http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_oh.php Judged Law Firm en-us (C) 2006 Judged. All rights reserved. contact@judged.com(Judged) contact@judged.com Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:18:57 -0500 Law Firms http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_oh.php 60 http://www.judged.com/images/xml_rss_feed.gif http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_oh.php Address : One GOJO PlazaSuite 300, Phone : 330-864-5550, City : Akron Scott Oldham helped 16-year-old Adrian Lindsey obtain a patent to protect his invention, All Net, a nylon backpack basketball carrier. Scott also assisted him by putting him in touch with others who helped to launch his product. Scott Oldham helped 16-year-old Adrian Lindsey obtain a patent to protect his invention, All Net, a nylon backpack basketball carrier. Scott also assisted him by putting him in touch with others who helped to launch his product. Instead of hiring minority subcontractors to do real work, white owned buisinesses that win contracts for city projects often use minority-owned companies to launder public funds. This scenario occurred during Cleveland's airport-expansion project. Craig White was an independent investigator who wrote that the fraud suggests, "a wider level of abuse of the city's Office of Equal Opportunity program, in general." He also reports that true participation by minority-owned businesses on local public contracts, "is compromised on a routine basis." Instead of hiring minority subcontractors to do real work, white owned buisinesses that win contracts for city projects often use minority-owned companies to launder public funds. This scenario occurred during Cleveland's airport-expansion project. Craig White was an independent investigator who wrote that the fraud suggests, "a wider level of abuse of the city's Office of Equal Opportunity program, in general." He also reports that true participation by minority-owned businesses on local public contracts, "is compromised on a routine basis." Aubrie Knight, Michael Pascoe and Bill Nabors are listed for joining Hahn Loeser as associates. Aubrie Knight, Michael Pascoe and Bill Nabors are listed for joining Hahn Loeser as associates. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=981 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=981&page=1 Address : 4518 Fulton Drive, Northwest, Phone : 330-492-8717, City : Canton Buckingham, Doolittle, & Burroughs, LLP ("BDB") presented its annual Stellar Performer Award on September 17, 2007 at the BDB Akron office. The award recognizes community and business leaders for exemplary leadership. Metro Parks, Serving Summit County's Director-Secretary, Keith D. Shy, received the Stellar Performer Award for his many professional and civic contributions to the city of Akron. Mr. Shy's professional career has been built on caring for Summit County's natural park systems. Mr. Shy has been with Metro Parks since 1982, and was appointed director-secretary in 1998. He has a bachelor's degree from Capital University and an associate's degree in wildlife management and parks administration from Hocking College. He is a certified parks and recreation professional through the Ohio Parks & Recreation Association, and an active member of the Akron Chapter of Rotary International. Under Mr. Shy's direction, Metro Parks has acquired more than 2,500 acres, including the 290-acre County Home property in Munroe Falls. In October 2006, the Summit County government gave Metro Parks the County Home land, which is directly adjacent to Munroe Falls Metro Park, for just one dollar. Metro Parks, Serving Summit County manages more than 9,000 acres, including 13 developed parks, six conservation areas and more than 120 miles of trails, with 16 miles of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The annual attendance averages 4 million visitors. "I'm pleased to accept this award on behalf of Metro Parks, Serving Summit County. I work with great people on a daily basis and I couldn't ask to be surrounded by a better team," stated Mr. Shy. "I'm honored to accept this recognition for the Metro Parks and I believe it's a tribute to the spirit, compassion, and commitment we have for preserving our natural park systems." Nick George, President and CEO of Buckingham, said, "More than honoring Keith for his accomplishments, he is being honored for literally changing and protecting the landscape in Northeast Ohio for our children and their children. We are proud to recognize him as a Stellar Performer." Buckingham's Stellar Performer Award recognizes business and community leaders exhibiting exemplary leadership in the cities where we have offices. Nominations for the award come from attorneys within Buckingham's six offices, and the Board of Managers select the recipients. Buckingham typically honors one to three stellar performers each year in each of its six offices. Buckingham, Doolittle, & Burroughs, LLP ("BDB") presented its annual Stellar Performer Award on September 17, 2007 at the BDB Akron office. The award recognizes community and business leaders for exemplary leadership. Metro Parks, Serving Summit County's Director-Secretary, Keith D. Shy, received the Stellar Performer Award for his many professional and civic contributions to the city of Akron. Mr. Shy's professional career has been built on caring for Summit County's natural park systems. Mr. Shy has been with Metro Parks since 1982, and was appointed director-secretary in 1998. He has a bachelor's degree from Capital University and an associate's degree in wildlife management and parks administration from Hocking College. He is a certified parks and recreation professional through the Ohio Parks & Recreation Association, and an active member of the Akron Chapter of Rotary International. Under Mr. Shy's direction, Metro Parks has acquired more than 2,500 acres, including the 290-acre County Home property in Munroe Falls. In October 2006, the Summit County government gave Metro Parks the County Home land, which is directly adjacent to Munroe Falls Metro Park, for just one dollar. Metro Parks, Serving Summit County manages more than 9,000 acres, including 13 developed parks, six conservation areas and more than 120 miles of trails, with 16 miles of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The annual attendance averages 4 million visitors. "I'm pleased to accept this award on behalf of Metro Parks, Serving Summit County. I work with great people on a daily basis and I couldn't ask to be surrounded by a better team," stated Mr. Shy. "I'm honored to accept this recognition for the Metro Parks and I believe it's a tribute to the spirit, compassion, and commitment we have for preserving our natural park systems." Nick George, President and CEO of Buckingham, said, "More than honoring Keith for his accomplishments, he is being honored for literally changing and protecting the landscape in Northeast Ohio for our children and their children. We are proud to recognize him as a Stellar Performer." Buckingham's Stellar Performer Award recognizes business and community leaders exhibiting exemplary leadership in the cities where we have offices. Nominations for the award come from attorneys within Buckingham's six offices, and the Board of Managers select the recipients. Buckingham typically honors one to three stellar performers each year in each of its six offices. Buckingham, Doolittle, & Burroughs, LLP ("BDB") presented its annual Stellar Performer Award on September 5, 2007 at the BDB Cleveland office. The award recognizes community and business leaders for exemplary leadership. Cleveland Entrepreneur, Jeff Schneid, received the Stellar Performer Award for his entrepreneurial and professional successes, as well as his civic and community contributions. Mr. Schneid's professional career has been built on his innate sense of business. Mr. Schneid was the President of Numation, Inc., a manufacturing company recently acquired by Emerson Electric. He now owns and operates two new businesses: 1) Lorad LLC, Unistrut Service; and 2) Diversified Fall Protection, Inc. His key accomplishments include his ascent from a 28 year-old Vice President at Zaytran, to President and co-owner; starting his own business, Numation, Inc., in 1994 and growing it into a multi-million dollar company, becoming a subsidiary of Numatics, Incorporated, and then, eventually leading to its acquisition by Emerson Electric. Mr. Schneid's impressive civic background includes working with a dedicated group of people to renovate the Avon Lake high school stadium. Their efforts are focused on raising $2.8 million. Nick George, President and CEO of Buckingham, said, "Jeff received this award because over and over again, he has said he could do it, believed he could do it, and did it: At Zaytran, Numation, Emerson Electric, Unistrut, and Diversified Fall Protection. His entrepreneurial spirit makes him an exceptional leader in his businesses and in the community." Buckingham's Stellar Performer Award recognizes business and community leaders exhibiting exemplary leadership in the cities where we have offices. Nominations for the award come from attorneys within Buckingham's six offices, and the Board of Managers select the recipients. Buckingham typically honors one to three stellar performers each year in each of its six offices. Buckingham, Doolittle, & Burroughs, LLP ("BDB") presented its annual Stellar Performer Award on September 5, 2007 at the BDB Cleveland office. The award recognizes community and business leaders for exemplary leadership. Cleveland Entrepreneur, Jeff Schneid, received the Stellar Performer Award for his entrepreneurial and professional successes, as well as his civic and community contributions. Mr. Schneid's professional career has been built on his innate sense of business. Mr. Schneid was the President of Numation, Inc., a manufacturing company recently acquired by Emerson Electric. He now owns and operates two new businesses: 1) Lorad LLC, Unistrut Service; and 2) Diversified Fall Protection, Inc. His key accomplishments include his ascent from a 28 year-old Vice President at Zaytran, to President and co-owner; starting his own business, Numation, Inc., in 1994 and growing it into a multi-million dollar company, becoming a subsidiary of Numatics, Incorporated, and then, eventually leading to its acquisition by Emerson Electric. Mr. Schneid's impressive civic background includes working with a dedicated group of people to renovate the Avon Lake high school stadium. Their efforts are focused on raising $2.8 million. Nick George, President and CEO of Buckingham, said, "Jeff received this award because over and over again, he has said he could do it, believed he could do it, and did it: At Zaytran, Numation, Emerson Electric, Unistrut, and Diversified Fall Protection. His entrepreneurial spirit makes him an exceptional leader in his businesses and in the community." Buckingham's Stellar Performer Award recognizes business and community leaders exhibiting exemplary leadership in the cities where we have offices. Nominations for the award come from attorneys within Buckingham's six offices, and the Board of Managers select the recipients. Buckingham typically honors one to three stellar performers each year in each of its six offices. Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP ("BDB") is proud to welcome Brian C. Close, an Associate, resident in the Columbus office. The addition of Mr. Close increases the office to 32 attorneys, and strengthens its Business practice. His practice will focus on providing strategic counseling services for individual and corporate clients in general business, real estate, and tax-related transactions. Prior to joining BDB, Mr. Close served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Judge Peggy Bryant in the Tenth District Court of Appeals. While at the court, he drafted judicial opinions and assisted Judge Bryant in editing, reviewing and revising those and other opinions for publication. Mr. Close is admitted to practice law in Ohio and Florida. He is a member of the American, Florida, Ohio State and Columbus Bar Associations. Mr. Close received his J.D. from Capital University Law School (2005) and is expected to receive his LL.M in Taxation in Fall 2007. While in law school, he was a member of the law review, received six CALI Awards for Excellence, and graduated summa cum laude. Mr. Close also earned his B.A. in Economics and Management from DePauw University (2001). He is a head coach for Miracle League of Central Ohio, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio and Parishioner of St. Andrew's Church Mr. Close resides in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP ("BDB") is proud to welcome Brian C. Close, an Associate, resident in the Columbus office. The addition of Mr. Close increases the office to 32 attorneys, and strengthens its Business practice. His practice will focus on providing strategic counseling services for individual and corporate clients in general business, real estate, and tax-related transactions. Prior to joining BDB, Mr. Close served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Judge Peggy Bryant in the Tenth District Court of Appeals. While at the court, he drafted judicial opinions and assisted Judge Bryant in editing, reviewing and revising those and other opinions for publication. Mr. Close is admitted to practice law in Ohio and Florida. He is a member of the American, Florida, Ohio State and Columbus Bar Associations. Mr. Close received his J.D. from Capital University Law School (2005) and is expected to receive his LL.M in Taxation in Fall 2007. While in law school, he was a member of the law review, received six CALI Awards for Excellence, and graduated summa cum laude. Mr. Close also earned his B.A. in Economics and Management from DePauw University (2001). He is a head coach for Miracle League of Central Ohio, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio and Parishioner of St. Andrew's Church Mr. Close resides in Upper Arlington, Ohio. