About William

William Hawal is an attorney based in Cleveland, Ohio, with a focus on medical malpractice, product liability, and personal injury cases. Admitted to the Ohio State Bar in 1980, he has dedicated over 45 years to the legal profession. His experience includes litigating complex matters such as medical misdiagnoses and defective medical devices. Mr. Hawal has also tackled civil rights violations, demonstrating his commitment to justice across various legal arenas. He earned his Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1980, graduating cum laude. During law school, he served as an Associate Editor for the Law Review, showcasing his strong writing and analytical skills.

Prior to his legal education, Mr. Hawal obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Ohio University in 1976, laying a solid foundation for his future career in law. His academic achievements reflect his dedication to understanding the details of the legal system. In 2023, Mr. Hawal transitioned to the role of Of Counsel at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP, a firm he joined as a partner in 1980. The firm, located at 1001 Lakeside Avenue East, Suite 1700, Cleveland, OH 44114, specializes in personal injury, medical malpractice, and product liability cases. His long-standing association with the firm shows his commitment to providing high-quality legal representation to clients facing serious challenges.

Recognized for his contributions to the legal field, Mr. Hawal has been included in "Best Lawyers in America" for Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Litigation since 2008. His reputation as a leading attorney has also earned him a spot on the Ohio Super Lawyers list from 2006 to 2025. In 2013, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an honor that acknowledges his excellence in trial practice and dedication to the legal profession. Beyond his practice, Mr. Hawal has taken on leadership roles in several professional organizations. He served as President of both the American Board of Trial Advocates Ohio Chapter and The Cleveland Academy of Trial Lawyers.

Additionally, he is a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers and has been involved with the Lawyers Committee of the National Center for State Courts. His commitment to the legal community extends to mentoring law students and teaching trial advocacy at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Hawal enjoys skiing and practicing martial arts, reflecting his active lifestyle and dedication to personal growth.

Education

Cleveland State University

J.D. | Law

1980

Ohio University

B.A. | Political Science

1976

Languages

English (Spoken, Written) Ukrainian (Spoken)

Experience

Partner

Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP
1980

Accepted Jurisdictions

Ohio

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio U.S. District Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit U.S. Circuit Court
Supreme Court of Ohio State Supreme Court

Types of Cases Handled

Medical Malpractice Product Liability Personal Injury

Legal Services Scope

Litigation

Professional Associations

Ohio State Bar

has membership Current

American Association of Justice

has membership Current

American Bar Association

has membership Current

American Constitution Society for Law and Policy

has membership Current

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

has membership Current

Ohio Association for Justice

has membership Current

Ohio Eighth Judicial Conference

has membership Current

Ohio State Bar Association

has membership Current

Cleveland Academy of Trial Lawyers

has membership 1980 - Current

American Board of Trial Advocates

President - Elect 2011 - 2012

American Board of Trial Advocates

Secretary 2009 - 2010

Cleveland Academy of Trial Lawyers

President 1996 - 1997

Sources

Information is based on available sources and may not be exhaustive or current.