ATTORNEY BARRY WOLINETZ
The Face of Family Law
OBTAINING
POSITIVE RESULTS!
Award winning family law attorney Barry Wolinetz knows what it takes to obtain positive results in complex family law matters. He focuses on solving problems so you can focus on yourself, your children and your future. Going through a divorce or any family law issue can be extremely emotional. It can also leave you feeling alone. Barry Wolinetz knows what you’re going through and takes steps to give you the confidence and peace of mind you need.
Barry has been practicing law for over 40 years. He has tried virtually every type of civil case, including high profile divorce matters, Civil RICO, Federal Security Litigation, Federal and Tax Court matters, real estate matters, employment contracts, restrictive covenants, dischargeability issues in bankruptcy court and insurance related controversies which gives him a rich background of experiences to draw from as he focuses on domestic relations and business law along with general litigation.
• “Super Lawyer” every year since 2004
• AV rated for professional excellence by Martindale-Hubbell.
• “Top Lawyers” - Columbus CEO Magazine
• Best Lawyers in America
WOLINETZ | HORVATH | BROWN
250 Civic Center Drive, Suite 600 Columbus, OH 43215
670 Meridian Way, Suite 259 Westerville, OH 43082 Phone: 614-341-7775 | WOLINETZLAW.COM
Adriann McGee Partner, Columbus amcgee@reminger.com
Shana DeMooy Partner, Columbus sdemooy@reminger.com
Mary Kraft Associate, Columbus mkraft@reminger.com
Adam Taylor Associate, Columbus ataylor@reminger.com
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With over a century of collective experience guiding clients through Ohio’s probate and estate systems, Reminger is proud to expand our team to serve Columbus and Central Ohio. Our deep bench of attorneys can help you obtain the best results possible in a wide spectrum of private wealth disputes. www.reminger.com/OhioEstateandTrustDispute
Nelson E. Genshaft
Strip, Hoppers, Leithart McGrath & Terlecky Co., LPA
For Nelson E. Genshaft, “delivering good results for clients has always been the most satisfying aspect” of his 45-year law career.
Before he joined Strip, Hoppers, Leithart McGrath & Terlecky Co., LPA, with o ces in Columbus and Dublin, Genshaft was a partner in Columbus law rms Wolman and Genshaft for eight years and Schwartz, Warren & Ramirez for 20 years, according to his website. He specializes in business formation, business transactions, planning and reorganization, civil litigation and trials, attorney ethics and professional responsibility and legal malpractice.
Genshaft told the Columbus Jewish News the ethical lessons of Judaism transfer to the practice of law in terms of how he connects and communicates with others to solve problems. He prides himself in promptly returning emails and calls because “if they depend on you, you need to participate.”
“I’ve always felt that whether it’s bad news or good news, it needs to be delivered promptly because it’s not going to go away and you need to deal with it,” Genshaft said.
When his father, David Genshaft, a nonpracticing lawyer, returned from World War II he went into the family’s second-generation meat packing business in Massillon with his brother, Arthur Genshaft, he said.
e business, founded as Superior Provision Company in 1933 and later known as Superior’s Brand Meats Incorporated, became Massillon’s second-largest employer by 1976, according to the Columbus Jewish Historical Society. Genshaft, who studied business at e Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, said he never felt pressured to join the family business.
“Rather than go into business, I decided law would be a good way to be a professional, always be able to work in some capacity and not be dependent on being in a family business which was another option for me,” he said.
Genshaft graduated in 1973 from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland and worked as a regulator at the Ohio Division of Securities, then as assistant attorney general representing various agencies that regulated nancial institutions. He was honored to serve on the board of the Columbus Bar Association and then as president from 2007 to 2008, he said. roughout his career, Genshaft has been involved in many Jewish communal activities and organizations, including the Jewish Community Center, board of trustees; the Columbus Jewish Federation, board of directors; Ohio Jewish Communities, the state-wide lobbying group for the Ohio Jewish Federations, past president; and the Anti-Defamation League for the OhioIndiana-Kentucky region, past chair. He currently serves on the Columbus Jewish Community Relations Committee, according to his website. He said one of his most impactful experiences was participating in the pilot program for the Wexner Heritage Program, a two-year educational experience that focuses on Jewish learning and leadership training, with his wife of 52 years, Carole Genshaft, an adjunct curator at the Columbus Museum of Art.
“Since the Wexner program we started keeping kosher and we just tried to raise our children with more consciousness of their Jewish heritage,” Genshaft said. Two of their three adult children are lawyers, practicing in Colorado. - Abigail Preiszig
Get to know Nelson Age: 76
Residence: Columbus
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Current show you’re watching/streaming: “Zero Day”
Favorite Jewish delicacy: blintzes
Bucket list musician/concert to see perform: Steely Dan
How do you relax: “Walking our dog”
If you could have any one superpower, what would it be: Flip the house
What one piece of advice do you offer aspiring lawyers: “Fewer words, proof reading and do all the research you can before talking to clients.”
If you could travel back in time, what age/time period in your life would you return to and why? “I’m good right now.”
How do you incorporate Judaism in your daily life: “Applying ethical considerations to decisions and worrying about Israel.”
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Rachel Gold
Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter
Following in her father’s footsteps, Rachel Gold studied to become an attorney at Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter in Columbus.
