Firm History

In 1960 John W. Wiles was invited by Robert A. Clair to join him in the practice of law in the City of Willoughby. Clair had been practicing law for several years and both his father and brother were judges in Lake County. In 1961, Clair and Wiles formed a partnership known as "Clair and Wiles" to engage in the general practice of law.

At the beginning, Clair worked primarily in representing private citizens with legal problems, while Wiles focused his attention to defense work in the insurance area. During the next five years the practice grew, with Daniel F. Richards joining the law firm as an employee. One year later he became a partner and the firm became known as "Clair, Wiles and Richards."

Using community contacts cultivated through extensive civic involvement and service, Wiles developed his practice in the municipal law area, serving as legal counsel for a number of cities and townships. The firm represented the City of Mentor, the City of Kirtland; and Painesville, Concord, Leroy and Madison Townships. It also continued to expand its litigation expertise in defending a wide variety of negligence actions on behalf of the insurance industry through the efforts of Daniel F. Richards. In the early 1980’s, Richard O. Bates joined the firm as a partner, after having practiced law with his father in Madison, Ohio for twenty years. Mr. Bates expanded the firm's probate practice significantly. The firm then became known as "Clair, Wiles, Richards and Bates."

Through the years, the firm developed a reputation for quality legal work and ultimately grew to a nine-member firm. Concurrent with this growth, Wiles & Richards continued to provide quality service for all legal matters in Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga and Ashtabula Counties. It also expanded its commitment to increasingly specialized areas of the law, including land use and zoning, the representation of developers and governmental entities, and corporate law. The firm continues to retain its historically active personal injury practice.

Michael C. Lucas became a partner in 1989 and continues as a partner with Wiles and Richards today. After Richard Bates left the firm in 1988 and Robert Clair retired in 1990, the firm became known as Wiles and Richards, as it is known today.

The firm’s legal practice is well-respected throughout Northeastern Ohio and prides itself in serving its clients with personal, aggressive, and quality legal services. From its inception some forty years ago, Wiles and Richards represents and maintains a diverse clientele, requiring our response to a variety of legal issues while providing service that is fair and reasonable. Our mission is to continue to do so.