48 | COLUMBUS JEWISH NEWS | ColumbusJewishNews.com
MARCH 24, 2022
LOCAL LAWYERS
Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys Name: Alan S Acker Hometown: Fountain Hills, Ariz. Firm: Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP Practice area: Estate planning and probate Undergraduate: University of Illinois Law school: Chicago-Kent College of Law, affiliated with Illinois Institute of Technology Synagogue: Temple Israel In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Expert in estate planning Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Nothing; I don’t have a briefcase or laptop bag What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: My iPhone How do you unwind after a long day at work: Relax on my sofa If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: I’d spend it doing what I’m doing now, living in Fountain Hills and cycling a lot What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Paul Revere & The Raiders; went with my best friend. I was 12 at the time. What is your favorite comfort food: Ice cream What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “The Napoleonic Wars – A Global History” by Alexander Mikaberidze What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Join professional organizations focusing on the fields of law that most interest you, consider trying to publish an article in a law magazine or journal because that will force you to understand the subject better than you do now, and to copy the good habits of the more seasoned lawyers. Name: Mitchell Adel Hometown: Columbus Firm: Cooper, Adel, Vu & Associates Practice area: Estate, retirement and elder law planning Undergraduate: Ithaca College Law school: Capital University Law School In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Energetic and creative Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Presentation remote with laser pointer What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: iPad and Apple Pencil How do you unwind after a long day at work: Streaming TV shows If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: California and Florida. If there is one thing my career as an estate planning attorney has taught me about life, it is that you never know when something is going to happen. While I am blessed that my parents who are 78 and 75 are still around, they are not around me. I live in Ohio and they live in Florida. I grew up in Buffalo, N.Y., went to college for four years in Ithaca, N.Y., before moving to Ohio in 1997 for law school. So, for almost 30 years I have only seen them on vacations and long weekends. So, for almost 30 years I have only seen them on vacations and long weekends. If I had that much free time, I would spend five months
in Florida with them. During my time with them, I would like to make a memoir recounting all of the experiences and wisdom they have gleaned from their lives. The last month I would spend with my sister and her two children in California. Also living so far away, I have never had more than six days straight with them. What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Billy Joel with my sister after our mom won us tickets from a radio contest What is your favorite comfort food: Chicken noodle soup What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: Current: “Yellowstone;” All-time: “Friends” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “The Judge’s List” by John Grisham What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Ask questions and be humble. You are new to the profession and the firm, so no one is expecting you to be the smartest in the room. Make sure you are asking rather than acting when you are unsure. Don’t be intimidated. We all want you to succeed and are here to help you. And it’s never an interruption to ask for help. Remember that we are all on the same team, so don’t overlook the opportunity to tap into the knowledge and experience of our tenured paralegals to help you succeed. Name: Alan F. Berliner Hometown: Columbus Firm: Thompson Hine LLP Practice area: Insurance regulation Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: He thinks he’s funny Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes, I do think I’m funny What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Prescription drugs What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: iPhone How do you unwind after a long day at work: Watch sports or binge watch a series on Netflix If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: I think I would probably do some traveling, but also explore volunteer opportunities for after I retire What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: The Temptations with my brother ... he could drive What is your favorite comfort food: Chocolate What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Ozark” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “Freakanomics” by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven Levit What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Understand that just because you graduated from law school and passed the bar doesn’t mean you know everything about practicing law, so you still have a lot to learn. Also, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Interesting story: When I worked at the Ohio Department of Insurance, in a very contentious meeting, a rather large executive from an insurance company threatened to sit on me and “squash me like a bug.”