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=306 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=306&page=15 Address : 310 Chiquita Center250 East Fifth Street, Phone : 513-361-0200, City : Cincinnati Roetzel & Andress announces that Jeffrey A. Fickes has joined their Akron, Ohio office as Of Counsel. Fickes will focus on corporate work, such as mergers, banking, taxation and so forth. Roetzel & Andress announces that Jeffrey A. Fickes has joined their Akron, Ohio office as Of Counsel. Fickes will focus on corporate work, such as mergers, banking, taxation and so forth. The law firm of Roetzel & Andress named four partners to firm management positions, effective August 1, 2007. Assuming new positions are Robert E. Blackham, Ohio Practice Group Manager; Ronald S. Kopp, Administrative Partner; Bradley A. Wright, City Manager, Akron Office; and Diana M. Thimmig, City Manager, Cleveland Office. As Ohio Practice Group Manager, Mr. Blackham is responsible for overseeing implementation of the firm's strategic growth plans in all five of the firm's Ohio offices. Along with his new responsibilities, Mr. Blackham will continue to focus on his practice of workplace injury, OSHA, workers' compensation, intentional tort, non-compete agreements, and employee discrimination matters. As Administrative Partner, Mr. Kopp will oversee the day-to-day operational functions of the firm. In addition to this role, Mr. Kopp will maintain his practice focusing on business litigation, including product liability matters, commercial disputes, legal malpractice, fraud, breach of contract disputes, and intellectual property litigation. As City Managers, Ms. Thimmig and Mr. Wright will direct and manage the growth of their respective offices, including the broadening of the firm's client base and the recruiting of attorneys to serve the firm's regional and national client base. Additionally, they will further promote the collaborative environments of their offices, in keeping with the firm's philosophy of collegiality and client service. Ms. Thimmig focuses her law practice on complex business and commercial litigation, bankruptcy cases, and insolvency proceedings and will maintain her practice. Mr. Wright will continue to maintain his law practice, which focuses on transportation litigation, business litigation, retail representation, product liability defense, insurance law, and alternative dispute resolutions. The law firm of Roetzel & Andress named four partners to firm management positions, effective August 1, 2007. Assuming new positions are Robert E. Blackham, Ohio Practice Group Manager; Ronald S. Kopp, Administrative Partner; Bradley A. Wright, City Manager, Akron Office; and Diana M. Thimmig, City Manager, Cleveland Office. As Ohio Practice Group Manager, Mr. Blackham is responsible for overseeing implementation of the firm's strategic growth plans in all five of the firm's Ohio offices. Along with his new responsibilities, Mr. Blackham will continue to focus on his practice of workplace injury, OSHA, workers' compensation, intentional tort, non-compete agreements, and employee discrimination matters. As Administrative Partner, Mr. Kopp will oversee the day-to-day operational functions of the firm. In addition to this role, Mr. Kopp will maintain his practice focusing on business litigation, including product liability matters, commercial disputes, legal malpractice, fraud, breach of contract disputes, and intellectual property litigation. As City Managers, Ms. Thimmig and Mr. Wright will direct and manage the growth of their respective offices, including the broadening of the firm's client base and the recruiting of attorneys to serve the firm's regional and national client base. Additionally, they will further promote the collaborative environments of their offices, in keeping with the firm's philosophy of collegiality and client service. Ms. Thimmig focuses her law practice on complex business and commercial litigation, bankruptcy cases, and insolvency proceedings and will maintain her practice. Mr. Wright will continue to maintain his law practice, which focuses on transportation litigation, business litigation, retail representation, product liability defense, insurance law, and alternative dispute resolutions. The law firm of Roetzel & Andress is pleased to announce Gina A. Kuhlman has joined the firm as a partner in the Employment Services Group. Certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Specialist in Labor and Employment Law, Ms. Kuhlman represents both public and private sector employers in collective bargaining negotiations, grievance arbitrations, and strike injunction, unfair labor practice, and civil service proceedings. She also counsels corporate executives, management teams, and public officials in employment-related issues including federal and state labor and employment law compliance, preparation and implementation of personnel policies, employee discipline, contract administration, discrimination claims, non-compete agreements and enforcement of trade-secret protections. "We welcome Gina to the firm and to the Cleveland office. Her extensive background in traditional labor law will augment our ability to serve the needs of our current clients in this rapidly-growing practice area," stated Douglas Spiker, Employment Services Practice Group Manager. Ms. Kuhlman earned her juris doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She received a Bachelor of Science in Management, summa cum laude, also from Case Western Reserve University. The law firm of Roetzel & Andress is pleased to announce Gina A. Kuhlman has joined the firm as a partner in the Employment Services Group. Certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Specialist in Labor and Employment Law, Ms. Kuhlman represents both public and private sector employers in collective bargaining negotiations, grievance arbitrations, and strike injunction, unfair labor practice, and civil service proceedings. She also counsels corporate executives, management teams, and public officials in employment-related issues including federal and state labor and employment law compliance, preparation and implementation of personnel policies, employee discipline, contract administration, discrimination claims, non-compete agreements and enforcement of trade-secret protections. "We welcome Gina to the firm and to the Cleveland office. Her extensive background in traditional labor law will augment our ability to serve the needs of our current clients in this rapidly-growing practice area," stated Douglas Spiker, Employment Services Practice Group Manager. Ms. Kuhlman earned her juris doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She received a Bachelor of Science in Management, summa cum laude, also from Case Western Reserve University. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2034 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2034&page=23 Address : 388 South Main StreetSuite 500, Phone : 330-535-5711, City : Akron Congratulations to Dave Hunter, this year\'s recipient of the Karl S. Hay Community Service Award. Congratulations are also in order for this year\'s nominees, Chris Carney, Pat Gajda, Becky Haupt and Joy Lipscomb. This award is given every year in recognition of Brouse McDowell employees who without expectation of remuneration or reward, have made exceptional contributions of time, talent, energy and enthusiasm in service to others. Their personal contributions to the spirit of volunteerism honors our firm and enriches our community. This year\'s recipient and nominees are all worthy of our recognition of their service to others. Congratulations to Dave Hunter, this year\'s recipient of the Karl S. Hay Community Service Award. Congratulations are also in order for this year\'s nominees, Chris Carney, Pat Gajda, Becky Haupt and Joy Lipscomb. This award is given every year in recognition of Brouse McDowell employees who without expectation of remuneration or reward, have made exceptional contributions of time, talent, energy and enthusiasm in service to others. Their personal contributions to the spirit of volunteerism honors our firm and enriches our community. This year\'s recipient and nominees are all worthy of our recognition of their service to others. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=281 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=281&page=4 Address : 75 East Market Street, Phone : 330-253-5060, City : Akron http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=265 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=265&page=5 Address : 11 S Forge Street, Phone : 330-376-8336, City : Akron http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=910 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=910&page=6 Address : 120 East Mill StreetSuite 240, Phone : 330-255-0037, City : Akron http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1527 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1527&page=7 Address : One Cascade Plaza15th Floor, Phone : 330-434-3000, City : Akron http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2029 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2029&page=8 Address : 4775 Munson StreetNorth West, P.O. Box 36963, Phone : 330-497-0700, City : Canton Canton, Ohio: The Law Firm of Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A. is pleased to announce that its annual "Samuel Krugliak Legal Student Scholarship" has been awarded to Stark County native, Kristen Pederzolli. "Kristen represents the qualities and characteristics exemplified by our late founding attorney, Sam Krugliak, whom this annual scholarship honors," said Director, John M. Tucker, member of the firm's Scholarship Committee. "We believe her exceptional academic achievements along with her commitment to return to our community after graduation are commendable." The 2007-2008 annual scholarship was available to current law school students with strong academic credentials, demonstrated involvement in extracurricular activities, and a desire to return to the Stark County region to practice law. Pederzolli received a B.S. Degree in Economics, Thematic Sequence in Communication from Miami University, cum laude graduation honors, and was a member of the Buck Rodger's Leadership Program. She currently is a student at University of Cincinnati School of Law. Canton, Ohio: The Law Firm of Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A. is pleased to announce that its annual "Samuel Krugliak Legal Student Scholarship" has been awarded to Stark County native, Kristen Pederzolli. "Kristen represents the qualities and characteristics exemplified by our late founding attorney, Sam Krugliak, whom this annual scholarship honors," said Director, John M. Tucker, member of the firm's Scholarship Committee. "We believe her exceptional academic achievements along with her commitment to return to our community after graduation are commendable." The 2007-2008 annual scholarship was available to current law school students with strong academic credentials, demonstrated involvement in extracurricular activities, and a desire to return to the Stark County region to practice law. Pederzolli received a B.S. Degree in Economics, Thematic Sequence in Communication from Miami University, cum laude graduation honors, and was a member of the Buck Rodger's Leadership Program. She currently is a student at University of Cincinnati School of Law. Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A. is pleased to announce that three of the firm's attorneys have been selected as 2007 Super Lawyers® - Ohio Rising Stars. A project of Law & Politics and the Publishers of Cincinnati Magazine, Ohio Super Lawyers® voted for the best state attorneys across numerous practice areas who are either 40 years old or younger, or who have been practicing for ten years or less. The list represents the top 2.5 percent of licensed up-and-coming attorneys in the state who meet the aforementioned criteria. The firm attorneys named 2007 Super Lawyers® - Ohio Rising Stars are: James F. Contini II-Estate Planning & Probate John D. Clark-Estate Planning & Probate John M. Tucker-Closely Held Business "We have always prided ourselves on the fact that our lawyers promote only the highest standards of excellence in legal counsel," says Managing Director, Terry Moore. "When this opinion is validated by your peers, it is something that everyone at the firm can be proud of. Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A. is pleased to announce that three of the firm's attorneys have been selected as 2007 Super Lawyers® - Ohio Rising Stars. A project of Law & Politics and the Publishers of Cincinnati Magazine, Ohio Super Lawyers® voted for the best state attorneys across numerous practice areas who are either 40 years old or younger, or who have been practicing for ten years or less. The list represents the top 2.5 percent of licensed up-and-coming attorneys in the state who meet the aforementioned criteria. The firm attorneys named 2007 Super Lawyers® - Ohio Rising Stars are: James F. Contini II-Estate Planning & Probate John D. Clark-Estate Planning & Probate John M. Tucker-Closely Held Business "We have always prided ourselves on the fact that our lawyers promote only the highest standards of excellence in legal counsel," says Managing Director, Terry Moore. "When this opinion is validated by your peers, it is something that everyone at the firm can be proud of. The law firm of Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A. is pleased to announce that Stephan R. Wright has joined the firm as an associate. His practice is focused in the area of litigation, including torts, insurance law and appellate advocacy. The North Canton native graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in History and Zoology and continues to be active in the Miami University Alumni Association. He received his Juris Doctorate, graduating cum laude from The University of Akron School of Law. While at The University of Akron, he was a member of the Trial Team. Stephan Wright is a member of the Stark County and Ohio State Bar Associations and resides in North Canton with his wife, Heather, and their twin daughters. Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A., is one of the region's premier law firms and provides representation across various practice areas of the law: Corporate and Business Law, Real Estate and Construction, Labor and Employment, Employee Benefits, Commercial Lending and Finance, Taxation, Health Care, Environmental Law, OSHA, Workers' Compensation, Probate and Estate Planning, and Litigation in all areas. The firm has 38 attorneys with offices in Canton, Alliance, New Philadelphia and Sugarcreek The law firm of Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A. is pleased to announce that Stephan R. Wright has joined the firm as an associate. His practice is focused in the area of litigation, including torts, insurance law and appellate advocacy. The North Canton native graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in History and Zoology and continues to be active in the Miami University Alumni Association. He received his Juris Doctorate, graduating cum laude from The University of Akron School of Law. While at The University of Akron, he was a member of the Trial Team. Stephan Wright is a member of the Stark County and Ohio State Bar Associations and resides in North Canton with his wife, Heather, and their twin daughters. Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A., is one of the region's premier law firms and provides representation across various practice areas of the law: Corporate and Business Law, Real Estate and Construction, Labor and Employment, Employee Benefits, Commercial Lending and Finance, Taxation, Health Care, Environmental Law, OSHA, Workers' Compensation, Probate and Estate Planning, and Litigation in all areas. The firm has 38 attorneys with offices in Canton, Alliance, New Philadelphia and Sugarcreek http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1333 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1333&page=11 Address : 35765 Chester Road, Phone : 440-930-8000, City : Avon http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2517 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2517&page=10 Address : 4117 Whipple Avenue North West, Phone : 330-493-8525, City : Canton http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1665 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1665&page=12 Address : 1000 Unizan Plaza220 Market Avenue South, Phone : 330-456-8341, City : Canton http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=197 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=197&page=13 Address : 200 Market Avenue North, Phone : 330-455-0173, City : Canton http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=593 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=593&page=14 Address : 2900 Chemed Center255 East Fifth Street, Phone : 513-621-2666, City : Cincinnati http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2253 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2253&page=16 Address : 312 Walnut StreetSuite 2090, Phone : 513-852-5600, City : Cincinnati http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1472 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1472&page=17 Address : 312 Walnut StreetSuite 2300, Phone : 513-421-6630, City : Cincinnati http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1439 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1439&page=18 Address : 8044 Montgomery RoadSuite 630, Phone : 513-792-0792, City : Cincinnati Schottenstein Zox & Dunn (SZD) is pleased to welcome the addition of Carrie Lynn Wambaugh as an associate in the firm's Commercial Litigation Practice Group. Wambaugh previously served as a staff attorney for the Tenth District Court of Appeals and has prior experience as an associate attorney with a central Ohio law firm. She has also served as a judicial law clerk in Norfolk, Va. Wambaugh received her undergraduate degree from Ashland University, summa cum laude, and her law degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Akron, where she served on the Law Review editorial board and as a Law Review intern. Schottenstein Zox & Dunn (SZD) is pleased to welcome the addition of Carrie Lynn Wambaugh as an associate in the firm's Commercial Litigation Practice Group. Wambaugh previously served as a staff attorney for the Tenth District Court of Appeals and has prior experience as an associate attorney with a central Ohio law firm. She has also served as a judicial law clerk in Norfolk, Va. Wambaugh received her undergraduate degree from Ashland University, summa cum laude, and her law degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Akron, where she served on the Law Review editorial board and as a Law Review intern. Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Co., LPA (SZD) is proud to announce that Patrick A. Devine, a partner in the firm, has been elected to serve as president of the board of directors for the Association of the Developmentally Disabled (ADD). ADD is a nonprofit Ohio corporation providing habilitation, residential and vocational services for the developmentally disabled. Devine has assisted the organization since 2001, serving on its board of directors in roles such as secretary and vice president, prior to being elected president this year. Devine is partner in the Construction, Management Representation and Workplace Safety Practice Areas at SZD, and also serves on the board of directors at Columbus Compact Corporation. He is a graduate of Wittenberg University and Capital University Law School Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Co., LPA (SZD) is proud to announce that Patrick A. Devine, a partner in the firm, has been elected to serve as president of the board of directors for the Association of the Developmentally Disabled (ADD). ADD is a nonprofit Ohio corporation providing habilitation, residential and vocational services for the developmentally disabled. Devine has assisted the organization since 2001, serving on its board of directors in roles such as secretary and vice president, prior to being elected president this year. Devine is partner in the Construction, Management Representation and Workplace Safety Practice Areas at SZD, and also serves on the board of directors at Columbus Compact Corporation. He is a graduate of Wittenberg University and Capital University Law School Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Co., LPA has combined the strength and resources of its four subsidiaries - SZD China Consulting, SZD Economic Development Advisors, SZD Government Advocates and Whiteboard Broadband Solutions - to create the powerhouse consulting enterprise, SZD Whiteboard. "We can now deliver complete, tailored solutions from one high-level, strategic group. Because SZD Whiteboard is an ancillary business of a law firm, the enterprise brings a unique perspective to the many industries it serves. SZD Whiteboard employees understand the legal intricacies of economic growth and development," said Jim Davidson, President of Schottenstein Zox & Dunn. Offering a complete portfolio of services designed to drive commercial and community progress, SZD Whiteboard provides advocacy, growth and development strategies to corporations, organizations, and state and local governments, including: * corporate site location/relocation; * economic development; * government affairs, lobbying and public policy consultation; * telecommunications, broadband and network strategies; and * China investment opportunities. "Our clients want us to be their advocates, listen to their challenges and deliver measurable results. We are able to provide a clear path to progress for both corporations and government agencies," said David Powell, principal of SZD Whiteboard. Most recently, members of what is now SZD Whiteboard were instrumental in securing significant state and local economic development incentives which helped solidify Columbus as the corporate headquarters for Skybus. "Their team was able to develop and implement an economic development incentive plan for the company that accommodated our business needs of keeping our costs at a minimum while having the flexibility for future expansion," said Ken Gile, president of Skybus. SZD Whiteboard is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with a recently-opened office in Raleigh, N.C. Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Co., LPA has combined the strength and resources of its four subsidiaries - SZD China Consulting, SZD Economic Development Advisors, SZD Government Advocates and Whiteboard Broadband Solutions - to create the powerhouse consulting enterprise, SZD Whiteboard. "We can now deliver complete, tailored solutions from one high-level, strategic group. Because SZD Whiteboard is an ancillary business of a law firm, the enterprise brings a unique perspective to the many industries it serves. SZD Whiteboard employees understand the legal intricacies of economic growth and development," said Jim Davidson, President of Schottenstein Zox & Dunn. Offering a complete portfolio of services designed to drive commercial and community progress, SZD Whiteboard provides advocacy, growth and development strategies to corporations, organizations, and state and local governments, including: * corporate site location/relocation; * economic development; * government affairs, lobbying and public policy consultation; * telecommunications, broadband and network strategies; and * China investment opportunities. "Our clients want us to be their advocates, listen to their challenges and deliver measurable results. We are able to provide a clear path to progress for both corporations and government agencies," said David Powell, principal of SZD Whiteboard. Most recently, members of what is now SZD Whiteboard were instrumental in securing significant state and local economic development incentives which helped solidify Columbus as the corporate headquarters for Skybus. "Their team was able to develop and implement an economic development incentive plan for the company that accommodated our business needs of keeping our costs at a minimum while having the flexibility for future expansion," said Ken Gile, president of Skybus. SZD Whiteboard is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with a recently-opened office in Raleigh, N.C. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2120 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2120&page=19 Address : 201 East 5th StreetSuite 900, Phone : 513-621-3394, City : Cincinnati Peck Shaffer's upcoming merger with Becker Stowe & Bieber LLC was featured today in an article in The Bond Buyer. Peck Shaffer's upcoming merger with Becker Stowe & Bieber LLC was featured today in an article in The Bond Buyer. Peck, Shaffer & Williams LLP, a national leader in public finance law, and Becker Stowe & Bieber LLC, a Denver public finance law firm, today announced that they have agreed to merge. The merger will take effect January 1, 2007, with the firms combining under the name Peck, Shaffer & Williams LLP. The merger unites two of the leading bond counsel firms in Colorado and will provide clients in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region with an even greater depth of knowledge in public finance. The combined firm will be committed to continuing to provide the same exceptional level of service to all its clients throughout the transition and beyond. "I am delighted to welcome Becker Stowe & Bieber's three partners, Georgeann Becker, Erick Stowe, and Don Bieber to the team," said Doloris Learmonth, Managing Partner of Peck Shaffer. "With a substantial number of years of public finance law experience representing some of the major issuers in Colorado, they are a perfect fit for Peck Shaffer's dedication to service and innovation." Georgeann Becker commented, "This is a great opportunity for us to continue providing high quality legal services to our clients by drawing on the expertise and resources of one of the leading firms in public finance law. Their proficiencies in conduit transactions are a perfect complement to our strong foundation in traditional governmental and lease-purchase financing." "We believe this will be a very positive step, not only for our two firms, but also for the public finance market in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region," said Mary Groves, Partner at Peck Shaffer's Denver office. "With Georgeann, Erick and Don joining me as partners, the growing Peck Shaffer Denver office will now offer a total of five attorneys with over 120 years of combined experience. I look forward to serving our clients in the West together. Peck, Shaffer & Williams LLP, a national leader in public finance law, and Becker Stowe & Bieber LLC, a Denver public finance law firm, today announced that they have agreed to merge. The merger will take effect January 1, 2007, with the firms combining under the name Peck, Shaffer & Williams LLP. The merger unites two of the leading bond counsel firms in Colorado and will provide clients in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region with an even greater depth of knowledge in public finance. The combined firm will be committed to continuing to provide the same exceptional level of service to all its clients throughout the transition and beyond. "I am delighted to welcome Becker Stowe & Bieber's three partners, Georgeann Becker, Erick Stowe, and Don Bieber to the team," said Doloris Learmonth, Managing Partner of Peck Shaffer. "With a substantial number of years of public finance law experience representing some of the major issuers in Colorado, they are a perfect fit for Peck Shaffer's dedication to service and innovation." Georgeann Becker commented, "This is a great opportunity for us to continue providing high quality legal services to our clients by drawing on the expertise and resources of one of the leading firms in public finance law. Their proficiencies in conduit transactions are a perfect complement to our strong foundation in traditional governmental and lease-purchase financing." "We believe this will be a very positive step, not only for our two firms, but also for the public finance market in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region," said Mary Groves, Partner at Peck Shaffer's Denver office. "With Georgeann, Erick and Don joining me as partners, the growing Peck Shaffer Denver office will now offer a total of five attorneys with over 120 years of combined experience. I look forward to serving our clients in the West together. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1856 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1856&page=20 Address : 2800 Chemed Center255 East Fifth Street, Phone : 513-455-7600, City : Cincinnati Tandy C. Patrick is on the "Host Committee" of the National Foundation for Women Legislators' 2007 Conference. The conference will be held in Louisville at the Seelbach Hotel. It will begin Thursday evening, October 11 through Monday, October 15, 2007. It is anticipated that many female members of the U.S. Congress will attend. If you would like more information or would like to attend the forum, please contact Tandy at 502/587-3512. The National Foundation for Women Legislators' 2007 Conference is provocative and engaging forum designed to encourage networking and build alliances among legislators from every state, foster an environment in which legislators share their legislation with their colleagues, provide opportunities through workshops and roundtables to discuss issues of concern in the states, and offer a place for state legislators to learn about industries' and associations' innovations, technologies and products and programs through presentations and exhibits. Tandy C. Patrick is on the "Host Committee" of the National Foundation for Women Legislators' 2007 Conference. The conference will be held in Louisville at the Seelbach Hotel. It will begin Thursday evening, October 11 through Monday, October 15, 2007. It is anticipated that many female members of the U.S. Congress will attend. If you would like more information or would like to attend the forum, please contact Tandy at 502/587-3512. The National Foundation for Women Legislators' 2007 Conference is provocative and engaging forum designed to encourage networking and build alliances among legislators from every state, foster an environment in which legislators share their legislation with their colleagues, provide opportunities through workshops and roundtables to discuss issues of concern in the states, and offer a place for state legislators to learn about industries' and associations' innovations, technologies and products and programs through presentations and exhibits. Tandy Patrick served as the Board Member-in-Charge of the World's Championship Horse Show in Louisville, KY held on August 19-25, 2007. The World's Championship Horse Show is a prestigious event that attracts over 2,000 horses and people from all over the country and the world, awarding more than $1 million in premiums. The championship is held annually in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair. The show is the best competition of the finest show horses with riders from around the country and the world participating. Tandy Patrick served as the Board Member-in-Charge of the World's Championship Horse Show in Louisville, KY held on August 19-25, 2007. The World's Championship Horse Show is a prestigious event that attracts over 2,000 horses and people from all over the country and the world, awarding more than $1 million in premiums. The championship is held annually in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair. The show is the best competition of the finest show horses with riders from around the country and the world participating. Mark Sommer was featured in the August 17, 2007 issue of the Louisville Business First - Business of Law special publication. The focus of the article was on Mark's involvement as General Counsel for the Louisville Arena Authority's development of a $252 million downtown Louisville mixed-use arena. Arena images provided below. Mark Sommer was featured in the August 17, 2007 issue of the Louisville Business First - Business of Law special publication. The focus of the article was on Mark's involvement as General Counsel for the Louisville Arena Authority's development of a $252 million downtown Louisville mixed-use arena. Arena images provided below. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=953 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=953&page=21 Address : 312 Walnut Street14th Floor, Phone : 513-352-6700, City : Cincinnati Christopher Rassi has joined the Washington office of the law firm Thompson Hine LLP. Mr. Rassi, an associate in the International Trade & Customs practice group, was formerly a member of the Commercial & Public Finance practice group in the firm's Cleveland office. Mr. Rassi recently returned from a leave of absence during which he served as Associate Legal Officer in the Chambers of and the Office of the President of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, Tanzania. During his time in Tanzania, Mr. Rassi served as legal adviser for a pair of ongoing trials related to the genocide that has taken place in Rwanda. Prior to joining Thompson Hine, Mr. Rassi served as law clerk to the Honorable Yvonne Mokgoro, Constitutional Court of South Africa. In 2003, he was a Frederick K. Cox International Law Center Post-Graduate Fellow, clerking for Her Excellency Judge Weinberg de Roca, Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda in The Hague, The Netherlands. On rejoining the firm, Mr. Rassi said, "I am pleased to be returning to Thompson Hine and working with the International Trade group. I know that the knowledge I gained and the experiences I had in Tanzania will be an asset to the practice of law at Thompson Hine. It was an honor to have served." Julia McCalmon, International Trade & Customs practice group leader, commented, "We are excited to have Chris join us in Washington. The learning experiences he had will be a true asset to our practice." Chuck Freed, Washington office partner-in-charge, added, "We are pleased to have Chris join our growing D.C. office." Mr. Rassi is admitted to practice in the state of Ohio. He is not yet admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, but his practice is supervised by principals of the firm. Mr. Rassi earned his J.D., cum laude, in 2003 from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he served as the executive symposium and topic development editor for the Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law. In 2003, he earned his M.B.A. from the Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management. In 2000, he earned his B.A. and M.A., magna cum laude, from Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Rassi is an International Visiting Fellow at his alma mater. Christopher Rassi has joined the Washington office of the law firm Thompson Hine LLP. Mr. Rassi, an associate in the International Trade & Customs practice group, was formerly a member of the Commercial & Public Finance practice group in the firm's Cleveland office. Mr. Rassi recently returned from a leave of absence during which he served as Associate Legal Officer in the Chambers of and the Office of the President of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, Tanzania. During his time in Tanzania, Mr. Rassi served as legal adviser for a pair of ongoing trials related to the genocide that has taken place in Rwanda. Prior to joining Thompson Hine, Mr. Rassi served as law clerk to the Honorable Yvonne Mokgoro, Constitutional Court of South Africa. In 2003, he was a Frederick K. Cox International Law Center Post-Graduate Fellow, clerking for Her Excellency Judge Weinberg de Roca, Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda in The Hague, The Netherlands. On rejoining the firm, Mr. Rassi said, "I am pleased to be returning to Thompson Hine and working with the International Trade group. I know that the knowledge I gained and the experiences I had in Tanzania will be an asset to the practice of law at Thompson Hine. It was an honor to have served." Julia McCalmon, International Trade & Customs practice group leader, commented, "We are excited to have Chris join us in Washington. The learning experiences he had will be a true asset to our practice." Chuck Freed, Washington office partner-in-charge, added, "We are pleased to have Chris join our growing D.C. office." Mr. Rassi is admitted to practice in the state of Ohio. He is not yet admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, but his practice is supervised by principals of the firm. Mr. Rassi earned his J.D., cum laude, in 2003 from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he served as the executive symposium and topic development editor for the Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law. In 2003, he earned his M.B.A. from the Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management. In 2000, he earned his B.A. and M.A., magna cum laude, from Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Rassi is an International Visiting Fellow at his alma mater. Caroline Rogers has joined the Atlanta office of the law firm Thompson Hine LLP as an associate in the firm's Life Sciences practice group. Prior to joining Thompson Hine, Ms. Rogers was an associate with the law firm Epstein, Becker & Green in Washington, D.C. Ms. Rogers focuses her practice on the laws and regulations pertaining to the development, promotion and distribution of food, drugs, devices and other FDAregulated products. Her practice also includes providing counsel on internal and government investigations, compliance programs, HIPAA privacy regulations, federal antitrust issues and mergers and acquisitions as they relate to both the life sciences and health care industries. Ms. Rogers received her J.D. from the Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law and her B.A. from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is currently completing a Master of Public Health degree at Mercer University School of Medicine. She is a member of the Georgia Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Caroline Rogers has joined the Atlanta office of the law firm Thompson Hine LLP as an associate in the firm's Life Sciences practice group. Prior to joining Thompson Hine, Ms. Rogers was an associate with the law firm Epstein, Becker & Green in Washington, D.C. Ms. Rogers focuses her practice on the laws and regulations pertaining to the development, promotion and distribution of food, drugs, devices and other FDAregulated products. Her practice also includes providing counsel on internal and government investigations, compliance programs, HIPAA privacy regulations, federal antitrust issues and mergers and acquisitions as they relate to both the life sciences and health care industries. Ms. Rogers received her J.D. from the Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law and her B.A. from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is currently completing a Master of Public Health degree at Mercer University School of Medicine. She is a member of the Georgia Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Mariana Belisario has joined the law firm of Thompson Hine LLP as foreign legal consultant to the firm's International Trade & Customs practice group for the 2007-2008 year. Ms. Belisario, a native of Brazil, joins the firm as part of the International Trade group's continued expansion of its international capabilities. An experienced practitioner, Ms. Belisario has represented multinational corporate clients in corporate, tax, real estate and construction matters. Prior to earning her LL.M. in the United States, she practiced for five years with the Brazilian law firm Ferreira Pinto Santiago & Tôrres Advogados, which has since split into two firms. After her year-long consultancy with Thompson Hine, Ms. Belisario will rejoin Santiago, Tôrres e Saldanha, a Brazilian law firm focused mainly on business law, in consultation as well as in litigation. Their lawyers advise clients on corporate business transactions, banking, tax, finance, construction, real estate, environment and intellectual property matters. On joining the firm, Ms. Belisario said, "I was first introduced to Thompson Hine while still studying for my LL.M. at Georgetown. I was impressed with the firm's strong trade practice and I'm excited for the opportunity to bring another international perspective to the group." Julia McCalmon, International Trade & Customs practice group leader, commented, "We have always benefited and continue to benefit from the perspectives and relationships that our foreign legal consultants bring. I look forward to working with Mariana as she grows her knowledge of the U.S. legal environment and international trade practice." Chuck Freed, Washington office partner-in-charge, added, "We are pleased to have Mariana join our growing D.C. office." Ms. Belisario earned her LL.M. with a concentration in international trade from Georgetown University Law Center in 2007. She received a specialization degree in economics and corporation law from Fundacao Getulio Vargas in 2004 and a bachelor of laws with a concentration in corporation law from Faculdade de Direito Milton Campos in 2001. Ms. Belisario was admitted to the Brazilian bar in 2002 and is a member of the Brazilian Bar Association and ABCI Institute-Brazilian International Trade Scholars, Inc. Although she is not admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, her practice is supervised by principals of Thompson Hine. Return to top About the International Trade & Customs Practice Group Thompson Hine's International Trade & Customs practice group advises multinational corporations on a broad range of U.S. laws and international trade agreements affecting the import and export of goods, technology and services. Focused on servicing the needs of multinational clients, our trade group continues to expand and grow. Our growth allows us to offer our clients experience in strategic trade planning; defending enforcement actions, investigations and audits of trade-related issues; bringing and defending actions in unfair trade proceedings; and counseling on trade compliance, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, anti-boycott and market access issues. Mariana Belisario has joined the law firm of Thompson Hine LLP as foreign legal consultant to the firm's International Trade & Customs practice group for the 2007-2008 year. Ms. Belisario, a native of Brazil, joins the firm as part of the International Trade group's continued expansion of its international capabilities. An experienced practitioner, Ms. Belisario has represented multinational corporate clients in corporate, tax, real estate and construction matters. Prior to earning her LL.M. in the United States, she practiced for five years with the Brazilian law firm Ferreira Pinto Santiago & Tôrres Advogados, which has since split into two firms. After her year-long consultancy with Thompson Hine, Ms. Belisario will rejoin Santiago, Tôrres e Saldanha, a Brazilian law firm focused mainly on business law, in consultation as well as in litigation. Their lawyers advise clients on corporate business transactions, banking, tax, finance, construction, real estate, environment and intellectual property matters. On joining the firm, Ms. Belisario said, "I was first introduced to Thompson Hine while still studying for my LL.M. at Georgetown. I was impressed with the firm's strong trade practice and I'm excited for the opportunity to bring another international perspective to the group." Julia McCalmon, International Trade & Customs practice group leader, commented, "We have always benefited and continue to benefit from the perspectives and relationships that our foreign legal consultants bring. I look forward to working with Mariana as she grows her knowledge of the U.S. legal environment and international trade practice." Chuck Freed, Washington office partner-in-charge, added, "We are pleased to have Mariana join our growing D.C. office." Ms. Belisario earned her LL.M. with a concentration in international trade from Georgetown University Law Center in 2007. She received a specialization degree in economics and corporation law from Fundacao Getulio Vargas in 2004 and a bachelor of laws with a concentration in corporation law from Faculdade de Direito Milton Campos in 2001. Ms. Belisario was admitted to the Brazilian bar in 2002 and is a member of the Brazilian Bar Association and ABCI Institute-Brazilian International Trade Scholars, Inc. Although she is not admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, her practice is supervised by principals of Thompson Hine. Return to top About the International Trade & Customs Practice Group Thompson Hine's International Trade & Customs practice group advises multinational corporations on a broad range of U.S. laws and international trade agreements affecting the import and export of goods, technology and services. Focused on servicing the needs of multinational clients, our trade group continues to expand and grow. Our growth allows us to offer our clients experience in strategic trade planning; defending enforcement actions, investigations and audits of trade-related issues; bringing and defending actions in unfair trade proceedings; and counseling on trade compliance, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, anti-boycott and market access issues. