Why did you decide to become an attorney?
To help people. When I was getting my undergraduate degree in engineering, I was also involved in student politics. I had the opportunity to meet and speak with law students and was attracted to the idea of a career where I might be successful at helping people.
What experiences (work and personal) help you to be a better attorney?
I am a Veteran of the U.S. Army and I have a degree in Engineering from Ohio State University, both of which give me an aptitude for the technical details of cases as well as the drive to achieve the best results for my clients. Since I co-founded my own firm 40 years ago, I’ve always been heavily involved in every aspect of my cases and how best to run our practice for our clients. The result is 40 solid years of legal experience focused on helping injured people. Our firm has had great success in this. We most recently co-counseled a case and obtained an $8.5 million verdict for an employee who lost a portion of his arm in a workplace accident.
What made you choose your primary area of law?
I wanted to help injured people in their battles with insurance companies. I’ve always been drawn to the thought of helping the “little guy” battling corporate America, even when I was a young kid.
What makes your law firm unique?
We are unique because we have represented injured people for over 40 years; we’ve never represented insurance companies and we’ve never changed our focus away from the injured person who needs our help. We are also one of the oldest law firms in Columbus handling Medical Malpractice cases.
Describe your personal interests and hobbies.
In my free time, I spend as much time outdoors as I can. I’ve climbed several mountains, the most significant one being Mt. Rainier. I enjoy skiing in all forms; downhill, back country, and cross country. I was formerly an amateur competitive downhill skier but now I ski just for fun and exercise. I’ve completed 3 marathons in my life, the first one at the age of 60! I also enjoy weeklong biking and camping trips across the country.
Describe your charitable activities.
I set up an endowed scholarship at my alma mater, the Ohio State University, to help young law students pay for tuition. My most recent charitable focus is the donation of a 230 acre farm that I own in Licking County. I am leaving the land to a park system. I’m just beginning to focus on the details of that donation and how the land will be used for the public. My hope is that they can use it for a new park in Licking County, creating more access to healthy outdoor activities for all!
