In its first year of operation, Upward Law, LLC, a consumer and small-business bankruptcy firm in Beachwood, Ohio, has assisted more than 100 families and small business owners across the Northern District of Ohio in achieving financial relief. The firm reports saving a dozen homes from foreclosure and over 50 vehicles from repossession for clients in communities including Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and Youngstown since opening in October 2025.
Upward Law focuses on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 consumer bankruptcy, Subchapter V small business reorganization, student loan issues, and tax debt matters. Consumer bankruptcy under Chapters 7 and 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code provides individuals with legal pathways to address overwhelming debt. Chapter 7 allows discharge of unsecured debts like credit card balances and medical bills, while Chapter 13 enables reorganization of debts into a court-supervised repayment plan, often allowing individuals to keep property such as homes. Clients often face mounting credit card debt, medical bills, wage garnishment, or threats of repossession.
For business owners, Subchapter V of Chapter 11 offers a streamlined reorganization option designed for smaller businesses, permitting them to restructure debt while continuing operations under a more efficient and less costly process than traditional Chapter 11. Upward Law exclusively handles Subchapter V for small companies and does not take regular Chapter 11 cases. The firm also assists with student loan debt and tax debt issues, which frequently intersect with broader financial hardship.
Jason D. Grimes, founder of Upward Law, LLC, expressed enthusiasm about the firm's first year. "After nearly 22 years on the business side of legal technology, starting my own firm has been incredibly exciting," he said. "What I've enjoyed most is working with struggling, yet hopeful, clients every day. We've already helped save homes from foreclosure and vehicles from repossession, and there's nothing more rewarding than that." Grimes has contributed to legal publications such as the American Bankruptcy Institute Journal and the Cleveland State Law Review, and he frequently speaks on legal technology and law practice management.
The firm's impact is significant for the Northern Ohio community, as financial distress can have far-reaching consequences for families and small businesses. By providing specialized legal assistance, Upward Law helps stabilize households and local enterprises, contributing to economic resilience in the region. The firm's focus on Subchapter V is particularly important for small businesses, which often lack resources for complex Chapter 11 filings. This streamlined approach allows them to preserve jobs and continue serving their communities.
Upward Law accepts Chapter 7 cases from throughout Northern Ohio and Chapter 13 cases from Northeast and North-central Ohio. The office is located at 3659 Green Road, Suite 100, Beachwood, OH 44120, which can be viewed on Google Maps. For more information, visit the firm's website at Upward Law.