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2374 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2374&page=22 Address : PNC CenterSuite 800, 201 East Fifth Street, Phone : 513-381-0656, City : Cincinnati http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1307 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1307&page=24 Address : 1900 Fifth Third Center511 Walnut Street, P.O. Box 6464, Phone : 513-621-6464, City : Cincinnati Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP (GH&R) was honored with the Career Advancement for Women Award at the CREW 2007 Impact Awards event on Thursday, July 20, 2007. Graydon Head Partner Monica Donath Kohnen accepted the award on behalf of the Firm. Graydon Head was nominated for the award sponsored by Commercial Real Estate Women, Inc. of Greater Cincinnati (GCCREW) for its efforts in promoting the career advancement of women in real estate. GCCREW is a professional organization comprised of approximately 100 of the most senior women professionals actively involved in the commercial real estate industry in the Cincinnati area. Graydon Head has demonstrated its commitment to women in real estate through the support of the professional development and community involvement of the Firm's women who practice in the area of real estate, namely: Monica Donath Kohnen, Karen Renz, Susan Argo, Allison Cook, Sharon Parsley, Shannon Barrow, Aine Baldwin and Jennifer Pearson. In addition to involvement in CREW, the Firm supports the professional development and involvement of its women attorneys in community organizations and industry trade groups such as, Women in Construction, Chamber's Women Excel (WE) program, Junior League and the YWCA of Cincinnati. Also, in the 1990s, the Firm formed the Women's Professional Development Group (WPDG) to bolster client relationships and to provide an internal structure for the development of the Firm's women attorneys who practice in a variety of industries, including real estate. The WPDG affords women attorneys the opportunity for candid discussion of issues pertaining to professional women. WPDG members provide quality mentoring and training for colleagues, educational seminars, and host social networking events, which enable GH&R clients and friends to meet, develop new business relationships and benefit from one another's individual expertise. Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP (GH&R) was honored with the Career Advancement for Women Award at the CREW 2007 Impact Awards event on Thursday, July 20, 2007. Graydon Head Partner Monica Donath Kohnen accepted the award on behalf of the Firm. Graydon Head was nominated for the award sponsored by Commercial Real Estate Women, Inc. of Greater Cincinnati (GCCREW) for its efforts in promoting the career advancement of women in real estate. GCCREW is a professional organization comprised of approximately 100 of the most senior women professionals actively involved in the commercial real estate industry in the Cincinnati area. Graydon Head has demonstrated its commitment to women in real estate through the support of the professional development and community involvement of the Firm's women who practice in the area of real estate, namely: Monica Donath Kohnen, Karen Renz, Susan Argo, Allison Cook, Sharon Parsley, Shannon Barrow, Aine Baldwin and Jennifer Pearson. In addition to involvement in CREW, the Firm supports the professional development and involvement of its women attorneys in community organizations and industry trade groups such as, Women in Construction, Chamber's Women Excel (WE) program, Junior League and the YWCA of Cincinnati. Also, in the 1990s, the Firm formed the Women's Professional Development Group (WPDG) to bolster client relationships and to provide an internal structure for the development of the Firm's women attorneys who practice in a variety of industries, including real estate. The WPDG affords women attorneys the opportunity for candid discussion of issues pertaining to professional women. WPDG members provide quality mentoring and training for colleagues, educational seminars, and host social networking events, which enable GH&R clients and friends to meet, develop new business relationships and benefit from one another's individual expertise. Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP partner, John C. Greiner, testified before the State of Ohio House Committee on Juvenile & Family Law arguing for more public access to foster care records. The focus of the testimony was related to releasing names in the case of 3-year-old Marcus Fiesel, who died in August 2006 when his foster parents tied him up and left him in a closet. Liz and David Carroll Jr. were later convicted of his murder. There is currently a proposed House amendment that would release the names and other details about foster parents only after their license is revoked. "The public came to know Marcus' foster parents only when it was too late to raise concerns about their fitness,'' Greiner testified. "And what the public learned made all of us question why that boy was placed in that house. It is important to remember that Marcus Fiesel died not because the public knew too much about his situation, but because the public knew too little." Greiner practices in the areas of commercial litigation, with a focus on media and First Amendment law, and employment law. He has handled dozens of First Amendment cases and helped establish precedent-setting case law requiring that records be available to the public. Greiner earned his B.A., cum laude, in Political Science/Economics from Miami University and his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame. Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP partner, John C. Greiner, testified before the State of Ohio House Committee on Juvenile & Family Law arguing for more public access to foster care records. The focus of the testimony was related to releasing names in the case of 3-year-old Marcus Fiesel, who died in August 2006 when his foster parents tied him up and left him in a closet. Liz and David Carroll Jr. were later convicted of his murder. There is currently a proposed House amendment that would release the names and other details about foster parents only after their license is revoked. "The public came to know Marcus' foster parents only when it was too late to raise concerns about their fitness,'' Greiner testified. "And what the public learned made all of us question why that boy was placed in that house. It is important to remember that Marcus Fiesel died not because the public knew too much about his situation, but because the public knew too little." Greiner practices in the areas of commercial litigation, with a focus on media and First Amendment law, and employment law. He has handled dozens of First Amendment cases and helped establish precedent-setting case law requiring that records be available to the public. Greiner earned his B.A., cum laude, in Political Science/Economics from Miami University and his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame. (Cincinnati, Ohio) Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP partner, Jeffery L. Rohr, was presented with the Justin Friedman President's Award from Cancer Family Care (CFC) at a banquet on May 22 at Xavier University's Cintas Center. The Award was presented in grateful recognition of Rohr's time and dedication to strengthening the wellbeing and alleviating the suffering of children, adults and families coping with cancer. Rohr has been an active member of CFC's board since 2001. During his term as board president, CFC completed its most successful fund raising campaign in the history of the organization and transitioned its leadership to a new Executive Director. The Award was established in 1971 by Pauline Cohen and Justin Friedman, who served as President of CFC's Board of Trustees from 1971-1973 and continued as a Trustee until 1979. Rohr's other community involvement has included working with Mental Health Services East, Inc. as a Board Member and Chair and serving the Cincinnati Bar Association's Young Lawyer's Section on the Executive Committee. Rohr was named one of The Best Lawyers in America in 2007 for his work in Banking Law, and has been recognized with an AV Rating, the highest given to lawyers by Martindale-Hubbell. Rohr practices corporate law with an emphasis on corporate finance, health care and real estate. He earned his B.S., magna cum laude, in Business from Miami University and his J.D., cum laude, from the Georgetown University Law Center. (Cincinnati, Ohio) Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP partner, Jeffery L. Rohr, was presented with the Justin Friedman President's Award from Cancer Family Care (CFC) at a banquet on May 22 at Xavier University's Cintas Center. The Award was presented in grateful recognition of Rohr's time and dedication to strengthening the wellbeing and alleviating the suffering of children, adults and families coping with cancer. Rohr has been an active member of CFC's board since 2001. During his term as board president, CFC completed its most successful fund raising campaign in the history of the organization and transitioned its leadership to a new Executive Director. The Award was established in 1971 by Pauline Cohen and Justin Friedman, who served as President of CFC's Board of Trustees from 1971-1973 and continued as a Trustee until 1979. Rohr's other community involvement has included working with Mental Health Services East, Inc. as a Board Member and Chair and serving the Cincinnati Bar Association's Young Lawyer's Section on the Executive Committee. Rohr was named one of The Best Lawyers in America in 2007 for his work in Banking Law, and has been recognized with an AV Rating, the highest given to lawyers by Martindale-Hubbell. Rohr practices corporate law with an emphasis on corporate finance, health care and real estate. He earned his B.S., magna cum laude, in Business from Miami University and his J.D., cum laude, from the Georgetown University Law Center. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=946 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=946&page=25 Address : 600 Vine StreetSuite 2500, Phone : 513-852-6030, City : Cincinnati http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2588 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2588&page=26 Address : 425 Walnut StreetSuite 1800, Phone : 513-381-2838, City : Cincinnati MARCIA ANDREW ELECTED TO MIDDLETOWN SCHOOL BOARD Marcia Voorhis Andrew, a partner in the Litigation Department of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP, has been elected to the Middletown School Board. Andrew, a resident of Middletown, practices in general commercial litigation with an emphasis on franchise and distributor relationships, software performance and intellectual property disputes, and ERISA litigation. She received her undergraduate degree from Williams College and law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she was Order of the Coif and served on the Articles Review Board of the Virginia Law Review. Andrew served as chair of the firm's Professional Women's Resource Group (PWRG) for five years. She currently is a member of the Executive Committee of the Williams College Alumni Association of Greater Cincinnati. Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP has offices in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton and Northern Kentucky. The firm provides a broad range of legal services to businesses and individuals, including litigation, corporate and business law, securities and municipal financing, tax and estate planning, labor and employment law, real estate and environmental, health care, intellectual property and unfair competition and antitrust law. Taft Stettinius & Hollister is proud to celebrate the 100th birthday of our colleague J. Mack Swigert today. Mr. Swigert has a long and illustrious history at Taft. His contributions both to the legal profession and to the community prompted the Cincinnati Regional Chamber to name him a Great Living Cincinnatian in 2005. Taft Stettinius & Hollister is proud to celebrate the 100th birthday of our colleague J. Mack Swigert today. Mr. Swigert has a long and illustrious history at Taft. His contributions both to the legal profession and to the community prompted the Cincinnati Regional Chamber to name him a Great Living Cincinnatian in 2005. Bruce Lowe has been named President-Elect of the Greater Cleveland International Lawyers Group (GCILG). The GCILG is the premier organization in Northern Ohio in which business law firm practitioners, in-house corporate counsel, and law school faculty and students, in the areas of international and transnational commercial, corporate and intellectual property law, come together for meetings and presentations by high-level practitioners from the U.S. and around the World. Bruce Lowe has been named President-Elect of the Greater Cleveland International Lawyers Group (GCILG). The GCILG is the premier organization in Northern Ohio in which business law firm practitioners, in-house corporate counsel, and law school faculty and students, in the areas of international and transnational commercial, corporate and intellectual property law, come together for meetings and presentations by high-level practitioners from the U.S. and around the World. The Taft Law Firm announced today that 52 of its attorneys have been selected by their peers to be included in the 2008 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, considered to be the one of the most respected and unbiased source of legal referrals in the world. "One out of four Taft attorneys has been recognized as a top performer in Best Lawyers this year," said Tom Terp, managing partner at Taft Law. "This honor reflects the high level of performance and results our attorneys deliver for our clients on a daily basis." Terp went on to say many of its attorneys have been selected for multiple years. "We have 20 attorneys who have been recognized for the past 20 years in a row, and ten who have made the list for a decade - that's a testament to these attorneys' commitment to legal excellence over time." The 2008 issue is the 14th edition of the publication. Lawyers are selected for inclusion based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey developed and refined over the past 25 years. The results are based on 2.1 million confidential evaluations by only the top attorneys in the country. Best Lawyers also conducted thousands of extensive telephone interviews with leading attorneys throughout its balloting process. Taft "Best Lawyers" by the numbers: * 52 attorneys were named to the list in 2008; 50 were recognized in 2007. * Taft was ranked #1 in Cincinnati in Commercial Litigation with nine attorneys; in Labor and Employment Law with six attorneys; and in Trusts and Estates with four attorneys. * Taft has 20 attorneys who have been listed for 20 years and 10 who have been the list for the past 10 years. * Three Taft attorneys, Charles Lindberg, Robert Stachler and Stephen Nechemias, have been selected for inclusion since the beginning of The Best Lawyers in America. * Melvin Shotten, a partner in the firm's Business & Finance Department, is one of a select few to be named in three separate specialty categories - Banking, Corporate and Health Care Law. Named to the 2008 edition are: Lawrence Barty, Kim Burke, Doreen Canton, Ronald Christian, Clifford Craig, Edward Diller, Jack Donson, Stuart Dornette, Samuel Duran, Jerald Fink, Gerald Greenberg, Stephen Griffith, Thomas Hill, Timothy Hoberg, Daniel Hoffheimer, Timothy Hurley, David Johnson, Michael Laing, Charles Lindberg, Steven Marrer, John McCoy, Julia Meister, Timothy Miller, Patrick Mitchell, George Molinsky, Carl Murway, John Nalbandian, Stephen Nechemias, Stephen O'Bryan, Joseph Parker, David Peck, Tracey Puthoff, Gerald Rapien, Timothy Reilly, Robert Rich, Laura Ringenbach, Gregory Rogers, Mary Rust, Russell Sayre, Jeffery Schloemer, Thomas Schuck, William Seitz, Melvin Shotten, Robert Stachler, Mark Stepaniak, Timothy Sullivan, Thomas Terp, Ross Wales, David