Name: David A. Bressman Hometown: Powell Firm: Bressman Law Practice area: Injury victims – car/truck/ motorcycle wrecks Undergraduate: University of Dayton Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Does what he promises Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): She better What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: iPhone What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Laptop How do you unwind after a long day at work: What does unwind mean If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Not applicable, I would not take six weeks, let alone six months, off. But, if I did, I would go to Washington, D.C. and spend the time in the Library of Congress. What was your first concert: Los Lobos What is your favorite comfort food: Chicken wings What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Ray Donovan” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “The Silmarillion” by J. R. R. Tolkien What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Do everything David says and the sky’s the limit. Are you listening Jedidiah (Bressman)? Name: Jedidiah Irving Bressman Firm: Bressman Law Practice area: Personal injury Undergraduate: Indiana Institute of Technology Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Outgoing and consistent Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): I believe so What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Charging cord What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Multiple computer screens How do you unwind after a long day at work: Usually cooking or smoking some chicken or beef What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: AC/DC in 2006 with some friends from high school What is your favorite comfort food: Chicken wings What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: Any sitcom, currently it is “Seinfeld” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “Ruthless Consistency” by Michael Canic
SUPER ATTORNEYS
MARCH 24, 2022
Name: Robert H. Cohen Hometown: Columbus Firm: Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP Practice area: Immigration and nationality law Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: University of Cincinnati, College of Law Synagogue: Tifereth Israel In 5 words or less, how would your coworkers describe you: Passionate and dedicated Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: iPad What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: iPhone How do you unwind after a long day at work: Catch up on the evening news What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Columbus Symphony concerts with high school band members What is your favorite comfort food: Mac and cheese What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Grace and Frankie” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “Bewilderment” by Richard Powers What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Have confidence in your instincts. Make sure you research and understand the law applicable to the client’s matter but trust your instincts. Name: Carly Edelstein Hometown: Worthington Firm: She is not with a firm, but with the Office of the Ohio Public Defender Practice area: Public defense Undergraduate: Brown University Law school: University of California, Irvine School of Law In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Compassionate, committed and hard-working Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Chapstick How do you unwind after a long day at work: Playing with my kids, an almost 3-year-old and an almost 1-year-old If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: If I could take a sixmonth sabbatical and had unlimited resources, I’d spend it traveling the world with my children and my husband. I want my girls to see the world, appreciate its diversity and enjoy interacting with people who don’t look like them. What was your first concert and whom did you go with: Phil Collins in Detroit with my mother, my best friend, and her mother What is your favorite comfort food: Ice cream, anything with chocolate chunks in it What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “The West Wing” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “When Justice Sleeps” by Stacey Abrams What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: The advice I’d give is to follow your passions. That has been a guiding principle throughout my career, keeping me committed to public interest work and representing and lifting up marginalized communities.
ColumbusJewishNews.com | COLUMBUS JEWISH NEWS | 49 Name: Carol Ann Fey Hometown: Bexley Firm: Artz, Dewhirst & Wheeler LLP Practice area: Family law Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: The Ohio State University Mortiz College of Law Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Thinks out of
the box Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yep What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Air pods What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Cellphone How do you unwind after a long day at work: Family time If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Traveling – Australia/ New Zealand. Hiking and snorkeling- maybe even scuba, a bucket list adventure. What is your favorite comfort food: Fried chicken What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “RV Tips ‘n Tricks” What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Find a niche you love and pursue it! Interesting story: I love having my dog, Kugel, at the office. She keeps me smiling and is happy to sit in clients’ labs when they are stressed! Name: Jeffrey Fish Firm: Buck & Fish Ltd. Practice area: Family law Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Caring, common-sensical, efficient Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Yellow highlighter What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Tablet How do you unwind after a long day at work: Yoga, golf, cooking, bourbon or tequila What was your first concert: Foreigner What is your favorite comfort food: Fried chicken What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Yellowstone” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “The Five Families” Name: Leon Friedberg Hometown: Bexley Firm: Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP Practice area: Bankruptcy, creditor rights and dispute resolution Undergraduate: DePauw University Law school: Capital University Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: He likes to fix things
Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): She calls me the “fixer guy” What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Device chargers What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: The “cancel send” button in my email How do you unwind after a long day at work: I play my cello. You can’t think about anything else when you play a cello. If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, where would you spend it: Bexley What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: As a seventh grader, I played second violin in a community orchestra concert What is your favorite comfort food: Gribbenehs, which is a Yiddish version of fried chicken skins What book are you reading for pleasure right now: Florida condominium laws and regulations What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Remember, it is called “practicing” law for a reason. No matter your training or background when you begin your journey as a lawyer, your experiences on behalf of your clients and the legal system will be unique to you. You have an obligation to share what you learn with those who come after you for the betterment of both your clients and the legal system. Interesting story: I earned two degrees in cello performance before attending law school. I have performed the cello solo version of “Kol Nidrei,” the Max Bruch composition, at my congregation Temple Beth Shalom on erev Yom Kippur for many years, ever since the congregation was located in Bexley. Name: Scott N. Friedman Hometown: New Albany Firm: Friedman & Mirman Co., L.P.A. Practice area: Family relations law Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: Capital University Law School Synagogue: Temple Israel In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Dedicated, competitive, fun, creative, hard worker Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): I hope so What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: My reMarkable Tablet What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Zoom How do you unwind after a long day at work: Exercise, connect with family and a nice meal If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Lake Como in Italy What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Adam Ant with Adam Robins What is your favorite comfort food: Pizza What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Bosch” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “The Judge’s List” by John Grisham What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Don’t beat yourself up. You will make mistakes. Be willing to accept advice on how to practice law.
50 | COLUMBUS JEWISH NEWS | ColumbusJewishNews.com Name: Sandra Mendel Furman Hometown: Columbus, Tel Aviv and Haifa Firm: Sandra Mendel Furman Practice area: Alternative dispute resolution Undergraduate: Brandeis University Law school: Capital University Law School In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: I work alone, but tenacious What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: iPad What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: My desktop How do you unwind after a long day at work: Cook If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Tel-Aviv Haifa – northern Galilee What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: The Temptations with Marcia Smith What is your favorite comfort food: Noodles – any size or shape What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Bordertown” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “Violetta” by Isabel Allende What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: I am and will always be a sole practitioner, but I would say do not promise more than you can deliver and always tell the truth Name: Ken Goldberg Firm: Strip Hoppers Leithart McGrath & Terlecky Co., LPA Practice area: Business/corporate and family law Undergraduate: The College of William and Mary Law school: Capital University Law School Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Easy-going, thoughtful, hard-working, no-nonsense Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Usually What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Charging cord What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Smartphone How do you unwind after a long day at work: Walk my dog What is your favorite comfort food: Pizza What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Seinfeld” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens Name: Keith E. Golden Hometown: Reynoldsburg Firm: Golden & Meizlish Co., LPA Practice area: General practice Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom In 5 words or less, how would your coworkers describe you: Very meticulous Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes
MARCH 24, 2022
What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Business cards What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: iPhone How do you unwind after a long day at work: Eating dinner and watching the national news If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Italy … travel throughout the country and eat a lot of food. What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: The Young Rascals with Sandra Wishnowski What is your favorite comfort food: Alley’s doughnuts What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “The Vikings” What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Build relationships that will lead to future referrals of business. Name: Andrew S. Grossman Hometown: Bexley Firm: Grossman Law Offices Practice area: Family relations law Undergraduate: University of Kansas Law school: Capital University Law School Synagogue: Torat Emet In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Creative, strategic and driven Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): More or less What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Hand sanitizer and a mask, unfortunately What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: My Surface Pro 8 How do you unwind after a long day at work: Dinner with my family If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Israel, learning Hebrew and enjoying everything the country has to offer What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Adam Ant with Michael Levin What is your favorite comfort food: Steak and a glass of red wine What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Succession” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “In Search of Lost Time” by Marcel Proust What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Ask questions of the other lawyers. Often, no one is born knowing how to handle the legal and emotional aspects of a divorce case. Name: Jeffrey Grossman Firm: Grossman Law Offices Practice area: Complex family relations, law mediation Undergraduate: Ohio University Law school: Capital University Law School Synagogue: Tifereth Israel In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Experienced, honest and knowledgeable Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Legal pads What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Laptop computer How do you unwind after a long day at work: I don’t have
