BetrasKopp earns multiple Five Star Google Reviews from clients

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How do we ear so many glowing Five Star Google reviews from clients?

By doing what we always do: fighting tirelessly to seek and secure justice for our clients…
If you are someone you know has been injured in a car crash, hurt by a negligent doctor or health care provider, is suffering because someone else was negligent, is facing criminal charges, or is involved in a business dispute, contact the law firm that goes the extra mile for every client: BetrasKopp.

Here is a sample of our recent reviews:

Attorney Tallie Orengia

Kimber S.: I cannot say enough positive things about Attorney Tallie Orengia. From the very beginning of my custody case, she was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in my family’s well-being.

Custody cases are emotionally exhausting, but Ms
Orengia consistently provided reassurance, clear guidance, and strong advocacy every step of the way.
She took the time to truly listen to my concerns, explained the legal process in a way that was easy to understand, and always made sure I felt prepared and informed. Her attention to detail, strategic approach, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the case.
What stood out most was her compassion combined with her confidence in the courtroom. She fought tirelessly on my behalf while remaining respectful and focused on what was in the best interest of the child. I always felt supported and never like just another case.
I am incredibly grateful for her hard work and highly recommend Attorney Tallie Orengia to anyone in need of an exceptional family law attorney, especially for custody matters.

Gary  Squire: Dave Betras was outstanding on my case. He gave me his cell number always answered my calls his staff, including Julie were very nice to me and I was very happy about the outcome of my case.

D Custer: Very professional , helping me with all my legal needs . A great team of attorneys !!! Thank you !!

Grant Howdershelt posted: I’ve had several cases that Dave and the form has handled over the years,I must say they are the best.
Ashley: Dave is a wonderful attorney along with being very knowledgeable in the malpractice space ! He Recently talked with my father regarding some issues and helped him along the way as to what steps to take next! If you are looking for an attorney to help Dave is the guy !!!

Joseph Nohra: Where do I start? This firm gave me my life back. Attacked by the media and let down by many others who tossed me and my family aside, David, Brian, their attorneys, investigator, Kim, Julie, other staff, etc, etc, etc never left my side. On my lowest days, David and Brian double teamed on every facet of my case. They were honest and completely committed. They helped my spouse and children to cope with this aggressive case against me. All angles were addressed and they dropped everything to get me to the finish line. When I look back at this, I thank god that good friends – two very close true friends and brothers connected me to them. Watching them work was incredible. I could write for an hour about this firm. Not enough stars to rate them!

Allyson Fonseca: Betras is The best attorney in northeast Ohio! His office went above and beyond to get my case dismissed. Julie his paralegal was amazing her communication and all around knowledge made my nerves at ease going through such a tough situation. Thank you so much to Betras and the whole team you guys are amazing!

Juan Gomez Maldonado: Attorney Cassese. Worth every dime. This lawfirm has the best in both areas where I live Ohio and Florida . I’m always covered.

John Cantry Jr.: This Betras Law Firm is the best ever in the Entire area..There is not much this Law firm cannot do for you. PERSONAL INJURY, CRIMINAL, ETC….Mr. D.J.Betras is an absolute beast in any court room. Very, very well respected by Judges, prosecutors, and other lawyers. If this firm cannot help you, then it can’t be done. His own private investigator who assists in any form on various cases.

Dr. Pinkett: I am writing to highly recommend David Betras Law Firm for their exceptional legal representation and unwavering professionalism during a very difficult time for our family.

When our son encountered legal trouble while visiting from out of town, we were overwhelmed, unfamiliar with the local system, and deeply concerned about how everything would unfold. From our very first interaction, Mr.Betras was quick to respond, clearly communicated the process, and took immediate action to ensure our son’s rights and well-being were protected.
What stood out the most was his patience and compassion—not just with our son, but with us as a family. Our son being far from home in a stressful situation, it meant the world to have someone who treated us with such care, answered every question thoroughly, and never made us feel rushed or dismissed.
Thanks to Mr. Betras efficiency and legal expertise, we were able to navigate the situation with confidence and clarity. We are deeply grateful for the support and professionalism we received, and we would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone in need of a capable and compassionate attorney.

Ruling by Judge Rice is major victory for former Ursuline student athletes, BetrasKopp vows to continue fighting for any player wrongfully denied the right to compete in football and other interscholastic sports

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Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge Ronald Rice has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) that bars the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) from enforcing a September 15 ruling that prohibits former Ursuline High School student athletes who were not involved in the alleged sexual abuse and hazing incidents that led to the cancellation of the school’s 2025 football season from transferring to and playing for other Ohio high schools.

