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BMD Names Kathryn Hickner to Cleveland Office Managing Partner, the Firm’s First Female Attorney Appointed to Role

News Article

Business law firm, Brennan, Manna & Diamond (BMD) has announced that Kathryn (Kate) Hickner has been named as the first female office managing partner for the firm. Hickner is one of only eight women to hold the title of law firm partner-in-charge or managing partner, in Northeast Ohio, according to data from the 2022 Crain’s Cleveland Top Law Firm list. Hickner will head the Cleveland office.

Hickner is a healthcare attorney focused on transactional matters and compliance related to federal and state healthcare regulations. Her years of experience advising clients on a wide range of healthcare matters has helped her clients stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing, extraordinarily complex industry. She represents physician groups, hospitals, health systems, pharmacies, nursing homes, medical device companies and other industry providers in compliance and complex healthcare business matters. Hickner is passionate about helping clients expand access to healthcare. She is licensed in Ohio, Michigan and New York.

She was recognized as a Crain’s 2022 Notables in the Law and has been named to The Best Lawyers in America© Health Care Law list every year since 2019. Additionally, Hickner serves as a member of the board for the McGregor Foundation and the Case Western Reserve University Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence.

“Kate has been integral in growing BMD’s healthcare practice, has been a valuable addition to the firm and we are excited for what’s to come as she leads the Cleveland office,” said Matt Heinle, President, Brennan, Manna & Diamond.

BMD’s Cleveland office opened in 2016 and is located at 200 Public Square. Having outgrown its space due to the addition of several new attorneys and staff, BMD will relocate within the building to a larger space in January 2023  – a build out that is pursuing WELL Certification to achieve a designation for thoughtful and intentional workspace design that enhances human health and well-being.

The Cleveland office also includes attorneys Robert Hager, arbitration, mediation and construction litigation member, who serves on the firm’s Executive and Finance Committees; Mathew Doney, construction litigation partner; L. William Erb, commercial banking and finance partner; Cassandra Manna, estate planning and wealth management partner; Marlon Primes, former AUSA and civil litigation partner; Shalini Bhatia, healthcare attorney; Abigail Peabody, commercial litigation attorney; new associate attorney Nathan Altstadt and eight staff, including paralegals and operations team members.

The announcement of Hickner’s new role comes as progress ramps up for BMD Partner, Cassandra Manna, and BMD client, Signet, LLC, in the redevelopment project at League Park (at E 66th and Lexington) in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood. Signet, BMD, Ozanne Construction and Bob Zimmer of the Baseball Heritage Museum are working on a revitalization plan on a site next to League Park.

Click here and here to learn more about BMD's partnership development project for which plans were approved by the city of Cleveland early in 2022.


Brennan, Manna & Diamond (“BMD”) is an entrepreneurial business law firm founded in 2000. With more than eighty-five attorneys and eight offices in Ohio, Florida and Arizona, BMD’s access to a network of successful entrepreneurs, consultants and developers allows its attorneys to provide innovative solutions, symbiotic partnerships, and sound legal and business advice consistent with our commitment to Listen.  Solve.  Empower.

BMD serves clients of all types and sizes in numerous industry sectors nationwide, including the areas of Banking and Finance, Business and Corporate, Cannabis, Construction, Cybersecurity and Privacy, E-Discovery, Employment & Labor, Family Wealth Management, Government Affairs, Healthcare, Immigration, Intellectual Property, International, Litigation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Real Estate, Start-Up/Ventures, Tax, Estate Planning and Asset Protection, and more. For additional information, please visit www.bmdllc.com.

BMD Partner Bryan Meek Named to Crain's 2024 40 Under 40

BMD Partner and Labor & Employment Co-Chair Bryan Meek has been named to Crain's Cleveland Business 2024 40 Under 40 list. With nearly a decade at BMD, Bryan's journey began as a law clerk and quickly led to his promotion to Partner. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, he launched the Employment Law After Hours podcast, which now has over 1,400 subscribers. Through this podcast, Bryan offers valuable insights on legal issues, making complex topics more accessible to listeners.

HIGHLAND COUNTY PRESS: Ohio State Bar Foundation honors 2024 Award Recipients

The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) proudly recognized the exceptional contributions of attorneys and organizations at the 2024 All Rise Annual Awards Celebration, held Oct. 25 at The Fives in Columbus. This annual event celebrates those who have made a significant impact in communities across Ohio, showcasing the vital role of the legal profession in fostering positive change. BMD Of Counsel Scott P. Sandrock was recognized with the Ramey Award.

NAMAS | Insurance Discrimination - Against the Provider

Insurance discrimination can go beyond protected classes, such as race, national origin, sex, or religion. It can include discrimination against certain providers. The Affordable Care Act prohibits this type of discrimination by insurers when the provider is acting within the scope of their licensure. Once a proposed rule to implement this protection is in place, there could be wide-reaching reimbursement implications.

BMD Named to the 2025 Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”

Brennan Manna & Diamond (BMD) is recognized among the leading law firms in the nation according to the 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers®  "Best Law Firms." The firm is recognized in the metropolitan areas of Akron, Cleveland, Fort Myers (Bonita Springs office), Jacksonville, and Orlando.

Legal Aid Society: Scott Heasley

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland highlights BMD Partner Scott Heasley and his volunteer work with Legal Aid.