Paul J. Malie

Paul Malie is an experienced corporate attorney and trusted advisor who leads the Tucker Ellis Commercial Contracts and Data Privacy & Security Groups. He combines deep transactional experience with practical business acumen to help clients navigate complex commercial issues with clarity and confidence.

Paul counsels organizations at every stage of growth, from early-stage ventures to global companies with revenues exceeding $2 billion. He serves as outside general counsel to many middle-market businesses, providing day-to-day guidance that aligns legal strategy with operational and financial objectives.

Paul’s transactional practice spans acquisitions, divestitures, lending, and finance, with particular strength in structuring and negotiating complex joint ventures and strategic partnering arrangements. He advises companies, investors, lenders, brand owners, prime contractors, and subcontractors across industries such as manufacturing, services, construction, distribution, logistics, polymers/plastics, banking, health care, information technology, and professional services. He also has substantial experience drafting and negotiating domestic and international agreements in the cosmetic, skin care, hair care, and dietary supplement sectors, including material sourcing, manufacturing, quality control, testing, and commercialization contracts.

Certified by the IAPP as a Certified Information Privacy Professional/US (CIPP/US), Paul delivers customized, comprehensive, and practical counsel on data privacy and security compliance and risk mitigation. He is a member of The Sedona Conference Working Group 11, focusing on data security and privacy liability.

With a strong finance and business background, Paul emphasizes solutions that are pragmatic, efficient, and tailored to each client’s risk profile and commercial goals. He prioritizes clear communication, disciplined execution, and measurable value creation.

Paul and his wife Nikki live in Aurora, Ohio, with their two children. Outside the office, he enjoys time with his family and golfing with his daughter and son.

Education: Cleveland State University College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2007); Cleveland State Law Review, Managing Editor; Case Western Reserve University (B.A., 1998)

State Admissions: Ohio, 2007

Federal Admissions: United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio

Certifications: Certified Information Privacy Professional/US (CIPP/US)

Service Areas: Commercial Contracts; Privacy & Data Security; Commercial Finance; Corporate Law; Mergers & Acquisitions; Private Equity; Venture Capital; Financial Services – Transactional; Health Care; Hospitality; Middle Market; Public & Structured Finance; Real Estate Finance; Opportunity Zones; Health & Life Sciences; Food, Cosmetics & Dietary Supplements; Construction; Financial Services

Speaking Engagements

“Careers in Technology, Cybersecurity, and Data Privacy,” Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Cleveland, Ohio (November 2025)
“Legacy Planning and Successfully Transitioning Ownership of a Business,” National Franchisor Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee (August 2025)
“Legal Considerations for Joint Ventures in the Construction Industry,” NAMC 56th Annual National Conference, Cleveland, Ohio (June 2025)
“Data Security & Privacy Update: Privacy & AI; Lessons from Recent Data Breaches; Evolving Best Practices,” Tucker Ellis 2024 In-House Counsel Summit (December 2024)
“Legacy Planning and Successfully Transitioning Ownership of a Business,” National Franchisor Annual Conference, Kansas City, Missouri (August 2024)
“A Discussion on Data Security Issues Affecting Businesses Nationwide,” Tucker Ellis In-House Counsel Summit (November 2023)
“ESignatures and Electronic Contracts: What You Need to Know,” National Association of Credit Management (November 2023)
“Commercial Contracts: The Intersection of Business and Intellectual Property for Your Transaction,” Tucker Ellis In-House Counsel Summit (October 2023)
“The Legality of CBD: Separating Fact from Fiction,” 2019 In-House Counsel Summit, Tucker Ellis LLP, Cleveland, Ohio (November 2019)
“The Business Side of CBD: Contracts, Liabilities and More,” California Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Malibu, California (May 2019)
“Blockchain: Changing the Game and Going Beyond Cryptocurrency,” 2018 In-House Counsel Summit, Tucker Ellis LLP, Cleveland, Ohio (October 2018)
“Understanding and Dealing with Bank and Credit Card Data Breaches,” Practical Tips and Tools to Deal with Cybersecurity Challenges, Tucker Ellis LLP, Cleveland, Ohio (July 2016)
“Loan Agreements,” Skoda Minotti CPE Summit, Cleveland, Ohio (October 2014)
“Maximizing Your Business’s Potential: Legal Steps to Successful Business Succession Planning,” Corporate College, Cleveland, Ohio (May 2014)
“Permanent Financing in Ohio for Commercial Real Estate,” Commercial Real Estate Law CLE, Ohio State Bar Association (August 2012)