Judge Rice granted the TRO in response to a lawsuit filed by Attorneys Brian Kopp and Frank Cassese of BetrasKopp Attorneys at Law on behalf of two former Ursuline players who transferred to Girard High School and sought to join that school’s football team immediately after Ursuline cancelled its season on September 12. The OHSAA’s September 15 ruling would prevent them from doing so.

In their motion for the TRO and during oral arguments, Attorneys Kopp and Cassese asserted that their clients would suffer irreparable harm if they are prohibited from playing football during the 2025 season. Judge Rice agreed:

Upon review of the Plaintiffs’ Verified Complaint and after hearing the oral arguments from Counsel, the Court finds that the process set forth by Defendant bylaws does not account for or contemplate Plaintiffs’ situation. To rigidly require Plaintiffs to attempt to seek relief through the currently stated bylaws, which do not account for the situation at hand, would be futile and would deprive Plaintiffs of any relief given the very short timeframe at issue. Plaintiffs most certainly will be irreparably harmed if they, as innocent parties, are prohibited from playing during the 2025 season as that is time that cannot be replaced or compensated. Any injury to third parties would be minimal compared to the irreparable injury that would be suffered by Plaintiffs. This is not typical situation of a student transferring schools midseason as contemplated by the OHSAA bylaws. This is an extremely unfortunate situation that was outside of Plaintiffs’ control. Lastly, the Court finds that public interest will be served in allowing these Plaintiffs to enjoy playing in the remainder of the 2025 football season at Girard High Scho I. These students should not have this time and opportunity taken away from them because of misconduct caused by third parties.

The TRO enjoins the OHSAA and its Executive Director David Ute from prohibiting the plaintiffs “…from participation in the remainder of the 2025 interscholastic athletic season and postseason tournaments at Girard High School or until further order of this Court.”

“Judge Rice understands that the OHSAA Bylaws completely failed to address the situation confronting innocent Ursuline High School football players,” Attorney Kopp said after the TRO was issued. “The court also recognized that the Ursuline players were subject to a flawed and futile process which unjustly denied them of their eligibility.  We are extremely pleased with the ruling, but we are not done.  We will continue to fight for any player who has been wrongfully denied his right to compete in football, a game which is part of the basic fabric of our town.” (May want to add region and state of Ohio here.)

In addition to the TRO, the plaintiffs are also seeking a preliminary injunction. A hearing on that matter will be held on October 15, 2025.

Click here to view/download BK’s verified complaint. Click here to view/download Judge Rice’s ruling.

Betras Kopp files multiple lawsuits on behalf of Realty Tower victims, actions allege that gross negligence by natural gas suppliers, contractors, building owners caused catastrophic explosion

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Attorneys Brian Kopp, Frank Cassese, and James Melfi of Betras Kopp LLC today filed multiple lawsuits in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on behalf of people who suffered personal injuries, property and other economic damages as a result of the explosion that rocked the Realty Towers building in downtown Youngstown on May 28, 2024.

The complaints allege that a number of natural gas suppliers, Greenheart Companies, the contractor hired by the city of Youngstown to remove utility lines from underneath the sidewalk in front of Realty Towers, as well as the building’s owners and managers were directly responsible for the catastrophic blast.

“We are totally committed to ensuring that all those responsible for this avoidable catastrophe are held responsible for their actions and to securing justice and just compensation for our clients,” Attorney Brian Kopp said.

Suits were filed on behalf of six people who suffered damages as a result of injuries caused by the blast. They are Caroline Pizarro, Ariadna Pizzaro, Christina Will, Richard Will, Susie A. Page, and Vito Colella.

A complaint was also filed on behalf of 22 Realty Tower residents who lost their homes and possessions when the building was rendered uninhabitable. The plaintiffs include:

Jason P. Small, Esq., Tracey S. Monroe-Winbush, Erin E. Driscoll, Frank A. Daloise, William E. Mayberry, Jr., Victasia C. Hooks, Saeed R. Garner, Taylor Hammond, a minor, by and through her Mother and next of friend, Victasia C. Hooks, O’Mar Z. Garner, a minor, by and through his Father and next of friend Saeed R. Garner, Harry E. Bierworth, Gregg A. Rossi, Esq, Deanna L. Rossi, Jordan T. Raines,  Christopher L. Eskew, Justin T. Reynolds, Mark A. Talanda, Larry S. Mohn, III,  Sha’Haun A. Williams, Robert E. Diroll and Jarret W. Smotrila.

