Biography

George V. Pilat, Esq. is a Partner at Gertsburg Licata, based in their Cleveland office. With over 35 years of experience, George has been a trusted advisor to small and medium-sized businesses, business owners, and entrepreneurs, offering comprehensive legal guidance in business formation, transactions, and litigation. Prior to joining Gertsburg Licata in 2023, Mr. Pilat handled insurance matters, commercial litigation, and business transactions at a regional law firm. 

Mr. Pilat’s expertise spans various legal areas, including insurance coverage and defense, corporate structure and compliance, commercial transactions, real estate, construction, intellectual property and trade secrets, employment law, estate planning, and probate. He has a notable track record representing national and regional insurance agencies, agents/brokers, insurers, and local and regional businesses in all manner of business transactions as well as litigation in state and federal courts and administrative proceedings. 

He is recognized for his proficiency in insurance law, including coverage analysis and litigation, insurance agents’ errors and omissions consulting, administrative compliance and defense, and corporate compliance. Mr. Pilat also has a strong background in all commercial and business tranactions, including entity formation, buy-sell, shareholder, and operating agreements, mergers and acquisitions, real estate leases and purchase agreements, business loans, and secured transactions. His practice also involves drafting various other contracts, including options, rights of first refusal, and non-solicitation, confidentiality independent contractor, and construction agreements. George has also given dozens of seminars and presentations on legal, business, and insurance topics and authored many articles in legal and business publications. 

Mr. Pilat has actively contributed to the Insurance Board of Northern Ohio (IBNO) since its inception in 2001, serving as general counsel and participating in projects related to its annual insurance conventions. He has been involved in consulting on issues for member agents, further demonstrating his commitment to the insurance industry. 

Since 2015 George has been a member of the Great Lakes Funding Network, a local trade organization of financial service professionals, including bankers, alternative lenders, accountants, and consultants, and its President since 2022. 

George Pilat is not only an experienced legal professional but also a dedicated “Legal Business Advisor” to the firm’s clients. His role involves helping clients identify, evaluate, and address challenges and risks in their business operations, ensuring legal compliance, and providing cost-effective solutions to enhance their business efficiency while minimizing liability. 

Mr. Pilat grew up in Parma Heights and is a graduate of Valley Forge High School. He currently lives in Broadview Heights with his wife and has two adult children. 

Awards and Recognition
  • “Best Lawyers in America” since 2018 for Insurance Law and Professional Liability 
  • “Friend of the Insurance Industry” – Insurance Board of Northern Ohio (2013)  
  • Approved by the Ohio Department of Insurance as a provider of Continuing Education (CE) programs with prior firm 
Education

Mr. Pilat received his Bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and his Law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. 

Community Involvement
  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association  
  • Insurance Board of Northern Ohio (IBNO)  
  • Solon Chamber of Commerce (Board of Directors 2016-present)(Vice Chair 2017-2018; 2023-present)(Chair (2019-2021) 
  • Great Lakes Funding Network (President 2022-present)  
Admissions

Mr. Pilat is admitted to practice in the following courts:

  • All Ohio State Courts