As Benesch continues to add to its roster of top-notch legal talent, the firm is pleased to welcome Steven D. Lesser, J. Philip Nester, and Christopher C. Razek to the Transportation & Logistics Practice Group.
With more than 30 years in the public sector, Steve Lesser advises clients regarding public utility, telecommunication, and energy industry matters. He has addressed legislative and regulatory issues in all aspects of energy, from regulated to the wholesale and retail markets.
Steven began his career in Transportation at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), eventually becoming Chairman of the agency. He was extensively involved in drafting and implementing the regulatory programs for hazardous materials and household goods. More recently, he collaborated with the staff of the PUCO to draft the rules governing Transportation Network Companies and obtained approval for the first company permitted under those rules.
Steve has extensive experience working in the electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunication industries. He has been actively involved in initiatives advancing distributed energy resources, renewable energy, and grid modernization. He has represented industrial, commercial, trucking, rail, transportation network, and innovative technology businesses.
Steve can reached at (614) 223-9368 or slesser@beneschlaw.com.
Phil Nester is an associate attorney representing clients in transactional and regulatory transportation and logistics matters, with unique experience in insurance-related issues. Phil previously represented commercial motor carriers and their drivers in complex pre-suit claims and lawsuits involving wrongful death, personal injury, cargo, and property damage, handling all facets of risk management from accident scene investigation through litigation, mediation, and trial, and counseling insurers on coverage issues, pre-litigation issues, and he has served as lead counsel defending insurance carriers against claims alleging bad faith, unfair claims practices, and breach of contract.
Phil can be reached at (216) 363-6240 or jnester@benecshlaw.com.
Chris Razek is an associate attorney representing clients in transactional and regulatory transportation, logistics, and warehousing matters. Prior to joining Benesch, Chris practiced at a regional insurance defense law firm, where he dedicated a large portion of his practice to the defense of motor carriers and their drivers in commercial transportation litigation. He is also experienced in immediately responding to accident scenes for the purpose of investigating and evaluating catastrophic losses.
Chris can be reached at (216) 363-4413 or crazek@beneschlaw.com.
Since making its debut on the AmLaw 200 list in 2016, Benesch has advanced 32 places and is currently ranked at number 164.