Vito R. Giannola

Vito Giannola represents businesses in tort, business, and cybersecurity litigation in state and federal courts. He defends companies in products liability and toxic tort matters and handles commercial, contract, real estate, and data breach disputes for clients in the manufacturing, financial services, health care, and technology sectors.

A former federal trial and appellate law clerk, Vito takes a hands-on, results-driven approach at every stage, from discovery through trial preparation and appeal. He has briefed dispositive, discovery, and expert exclusion motions; taken fact and Rule 30(b)(6) depositions; prepared experts; and sought and defended temporary restraining orders. Within collaborative trial teams, he coordinates local counsel, experts, and vendors to keep multijurisdictional matters moving efficiently.

Vito also helps companies respond to cybersecurity incidents, advising on legal holds, breach notifications, and law enforcement inquiries, and defending data breach class actions on standing and class certification.

Beyond the courtroom, Vito works with business stakeholders to resolve disputes in ways that serve broader commercial goals. He has helped negotiate settlements, assessed indemnification rights, prepared demand and cease-and-desist letters, and advised on PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated substances) reporting obligations, giving companies clear, actionable advice for managing risk.

Vito maintains an active pro bono practice, recently submitting an amicus brief to the Ohio Supreme Court in post-conviction proceedings and collaborating with a law school animal law clinic on companion animal protections.

He serves on the board of P.A.L.S. for Healing, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families who have suffered trauma or loss, and on the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association's Grievance Committee.