Kenneth P. Abbarno
Ken brings decades of courtroom experience to the cases that demand accountability at trial.
Ken brings decades of courtroom experience to the cases that demand accountability at trial.
Ken Abbarno is a seasoned trial lawyer whose career has been defined by results in the courtroom. With more than three decades of experience trying complex cases nationwide, Ken is known for his steady command of the facts and his ability to connect with jurors in difficult cases. He has led or co-led hundreds of high-exposure matters, securing multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients in catastrophic injury, transportation, civil rights, medical malpractice, and other complex cases.
As the managing partner of DiCello Levitt’s Cleveland office, general counsel for the firm, and co-coordinator of the DiCello Levitt Trial Center, Ken plays a central role in shaping and executing the firm’s trial strategy. He oversees trial preparation from the earliest stages of discovery, using in-house focus groups, mock juries, and case framing research to sharpen messaging and anticipate how jurors will respond to complex facts. This trial-first approach—honed through years of courtroom experience—has contributed to more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements since the firm’s founding. Ken’s leadership has been pivotal in some of the firm’s most consequential trials, including his work on the team that secured a $20.75 million jury verdict against global banking giant BNP Paribas for financing genocide in Sudan—a landmark result paving the way for tens of thousands of survivors to seek billions more in recovery.
Ken’s ability to balance legal precision with genuine empathy makes him an advocate that clients trust during the most difficult periods of their lives. Drawing on his early experience as a defense lawyer, he brings a 360-degree view of the courtroom—anticipating opposing arguments, mastering the details, and ensuring every case is trial-ready. His work on high-profile civil rights cases, including his representation of the family of Jayland Walker, a young Black man killed in a police shooting in Akron, demonstrates his commitment to accountability and justice at the highest levels.
A recognized leader in his field, Ken has earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named to Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers and Ohio Super Lawyers every year since 2010. He is also featured in The Best Lawyers in America for transportation law.
Ken’s impact reaches beyond his legal work. As a mentor, he is dedicated to developing the next generation of trial attorneys and advancing their careers. His service as an assistant football coach and community volunteer further reflects his deep commitment to supporting and empowering young people.
