Atty. Brian R. Mertes

Atty. Brian R. Mertes

Brian joined Black, McCuskey in 2001 and became a partner in 2004. He is currently a member of the Firm's Management Committee and serves as Chairman of the Firm's Recruiting Committee.

Canton Canton 31 yrs experience 31 year
Call (216) 424-5037 Email Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Brian R. Mertes at a glance

Brian R. Mertes is a Managing Partner based in Canton, Ohio, practicing at Black McCuskey Souers & Arbaugh Legal Professional Association. They have 31+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1995. Their practice focuses on employment, workers comp, construction, and litigation. Admitted to practice in Ohio (1995) and United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio (1997). Educated at University of Akron (J.D., 1995) and University of Dayton (B.S., 1992). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Serands clients in Canton, OH and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Brian joined Black, McCuskey in 2001 and became a partner in 2004
  • He is currently a member of the Firm's Management Committee and serves as Chairman of the Firm's Recruiting Committee
  • His practice focuses on representing businesses in labor and employment relaters matters
  • Brian counsels clients regarding all aspects of employee relations including compliance with state and federal labor and employment laws, hiring and terminations, employee discipline, employment policies, safety, workers' compensation, OSHA and union matters
  • Brian also has extensive experience defending businesses against employment related claims including workers' compensation, retaliation and discrimination
  • Brian also acts as general counsel to a number of businesses and non-profit organizations
  • Brian received his undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Dayton and his law degree from the University of Akron
  • He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1995 and the U.S
  • District Court, Northern district of Ohio in 1997
  • Brian is certified as a workers' compensation specialist by the Ohio State Bar Association
  • Brian frequently lectures and writes articles regarding current developments in employment and workers' compensation issues and legislation that impact employers, both large and small
  • He is a member of the Ohio State and Stark County Bar Associations, serves on the boards of Mercy Hospital, Junior Achievement of East Central Ohio and The Friends of Stark Parks, and belongs to the Self Insurers' Group of Ohio, the Stark County Safety Council, and the Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce
  • Brian resides in Jackson Township with his wife, Julie, and their daughters
  • They are parishioners of St. Michael Church

Practice Areas Explained

Brian R. Mertes's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Brian R. Mertes handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

Brian R. Mertes is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Ohio →

Workers Compensation

Workers compensation lawyers help injured workers get medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits. Free consult, no fee unless you win.

Brian R. Mertes is one of 55,389 workers comp attorneys indexed nationally. Browse workers comp attorneys in Ohio →

Construction Law

Brian R. Mertes is one of 40,689 construction attorneys indexed nationally. Browse construction attorneys in Ohio →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Brian R. Mertes is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Ohio →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Ohio

Practicing law in Ohio. Legal matters in Ohio are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Canton are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Ohio state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Ohio brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Ohio courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Ohio attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Canton or all attorneys in Ohio.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Brian R. Mertes

Where is Brian R. Mertes's law office located?
Brian R. Mertes's law practice is located in Canton, Ohio. The firm is Black McCuskey Souers & Arbaugh Legal Professional Association. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Brian R. Mertes handle?
Brian R. Mertes focuses on employment, workers comp, construction, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Ohio.
How long has Brian R. Mertes practiced law?
Brian R. Mertes has 31+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1995.
Where did Brian R. Mertes go to law school?
Brian R. Mertes earned their education at (J.D., 1995); (B.S., 1992).
How can I contact Brian R. Mertes for a consultation?
You can contact Brian R. Mertes directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Brian R. Mertes received?
Brian R. Mertes's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Education

J.D.
University of Akron
- 1995
B.S.
University of Dayton
- 1992

Awards

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions

Ohio
Admitted: 1995
United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio
Admitted: 1997

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