Wallace, Steven Weeks, Susan Wheatley and Michael Zavatsky. The Taft Law Firm announced today that 52 of its attorneys have been selected by their peers to be included in the 2008 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, considered to be the one of the most respected and unbiased source of legal referrals in the world. "One out of four Taft attorneys has been recognized as a top performer in Best Lawyers this year," said Tom Terp, managing partner at Taft Law. "This honor reflects the high level of performance and results our attorneys deliver for our clients on a daily basis." Terp went on to say many of its attorneys have been selected for multiple years. "We have 20 attorneys who have been recognized for the past 20 years in a row, and ten who have made the list for a decade - that's a testament to these attorneys' commitment to legal excellence over time." The 2008 issue is the 14th edition of the publication. Lawyers are selected for inclusion based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey developed and refined over the past 25 years. The results are based on 2.1 million confidential evaluations by only the top attorneys in the country. Best Lawyers also conducted thousands of extensive telephone interviews with leading attorneys throughout its balloting process. Taft "Best Lawyers" by the numbers: * 52 attorneys were named to the list in 2008; 50 were recognized in 2007. * Taft was ranked #1 in Cincinnati in Commercial Litigation with nine attorneys; in Labor and Employment Law with six attorneys; and in Trusts and Estates with four attorneys. * Taft has 20 attorneys who have been listed for 20 years and 10 who have been the list for the past 10 years. * Three Taft attorneys, Charles Lindberg, Robert Stachler and Stephen Nechemias, have been selected for inclusion since the beginning of The Best Lawyers in America. * Melvin Shotten, a partner in the firm's Business & Finance Department, is one of a select few to be named in three separate specialty categories - Banking, Corporate and Health Care Law. Named to the 2008 edition are: Lawrence Barty, Kim Burke, Doreen Canton, Ronald Christian, Clifford Craig, Edward Diller, Jack Donson, Stuart Dornette, Samuel Duran, Jerald Fink, Gerald Greenberg, Stephen Griffith, Thomas Hill, Timothy Hoberg, Daniel Hoffheimer, Timothy Hurley, David Johnson, Michael Laing, Charles Lindberg, Steven Marrer, John McCoy, Julia Meister, Timothy Miller, Patrick Mitchell, George Molinsky, Carl Murway, John Nalbandian, Stephen Nechemias, Stephen O'Bryan, Joseph Parker, David Peck, Tracey Puthoff, Gerald Rapien, Timothy Reilly, Robert Rich, Laura Ringenbach, Gregory Rogers, Mary Rust, Russell Sayre, Jeffery Schloemer, Thomas Schuck, William Seitz, Melvin Shotten, Robert Stachler, Mark Stepaniak, Timothy Sullivan, Thomas Terp, Ross Wales, David Wallace, Steven Weeks, Susan Wheatley and Michael Zavatsky. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2325 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2325&page=27 Address : 525 Vine StreetSuite 800, Phone : 513-723-2200, City : Cincinnati Terrence R. Heffernan, Sara M. Donnersbach and Glenn E. Algie, partners with Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. (WWR) presented Farmers Citizens Bank of Bucyrus with the annual "We're Making A Difference" 2007 WWR Outstanding Community Partner Award at the Community Bankers Association of Ohio (CBAO) 2007 Annual Convention held at the downtown Hyatt in Cincinnati on Friday, August 10, 2007. Celebrating 100 years of service, Farmers Citizens Bank is giving back to the community in ways that are important to their customers. They have committed to donating over $20,000 to local charities when customers open a qualifying deposit or loan account during the 2nd Quarter of 2007. "From local youth groups, to band boosters, church groups, etc., Farmers Citizens Bank will make a donation in our customers' names to the organizations making a difference in people's lives", according to Coleman J. Clougherty, President & CEO of Farmers Citizens Bank. Sponsored by WWR in partnership with the CBAO, the WWR Outstanding Community Partner Award was created to honor those community banks in Ohio that actively partner with their local communities to provide educational, community outreach and/or community service programs, and celebrates those that are investing time and resources into their communities and inspiring others through their work. Nominations were to demonstrate social vision and clearly communicate how employee volunteerism is the key to their community involvement. Along with a crystal trophy, Farmers Citizens Bank also received a check in the amount of $2,000.00. Doris M. Lambert, Vice President and Director of Risk Management for Farmers Citizens Bank, gratefully accepted the award on behalf of the bank. All registrants demonstrated a heart-felt commitment to community service and were recognized for their participation. Some of the other nominees included Citizens National Bank (Chillicothe), The Killbuck Savings Bank Company (Killbuck), Oak Hill Banks (Jackson), and The Savings Bank (Circleville). Terrence R. Heffernan is a partner in our Columbus office legal department and can be reached by phone at (614) 857-4390 or via email at theffernan@weltman.com. Sara M. Donnersbach is a partner in our Cleveland office Complex Collections department and can be reached by phone at (216) 685-1039 or via email at sdonnersbach@weltman.com. Glenn E. Algie is a partner managing the Litigation & Defense and Legal Action Recovery departments in the Cincinnati office and can be reached by phone at (513) 723-2212 or via email at galgie@weltman.com. Since 1907, Farmers Citizens Bank has had a tradition of being a locally owned bank and a tradition of proudly serving its customers. With offices in Bucyrus, Cardington, Fredericktown and Worthington, Farmers Citizens Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of FC Banc Corp. and is member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. For 100 years, Farmers Citizens Bank has upheld a strong commitment to their customers' financial needs and the communities they serve. That commitment today is as strong as when the founding directors set their signatures to the bank's original charter. As part of the year long celebration (that began on April 16, 2007) Farmers Citizens Bank announced the first major promotion of the 100th Anniversary Celebration: "Honoring Our Communities". The Community Bankers Association of Ohio is Ohio's oldest statewide financial trade association representing Independent Community Bank and Thrift Institutions. The CBAO has the influence to effectively serve, protect and promote the interests of its members through Legislative and Regulatory Representation, Annual Convention and Trade Show, Special Events, Endorsed Program, Insurance and Financial Services, Education and Training, Communications and other valued services. Terrence R. Heffernan, Sara M. Donnersbach and Glenn E. Algie, partners with Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. (WWR) presented Farmers Citizens Bank of Bucyrus with the annual "We're Making A Difference" 2007 WWR Outstanding Community Partner Award at the Community Bankers Association of Ohio (CBAO) 2007 Annual Convention held at the downtown Hyatt in Cincinnati on Friday, August 10, 2007. Celebrating 100 years of service, Farmers Citizens Bank is giving back to the community in ways that are important to their customers. They have committed to donating over $20,000 to local charities when customers open a qualifying deposit or loan account during the 2nd Quarter of 2007. "From local youth groups, to band boosters, church groups, etc., Farmers Citizens Bank will make a donation in our customers' names to the organizations making a difference in people's lives", according to Coleman J. Clougherty, President & CEO of Farmers Citizens Bank. Sponsored by WWR in partnership with the CBAO, the WWR Outstanding Community Partner Award was created to honor those community banks in Ohio that actively partner with their local communities to provide educational, community outreach and/or community service programs, and celebrates those that are investing time and resources into their communities and inspiring others through their work. Nominations were to demonstrate social vision and clearly communicate how employee volunteerism is the key to their community involvement. Along with a crystal trophy, Farmers Citizens Bank also received a check in the amount of $2,000.00. Doris M. Lambert, Vice President and Director of Risk Management for Farmers Citizens Bank, gratefully accepted the award on behalf of the bank. All registrants demonstrated a heart-felt commitment to community service and were recognized for their participation. Some of the other nominees included Citizens National Bank (Chillicothe), The Killbuck Savings Bank Company (Killbuck), Oak Hill Banks (Jackson), and The Savings Bank (Circleville). Terrence R. Heffernan is a partner in our Columbus office legal department and can be reached by phone at (614) 857-4390 or via email at theffernan@weltman.com. Sara M. Donnersbach is a partner in our Cleveland office Complex Collections department and can be reached by phone at (216) 685-1039 or via email at sdonnersbach@weltman.com. Glenn E. Algie is a partner managing the Litigation & Defense and Legal Action Recovery departments in the Cincinnati office and can be reached by phone at (513) 723-2212 or via email at galgie@weltman.com. Since 1907, Farmers Citizens Bank has had a tradition of being a locally owned bank and a tradition of proudly serving its customers. With offices in Bucyrus, Cardington, Fredericktown and Worthington, Farmers Citizens Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of FC Banc Corp. and is member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. For 100 years, Farmers Citizens Bank has upheld a strong commitment to their customers' financial needs and the communities they serve. That commitment today is as strong as when the founding directors set their signatures to the bank's original charter. As part of the year long celebration (that began on April 16, 2007) Farmers Citizens Bank announced the first major promotion of the 100th Anniversary Celebration: "Honoring Our Communities". The Community Bankers Association of Ohio is Ohio's oldest statewide financial trade association representing Independent Community Bank and Thrift Institutions. The CBAO has the influence to effectively serve, protect and promote the interests of its members through Legislative and Regulatory Representation, Annual Convention and Trade Show, Special Events, Endorsed Program, Insurance and Financial Services, Education and Training, Communications and other valued services. Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. (WWR), the nation's largest* creditors' rights law firm, is pleased to announce the formal expansion of its Healthcare Practice Group (HPG). The HPG is a dedicated legal and collections team providing services to all types of local, regional and national assisted living, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, health and recovery operations and pharmaceutical suppliers. Services include, but are not limited to: drafting and/or revising admission agreements, performing asset searches, handling bankruptcy matters, collecting account receivables, reviewing contracts, instituting demand letter programs, planning and attending discharge hearings, prosecuting and defending litigation matters, negotiating payment arrangements, recovering assets, presenting estate claims and opening estates and processing third party reimbursements. Sara Donnersbach and Stanley Green head the expanded HPG. Ms. Donnersbach, a WWR Partner states, "I am excited about the expansion of our group. We've been working with healthcare clients for quite some time now and recently they have been requesting a wider range of services. We're in the process of increasing our staff as a direct response to the needs in the healthcare marketplace, especially in helping to maximize the timely recovery of outstanding debt. Many of our clients also look to us for advice and counsel on legal matters, as they try to run their businesses smarter and more efficiently." WWR's Healthcare Practice Group will have a booth in the exhibition hall of the Health Care Association of Michigan Annual Conference taking place from September 16-19, 2007 at the Soaring Eagle Resort in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. (WWR), the nation's largest* creditors' rights law firm, is pleased to announce the formal expansion of its Healthcare Practice Group (HPG). The HPG is a dedicated legal and collections team providing services to all types of local, regional and national assisted living, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, health and recovery operations and pharmaceutical suppliers. Services include, but are not limited to: drafting and/or revising admission agreements, performing asset searches, handling bankruptcy matters, collecting account receivables, reviewing contracts, instituting demand letter programs, planning and attending discharge hearings, prosecuting and defending litigation matters, negotiating payment arrangements, recovering assets, presenting estate claims and opening estates and processing third party reimbursements. Sara Donnersbach and Stanley Green head the expanded HPG. Ms. Donnersbach, a WWR Partner states, "I am excited about the expansion of our group. We've been working with healthcare clients for quite some time now and recently they have been requesting a wider range of services. We're in the process of increasing our staff as a direct response to the needs in the healthcare marketplace, especially in helping to maximize the timely recovery of outstanding debt. Many of our clients also look to us for advice and counsel on legal matters, as they try to run their businesses smarter and more efficiently." WWR's Healthcare Practice Group will have a booth in the exhibition hall of the Health Care Association of Michigan Annual Conference taking place from September 16-19, 2007 at the Soaring Eagle Resort in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Alan Hochheiser, managing partner of the bankruptcy practice group at Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A., the nation's largest creditors' rights law firm based on revenue and placements according to Collections & Credit Risk magazine, was selected to the Board of the American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA), American Red Magen David for Israel (ARMDI) - David Berger Chapter in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Now known as American Friends of Magen David Adom (MDA) with its national headquarters in New York City, MDA is celebrating its 67th year of supporting the vital work of MDA in Israel. Founded in 1940, the ARMDI was incorporated in the State of New York to give medical assistance to the people of Israel (then Palestine). The MDA and its team of trained volunteer and professional medical responders depend on AFMDA support to provide the entire nation's