Black McCuskey is pleased to announce that Attorney Derek M. Firth has joined the firm. He is an Associate with Black McCuskey whose practice focuses on estate planning, probate and trust administration, business and corporate law, and real estate matters.

 

Firth advises clients on a wide range of estate planning matters, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, wealth transfer strategies, and succession planning. He also assists executors, trustees, and beneficiaries with probate and trust administration, guiding them through complex legal and fiduciary responsibilities with practical, client-centered counsel.

 

In his business and corporate practice, Firth counsels clients on entity formation, governance, contracts, and various transactional matters. Derek also advises clients on real estate matters that intersect with personal, business, and estate related objectives.

Drawing on his courtroom experience and background in civil litigation, Firth helps his estate and business clients think strategically to anticipate potential challenges, minimize disputes, and implement plans that provide clarity and peace of mind.

 

A Canton native, Firth graduated from Canton Central Catholic in 2017. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Justice Studies, magna cum laude, from Kent State University at Stark in 2021 and his J.D. from The University of Akron School of Law in 2024, where he earned certificates in Business Administration and Litigation.

 

“Derek comes to our firm with a broad base of experience. He is an outstanding addition to our team, and we believe he has a bright future with the firm.”

 

Firth is honored to serve his home community of Stark County and Northeast Ohio as a member of the Stark County Bar Association, Akron Bar Association, and Ohio Bar Association. He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 2025.