Tucker Ellis LLP is pleased to announce the election of four attorneys to the firm’s partnership and the promotion of five attorneys to counsel, effective January 1, 2026.

“At its core, our business is about delivering outstanding results for clients and investing in the talented people who make that possible,” said incoming Tucker Ellis Managing Partner James Mizgala. “These lawyers have earned the trust of both clients and colleagues by consistently performing at the highest level. We are proud to recognize their achievements and look forward to supporting the continued growth of their practices at Tucker Ellis.”

Elected to the partnership are Elisabeth Arko, Joshua Fellenbaum, Edward Racek, and Grayson Sieg.

Elisabeth Arko concentrates her practice on complex litigation and appellate matters, with particular experience in hospitality and product liability defense. She develops comprehensive strategies from the outset of motion practice through trial and appeal, ensuring that key issues are preserved and favorable outcomes are achieved. Ms. Arko has argued appeals before state and federal courts across the country and co‑authored amicus briefs for both statewide and national organizations. She earned her law degree summa cum laude from Cleveland State University College of Law, where she was Editor‑in‑Chief of the Cleveland State Law Review, and her undergraduate degree from Ashland University.

Joshua Fellenbaum leads the firm’s Arbitration & International Disputes practice, advising clients on cross‑border dispute resolution, including commercial and investment arbitration and mediation. He guides clients through every stage of the process, from drafting dispute resolution clauses to enforcing arbitral awards. Mr. Fellenbaum has experience with a wide range of arbitral rules, including ICC, JAMS, SIAC, ICSID, AAA, LCIA, PCA, and SCC rules, as well as ad hoc proceedings under UNCITRAL rules. Recognized in Lexology Index: Arbitration Future Leaders (formerly Who’s Who Legal) since 2017, he is available to serve as an arbitrator. Before joining Tucker Ellis, Mr. Fellenbaum practiced at leading law firms in Australia, Sweden, and England. He earned his law degree from Cleveland State University College of Law, a certificate from studying at the School of International Arbitration at Queen Mary University of London, and his undergraduate degree from American University.

Edward Racek represents clients in high-stakes business disputes involving real property, employment, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. He co-leads Tucker Ellis’s title and escrow practice group as well as the data privacy and security practice group. With nearly two decades of experience spanning industries such as real estate, ESOPs, insurance, healthcare, and cannabis/CBD, Mr. Racek skillfully manages complex, high‑exposure cases from trial through appeal and provides strategic counsel on regulatory matters to help clients mitigate risk. He earned his LL.M. in Health Care Law cum laude from the University of San Diego School of Law, his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego.

Grayson Sieg advises financial institutions, real estate owners, and developers on a broad range of real estate finance transactions across the country. His experience includes unsecured financings, loan syndications, and construction, permanent, and bridge loans secured by multifamily, hospitality, retail, office, industrial, and mixed‑use assets. Mr. Sieg also counsels on complex collateral structures, such as REIT financings, senior housing, mezzanine and other subordinated financings, as well as note purchases and sales. Over the course of his career, he has played a key role in documenting and closing transactions totaling billions of dollars. Mr. Sieg earned his law degree summa cum laude from Cleveland State University College of Law, his master’s degree from Boston University, and his undergraduate degree from Case Western Reserve University.

Promoted to counsel are Ariana Bernard, Smita Gautam, Helena Guye, Elizabeth LaSavio, and Riley Shaw.

Ariana Bernard represents clients in complex commercial and employment litigation across the country. She defends employers in single‑plaintiff, class, and collective actions and provides counsel on employment agreements and handbooks. Ms. Bernard has substantial experience handling non‑compete and trade secret matters, including TROs and preliminary injunctions. In addition, she represents insurers in sophisticated coverage litigation, including class actions. Ms. Bernard earned her law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University.

Smita Gautam concentrates her practice on complex civil litigation, with particular experience in defending personal injury claims and handling commercial disputes in both state and federal courts. She serves as national counsel for a leading vertical transportation system manufacturer, with a focus on litigation in Georgia, as well as nationwide motor vehicle accident litigation for three global companies. Ms. Gautam manages cases through all stages of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, dispositive motions, and mediation. She earned her law degree from Emory University School of Law and holds undergraduate degrees in marketing and history from The Ohio State University.

Helena Guye protects and enforces clients’ intellectual property rights in matters involving trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. She provides comprehensive strategic trademark counseling, including clearance searches, prosecution, and portfolio management, and offers guidance on copyright registration and protection. Ms. Guye earned her law degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia and her undergraduate degree from Webster University.

Elizabeth LaSavio represents clients in premises liability, product liability, general negligence, and specialty insurance litigation, with a strong focus on toxic tort defense. She oversees all aspects of claims from inception through resolution, including investigation, discovery, key depositions, motion practice, and trial preparation. Ms. LaSavio is recognized for developing strategies that drive early and favorable outcomes for clients. She earned her law degree from DePaul University College of Law and her undergraduate degree from Tulane University.

Riley Shaw represents clients in mass tort and product liability matters, managing all aspects of  pre‑trial litigation in state and federal courts across the country. His experience includes premises liability and personal injury. Mr. Shaw serves on national counsel teams, notably in motor vehicle litigation for a Fortune 300 company, and provides strategic advice on creditors’ rights, such as creditors’ bills, garnishments, and foreclosures. He earned his law degree summa cum laude from Cleveland State University College of Law and his undergraduate degree from Cleveland State University.