LOCAL LAWYERS
long days at work very much. What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: The Kingston Trio with Gary and Gregg Robins What is your favorite comfort food: Chicken pot pie What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Yellowstone” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “The State You’re In” by Craig Pittman Name: Eric Hoffman Hometown: Columbus Firm: Hoffman Law Practice area: Criminal defense, domestic relations and personal injury Undergraduate university: The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School Synagogue: Beth Jacob In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Compassionate, trustworthy, hardworking, reliable and capable Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Usually What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Headphones What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Cellphones How do you unwind after a long day at work: An IPA What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Meatloaf with my brother What is your favorite comfort food: Meatloaf What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Breaking Bad” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “The Sisters of Auschwitz: The True Story of Two Jewish Sisters’ Resistance in the Heart of Nazi Territory” by Roxane van Iperen What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Since my son, Jordy, is the newest member, I would tell him to represent clients as he would his own family. Name: Jordan D. Hoffman Hometown: Columbus Firm: Hoffman Law Offices Practice area: Domestic, business, criminal Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Law school: The Ohio State University Synagogue: Beth Jacob Congregation In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Committed Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Breakfast bar What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Nespresso machine How do you unwind after a long day at work: IPA Beer If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Bicycle tour through Israel and living in Jerusalem What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: *NSYNC with my brother Aaron What is your favorite comfort food: Chicken pot pie
SUPER ATTORNEYS
MARCH 24, 2022
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Shtisel” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “The Prime Ministers” by Yehuda Avner What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Nothing comes fast. Try to be patient and build your career through consistent hard work. Name: Russell J. Kutell Hometown: Columbus Firm: Frost Brown Todd LLC Practice area: Business litigation Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania Law school: Georgetown University Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Name: Kimberly Land Hometown: Upper Arlington Firm: Bailey Cavalieri LLC Practice area: Commercial and real estate finance; unclaimed property Undergraduate: University of Dayton Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Dedicated to providing quality representation Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): He better What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Sunscreen What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Calculator How do you unwind after a long day at work: Hot yoga If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Yoga teacher training in Bali What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Christina Aguilera in 2000 with my mother, Dr. Rona Shapiro What is your favorite comfort food: Chicken noodle soup with extra egg noodles What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “The Silmarillion” by J.R.R. Tolkien and “The Fall of Gondolin” also by J.R.R. Tolkien What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Don’t pack fish for lunch Name: David Leland Hometown: Columbus Firm: Carpenter Lipps & Leland Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Passionate, good-natured and focused Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Reading glasses What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: My phone How do you unwind after a long day at work: Watching or reading about baseball If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: San Francisco at Oracle Park What was your first concert: Blood Sweat and Tears
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What is your favorite comfort food: Lorna Doone cookies What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “3rd Rock from the Sun” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson Name: Joseph Lipps Hometown: Bexley Firm: Bailey Cavalieri Practice area: Directors and officers liability, insurance coverage Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: The Ohio State University Mortiz College of Law Synagogue: Temple Israel In 5 words or less, how would your coworkers describe you: Hardworking Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes (perhaps too much) What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Used travel mugs What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: iPhone How do you unwind after a long day at work: We have two kids under 5, so there’s not a lot of unwinding. If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: I’d train for a scuba license and spend time with the family in the Tropics. What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Bob Dylan with my dad What is your favorite comfort food: Skyline Chili What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Schitt’s Creek” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “Cloud Cuckoo Land” by Anthony Doerr What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be patient. There is a steep learning curve that takes time to scale, but it is undoubtedly attainable if you work hard. Name: Harlan S. Louis Hometown: New Albany Firm: Bailey Cavalieri Practice area: estate planning, probate, and tax Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: University of Dayton and University of Florida Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Extra COVID-19 masks What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: My iPhone, even though I really, really miss my Blackberry How do you unwind after a long day at work: On the couch with my wife and our two dogs If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Following my beloved Cincinnati Reds, home and away, until they are eliminated from playoff contention, which should be early July. Hoping that they are touring during my sabbatical, following the legendary Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. And often visiting my daughter as she embarks on her new career, as I am immensely proud of her and I can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes. What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: An unforgettable family outing seeing The Charlie Daniels Band What is your favorite comfort food: Skyline Chili and Graeter’s black raspberry chip ice cream
