Jeffrey R. Appelbaum

Jeffrey R. Appelbaum is a Cleveland partner and managing director of Project Management Consultants LLC. He serves the construction industry as a trial and transactional attorney, project counsel, project management consultant, owner’s representative, mediator, and partnering facilitator. His work supports public and private owners, design professionals, construction managers, and contractors.

Jeff has served as project counsel or owner’s representative for more than 100 projects involving billions of dollars in construction. His work includes more than 30 major-league sports facilities and other community-impact projects across North America. He has also facilitated over 300 complex partnering sessions for construction teams.

Jeff has conducted more than 500 complex construction mediations. He was appointed by the governor of Ohio to serve as facilitator for the Ohio Construction Reform Panel from 2008 to 2009. His work helped shape the final legislation that changed public procurement in Ohio and became effective statewide in January 2012.

Jeff’s distinctions include national ranking in Chambers USA 2026, Legal 500 Hall of Fame 2026, Best Lawyers in America 2026, Legal 500 Recommended Attorney 2025, and Super Lawyers 2026. He was named the Best Lawyers 2025 Construction Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Cleveland and a leading construction lawyer nationally.

Jeffrey R. Appelbaum focuses on construction, government contracts, real estate, site selection, and digital infrastructure. Through Project Management Consultants LLC, he provides construction project support services in Ohio and across North America. His work combines legal judgment, project guidance, mediation skills, and practical support for clients on complex construction matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Thompson Hine LLP
• Fellow, American College of Real Estate Lawyers,
• Member, American Bar Association, Litigation Section, Public Contract Law Section
• Sustaining Member, Ohio State Bar Association,  Litigation Section
• Member, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
• Member, Ohio Contractors Association
• Member, Associated General Contractors of Ohio

Licensed State

• Ohio

Education

• Cornell University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Cornell University

Awards & Badges