Natalia Steele

Natalia is a partner in the Vorys Cleveland office and a member of the Vorys eControl group.  Her practice is focused on counseling businesses on protecting brand value through online sales control solutions that protect brand equity and support long-term brand growth.  Natalia’s areas of focus include: identifying and neutralizing issues arising from unauthorized sales, channel conflict, MAP violations, brand equity erosion, product diversion and quality control issues, among others.

Career highlights include:

• Developing and optimizing brands’ go-to-market strategies for alignment with overall business goals
• Advising leading manufacturers and brands on distribution and eCommerce channel structures and agreements
• Designing and implementing efficient enforcement plans using advanced data analysis and legal strategies
• Counseling brands on successful expansion into international online marketplaces
• Implementing authorized reseller programs – both brick and mortar and ecommerce – for manufacturers and brands to help protect brand value by controlling online sales

Natalia is also an experienced litigator, and she uses her extensive knowledge in managing a wide variety of complex commercial litigation matters, including M&A shareholder derivative suits, patent infringement, commercial contracts, business torts, and directors’ and officers’ liability disputes to advise clients on best risk management strategies. 

Natalia received her J.D., cum laude from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, a Masters in human resources and labor relations from Cleveland State University, and a B.A. cum laude from John Carroll University.

Honors & Recognitions

CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Appellate Advocacy, 2005

CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Pretrial Litigation, 2007

Clinical Director’s Award for Excellence and Dedication

Jessup International Law Moot Court Team, 2006-2007

Professional & Community Activities

The Cuyahoga County Human Rights Commission, Commissioner, 2021 to present

Vocational Guidance Services, Board Member, 2014-2020

Ladder Down Cleveland, 2020 Class

American Constitution Society, Executive Board Member, 2015 to present

Cleveland Metropolitan School District Mock Trial Competition, Team Coach, 2008-2013

Partner in Justice for Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (LASC), assisting LASC in its fundraising efforts, 2010 to present