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Ted Lasso,” “Blue Bloods,” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: I am eagerly awaiting the next book by Bill Rabinowitz What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Never stop asking questions. Be patient as the learning curve is long and steep. Read up on the law and new developments. Meet regularly with your mentors. Maintain your contacts. Serve your clients well. Don’t click on suspicious emails. Maintain life-work balance. Name: Pamela N Maggied Hometown: Columbus Practice area: Bankruptcy and debt issues Undergraduate: Ohio University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Synagogue: Tifereth Israel In 5 words or less, how would your coworkers describe you: Straight-shooter What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: A book What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Computer How do you unwind after a long day at work: Watching women’s sports If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Relaxing at home with a book and maybe a few short trips to visit friends. But I’m a solo practice and six months would put me out of business. I’d rather think about a series of three- to four-day weekends. What is your favorite comfort food: Oranges What book are you reading for pleasure right now: Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation” and “Robot” series What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Don’t be anything but honest and straightforward with clients, other lawyers and the court. People have long memories and once word gets around that your word can’t be trusted, you’ll have a hard time overcoming that. Name: Terri W. Meldrum Hometown: Columbus Firm: OhioHealth Corp. Practice area: Health care Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Synagogue: Beth Shalom In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Focused, collaborative, driven and fun Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Pen and paper What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: None How do you unwind after a long day at work: Time with my family or take a run If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Three months hiking and wandering through the state parks and three months wandering through Europe. What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Barry Manilow with my mom What is your favorite comfort food: Matzah ball soup What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Survivor” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “We All Look the Same in the Dark” by Julia Heaberlin
52 | COLUMBUS JEWISH NEWS | ColumbusJewishNews.com What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Never stop learning and enjoy the ride Interesting story: As a leader in the health care industry, the last two years have tested my leadership and have resulted in a deeper understanding of the importance of the guidance provided by legal counsel. During any crisis, organizations look for certainty and the pandemic has underscored that clarity that the law and legal processes can provide. Name: Larry Pliskin Hometown: Bexley Firm: Law Office of Larry Pliskin Practice area: Small business law, contracts, buy/sell agreements, tax exemption applications Undergraduate university: University of Pennsylvania Law school: Boston University Synagogue: Temple Israel In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Always willing to help. Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes, except for cooking dinner. What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Yellow highlighter What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: AirPods How do you unwind after a long day at work: Take my dog for a walk around the block If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Travel to see all the family I have left around the country who I haven’t seen during the pandemic What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Molly Hatchet with my best friend from Bexley Junior High What is your favorite comfort food: Dark chocolate covered pretzels What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “A Million Little Things” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “The Ride of a Lifetime” by Robert Iger What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Stephen Covey. Basically, listen more than you talk. Name: Sarah Pollyea Hometown: Gahanna Firm: Sarah Pollyea Law LLC Practice area: Commercial and residential real estate title and transactions Undergraduate: Indiana University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Queen of multi-tasking Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes. He sees me trying to get through my day and service my clients as efficiently as possible, while also trying to take care of all of my other responsibilities. What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: My old-school Filofax that I first purchased in 1995. I love it and I can’t live without it. I just keep buying the refills each year, but the leather folio has lasted all this time. What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Definitely my Apple smart watch. I can take calls, texts, look
