Ann Stirling Bergen is the principal of The Law Offices of Ann S. Bergen in Willoughby, Ohio. She founded the firm in 1998 and represents clients in a variety of civil and criminal matters.

Ann handles criminal matters in state and municipal courts, federal immigration court, probate court, domestic relations and juvenile courts, as well as business formation, and personal injury matters. A significant portion of her practice is devoted to assisting low-income families, representing abused, neglected and dependent children, serving as Guardian ad litem for at-risk children, and serving as Guardian for elderly and disabled adults. Ann’s practice includes both traditional litigation and alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation, arbitration, and principled negotiation.

In addition to her private practice, Ann is actively engaged in the community. She currently serves on the Development Committee and is past Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, a not-for-profit law firm service the low income and vulnerable of Northeast Ohio. She is also the past president of Forbes House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children.

In 2017, Ann received the national LSC Pro Bono Award for commitment to access to justice and delivery of pro bono services. In 2016, she was the recipient of the statewide OSBA John C. and Ginny Elam Pro Bono Award, recognizes outstanding pro bono legal work in the state of Ohio. Ann was the first woman to receive the President’s Award from the Lake Country Bar Association, honoring her for her public service and contributions to the practice of law in 2013. Ann is elected to Super Lawyers, an honor bestowed through peer nomination.

Ann presents at conferences throughout the country on topics related to immigration and at-risk populations, poverty law, pro bono models and delivery and not-for-profit Board governance, including ABA/NLADA Equal Justice Conferences, NLADA National Conferences, and the 40th Anniversary Legal Services Corporation Conference.

Ann is admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court. Ann is the chair of the Lake County Bar Association Access to Justice Committee. Ann also serves as Bar Counsel for the Grievance Committee of the Lake County Bar Association. Ann is a member of the Ohio State, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula County Bar Associations. Ann serves as general counsel to the Lake County Bar Association.

Ann received her undergraduate degree from John Carroll University and her law degree from Cleveland State University.