Galen L. Schuerlein

Of Counsel / Director of Public Affairs Cleveland

Summary

Galen has a unique perspective on achieving goals where the public and private sectors intersect. With high-level government experience, Galen helps clients accomplish goals holistically and effectively. She has been involved in the political process for decades, whether as an advisor, strategist, or lead consultant on funding efforts. Galen understands issues unique to entities affected by local, state, and federal government policies. She focuses on providing comprehensive strategic solutions for public, private, and non-profit clients at the state and local levels.

Galen has participated in major civic initiatives throughout her career, helping secure more than a billion dollars for her clients. She successfully creates realistic strategies encompassing legal, communications, and political considerations. She provides strategic counsel to leaders in national corporations, public entities, non-profits, businesses, school districts, libraries, elected officials, and trade associations.

Galen frequently works closely with other Taft lawyers to provide seamless service to clients. This includes advising on the expedition of government approvals, tax revenue generation, and obtaining government grants and loans.

Prior to her consulting career, Galen was the Chief Counsel for the City of Cleveland, managing all collective bargaining, labor and employment, real estate development, and public records law sections. She also served as an Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Cleveland, focusing on communications and labor relations. Galen has been involved in political campaigns for more than two decades, having served as lead strategist or team member for over 100 campaigns.

Galen began her legal career as a guardian ad litem, later moving to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, where she served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney representing the Children and Family Services Unit. In this role, she prosecuted neglect, abuse, and dependency complaints.

Galen grew up in Bellevue, Washington, and graduated from Seattle University, where she was a women’s varsity tennis team member. She moved to Cleveland 30 years ago and lives in the Edgewater neighborhood in a home built by her great-grandparents. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and playing tennis.

Awards

  • Honoree, Best Lawyers in America, Government Relations Practice (2025)

Additional Information

All Service Areas

Education

  • Case Western Reserve University School of Law (1997)
  • Seattle University (1994)

    B.A., Political Science, magna cum laude

Admissions

  • State - Ohio

Professional Affiliations

  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

    Member

Community Involvement

  • Edgewater Homeowners' Association

    President

  • Cuyahoga Democratic Women's Caucus

    Member

  • Northwest Neighborhoods

    Member

  • Western Reserve Rowing Association

    Member, 31x

  • Cuyahoga County Democratic Party

    Former Chair, Transition Team

  • Ohio Democratic Party

    Former Member, Executive Committee