pre-hospital emergency needs, including medical, disaster, ambulance and blood services. Al Hochheiser explained, "It is quite an honor to be selected to the Board of ARMDI and I look forward to the opportunity." Al will help with the fundraising efforts of the local branch, David Berger Chapter of the ARMDI, to support the Israeli ambulance and blood services. In the past five years, AFMDA has raised over $90 million to purchase medical supplies and ambulance for MDA in Israel, while the David Berger Chapter was able to contribute $18,000 of that last year alone. Al is also on the committee for a 5k race that is taking place in October 2007 that will help contribute to their fundraising efforts for the year. Alan Hochheiser is the managing partner of the Bankruptcy department of Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. and is located in the Brooklyn Heights, Ohio operations center. Mr. Hochheiser earned his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1988 and his B.A. cum laude from the State University of New York at Albany in 1985. A member of the Ohio State and Cleveland Bar Associations, Mr. Hochheiser is licensed in Ohio. He is admitted to practice before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Court (Northern District of OH, Western District of PA). Mr. Hochheiser is currently a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute (Consumer Committee member), Commercial Law League of America, National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees (Creditors Auxillary member) and Phi Delta Phi. He is a frequent lecturer on bankruptcy issues and has been published in CUES Credit Union Management. His community involvement includes volunteering with the Fairmount Temple (Board Member and past Brotherhood President) and the Montifiore-Fairmount Temple Mitzvah Corp. Alan Hochheiser, managing partner of the bankruptcy practice group at Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A., the nation's largest creditors' rights law firm based on revenue and placements according to Collections & Credit Risk magazine, was selected to the Board of the American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA), American Red Magen David for Israel (ARMDI) - David Berger Chapter in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Now known as American Friends of Magen David Adom (MDA) with its national headquarters in New York City, MDA is celebrating its 67th year of supporting the vital work of MDA in Israel. Founded in 1940, the ARMDI was incorporated in the State of New York to give medical assistance to the people of Israel (then Palestine). The MDA and its team of trained volunteer and professional medical responders depend on AFMDA support to provide the entire nation's pre-hospital emergency needs, including medical, disaster, ambulance and blood services. Al Hochheiser explained, "It is quite an honor to be selected to the Board of ARMDI and I look forward to the opportunity." Al will help with the fundraising efforts of the local branch, David Berger Chapter of the ARMDI, to support the Israeli ambulance and blood services. In the past five years, AFMDA has raised over $90 million to purchase medical supplies and ambulance for MDA in Israel, while the David Berger Chapter was able to contribute $18,000 of that last year alone. Al is also on the committee for a 5k race that is taking place in October 2007 that will help contribute to their fundraising efforts for the year. Alan Hochheiser is the managing partner of the Bankruptcy department of Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. and is located in the Brooklyn Heights, Ohio operations center. Mr. Hochheiser earned his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1988 and his B.A. cum laude from the State University of New York at Albany in 1985. A member of the Ohio State and Cleveland Bar Associations, Mr. Hochheiser is licensed in Ohio. He is admitted to practice before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Court (Northern District of OH, Western District of PA). Mr. Hochheiser is currently a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute (Consumer Committee member), Commercial Law League of America, National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees (Creditors Auxillary member) and Phi Delta Phi. He is a frequent lecturer on bankruptcy issues and has been published in CUES Credit Union Management. His community involvement includes volunteering with the Fairmount Temple (Board Member and past Brotherhood President) and the Montifiore-Fairmount Temple Mitzvah Corp. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2498 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2498&page=28 Address : 1400 Provident TowerOne East Fourth Street, Phone : 513-579-6400, City : Cincinnati Linda H. Schaffer has joined Keating Muething & Klekamp (KMK) and Riverbend Commercial Title Agency Limited Partnership (Riverbend) as Of Counsel in the real estate and title agency practice groups. Prior to joining KMK and Riverbend, Ms. Schaffer practiced at the law firm of Wichmann & Schaffer in Erlanger, Kentucky. Her practice areas included real estate, title law, probate, wills, family law, including dissolutions and adoptions, bankruptcy and municipal law. She received her J.D. from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Northern Kentucky University (1981) and her B.A. from Northern Kentucky University (1973). KMK, a full-service Cincinnati law firm, was founded in 1954. We have approximately 110 lawyers and a support staff of more than 150 employees. For more than 50 years, we have contributed to the success of many businesses from Fortune 500 corporations and small start-up companies to non-profit organizations and government entities. Our mission is to provide high quality legal counsel to clients by meeting their identified needs and developing appropriate solutions. Our vision is to excel as a law firm by recruiting and retaining the highest quality attorneys and personnel with diverse social, ethnic and political backgrounds. Riverbend, a wholly-owned subsidiary of KMK, specializes in providing high-quality service while producing title insurance policies for commercial real estate transactions. Our Mission is to consistently provide our customers with the highest level of timely services to help them fulfill their commercial real estate objectives. Service is our priority. Riverbend is an licensed agent of six underwriters including four of the largest five in the nation. Linda H. Schaffer has joined Keating Muething & Klekamp (KMK) and Riverbend Commercial Title Agency Limited Partnership (Riverbend) as Of Counsel in the real estate and title agency practice groups. Prior to joining KMK and Riverbend, Ms. Schaffer practiced at the law firm of Wichmann & Schaffer in Erlanger, Kentucky. Her practice areas included real estate, title law, probate, wills, family law, including dissolutions and adoptions, bankruptcy and municipal law. She received her J.D. from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Northern Kentucky University (1981) and her B.A. from Northern Kentucky University (1973). KMK, a full-service Cincinnati law firm, was founded in 1954. We have approximately 110 lawyers and a support staff of more than 150 employees. For more than 50 years, we have contributed to the success of many businesses from Fortune 500 corporations and small start-up companies to non-profit organizations and government entities. Our mission is to provide high quality legal counsel to clients by meeting their identified needs and developing appropriate solutions. Our vision is to excel as a law firm by recruiting and retaining the highest quality attorneys and personnel with diverse social, ethnic and political backgrounds. Riverbend, a wholly-owned subsidiary of KMK, specializes in providing high-quality service while producing title insurance policies for commercial real estate transactions. Our Mission is to consistently provide our customers with the highest level of timely services to help them fulfill their commercial real estate objectives. Service is our priority. Riverbend is an licensed agent of six underwriters including four of the largest five in the nation. Keating Muething & Klekamp (KMK) is ranked #1 in Cincinnati by having more lawyers listed in the field of Corporate Law than any other firm in the region. Twenty-three partners from KMK were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®2008 (Copyright 2007 by Woodward/White, Inc.). Each lawyer is listed below with the practice area for which they are recognized: The 2008 edition is the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States. Because Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which 26,500 leading attorneys throughout the country cast more than two million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their specialties, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice." Additional information below: Mr. Burke's practice focuses on complex corporate and commercial litigation, including both trial and appellate practice, in state and federal court. He has handled cases before courts in Ohio, Kentucky, California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Colorado and Delaware. He has significant experience in financial and transactional cases, commercial matters, class and derivative actions and actions arising under the federal securities laws. In 1997, Mr. Burke was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers, membership in which is extended by invitation only to "experienced trial lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional skill as advocates and whose career has been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism and civility." Mr. Coletti's practice is concentrated in the corporate, securities and financing areas where he has extensive experience in forming joint ventures, initial public offerings of securities, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures representing both public and closely-held corporations. A partner with the firm since 1988, he currently supervises a transaction team that has overseen more than 300 acquisition and divestiture transactions in the past five years with an aggregate transaction value in the billions of dollars. Mr. Coletti also serves in a general counsel capacity for several firm clients and represents investment partnerships and individuals in private equity investments and venture capital based transactions. He is also active in counseling start-up companies and preparing companies for sale and generational transitions of family businesses. He is a member of the firm's Board of Directors and is a frequent speaker at seminars on merger and acquisition topics and negotiating strategies. Mr. Dorger is the leader of KMK's labor and employment practice group. He also focuses his practice in general commercial litigation. Mr. Dorger has experience in representing management in all aspects of labor and employment law, including claims involving allegations of sexual harassment, race, age, gender and disability discrimination, wrongful discharge, FMLA and wage-hour claims and various common law claims. He regularly litigates the enforceability of arbitration and non-competition agreements. He routinely advises clients on matters such as employee discipline, discharge, and investigations of allegations of harassment, discrimination and employee misconduct. He also assists with the defense of workers' compensation claims. Mr. Dorger also advises and represents clients in commercial disputes before federal and state courts. Mr. Fershtman's practice is concentrated in the areas of representing closely held companies, particularly entrepreneurs in equity and private venture transactions, ongoing operations and divestitures, corporate mergers and acquisitions, taxation and estate planning. He also has considerable experience in corporate and tax issues unique to start-up entities, particularly those in the technology sector. Mr. Fershtman is a frequent speaker on entrepreneur and tax topics. Prior to joining Keating Muething & Klekamp in 1994, he was associated with an international certified public accounting firm. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (Ohio, 1990). Ms. Gaunt's practice is concentrated in the areas of domestic and international trademark, copyright, internet, media, licensing, advertising and corporate law. She counsels clients on both transactional and litigation matters involving all aspects of trademark, copyright, internet, licensing and trade secret law, and she frequently gives seminars on various intellectual property issues. Ms. Gaunt has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in numerous trademark and copyright cases, in both state and federal court. Ms. Gaunt also negotiates computer software licensing, outsourcing and R&D agreements and also litigates in these areas. The majority of her practice focuses on trademark, copyright, and advertising clearance and advice, and Ms. Gaunt is honored to include in her client portfolio, some of the best known brand owners in the beauty care, music and health care industries. Mr. Gilligan is the senior member of the firm's litigation department. He practices as a trial lawyer in general litigation, including commercial and other complex class action and consolidated litigation, products liability, personal injury, medical malpractice, insurance, and environmental litigation. Mr. Gilligan has received professional distinctions in his litigation specialty by being named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (1985 to present); and an Advocate in the American Board of Trial Advocates (1989 to present). In addition to practicing before the courts of Ohio as well as many other state and federal courts throughout the United States, Mr. Gilligan has also been involved in many arbitration and mediation matters both as an advocate for a party or as "Arbitrator or Mediator." Mr. Goodson is the leader of the firm''s employee benefits & executive compensation practice group. His practice is concentrated in employee benefits, ERISA and related tax matters. He has extensive experience with qualified retirement plans, executive compensation matters, health and welfare benefit plans and related tax matters. Mr. Goodson has substantial experience with the negotiation and structuring of employee benefit matters in connection with acquisitions and mergers. He assists clients regularly in the re-design of employee benefit packages intended to reduce costs while providing appropriate incentives to employees. Mr. Goodson advises clients as to risk reduction and strategies in the context of employee benefit plan claims and fiduciary matters. Ms. Hogan's practice is concentrated in the area of intellectual property. She has had extensive experience prosecuting trademarks in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and in litigating trademark, copyright, false advertisement and unfair competition matters in federal and state courts throughout the United States. Ms. Hogan has taught trademark law at the University of Cincinnati College of Law