Richard F. Protiva III
- Attorney
Cleveland Office:
3 Summit Park Dr.
Suite 200
Independence, OH 44131
Phone: 216-291-4744
Biography
Richard F. Protiva received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Notre Dame in 2010, when he also carved his name into the sandstone bricks of his beloved Sorin College. In 2013, Richard F. Protiva graduated from Case Western Reserve University. Following law school, he practiced in oil & gas, real property, probate and estate planning, before finally joining Spitz, The Employee's Law Firm. Also following law school, the University of Notre Dame sandblasted his name off the bricks of his beloved Sorin College. As an attorney, Rich has kicked the vandalism habit, and now works to make his mark in employment law with Spitz, The Employee’s Law Firm.
About Me
What’s the most important aspect of the law to you?
Representing the client. To me, that means that when you win, I win. Sometimes that means delivering good news, other times that means delivering hard truths. Regardless, my goal as an attorney is to provide you with the skill and counsel to make the most of your situation, whatever it may be.
What was law school like? Did you have any second thoughts along the way?
Law school was nothing but second thoughts. The practice of law is different. In law school, you ask why do I care? In the practice of law, you know why – it’s the tone in your client’s voice: the fear, anxiety and suffering when they come to you, and the relief when their matter is concluded. The practice of law is so much more than an academic exercise, it’s helping real people solve real problems.
Who or what inspired you to become an attorney?
Sophomore year of college I saw an LSAT prep book in a friend’s dorm room. I looked it over, then asked him if that was really the only prerequisite to getting to law school. On receiving a positive response and reflecting that I really didn’t know what I could do with an economics degree, I decided to take the plunge – I rock at standardized tests…
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to anyone who is being discriminated against at work?
Call the right attorney – and call them quickly! The old adage is “measure twice, cut once” and it is extremely applicable to all aspects of law. Having someone in your corner who has done this before and knows what they are getting into is invaluable in securing the right results.
What does Spitz do better than any other law firm?
Interior décor – we have superheroes!
Education
- Case Western Reserve University Law School, Cleveland, Ohio
- J.D. - 2013
- University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
- B.A. - 2010
- Major: Economics
Bar Admission
- Ohio, 2016
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Ohio