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at emails and pretty much run my life with that device. How do you unwind after a long day at work: I like to do some kind of workout on my Peloton bike. Depending on the mood I’m in that day, there’s some kind of class for everything. If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: I would spend it traveling. I have spent time in Europe before as a young adult, but I would love to go back to many of the cities I’ve already visited and many additional cities. I love history and I’m very interested in culture, food, language and everything. What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Joan Jett at the Ohio State Fair in 1989. I went with friends from middle school. What is your favorite comfort food: Definitely French fries. And preferably loaded with chili, cheese, sour cream; the works. What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: Right now I’m enjoying the “Dexter: New Blood” series. Anyone who was left with so many questions after the series ended will love this show. What book are you reading for pleasure right now: I just finished John Grisham’s new book, “The Judge’s List.” Anything written by him I can’t stop reading as soon as I pick it up. What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: My advice to new lawyers is that what you need to know to be a good lawyer isn’t taught in law school. Find yourself a mentor, someone who you respect, admire and trust, and ask him or her to “show you the ropes.” Ask a lot of questions and also know when to just be silent and observe. You won’t learn everything in a day, or even a year. It takes practice and nobody expects perfection at first. You get better by constantly being open to new information and from being proactive. Name: Seth D. Preisler Hometown: Bexley Firm: Chodosh & Chodosh Practice area: Estate planning, probate administration and personal injury Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: Case Western Reserve University, School of Law Synagogue: Tifereth Israel In 5 words or less, how would your coworkers describe you: Competent, practical, efficient problem solver Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Phone What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Smart watch How do you unwind after a long day at work: coach wrestling or workout If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Traveling with my family. Back to Africa for a safari, where we went a few years ago, and then to Israel and around the Mediterranean What is your favorite comfort food: Brisket and roasted potatoes What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “The Wire” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “Ilium” by Dan Simmons What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: If you are not sure, ask. I have probably resolved a similar problem or we will figure it out together.
LOCAL LAWYERS
Name: Josh Sanders Hometown: Granville Firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP Practice area: Government relations Undergraduate: Ohio Wesleyan University Law school: Capital University Law School Synagogue: Temple Israel In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Thoughtful, dedicated and fun Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Some sort of snack What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Phone How do you unwind after a long day at work: Spending time with my wife, Aimee If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: If possible, I would want to be traveling with my wife. We both love getting out and seeing the world, whether it be a road trip or flying to another country. I think there is so much to learn from interacting with people outside your usual crowd that I would want to use my time exploring other cultures and lands. What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Def Leppard with my best friends Adam and Aaron What is your favorite comfort food: Chili What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Life in Pieces” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” by Doris Kearns Goodwin What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Be patient and take time to learn. There are a lot of outstanding attorneys at Calfee who have a wealth of knowledge to share. Unfortunately, I think too often people are in a rush or always feel the grass may be greener somewhere else and start looking for their next place to go almost from day one. I tell our newest attorneys to really immerse yourself with your practice group and the firm as a whole. There is so much opportunity for growth, both professionally and personally, here at Calfee if you take the time and make the effort for it to happen. Name: Zachary L. Schiff Hometown: New Albany Firm: Schiff & Associates Co., LPA Practice area: Personal injury Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School Synagogue: Beth Jacob Synagogue In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: A kind and helpful friend. Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Pen What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Phone calendar How do you unwind after a long day at work: Enjoy time with my wife and children If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: I would spend a six month sabbatical at home with my two children and wife. What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Elton John with my parents What is your favorite comfort food: Pizza
SUPER ATTORNEYS
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What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Curb Your Enthusiasm” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “The Miracle of Mindfulness” by Thich Nhat Hanh What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated Name: Jodi R. Smilack Hometown: Columbus Firm: Grossman Law Offices Practice area: Family law Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: John Marshall Law School How do you unwind after a long day at work: Running or Peloton ride If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Traveling What was your first concert and whom did you go with: Billy Joel and Elton John in 1994, which I attended with my family What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: “Ted Lasso” What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone” by Diana Gabaldon What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Name: Heather G. Sowald Hometown: Gahanna Firm: Sowald Sowald Anderson Hawley & Johnson Practice area: Domestic relations Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University Law school: Capital University Law School In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Ethical, organized and caring professional Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Tissues What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Cellphone How do you unwind after a long day at work: Daily walks If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: I can’t even imagine what a sabbatical for me would be! It sounds like a lovely idea, though. What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Jackson Browne; I went with my dorm roommate. What is your favorite comfort food: Ice cream What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: Anything on HGTV What book are you reading for pleasure right now: I read many novels What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Make sure you have a good work/ life balance, always respond as soon as possible to emails/ phone calls from clients and be ethical and professional in your dealings with others.
