Juris Doctor (JD)
Capital University
1993
In law school, I was a published member of the Law Review and served as an extern to Judge Alan E. Norris of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. I also received an American Jurisprudence Award in constitutional law and was included in the 12th Edition of Who's Who Among American Law Students. As an assistant attorney general, I served as a faculty member for the National Association of Attorneys General and conducted in-service training for client agencies.

Columbus Bar Association
All Ohio Courts
Ohio Supreme Court
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals
Colorado Supreme Court
Focused primarily on my practice areas: administrative and regulatory law, law enforcement, probate and estate, charitable giving.
Member, National Board of Directors of the
Climbing Wall Association
Administrative Hearing Examiner for Ohio Dept.
Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities

5/1993
0061151 (Ohio), 024210 (Colorado)
OH
1-5

We are a general practice firm in Westerville, offering affordable legal representation and advocacy in a client-friendly atmosphere.
I was an assistant Ohio attorney general for over eight years, with significant experience in civil and administrative litigation and appeals. I also have experience with the Ohio Department of Commerce and the Ohio Industrial Commission. In private practice, I worked in complex and multi-district litigation in a private firm setting.
Akhtar v. State Medical Bd., Case No. 07CV9860 (Franklin County Common Pleas Court); Aust v. Ohio State Dental Bd. (2000), 136 Ohio App. 3d 677; Spies v. Voinovich (6th Cir. 1999), 173 F.3d 398; Nedea v. Voinovich (N.D. Ohio 1998), 994 F.Supp. 910); Blair v. Loomis (N.D. Ohio 1998), 1 F.Supp. 2d 769); State, ex rel. Duganitz v. Ohio Adult Parole Auth. (1996), 77 Ohio St. 3d 190; Mobley v. Forcum (S.D. Ohio 1998), 13 Ohio Trial Reporter 18

I came to the law as a second career, so I have experience on both sides of the table. I have been the client facing a legal maze, and I know what it is like to need someone in your corner. A legal problem may be small in the eyes of some, but it is always a serious matter for the client. I became a lawyer to assist those who are facing difficult, confusing, or unique circumstances. Since I have been the client, I never forget that each legal matter is a real problem for a real person.
I have personally dealt with probate issues involving my immediate family. From that experience, I know that there are not many legal issues more difficult (emotionally and financially) than probate, powers of attorney, healthcare issues, and end of life decisions. My personal experience ensures that when families trust me to assist with these matters, I treat them as I would my own family. I feel privileged to provide counsel in those difficult times.
As an assistant attorney general, I was general and trial counsel to the Ohio Departments of Health and Aging. In private practice, I have served as an administrative hearing examiner for the Department of Health and the Department of MR/DD. From these experiences, I know the difficult, stressful, and confusing issues that can arise for seniors and others in need of these services. I enjoy being a problem solver for people in these circumstances.
We are truly a family law firm. I practice with my son, Jeff, who serves as the Associate Attorney for the firm. My wife Elaine has worked as my secretary, legal assistant, and general "go-to" person for many years. Because we are a small firm, you will always deal with the same people. Your legal matter won't be shuffled from person to person. When you call, it's likely that one of the attorneys will answer your calls directly. Our firm has a comfortable, client-friendly atmosphere. We have different backgrounds and professional experiences, which allow us to provide multiple perspectives to the client.
The ideal client is one who takes an active interest in the legal issue at hand. Open discussions and exchanges of ideas are very important in the resolution of legal matters. Aside from that, there is no “ideal” client. My clients are as diverse as the cases I handle, which is what makes the practice of law so challenging and rewarding.
I enjoy traveling, hiking, photography, playing music, and spending time with my grandchildren (three for now, with the fourth on the way).
For more than 10 years, I have been involved with Lifeline Christian Mission, based in Westerville, Ohio. I have traveled to Haiti many times, performing volunteer and outreach work. My wife and I are the directors of Send The Light, Inc., a nonprofit organization which helped to build, equip, and staff an optometric clinic in Haiti.

Free estate planning consultation
All retainer fees are arrived at after an assessment of difficulty of the case and consultation with client.

Estate Plan $300 (single), $495 (married); Revocable Living Trust $1095 (single), $1295 (married); LLC Formation $495 (1 member), $795 (2+ members)
Estate Planning Review Document Review Contested Proceedings