Attorney Profiles

My entire legal career has been dedicated to defending the rights of people and families who have been wronged through the fault of others.  The vast majority of my work involves pushing back against powerful insurance and financial interests, to level the playing field and obtain a just result for my clients.   

Since 2004, I have served as Statewide Consumer Chairperson for the Ohio Association for Justice.  As part of my duties, I meet with State Legislators and members of the Executive Branch to review and formulate legislation that impact consumers.  I also currently serve as President of the Summit County Association for Justice.  Both of these organizations are dedicated to preserving and advancing the legal right of injured people to obtain a fair recovery through our civil justice system. 

As a result of my experience representing clients on a daily basis as well as being involved at the legislative and executive end, I have been an invited lecturer on consumer law topics and insurance litigation throughout Ohio.  I have testified before the legislature and routinely advise Ohio Senate and House members on topics of consumer protection.  Most recently, I testified before a Senate committee on a bill intended to punish dishonest contractors and builders who have ripped off homeowners.  I have often been invited as a radio commentator on these topics in a legal forum.  Due to my hard work on behalf of citizens of the state, the Ohio Association for Justice has twice honored me for my commitment and legal scholarship. 

While I enjoy my volunteer work with the state and local bars, nothing is more rewarding than representing my clients.  Clients bring real issues to the table that I can address.  I have trial and appellate experience representing clients at all levels of the Ohio court system, as well as the federal courts sitting in Ohio.  Helping a client return his or her life to normal is a satisfying job.  My clients spend their days earning a living and raising their families.  The powerful interests we fight spend their days finding ways to shrink the value of legitimate claims.  Even when our client's life can't be returned to normal, we can still devote ourselves to ensuring a fair recovery.  

I have over 10 years of legal experience practicing law in Ohio in the state and federal courts of Ohio, and before the U.S. 6^th Circuit of Appeals.  I grew up in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, graduating high school in Pennsylvania in 1990.  I received my undergraduate degree in history from The George Washington University in 1994 and my law degree from The University of Akron School of Law in 1997.