You've Planned for Everything.
Have You Protected It?
Calkins Law Firm helps individuals and business owners in Northeast Ohio protect their assets, minimize estate taxes, and make sure their wishes are carried out — on their terms. Schedule a no-cost initial review.
Most People Have the Wrong Estate Plan — or No Plan at All
An estate plan isn't just a document. It's a set of decisions — about who gets what, who makes decisions if you can't, and how to keep what you've built from being diminished by taxes, probate, or circumstances you never anticipated. Most people put it off because the topic is uncomfortable. The ones who don't are the ones whose families are grateful later.
Standard estate planning works for straightforward situations. But if your assets include a business, real estate holdings, a professional practice, or significant investments, a basic will isn't built to handle what you actually own. Ben Calkins works with clients whose situations require more than a template — coordinating trust structures, ownership interests, and tax planning strategies around your specific goals.
Founder
Benjamin Calkins
Founder, Calkins Law Firm
Ben Calkins founded Calkins Law Firm in 2015 to bring sophisticated legal counsel to individuals and business owners who need more than a general practice attorney — without the overhead of a large downtown firm. A graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School, and a former attorney at Squire Patton Boggs, he focuses his practice on estate planning, trust creation, and asset protection for clients with complex financial situations in Northeast Ohio.
Credentials
AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Super Lawyer Designation
AV Preeminent Peer Rated — Martindale-Hubbell
10/10 Avvo Rating
Client Distinction Award
Harvard College (Honors)
University of Michigan Law School (Honors)
Former Squire Patton Boggs
Focus Areas
Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning
Asset Protection Strategies
Estate & Gift Tax Planning
Business Succession Planning
What sets us apart: Most estate planners don't understand businesses. Most business attorneys don't draft trusts. Ben Calkins does both — combining business law, tax strategy, and estate planning into one coordinated plan, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Most estate plans address the questions clients bring in. The ones that hold up over time address the questions they didn't know to ask. The value is in identifying what you haven't thought of yet — the ownership structures, tax exposures, and family dynamics that a standard template will never catch.
What Clients Say
Selling my family business was deeply personal. Ben treated it that way — protecting not just the financials, but our legacy and our employees.
David L.
Avvo Review
After two failed attempts with other firms, Ben closed our acquisition in 60 days. Professional, responsive, and razor-sharp on every clause.
Michael T.
Google Review
I cannot recommend Calkins Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional guidance during the sale of our construction company. Navigating a successful exit after years of hard work is complex, but their expertise helped us to get through and made all the difference. What really stood out was how expertly they managed a very complicated financing structure on the buyer's side. They were diligent, professional, and ensured every detail was covered so the deal stayed on track.
Rita Samorezov
Google ReviewSchedule Your No-Cost Estate Planning Review
Tell us a little about your situation and we'll provide an honest assessment of what an estate plan should look like for you — no obligation, no pressure.
What Happens Next
Submit the form — we respond within one business day.
1
A brief, confidential call to understand your situation and goals.
2
Receive a clear plan of action and recommended next steps.
3
Get Your Questions Answered
100% confidential. No obligation. We'll be in touch within one business day.
Three quick fields. We'll handle the rest.
Calkins Law Firm
Cleveland, Ohio
©2026 Calkins Law Firm. All rights reserved. Attorney Benjamin Calkins is responsible for this website. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Ready to protect your business transaction?
— Ben Calkins, Founder
"After decades of searching for competent and personalized legal help, what a blessing it's been to find Ben Calkins and his team. I finally know what it means to 'have' a lawyer! Ben and his team consistently demonstrate their ability to understand the complexities of YOUR particular case and to develop strategies designed to get you to your goals. Ben's remarkable ability to keep apprised of your case makes you feel like you're his only client. Talk about personalized attention! And all this without charging so much that small businesses like mine can't afford to be represented."
Parvene Farhoody
Google Review — May 2025
"Ben has been my lawyer now for 5+ years. He's the only lawyer I've ever had because he is, in my opinion, a unicorn in the world of law. Reliable, trustworthy, empathetic and always works with what I have in my wallet. He will fight tooth and nail for you. He knows how to put you at ease in what is likely a scary, uncomfortable situation. I would recommend Ben 1000x over. You won't find a better lawyer."
Daniel
Avvo Review — April 2021
"I have had the privilege of working with Ben Calkins for the past two years, and I can confidently say he is an exceptional business attorney. His deep legal expertise, extensive experience, and honest, humble character make him a reliable and trusted advisor for any business-related legal matter. Ben generously shares insights from his own experiences, offering a perspective that is both practical and valuable. His responsiveness and approachable demeanor are remarkable — he takes the time to simplify complex legal concepts, ensuring they are straightforward to understand."
Karen
Avvo Review — December 2024
Client Testimonials
OUR PRACTICE
What We Help With
Wills & Estate Planning
A comprehensive estate plan that reflects your wishes — who inherits what, who makes decisions if you cannot, and how your estate is administered without unnecessary court involvement.
Revocable & Irrevocable Trusts
Trust structures that keep assets out of probate, provide for your family on your terms, and — in the case of irrevocable trusts — offer estate tax and asset protection advantages.
Asset Protection Planning
Structuring ownership and titling so that personal assets are protected from business liability, creditors, and situations you cannot predict.
Estate Tax Planning
For estates subject to federal estate tax, we implement strategies — including gifting programs, valuation discounts, and specialized trust vehicles — designed to reduce what goes to the IRS and increase what goes to your family.
Business Succession & Estate Coordination
If your business is your primary asset, your estate plan has to account for it. We coordinate trust documents, buy-sell agreements, and succession timing so they work together rather than at cross-purposes.
Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Directives
The documents that govern what happens if you become incapacitated: who manages your finances, who makes medical decisions, and what care you receive.