Anthony “Tony” Pecora is a Director of Gembala, McLaughlin & Pecora. Tony launched his legal career in 1998 as a magistrate in the Lorain County Domestic Relations Court. His duties encompassed assisting the appointing judge with legal research, conducting pre-trials and hearings, and resolving pending litigation for attorneys. Three years later, his career path led him to a desire to engage with the private sector and he joined the Firm in 2001. He was named Partner and a Director in 2013.
As the Department Chair of the Firm’s Family Law Department, Tony leads a team of attorneys and paralegals dedicated to achieving client’s goals and shepherding them through difficult times. With over 25 years of experience, Tony and his team represent individuals with complex issues arising in domestic disputes, divorce, dissolution, legal separation, property division, alimony, child support, adoption, custody, shared parenting, contempt for failure to abide by court orders, and visitation, as well as issues related to asset valuations, real estate division, taxes, and retirement planning.
In addition to Family Law, Tony also practices in the areas of general litigation and mediation, public entities, business law, corporate conduct and employment, and cemetery law.
In addition to his private legal practice at the firm, Tony also serves as the elected Law Director for the City of Amherst, a Lorain County city with a population of over 13,000 residents. In this capacity, Tony advises administration officials including the Mayor and City Council.
Credentials:
J.D., Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, 1998
Bachelor of Education, University of Toledo (majored in Secondary Education with a minor in Political Science and History)
Memberships:
City of Amherst Community Improvement Corporation
On September 16, 2024, Tony kicked off the NBI Seminar, “Top Challenges in Ohio Family Law.” He presented Overcoming Discovery and Evidence Obstacles in Family Law. The obstacles concerned clients, opposing parties, third parties, self-imposed and evidence admission obstacles.
Tony contributed to an article, “Finding chemistry with an experienced divorce lawyer,” published in the June 14, 2024 issue of the Cleveland Jewish News. (link to article)
Tony has served as Law Director for the City of Amherst, Ohio since 2007.
Tony resides in Amherst, Ohio with his and his wife’s combined six children. He believes that his “blended family” provides him with insight into the blessings and difficulties of divorce, remarriage, and living with “his, hers, and our” children.