Our Attorneys

Robert G. FriedmanManaging Partner
Robert G. Friedman has literally grown up in the Cleveland Real Estate industry. Starting at a young age, Rob served in various positions in apartment management and development. In 1991, Rob earned his B.A. from The Ohio State University as well as his license to engage in Real Estate Business in Ohio. He earned his J.D. from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1994.

In 1997, Mr. Friedman became a founding member of Powers, Friedman Linn, PLL, a firm dedicated to advocacy on behalf of Northeast Ohio’s multi family housing providers. He currently serves as co-managing principal of the firm. Rob’s primary areas of practice include Landlord-Tenant relations, Commercial/Real Estate litigation and Debt Collection litigation. He has regularly appeared as a featured speaker in the areas of Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law, Evictions and Residential Leasing.

Rob is a resident of Solon, Ohio and is a member of Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and The Ohio State Bar Association.

Laurence PowersManaging Partner
After graduating from Cleveland Heights High School, Laurence Powers attended Miami University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Mr. Powers attended Cleveland Marshall College of Law, where he obtained a Juris Doctor degree. Laurence is licensed to practice law in Ohio, Florida, and the Federal Court Systems.

During law school and upon graduation, from 1985 through 1997, Mr. Powers worked at a well-regarded Cleveland law firm that specialized in significant medical malpractice and personal injury cases.

In 1997, Mr. Powers and Rob Friedman founded Powers Friedman Linn, PLL. At Powers Friedman Linn, Mr. Powers represents landlords in fair housing investigations and assists the firm’s clients with litigation management, including contract disputes, employment relations and premises liability claims.

Mr. Powers is a Lifetime Member and Honorary Trustee of the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association and has served as the President of the Board of the Greater Cleveland Brain Injury Association.

Lisa S. FriedmanPartner
After graduating from Beachwood High School, Lisa S. Friedman attended The Ohio State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication. Thereafter, Ms. Friedman attended the Cleveland Marshall College of Law, where she obtained a Juris Doctor degree. She is licensed to practice law in all Ohio Courts, including the Federal Court System.

During law school and after she passed the bar exam, she began working at a Cleveland law firm specializing in premises liability defense litigation.

In 2014, she joined Powers Friedman Linn, PLL. At Powers Friedman, she is continuing her litigation practice. Ms. Friedman represents landlords and assists the firm’s clients as well as continuing to litigate premises liability cases.

Thomas OwenPartner
Thomas is a partner with the law firm Powers Friedman Linn, PLL, the largest representative of multifamily real estate management companies in the State of Ohio. Thomas concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate law, landlord-tenant law, creditor’s rights and collections.

Thomas has represented property owners and management companies throughout the State of Ohio in civil and criminal matters, including forcible entry and detainer claims, rent escrow cases, premises liability, and building and housing code violations. He also counsels property managers for HUD-subsidized multifamily properties and Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties.

Thomas has a B.A. from Ohio University, cum laude and a J.D. cum laude, from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Thomas is admitted to practice in the State of Ohio and in the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Kyle L. RipmaJunior Partner
Kyle is a former NCAA athlete who attended Otterbein University located in Westerville Ohio. After obtaining his undergraduate degree, Kyle attended Cleveland State University’s College of Law and graduated from the same in 2017. While attending Cleveland State, Kyle clerked for the legal division of the United States Coast Guard’s Ninth District, which covers the great lakes region of the United States. Thereafter, Kyle clerked for Judge K.J. Montgomery of the Shaker Heights Municipal Court. Kyle also spent several semesters on the dean’s list and graduated with a concentration in Healthcare Law.

After graduating and passing the bar, Kyle began his practice as an associate attorney at the law firm Powers Friedman Linn, PLL in November of 2017. Kyle remained with Powers Friedman Linn, PLL through December of 2021. In January of 2022, Kyle became Chief Magistrate of the Shaker Heights Municipal Court under Judge Anne Walton Keller. Kyle presided over the Court’s civil and small claims docket, which included all civil claims and post-judgment execution. Kyle also conducted traffic and criminal arraignments and presided over protection order hearings.

In February of 2024, Kyle returned to Powers Friedman Linn, PLL. Kyle has represented a broad range of landowners and property management companies in local and state trial and appellate venues throughout Ohio. Kyle has litigated hundreds of forcible entry and detainer claims before many local courts located in northern and central Ohio. Kyle’s practice also includes creditor’s rights, foreclosures, premises liability and civil defense, civil rights discrimination defense before the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and fair housing compliance.

Rachel CohenAssociate Attorney
Rachel joined Powers Friedman Linn, PLL as an associate in December 2017. Prior to joining the firm, Rachel attended Miami University of Ohio where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and minor in business management and leadership. After college, Rachel attended and graduated from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Thereafter, Rachel was a judicial clerk at the Cleveland Municipal Housing Court. Currently, Rachel specializes in civil litigation representing owners and managers of real estate. Rachel has extensive courtroom experience at both the trial and appellate level.
Ashley HawkinsAssociate Attorney
Ashley Hawkins has been a licensed attorney since 2017 and joined Powers Friedman Linn in 2023. Ashley practices law with a focus on dedication and communication, all while strongly advocating for her clients in Court. With a background in criminal defense, civil litigation, and code enforcement prosecution, Ashley is always ready to take on any challenge a case may present.

Prior to joining Powers Friedman Linn, Ashley worked as an Assistant Director of Law with the City of Cleveland’s Code Enforcement Department, where she prosecuted criminal code enforcement cases and served as legal counsel to the Civil Service Commission. Ashley has also held previous positions as a civil litigator in landlord/tenant law and as a traditional criminal defense attorney. Ashley’s multi-faceted background has helped her develop an eye for problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to strategize a case from the position of a Plaintiff or Defendant. Ashley’s practice has taken her to many jurisdictions throughout Ohio, but she mainly practices in Cuyahoga County.

Upon graduating from the University of Akron for her undergraduate degree in psychology in 2013, Ashley went on to attend law school at the University of Toledo College of Law with a Certificate of Specialization in Criminal Law in 2016. Although Ashley hails from North Canton, she currently lives in Cleveland Heights with her husband and two dogs, Jack and Winnie. In her free time, Ashley likes to spend time outdoors, stay active at the gym, and listen to true crime podcasts or read a good mystery.

Alexis MroczkaAssociate Attorney
Alexis Mroczka has been a licensed attorney since 2021 and joined Powers Friedman Linn in 2022. Her practice focuses on representing landlords and property management companies in forcible entry and detainer cases, civil rights discrimination defense before the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and fair housing compliance, however, she also has experience in dealing with collections and post-judgment matters. Alexis is also the attorney at Powers Friedman Linn who primarily handles the small claims defense matters that arise.

Prior to joining Powers Friedman Linn, Alexis graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Sociology and English in 2018. Alexis went on to attend law school at Cleveland State University and graduated in 2021. Outside of the office, Alexis likes to exercise, listen to music, relax with family and friends, and explore new restaurants and local spots to enjoy.