Just Announced: Elk + Elk Named One of Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 2026 Best Places to Work in Ohio!
Written by Jay M. Kelley III in Firm News on August 17, 2026
Elk + Elk has officially been named to Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 2026 Best Places to Work in Ohio, ranking #43 out of 67 organizations! This recognition is especially meaningful because it is based largely on confidential employee feedback, reflecting the experiences of the people who make our firm what it is every day.
While our mission is always centered on fighting for the rights of injured victims, we know that providing exceptional service to our clients starts with taking care of our people. When our team members feel supported, valued, and empowered, they can show up at their best for the people who need them most.
A Recognition Driven Directly by Our Team
This exciting recognition follows a comprehensive evaluation process in partnership with Best Companies Group, an independent research firm that has specialized in identifying outstanding employers. Participation required our organization to meet established eligibility criteria, complete an employer assessment, and, most importantly, participate in an anonymous employee engagement survey.
The anonymous survey measured the actual, daily experiences of our staff across several key focus areas, including leadership, corporate culture, role satisfaction, training resources, and benefits. Because the survey is completely confidential, it gives our team the freedom to share their honest feedback.
This year, Elk + Elk earned an overall employee satisfaction score of 91%, including:
- 94% Leadership & Planning
- 94% Role Satisfaction
- 93% Work Environment
- 92% Relationship with Supervisor
- 91% Corporate Culture & Communications
- 85% Training, Development & Resources
Learning that our team scores our firm so highly across these categories is the greatest compliment our leadership team could receive. It tells us that our efforts to build a transparent, equitable, and rewarding workplace are making a tangible difference in the daily lives of our employees.
Why Workplace Culture Matters in the Legal Field
The legal industry is notoriously demanding. Attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative staff regularly handle high-stakes situations, tight court deadlines, and emotionally heavy case files.
At Elk + Elk, we chose a different path long ago by investing in our workplace culture where professionals can build long-term, fulfilling careers without sacrificing their well-being. For a personal injury law firm, a supportive workplace culture is a critical component of client success.
Personal injury law is inherently collaborative. A single case often requires the synchronized efforts of legal investigators, medical record specialists, paralegals, and trial attorneys. By building a culture rooted in teamwork and clear communication, we ensure that every case receives the comprehensive attention it requires.
A healthy workplace culture builds emotional resilience. Helping clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries or lost loved ones requires a great deal of empathy. We strive to provide a workplace where people feel heard, where their hard work is recognized, and where mental and emotional well-being are treated as priorities, not afterthoughts. When our team is supported, they have the emotional bandwidth to provide the deeply empathetic, patient service our clients need during their recovery.
A Foundation Built on 50+ Years of Experience
With 50+ years of experience helping people across Ohio, we’ve learned that lasting legal success requires a delicate balance of skill, passion, and stability. It also requires a dedicated team and a workplace where people can build long-term careers.
True stability comes from a team that stays, grows, and collaborates over the long haul. When a firm experiences constant turnover, institutional knowledge is lost, client relationships are disrupted, and the firm’s internal rhythm is fractured. At Elk + Elk, we are incredibly proud of the longevity seen across our staff. Many of our attorneys and support team members have spent decades building their careers here, creating deep institutional knowledge and lasting working relationships that directly benefit our clients.
Being ranked #43 among Crain’s Cleveland 2026 Best Places to Work in Ohio reinforces our commitment to investing in our people and building a workplace where employees can thrive. This recognition reflects our long-term focus on employee satisfaction and the internal health we’ve worked to build over the past 50+ years.
Looking Ahead to a Brighter Future Together
While we are celebrating this recognition, our focus remains squarely on continuing to strengthen our firm’s culture. A great workplace culture requires ongoing effort, active listening, and a willingness to adapt to the changing needs of our team.
As we move forward, we will continue to use the insights gained from this evaluation to make Elk + Elk an even better place to work. We remain committed to investing in modern resources, expanding professional development paths, ensuring our benefits remain highly competitive, and creating an environment where every employee can thrive for years to come.
Thank You to Our Team
We want to extend a massive thank you to every single member of the Elk + Elk family. Whether you are an attorney fighting in the courtroom, a paralegal meticulously organizing medical records, or an administrative professional welcoming clients, you play a vital role in our shared success. Your dedication to legal excellence, your passion for justice, and your unwavering support for one another are what truly make our firm a top workplace in Ohio.
Thank you for making this recognition possible, and congratulations to the entire Elk + Elk team!
Jay M. Kelley III - Managing Partner
Meet Jay M. Kelley III, a top medical malpractice and catastrophic personal injury attorney in Ohio with over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of securing millions in verdicts and settlements. He leads Elk + Elk’s comprehensive litigation strategy across state, federal, and appellate courts, drawing on a unique background as a former felony prosecutor and hospital defense lawyer. Jay focuses on high-stakes, complex cases, including birth injuries and wrongful death, and is widely recognized by Best Lawyers and ranked among the Super Lawyers Top 10 in Ohio.
call us 1 (800) 355-6446
click to call