Atty. Stephen Michael Bales

Atty. Stephen Michael Bales

Stephen Michael Bales is a lawyer practicing arbitration, defense litigation, fdcpa defense litigation and 11 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from Rockford College in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years.

Cleveland Cleveland 43 yrs experience 43 year
Call (216) 815-3936 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Stephen Michael Bales at a glance

Stephen Michael Bales is a Managing Partner based in Cleveland, Ohio, practicing at Ziegler Metzger LLP. They have 43+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1983. Their practice focuses on criminal defense, employment, business, real estate, and bankruptcy. Admitted to practice in Ohio (1983), U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio (1983), U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (1986), and U.S. Supreme Court (1987). Educated at Cleveland State University (J.D., 1983) and Rockford College (B.A., 1979). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Cleveland Metropolitan, Geauga County and Ohio State Bar Associations. Serands clients in Cleveland, OH and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Stephen Michael Bales is a lawyer practicing arbitration, defense litigation, fdcpa defense litigation and 11 other areas of law
  • Stephen received a B.A. degree from Rockford College in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years
  • Stephen practices at Ziegler Metzger LLP in Cleveland, OH

Practice Areas Explained

Stephen Michael Bales's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Stephen Michael Bales handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Stephen Michael Bales is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Ohio →

Employment Law

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

Stephen Michael Bales is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Ohio →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Stephen Michael Bales is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Ohio →

Real Estate Law

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

Stephen Michael Bales is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Ohio →

Bankruptcy & Debt

A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Stephen Michael Bales is one of 105,321 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland or all attorneys in Ohio.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Stephen Michael Bales

Where is Stephen Michael Bales's law office located?
Stephen Michael Bales's law practice is located in Cleveland, Ohio. The firm is Ziegler Metzger LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Stephen Michael Bales handle?
Stephen Michael Bales focuses on criminal defense, employment, business, real estate, bankruptcy. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Ohio.
How long has Stephen Michael Bales practiced law?
Stephen Michael Bales has 43+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1983.
Where did Stephen Michael Bales go to law school?
Stephen Michael Bales earned their education at (J.D., 1983); (B.A., 1979).
How can I contact Stephen Michael Bales for a consultation?
You can contact Stephen Michael Bales 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 Stephen Michael Bales received?
Stephen Michael Bales's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
Cleveland State University
- 1983
B.A.
Rockford College
- 1979

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Ohio
Admitted: 1983
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
Admitted: 1983
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
Admitted: 1986
U.S. Supreme Court
Admitted: 1987
U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
Admitted: 1998
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
Admitted: 2000
U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
Admitted: 2000
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
Admitted: 2001

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