and served as an adjunct professor at the College of Mount St. Joseph. She has also provided expert opinions in trademark litigation. Mr. Irwin has represented creditors' committees, court appointed legal representatives, and the trustees of mass tort settlement trusts in large mass tort bankruptcy proceedings. He has been included in The Best Lawyers in America for more than five years. Mr. Irwin is lead counsel to the Celotex and UNR asbestos trusts, respectively one of the largest and one of the oldest such asbestos settlement trusts operating today. Mr. Irwin also represents secured and unsecured commercial creditors in insolvency related matters inside and outside bankruptcy proceedings. He regularly appears in bankruptcy courts throughout the nation. Mr. Keating is the co-chair of the Business Representation & Transactions Practice Group. He practices primarily in the area of corporate and business law representing publicly traded and privately held businesses and also practices in business succession planning, executive compensation and estate and tax planning. He has lectured on estate and business succession planning. He also serves in a general counsel capacity to small and medium size clients who do not have in-house counsel. Mr. Klekamp's practice is concentrated in general corporate, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and finance areas, and includes representation of numerous corporations, real estate developers, and small and medium size businesses. Mr. Klekamp has been successful in helping to nurture developing businesses and with assisting these businesses in selling their securities to the public in initial public offerings. Mr. Kreider concentrates his practice in the areas of securities regulation compliance, public offerings, private offerings, mergers and acquisitions and business planning and formation. Mr. Kreider has been an Adjunct Professor in securities regulation since 1977 at the University of Cincinnati College of Law and is Chairman of the Corporation Law Committee of the Ohio State Bar Association for 2003-2004. Mr. Maxwell represents management in all facets of labor and employment law. He has extensive experience in trials and appeals in federal and state courts and in investigations and administrative proceedings before federal and state agencies, including the NLRB, EEOC, OSHA and OFCCP. Mr. Maxwell frequently negotiates collective bargaining agreements and represents employers in arbitrations involving claims made by unions and individuals. He has lectured and co-authored several books, articles and legal publications dealing with labor and employment law, non-competition covenants and trade secrets. Mr. Montgomery has practiced for 23 years and is licensed in Ohio, California and Georgia. He represents employers throughout the country on a broad spectrum of employment related issues. His trial experience includes federal and state employment discrimination, FMLA and workplace harassment lawsuits, wage and hour claims, class and collective actions; unfair competition and trade secret litigation, National Labor Relations Board proceeding hearings and appeals, and arbitration pursuant to union contracts and individual employment agreements. He has negotiated union contracts and represented employers in connection with union organizing drives and decertification elections. Mr. Muething's practice is concentrated in the areas of business planning, corporate law and real estate development. He represents both public and private companies involved in a wide range of industries including insurance and real estate development. Mr. Muething has served as the Managing Partner of the firm since 1995. Mr. Sanker's practice is primarily concentrated in the areas of bankruptcy, reorganization and creditors'' rights, but he also represents a number of small businesses on general corporate matters. He is a frequent speaker on insolvency related topics and is currently Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Midwest Regional Bankruptcy Seminar, Inc. Mr. Sanker has extensive experience in representing debtors, creditors, and creditors'' committees in Chapter 11 cases and in out of court restructurings. He has appeared in Bankruptcy Courts all over the country. Mr. Sims practices in the business representation & transactions practice group. He works primarily in the federal income tax, corporate and health care areas. Mr. Sims'' federal tax practice involves individual, corporate, S corporation and partnership tax planning, including executive compensation and like kind exchanges. He has been involved in numerous mergers and acquisitions, focusing primarily on tax analysis and disclosure of tax considerations. Additionally, Mr. Sims has significant experience focusing on tax issues related to the formation and operation of tax exempt organizations. Mr. Sims' business practice involves representing closely held businesses and family businesses regarding organizational, operational and succession issues. His healthcare practice concentrates on the business and tax aspects of healthcare law, involving the representation of physician practices and other healthcare providers. Mr. Spoor's practice is concentrated in the area of government and private activity bond issues and general municipal law. He has been actively involved in those practice areas for more than 30 years. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Spoor was a partner with Hemmer Spoor Pangburn & DeFrank in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky and prior to that was a partner with Taft, Stettinius & Hollister. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969, including service with the 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and the Air Medal. Mr. Steiner is co-leader of the firm's business representation & transactions group. The focus of his practice is corporate, securities and financing law, where he has extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures representing both public and closely-held corporations and other entities. Mr. Steiner is part of the team at KMK that has overseen more than 300 acquisition and divestiture transactions in the past five years with an aggregate transaction value in the billions of dollars. He also regularly represents investment limited partnerships in venture capital and private equity investment transactions, as well as institutional investors in their acquisitions of interests in venture capital and private equity limited partnerships. He has significant experience in initial and follow-on public offerings of securities, and in representing issuers and investors in private placements of securities. He also regularly represents franchisors and franchisees. Mr. Trauth's practice is concentrated in areas of civil litigation, zoning and planning law and real estate law. He has been extremely successful in major rezoning for hundreds of local and national clients in Ohio and Kentucky and in obtaining real estate property tax reductions for major commercial properties in this region. Mr. Trauth has presented seminars on zoning, land use and eminent domain issues throughout Ohio and in June of 2006, he testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on the Constitution, supporting real estate property rights legislation H.R. 4772. He has also successfully litigated numerous major real estate and construction related cases. Mr. Utter's practice is concentrated in the areas of class action, multi-district litigation, complex commercial litigation, personal injury, product liability and medical malpractice. He is co-chair of the litigation practice group at KMK. He has significant experience in trial and appellate, state and federal courts throughout the United States. He has successfully represented defendants and plaintiffs in litigation, and has obtained verdicts and settlements in both commercial and personal injury related litigation, including serving as lead counsel in several class action lawsuits. Mr. Weber's practice is concentrated in the areas of real estate acquisition, development, construction and finance with an emphasis on conventional and public assisted financing programs. He also works in the areas of municipal bond law and general corporate law. Mr. Weiss has extensive experience in the representation of real estate developers and entrepreneurs, builders, financial institutions and investors in real estate. Mr. Weiss has lectured on real estate matters and participated in seminars for the University of Cincinnati College of Law, the University of Cincinnati College of Business Administration, the Ohio Real Estate Law Institute, the National Business Institute, Inc., and the Cincinnati Bar Association. Keating Muething & Klekamp (KMK) is ranked #1 in Cincinnati by having more lawyers listed in the field of Corporate Law than any other firm in the region. Twenty-three partners from KMK were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®2008 (Copyright 2007 by Woodward/White, Inc.). Each lawyer is listed below with the practice area for which they are recognized: The 2008 edition is the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States. Because Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which 26,500 leading attorneys throughout the country cast more than two million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their specialties, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice." Additional information below: Mr. Burke's practice focuses on complex corporate and commercial litigation, including both trial and appellate practice, in state and federal court. He has handled cases before courts in Ohio, Kentucky, California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Colorado and Delaware. He has significant experience in financial and transactional cases, commercial matters, class and derivative actions and actions arising under the federal securities laws. In 1997, Mr. Burke was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers, membership in which is extended by invitation only to "experienced trial lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional skill as advocates and whose career has been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism and civility." Mr. Coletti's practice is concentrated in the corporate, securities and financing areas where he has extensive experience in forming joint ventures, initial public offerings of securities, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures representing both public and closely-held corporations. A partner with the firm since 1988, he currently supervises a transaction team that has overseen more than 300 acquisition and divestiture transactions in the past five years with an aggregate transaction value in the billions of dollars. Mr. Coletti also serves in a general counsel capacity for several firm clients and represents investment partnerships and individuals in private equity investments and venture capital based transactions. He is also active in counseling start-up companies and preparing companies for sale and generational transitions of family businesses. He is a member of the firm's Board of Directors and is a frequent speaker at seminars on merger and acquisition topics and negotiating strategies. Mr. Dorger is the leader of KMK's labor and employment practice group. He also focuses his practice in general commercial litigation. Mr. Dorger has experience in representing management in all aspects of labor and employment law, including claims involving allegations of sexual harassment, race, age, gender and disability discrimination, wrongful discharge, FMLA and wage-hour claims and various common law claims. He regularly litigates the enforceability of arbitration and non-competition agreements. He routinely advises clients on matters such as employee discipline, discharge, and investigations of allegations of harassment, discrimination and employee misconduct. He also assists with the defense of workers' compensation claims. Mr. Dorger also advises and represents clients in commercial disputes before federal and state courts. Mr. Fershtman's practice is concentrated in the areas of representing closely held companies, particularly entrepreneurs in equity and private venture transactions, ongoing operations and divestitures, corporate mergers and acquisitions, taxation and estate planning. He also has considerable experience in corporate and tax issues unique to start-up entities, particularly those in the technology sector. Mr. Fershtman is a frequent speaker on entrepreneur and tax topics. Prior to joining Keating Muething & Klekamp in 1994, he was associated with an international certified public accounting firm. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (Ohio, 1990). Ms. Gaunt's practice is concentrated in the areas of domestic and international trademark, copyright, internet, media, licensing, advertising and corporate law. She counsels clients on both transactional and litigation matters involving all aspects of trademark, copyright, internet, licensing and trade secret law, and she frequently gives seminars on various intellectual property issues. Ms. Gaunt has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in numerous trademark and copyright cases, in both state and federal court. Ms. Gaunt also negotiates computer software licensing, outsourcing and R&D agreements and also litigates in these areas. The majority of her practice focuses on trademark, copyright, and advertising clearance and advice, and Ms. Gaunt is honored to include in her client portfolio, some of the best known brand owners in the beauty care, music and health care industries. Mr. Gilligan is the senior member of the firm's litigation department. He practices as a trial lawyer in general litigation, including commercial and other complex class action and consolidated litigation, products liability, personal injury, medical malpractice, insurance, and environmental litigation. Mr. Gilligan has received professional distinctions in his litigation specialty by being named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (1985 to present); and an Advocate in the American Board of Trial Advocates (1989 to present). In addition to practicing before the courts of Ohio as well as many other state and federal courts throughout the United States, Mr. Gilligan has also been involved in many arbitration and mediation matters both as an advocate for a party or as "Arbitrator or Mediator." Mr. Goodson is the leader of the firm''s employee benefits & executive compensation practice group. His practice is concentrated in employee benefits, ERISA and related tax matters. He has extensive experience with qualified retirement plans, executive compensation matters, health and welfare benefit plans and related tax matters. Mr. Goodson has substantial experience with the negotiation and structuring of employee benefit matters in connection with acquisitions and mergers. He assists clients regularly in the re-design of employee benefit packages intended to reduce costs while providing appropriate incentives to employees. Mr. Goodson advises clients as to risk reduction and