Gregory J. McCleery, Esq.

Managing Attorney

“Someone once asked me what I regarded as the three most important requirements for happiness. My answer was: ‘A feeling that you have been honest with yourself and those around you; a feeling that you have done the best you could both in your personal life and in your work; and the ability to love others.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

Greg is the founder of McCleery Law Firm, and opened his own practice several months after passing the bar. As the oil and gas industry began to invest in the area, energy law played a significant role in the firm’s early growth. Greg assisted both major industry players and local landowners with title research, and acted as the title supervisor for an oil and gas brokerage firm, overseeing all title operations and leading a team of experienced abstractors. He worked exclusively with landowners on leasing negotiations, sales of minerals and royalties, and curative title work. After transitioning out of abstracting for title brokerages in 2015, he was able to use his knowledge of the industry to help clients steer clear of costly and dangerous missteps. He continues to actively represent oil and gas clients as the majority of his current practice, particularly in oil and gas lease and mineral sale negotiations, curative work, and high-stakes oil and gas litigation.

After several years, Greg expanded into new areas of law, and eventually focused on family law and oil and gas as the core of his legal practice. He strove to build a reputation in the community for listening closely, caring about delivering the best possible outcomes, working quickly, and communicating rapidly and consistently. Within just two years, the firm began rapidly expanding, and became the largest law practice based in Tuscarawas County, where its principal office is located. The firm also opened multiple branch offices in surrounding counties, which continue to comprise a significant portion of its practice. As a managing attorney, Greg is passionate about providing quality legal representation to under-served legal markets, leveraging innovation and technology to deliver services more efficiently, and providing advice and mentorship to the next generation of legal practitioners. A significant portion of his current duties include carefully training and overseeing new attorneys to meet the critical need for more attorneys in rural areas.

During law school, Greg was awarded the Perantinides & Nolan Scholarship for his outstanding commitment to public service. While completing his Juris Doctorate degree at the University of Akron School of Law, he took time away from his studies to volunteer at Housing Advocates, Inc. where he was promoted to a position with primary responsibility for overseeing their housing disability program. He also volunteered with legal aid, and still regularly appears at their free family law clinic. Greg is active with his local church, became an Eagle Scout, and is active in the local bar association, serving as the Treasurer, Vice President, and as the President of the Tuscarawas County Bar Association for four consecutive terms. He also participates in the Ohio Attorney General’s Victims of Crime program, assisting domestic violence victims with obtaining civil protection orders without cost.

Professional Accomplishments

  • One of Ohio’s most active attorneys for oil and gas leasing and mineral sales negotiations, handling over $46,000,000 in transactions from 2023-2026.
  • During his first oil and gas quiet title case in 2016, secured over 180 acres on behalf of client.
  • Routinely represents landowners in cases with high-six figures in mineral assets in litigation or active marketing.
  • Consistent track record of negotiating exponential price increases for oil and gas leases and mineral sales above initial offers.  (While frequent, results will vary from case to case.)
  • Guest Speaker at Continuing Legal Education Events on Oil and Gas Law.
  • Led a team of experienced title abstractors at an oil and gas brokerage firm within three years of entering the field.
  • Served four consecutive terms as President of the Tuscarawas County Bar Association.
  • Awarded 2026 Regional Award for Outstanding Service by an Individual, by Legal Aid of South Central Ohio (LASCO)

Top Articles

Landowner’s Guide to Oil and Gas Leases and Mineral Sales

Mineral Sale vs. Force Pooling vs. Oil and Gas Lease

Lost Treasure: Abandonment and the Ohio Dormant Minerals Act

Planning Ahead: Early Estate Planning Can Save Time and Money