The defendants listed in the actions are: Enbridge, Inc., Dominion Energy, Inc., Dominion Energy Questar Corporation, Enbridge (U.S.) Gas Distribution, LLC. Enbridge Elephant Holdings, LLC. Enbridge Alternative Fuel, LLC., Enbridge Pipelines (Toledo) Inc., Enbridge Genoa U.S. Holdings, LLC., Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. Enbridge Eog Holdings, LLC., Greenheart Companies, LLC., Ly Property Management, LLC., Yo Properties 47, LLC., and other as yet unknown parties who conduct contributed to the plaintiffs’ injuries.

According to the complaints, On May 28, 2024, four members of the scrap-removal crew engaged by Greenheart were removing old utilities and other items from the basement of the Realty Tower.  During this process, a member of the scrap-removal crew used a reciprocating saw to cut into one of the gas lines, which was believed to be inactive. At that time, the Greenheart site supervisor was not present.

Immediately after the scrap-removal crew member began cutting the line, he immediately smelled natural gas, heard loud whistling and felt natural gas blowing into his face because the line was pressurized with natural gas. The scrap-removal crew called 911, activated the fire alarms and evacuated the Realty Tower. Approximately six minutes after the line was cut, a catastrophic explosion occurred.

Click the links below to view and download the complaints.

Vito Colello Complaint final Susie Page Complaint final Realty Tower PD Complaint Christina Will Complaint final Caroline Pizarro Complaint final

David Betras, Brian Kopp announce plans for continued growth as their law firm marks 25th anniversary

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Attorneys David Betras and Brian Kopp marked the 25th anniversary of the founding of one of the region’s most respected and successful law firms by reaffirming their commitment to the communities they serve and unveiling a comprehensive plan that will ensure the continued growth of their multi-disciplinary, multi-state practice which will now operate under the name Betras¨ Kopp LLC.

The firm was founded in 1999 when Betras, who began practicing law with his father Joe and Uncle Pete after graduating from Capital University Law School in 1985 and Kopp who had just completed a Federal Clerkship with United States District Court Judge Peter C. Economus decided to strike out on their own. In addition to building a thriving practice in the Mahoning Valley, Kopp spearheaded both the firm’s expansion into Tampa and Sarasota, Florida, and the impressive growth of BK’s complex corporate litigation and sports law practice. Attorneys Betras and Kopp have both earned the prestigious “SuperLawyers” designation.

The partners recently began implementing their plan for growth by adding attorneys Frank Cassese and James Melfi to the firm’s roster of outstanding lawyers. Attorney Cassese, who graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School and Ohio State University before receiving his law degree from Cleveland Marshall School of Law in 2015, will focus on civil and criminal litigation. Attorney Melfi, a graduate of Girard High School and Miami University (OH), received his Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School in 2019. He is licensed to practice in Ohio and Florida and is a member of the firm’s Complex Litigation Practice Group.

“In addition to impressive legal skills and credentials, Frank and Jim bring an incredible amount of energy to the firm,” Attorney Betras said. “They are eager to learn, possess strong work ethics, and are more than willing to put in the long hours it takes to seek and secure justice for our clients.”

“Adding these two talented attorneys to our team will enable us to significantly expand the firm’s professional and geographic reach and maintain the strong presence we have in our existing markets,” Attorney Kopp, leader of BK’s complex litigation and sports law practice groups said. “David and I are pleased Frank and Jim \joined the firm and excited about the prospect of working and growing with them in the years ahead.”

According to Atty. Betras, the growth strategy also includes rebranding the firm. “Over the past 25 years we’ve operated under a number of iterations of Betras, Kopp and someone,” he said. “Every time we changed the name we had to go through the costly and time-consuming process of changing everything from our letterhead to our TV ads, to our digital platforms, to our business cards, to our corporate registrations. It’s a process we do not want to repeat multiples times as we expand in the years ahead.”

“So, we decided to do it one more time and build off Betras and Kopp, the names that are at the core of our corporate identity,” Betras continued. “We’ve changed the firm name to Betras¨ Kopp LLC Attorneys at Law and have adopted a new, clean, modern logo. Our website URL is now www.betraskopp.com, we’re producing new TV ads, revising and upgrading our digital platforms and content, and taking all the steps necessary to inform our clients, the legal community, and the public about our new brand.”

