In just one year since opening its doors, Upward Law, LLC, a consumer and small-business bankruptcy firm in Beachwood, Ohio, has provided financial relief to more than 100 families and small business owners across the Northern District of Ohio. 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.
The firm, founded by attorney Jason D. Grimes, 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 offers individuals a legal path to address overwhelming debt. Chapter 7 cases allow consumers to discharge unsecured debts such as credit card balances and medical bills, while Chapter 13 enables individuals to reorganize debts into a court-supervised repayment plan, often while keeping property such as a home. Upward Law’s clients often face mounting credit card debt, medical bills, wage garnishment, or the threat of repossession.
For business owners, Subchapter V of Chapter 11 provides a streamlined reorganization option designed specifically for smaller businesses. This allows eligible businesses to restructure debt while continuing operations under a more efficient and less costly process than a traditional Chapter 11 filing. Upward Law concentrates exclusively on Subchapter V for small companies and does not handle regular Chapter 11 cases. The firm also assists clients with student loan debt and tax debt matters, two areas that frequently intersect with broader financial hardship.
“After nearly 22 years on the business side of legal technology, starting my own firm has been incredibly exciting,” said Grimes. “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, a 15-year member of the Ohio Bar, has contributed to legal industry publications including the American Bankruptcy Institute Journal and the Cleveland State Law Review, and he speaks regularly on topics related to legal technology and law practice management. His expertise and commitment to client service have been central to the firm’s rapid growth.
The impact of Upward Law’s work extends beyond the numbers. In a region where economic challenges can be daunting, the firm’s ability to help clients keep their homes and vehicles is a lifeline. Bankruptcy filings can provide a fresh start, allowing individuals and businesses to regain financial stability. For small businesses, Subchapter V offers a chance to restructure and continue operations, preserving jobs and supporting local economies.
Upward Law accepts Chapter 7 cases from throughout Northern Ohio and Chapter 13 cases from Northeast and North-central Ohio. The firm’s office is located at 3659 Green Road, Suite 100, Beachwood, OH 44120, and can be viewed on Google Maps. As the firm enters its second year, its focus remains on providing compassionate, effective legal guidance to those in need of financial relief.
