Caryn's major accomplishments include a $2.1M verdict in a gender/pregnancy discrimination/sexual harassment case; a $1.3M verdict in an age discrimination and retaliation case; and an $800,000 verdict in a reverse sexual harassment case. 

She is a founding member of the Cleveland Employment Lawyers Inns of Court, and she is a long-term member of the National Employment Lawyers Association, the Ohio Employment Lawyers Association, and the Cleveland Employment Lawyers Association.  Caryn has been featured in local and national media, is a frequent speaker on employment-related issues, and is licensed to practice law in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

CHASTITY L. CHRISTY

Chastity received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 2000, and her Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 2003.  Chastity is admitted to practice law in the State of Ohio (2003) and in the Northern District of Ohio (2004).

She has successfully represented employees in many employment discrimination matters and in many forums, including federal courts, state courts, arbitrations, mediations, the State Personnel Board of Review, and appellate courts.  She has also obtained favorable appellate decisions in a variety of appellate matters.  

Chastity is a member of the Ohio Employment Lawyers Association (OELA) and the Cleveland Employment Lawyers Association (CELA).  She enjoys volunteering at animal rescue organizations and organizations that assist sick and underprivileged children.

MATTHEW M. RIES

Matthew received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Miami University in May of 2005, and his Juris Doctorate from Capital Law School in May of 2008.  In the spring of 2007, Matthew was awarded an Excellence in Advocacy Award for his performance at the Ruby R. Vale Corporate Moot Court Competition. Matthew was admitted to practice law in Ohio in November of 2008.

Matthew represents employees in the areas of employment discrimination, Ohio wage law violations, and employment-related contractual disputes in state and appellate courts.  

 JENNIFER L. SPECK

Jen received her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from Miami University of Ohio, and her Juris Doctorate and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Akron.  Jen is admitted to practice law in Ohio (2005) and in the Northern District of Ohio (2005).

Jen has represented individuals in employment-related matters and forums for 5 years, including a successful age discrimination argument (which was televised) before the Ohio Supreme Court in 2008.   She has also served as an Arbitrator for the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. 

Jen, who is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, and volunteers annually for an election protection group  to protect the rights of Ohio voters.