While the makeup of the firm and its name are changing, one thing remains constant: David Betras’ and Brian Kopp’s commitment to their hometown. “For nearly a century residents of the Valley have relied on us to meet their legal needs,” Betras said. “It started in 1929 when my Uncle Pete opened a small law office in downtown Youngstown. When my dad, Joe, returned from serving in World War II, he used the GI Bill to go to law school and joined him. After being immersed in the law our entire lives my cousin Brian and I launched our first firm in 1999, and now, a quarter-century and thousands of satisfied clients later, he and I are writing a new chapter in our family’s legal legacy.”

BK suit alleges Bank of America conspired with the NFL and Daniel Snyder to force Robert Rothman and two other minority partners to sell their stake in the Washington Commanders

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Attorney Brian Kopp

Attorney Brian Kopp, Managing Partner, BK’s Complex Litigation and Sports Law practice groups.

A lawsuit filed by Attorney Brian Kopp, managing partner of BK’s Complex Litigation and Sports Law Practice Groups, dominated the news in the sports world yesterday.

As reported by ESPN, the Washington Post, and numerous other media outlets, in the suit filed against Bank of America (BoA) on behalf of Robert Rothman, a former minority partner in the Washington Commanders NFL franchise, Attorney Kopp alleges that BoA, along with former Commanders owner Daniel Snyder and NFL officials, who are not named as defendants in the lawsuit, “conspired” to force Rothman and his two fellow minority partners to sell their 40% stake to Snyder for $875 million in April 2021.

The sale price reflected a team valuation of less than $3 billion, the lawsuit says. In July 2023, Snyder sold the Commanders for $6.05 billion, which the lawsuit claims “was the culmination of [Bank of America’s] and Snyder’s conspiratorial conduct.”

By allegedly ignoring “Snyder’s improper and illegal dealings,” Bank of America executives “knew or reasonably anticipated that Snyder would have to sell the Franchise as a result of Snyder’s indebtedness,” Attorney Kopp wrote in the 45-page complaint filed Wednesday in Tampa federal court.

“For profit and prestige, BoA blind-eyed legal, ethical and moral obligations,” Atty. Kopp told ESPN Wednesday. “As a client of the BofA’s financial service division, Bob was entitled to honest financial advice free of conflict and bad motive.

ESPN notes that Attorney Kopp alleges in the suit that BoA ignored “financial red flags” raised by Snyder’s financial mismanagement of the team, including an increasing reliance on debt and failure to pay his partners their quarterly share of profits. The centerpiece of Rothman’s lawsuit is the bank’s December 2018 approval of the franchise’s $55 million credit line taken out by Snyder without his minority partners’ knowledge or required approval. The bank allowed Snyder to draw $38 million in March 2019 from the credit line “without verifying Snyder had obtained board approval,” the lawsuit states.

The bank approved the loan at the same time Snyder was allegedly “self-dealing” by paying himself millions of dollars through the Commanders, including charging $3.5 million to place a team logo on his private jet and $7 million in expenses for “yacht(s), residential properties, personal staff, automobiles, and other personal entertainment and lifetime expenses,” according to the lawsuit.

Read more about the suit here: https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/rothman-sues-bank-america-commanders-sale/story?id=105953295

 

Jury finds that 20-year-old died as a result of medical negligence. Betras, Kopp & Markota secures $2,000,000 wrongful death award for family of Megan Clay

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BKH Sports Law Client Joe Moorhead engineers Oregon Duck’s victory over Ohio State

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Oregon Duck's Coach Joe MoorheadBecause we love our friends who are Buckeye fans, we’ve waited a few days to congratulate Oregon Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback Coach Joe Moorhead for engineering the Duck’s impressive 35-28 victory over Ohio State.
Like a number of outstanding coaches across the U.S., Coach Moorhead is represented by Brian Kopp, director of BKH’s Sports Law Practice Group who assisted him in his contract negotiations with Fordham University, Penn State, Mississippi State, and Oregon.
Coach Moorhead’s game plan garnered special recognition on Sports Illustrated’s website which posted an in-depth analysis of the Duck’s spilt zone run-pass option. According to SI, Coach Moorhead’s new take on the classic offense wreaked havoc on the Buckeyes. Check out the SI post here: https://www.si.com/…/oregon-split-zone-rpo-triple…
And check our Facebook page, websites, and Instagram account for updates on our sports clients along with news and info on college and pro football from Brian and Arturo Uzdavinis who played ball at Tulane and in the NFL.
It’s going to be a great season, we invite you to spend it with us.