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Name: Asriel C. Strip Hometown: Blacklick Firm: Strip, Hoppers, Leithart, McGrath & Terlecky Co., LPA Practice area: Business, insolvency, debt work out Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Synagogue: Beth Shalom In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Works too much Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Work product What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Cellphone How do you unwind after a long day at work: Large model ship building If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Belgium and France (where I started from and hid during World War II) What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: Too long ago to remember What is your favorite comfort food: Cream-filled doughnuts What book are you reading for pleasure right now: Biography of George Washington What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Always maintain the highest degree of integrity for yourself and the profession Name: Beatrice Wolper Hometown: Columbus Firm: Emens Wolper Jacobs & Jasin Practice area: family business, including general corporate, mergers and acquisitions, wealth transfer and estate planning. Undergraduate: University of Arizona and University of Cincinnati Law school: Salmon P. Chase College of Law In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Passionate, funny and empathetic Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag? iPhone What electronic gadget makes your work life easier? iphone How do you unwind after a long day at work? Read and watch stupid TV What is your favorite comfort food: Popcorn What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm? Maintain high integrity always and Listen carefully; follow your passion and do what you love to do. Name: Ben Zacks Hometown: Grandview Heights Firm: Zacks Law LLC Practice area: Business development, capital, real estate, taxation and technology Undergraduate university: Arizona State University and The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School Synagogue: Beth Tikvah and Tifereth Israel In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Excellent, intelligent, multi-disciplinary attorney
Would your “significant other” agree? (with the above): Yes What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: Work What electronic gadget makes your work life easier: Cellphone How do you unwind after a long day at work: Lounge with family If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Galapagos, exploring, painting and writing What was your first concert, and whom did you go with: James Gang, Beach Boys and Steely Dan with my brother and his friend What is your favorite comfort food: Gyro What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: Whatever my spouse is watching What book are you reading for pleasure right now: “The Precipice” By Noam Chomsky What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: The legal field is undergoing dramatic change impacted by the technology affecting all service-based professions. Strive to work hard, understand your clients, learn boundaries and have fun as the world and legal problems are exceedingly complex, interconnected with people’s lives and involve a lot of rewarding intellectual and professional growth, and rich relationships. If you take care of your clients, yourself and co-workers, you will be happily successful in the 21st century legal profession. Name: Andrew Zashin Firm: Zashin & Rich Practice area: family Law Undergraduate: Brown University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law Synagogue: Chabad Worldwide In 5 words or less, how would your co-workers describe you: Relentless What one item can always be found in your briefcase or laptop bag: iPad How do you unwind after a long day at work: Hang out with my dog, Hugo the boerboel If you could take a six-month sabbatical from work, how and where would you spend it: Israel, of course What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch: Sadly, no time to consistently watch What would be your advice to the newest member of the bar entering your firm: Hold on tight and get tough
Attorneys included in this section completed a questionnaire that was emailed to attorneys and/or firms. The questionnaire was also available at columbusjewishnews.com and appeared in the Boker Tov e-newsletter. Some opted not to answer all questions and some were edited for brevity. Law listings submitted by lawyers and law firms. Compiled by Stephen Langel.