Calfee Elects Two Litigation Attorneys, Jake Blake and Matt Chiricosta, as Partners

CLEVELAND, January 4, 2021 – Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP is pleased to announce that two Litigation attorneys, Jason J. (Jake) Blake of the Columbus office and Matthew A. (Matt) Chiricosta of the Cleveland office, have been elected Partner.

Jake Blake focuses his practice on business, corporate and commercial litigation, primarily in the areas of contract claims, business torts, insurance coverage, aviation, and construction. He was named to the Ohio Super Lawyers, Ohio Rising Stars List from 2015 to 2021, as well as The Best Lawyers in America^© Ones To Watch list in Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law in 2021.

Jake earned his J.D., cum laude, from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 201,1 and his B.A. in History, cum laude, from Stetson University in 2003. Prior to beginning his legal career, Jake served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army where he completed two combat tours in Iraq with the 25th Infantry Division. 

"Jake has been a key player in our Columbus office, strengthening Calfee’s connections with both clients and with the local Judiciary," said Maura L. Hughes, Co-Chair of the Litigation practice group. "He works tirelessly to find a solution to a client problem, and no one will out-think or outwork him. Jake’s biggest asset is his passion. He is committed to our clients and to developing a strategy to help the client win a case in the most cost-effective manner. We are excited to welcome Jake into the partnership, and we know he is an important asset as we serve litigation clients throughout Ohio!”

Matt Chiricosta provides insurance coverage advisory and litigation services to policyholders in connection with their insurance coverage needs and claims spanning a variety of insurance products. He was named to the Ohio Super Lawyers, Ohio Rising Stars List from 2015 to 2021, as well as The Best Lawyers in America^© Ones To Watch list for Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law in 2021.

Matt earned his J.D., summa cum laude, from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 2012, and his B.A. in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Allegheny College in 2009. Matt is an active participant in the Legal Aid Volunteer Lawyers Program, where he represents underprivileged clients in various litigation matters on a pro bono basis.

"Since joining Calfee’s Litigation practice group in 2012, Matt proved himself to be wise beyond his years in terms of skill, knowledge and litigation judgment," said Litigation practice Co-Chair Christopher S. Williams. "Matt quickly became a go-to litigator within the department and then the firm, and now it’s happening around town. Calfee and our clients are lucky to have Matt on our team, whether for commercial litigation disputes or insurance coverage matters, and we look forward to seeing what the future brings in terms of Matt's future career successes.”