Matthew D. Besser

Matthew D. Besser is a principal at Bolek Besser Glesius LLC in Cleveland, Ohio, where he focuses on employment law, constitutional rights, and civil rights litigation. A seasoned trial, appellate, and arbitration lawyer, Matthew is recognized for standing up to powerful entities on behalf of individuals. His career is marked by high-profile victories and a deep commitment to justice, not only for his clients but also for improving the legal system. He currently serves as President of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, making history as the first civil rights lawyer to hold this role.

Matthew earned his B.A. in History from The George Washington University in 2001. He completed his J.D., summa cum laude, at The Ohio State University, Michael E. Moritz College of Law in 2004, where he was recognized for top performance in several legal subjects. In 2022, he obtained a Certificate in Mediation from Northwestern University School of Professional Studies.

Before founding Bolek Besser Glesius LLC, Matthew clerked for Judge Richard L. Nygaard on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and practiced at a top defense firm in Ohio. He now uses that experience to advocate for employees and whistleblowers in complex disputes. His legal wins include a groundbreaking Fourth Amendment case on digital privacy, million-dollar verdicts for employment discrimination, and high-stakes whistleblower claims.

Matthew’s work has earned widespread recognition, including the Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers Top 100 in Ohio, and Martindale-Hubbell’s “AV Preeminent” rating. He also won the Ohio State Bar Association’s Best Ohio Supreme Court Brief Award in 2020.

A respected leader, Matthew D. Besser is General Counsel to the ACLU of Ohio and actively shapes state legal policy. He is a frequent speaker, educator, and board member, devoted to using the law to build a more just society.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal, Bolek Besser Glesius LLC
  
• President, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
• Board of Directors, ACLU of Ohio
• Member, American Arbitration Association
• Member, National Women’s Law Center
• Member, Ohio State Bar Association
• Member, Cleveland Employment Inn of Court
• Member, Ohio Employment Lawyers Association

Licensed State

• Ohio

Education

• The Ohio State University, Michael E. Moritz College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• The George Washington University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Northwestern University School of Professional Studies
  Certificate in Mediation

Awards & Badges