The Team atLanter Legal, LLC

Joseph "Joe" Lanter

Attorney

Preferred pronouns:  He/Him/His

Since 2005, Attorney Joe Lanter has developed a strong reputation across two states for being a skilled and passionate advocate.  Joe is focused on providing clients strong representation in a variety of Family Law matters, including divorce, dissolution, child custody disputes, support modification and enforcement, antenuptial / prenuptial agreements, and creating Separation Agreements and Shared Parenting Plans.  Beginning his career as a county prosecutor in Missouri, Joe vigorously sought convictions for crimes such as homicide, felony assault, drug trafficking and manufacturing, drunk-driving, domestic violence, and hundreds of others over more than 5 years. After relocating to Northeast Ohio with his wife and children, Joe transitioned into private practice, where his commitment to professional excellence has continued, and his practice is now 100% devoted to the practice area of family law.

Joe has established a strong reputation as a strong litigator and advocate in the Domestic Relations and Juvenile Courts in northeast Ohio.  Having served as co-Chair of the Family Law Section and graduate of the Leadership Academy of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Joe has been recognzied by his peers as a leader and strong voice among fellow practitioners.

Whether it be a hotly contested, high-conflict court proceeding or the pursuit of an out-of-court settlement, Joe recognizes that the practice of law is nuanced and realizes that no two clients are the same. To that end, he believes that in order to solve problems, he must endeavor to get to know his clients and their very specific needs.  He has experience representing clients with substantial assets and high net worth and also working with the Ohio Domestic Violence Network to assist low-income survivors of domestic violence with a variety of family law needs.

Joe has identified specific attention to the representation of Same-Sex Couples and Non-Traditional Families with their Family Law needs, including same-sex divorce and dissolution. Joe has experience with litigating contested custody actions as well as drafting Shared Custody and Separation Agreements for same-gender couples. 

Additionally, Joe serves as a Guardian ad Litem in domestic relations cases in Cuyahoga and Lorain County.  As a GAL, Joe represents the best interests of children in divorce, post-decree, and domestic violence matters.

EDUCATION

After graduating with honors from both Saint Louis University and Colorado State University, Joe continued his academic excellence in law school at the University of Missouri School of Law.  Shortly before his graduation from law school, Joe was honored with his selection to the Order of the Barrister, a National Honor Society,  and was the recipient of the Thomas E. Deacy, Jr. Prize in Advocacy.

Education

• Saint Louis University, B.A., International Studies/Spanish
• Colorado State University, M.S., Student Affairs in Higher Education
• University of Missouri School of Law , Juris Doctor

Professional Associations

• Ohio State Bar Association
• Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Co-Chair, Family Law Section (2017-2018)
  • Member, Solo & Small Firm Section
  • CMBA Leadership Academy, Class of 2019
• West Shore Bar Association

Presentations

• Preparing for the Freedom to Marry, LGBT Community Center of Cleveland, (June 2015)
• Hot Topics:  LGBTQ Legal Issues, CMBA "Let's Talk About Small & Solo Practice) (June 2017)
• Hot Topics:  Unbundled Legal Services, CMBA "Let's Talk About Small & Solo Practice) (June 2017)
• Unbundled Legal Services, CMBA "Professional Conduct 2018: Super Scary Edition) (October, 2018)
• Managing the Domestic Relations Case, Gilbride & Company (November 2018)
• Family Law Basics, Scranton Road Legal Clinic (December 2018)
• Domestic Relations 101, CMBA New Lawyer Training CLE (October 2021)

Lisa Dormann

Full biography coming soon!