Mel L. Lute, Jr.

Mel’s practice ranges from business formation and consultation to civil litigation throughout the state and federal courts of Ohio. To date, Mel has tried over 100 jury trials to verdict and represented individuals and businesses in numerous proceedings before state and federal mediators. Through his experience representing political subdivisions, police officers and agencies, as well as private individuals in a wide range of legal matters, Mel has developed a comprehensive understanding of the complex, constitutional issues facing modern litigants, and is well-versed in the constitutional law questions that often arise when defending public entities.

Mel continues to expand his practice to include the representation of national retailers in asbestos defense claims. In order to better serve existing clients and meet an expanding market, Mel recently gained admission to practice law in the state of Pennsylvania.

Well-respected in the Northeastern Ohio community as a tenacious litigator, teacher, and youth mentor, Mel continues to explore opportunities to grown in the practice of law. Through the development of a number of seminars with his partners, Mel will strive to improve the services and safety of first responders throughout the State of Ohio in the coming months and years.

Mel has been is involved in a number of activities in the North Canton area, including leadership positions in Scouting and coaching youth sports, over the years. Currently, Mel supports the North Canton Hoover High School Hockey and Lacrosse programs. At various times throughout the year Mel can also be seen on stage, appearing in productions of the North Canton Playhouse.

Over his 40 years of training and teaching martial arts, Mel has appeared in tournaments, seminars, and demonstrations throughout the U.S. and in Asia. He has appeared before the World Taekwondo Federation in Seoul, South Korea and served as legal consultant to national governing bodies associated with the Olympic movement. For the last sixteen years, Mel has operated the Taekwondo/ Hap Ki Do program at the North Canton YMCA and holds the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt (Master). Mel also serves as Vice President of Cronus Consulting, LLC, a concern dedicated to the promotion of U.S. and South Korean business development.

Mel was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 6, 1965 and graduated from Mt. Healthy High School in 1983. He enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard (MOS Infantry) and attended Miami University on an Army Scholarship. While at Miami, Mel served as an officer in the Mu Psi Chapter of the Sigma Alpha Mu National Fraternity, graduating in 1987. Mel attended law school at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, serving on the Moot Court Board in his second and third years. Mel was honorably discharged from the Army in 1989 at the rank of Sergeant. Mel graduated from Law School, passed the Ohio bar and was admitted to practice law in 1990. Mel is also admitted to the Federal Bar and the State of Pennsylvania.

Mel lives in North Canton, Ohio with his wife, two sons and one daughter. Presently, Mel is a member of the Ohio Bar Association, the Ohio Academy of Civil Trial Attorneys, the Defense Research Institute, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Mel has given presentations to the North Canton Chamber of Commerce Networking Forum, Canton Junior League, and Canton Women's Club. Additionally, Mel has offered training and continuing education seminars to the Ohio Sheriff's Association, the Medina Police Department and Plain Township, and to Ohio Administrative personnel.

Mel has a strong commitment to physical fitness, and enjoys weight training, running, and practicing martial arts. When he is not attending an athletic event or arts performance involving his children, Mel enjoys sport shooting, painting, stage and voice acting, and learning guitar.