Gold, a resident of Bexley and congregant of Beth Jacob Congregation and Temple Israel Columbus, both in Columbus, told the Columbus Jewish News she has a “really great” relationship with her father. Now, he’s one of her clients. “I get to get a lot of experience that I normally wouldn’t have gotten, and I also get a lot of mentorship built into just general
legal service work that I would perform for my client,” Gold said. “ ere is a delicate balance there because if you are providing legal service for a client, there’s an expectation and you have to meet those expectations. But, it being my dad and a mentor, I’m able to sometimes say, ‘ is is o the clock. I have other questions,’ and dig into things that I might not normally get the opportunity to do so.”
At her rm, Gold practices real estate law and cannabis law, among other practice areas.
Growing up, Gold was used to being in and around real estate spaces because of her father’s work, she said. As she began interning in real estate spaces, she discovered her love of the industry. As she progressed, Gold said she explored di erent areas of real estate law throughout her career, including working on single leases and, more recently, real estate development projects.
“Now I’m working on projects where I’m actually developing
parts of the city that I live in, whether that’s by acquiring property for a client, selling property for a client, working in the development phases of entitlement and really seeing these visions come to life,” Gold said. “I think for me, that wasn’t something I was doing at the beginning of my real estate career and I really, really enjoy working in this space.”
Gold said she has been able to “hone and craft” skills, but still uses the basic skills she’s used in her real estate practice while working in the rm’s cannabis law practice area. By adding these skills to her repertoire, she is able to o er services to her real estate clients that may be looking to enter a lease with a dispensary.
In her personal life, Gold nds that she doesn’t have much time to herself as she has two young children, but when she does nd spare time, she enjoys tness, spending time with her family and friends, and reading – she has been part of a book club for about 10 years, she said. Gold also nds herself involved in the Jewish community as a side e ect of her children attending day care at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus.
“I nd that since my kids are in daycare at the JCC in Columbus, I’ve really felt reconnected to the Jewish community,” Gold said. “So, whether it’s through just meeting other families and kids or going to more events. ... I’m nding that’s becoming a bigger part of my life than maybe it was prior to kids.”
- Lydia Kacala
Get to know Rachel
Age: 35
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue: Beth Jacob Congregation and Temple Israel
Columbus
Undergraduate: Indiana University
Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Current show you’re watching/streaming: “The White Lotus”
Favorite Jewish delicacy: Noodle kugel
Bucket list musician/concert to see perform: Rihanna
How do you relax: Through fitness or listening to a book
If you could have any one superpower, what would it be:
Teleporting
What one piece of advice do you offer aspiring lawyers:
Never stop asking questions.
If you could travel back in time, what age/time period in your life would you return to and why: College. “I had a lot of fun in college. It was a time where there were very few things to worry about except school and having fun.”
How do you incorporate Judaism in your daily life: “My kids attend the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus for daycare, we keep a ‘Kosher-style’ home and we say the Shema every night before bed.”
Joseph A. Lipps
Bailey Cavalieri LLC
Joseph “Joe” A. Lipps said he does not live in a house divided, even though he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, graduated law school from e Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in Columbus and his wife works at Ohio State.
“I root for Michigan over Ohio State, but I don’t hate Ohio State,” Lipps, an insurance liability attorney at Bailey Cavalieri LLC in Columbus, told the Columbus Jewish News. “In fact, it was fun to have the game and watch it here in Columbus. ... It was so exciting for them (to win the national championship) – I was happy.”
His wife, Margo, is impartial to the Big 10 rivalry, but his parents, who still live in his childhood home in Amberly Village outside of Cincinnati, cheer for the Buckeyes, Lipps said.
“My dad is a big Ohio State fan, so he’s the kind of guy who ies an Ohio State ag outside his home,” he said.
Lipps, a member of his rm’s director and o cer liability group, represents
insurers, including in insurance coverage disputes over corporate transactions and shareholder disputes, Lipps said. He said he became interested in the “niche” area of corporate insurance law while clerking for Bailey Cavalieri while in law school, nding the work “really interesting” and a good t.
“What I like about work is that it’s never the same thing,” Lipps, who called his work “litigation-adjacent,” said. “It’s something di erent every day. It’s complicated, it’s challenging. e cases we work on are always very interesting (and deal with) a lot of things that you read in the news in terms of large corporations and disputes.”
Lipps said his work revolves around corporate o cers or shareholders, who have insurance to protect them against claims of mismanagement. Lipps said his 11 summers spent at Camp Livingston –e Robert Krohn Livingston Memorial Camp – in Bennington, Ind., as a camper for four years and as a counselor for seven years, helped in some ways to prepare him for his “dynamic” eld of work. He
Get
to know Joseph
Age: 38
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth
Israel
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Law School: The Ohio State University
Moritz College of Law
Current show you’re watching/ streaming: “Severance”
Favorite Jewish delicacy: Babka
Bucket list musician/concert to see perform: Bob Dylan
How do you relax: “Hanging out with my wife (Margo) and our kids (Eli, 7, and Nora, 5) ... going on a bike ride with our kids, things like that.”
If you could have any one superpower, what would it be: “Never getting sick.” What one piece of advice do you offer aspiring lawyers: “Try to enjoy your time in law school and not get overstressed, because you have your whole life to be stressed being a lawyer.”
If you could travel back in time, what age/time period in your life would you return to and why?: “I would travel back to being a camp counselor at Camp Livingston (during) summers of high school and college.”
How do you incorporate Judaism in your daily life: “My youngest just started kindergarten, but before that, they were at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus full time, and they go to the JCC aftercare, so they always come home and tell me about the Jewish holidays that I’ve forgotten about or about new Hebrew words that they’ve learned, so that’s always fun to talk about at the end of the day and hear what they have to say and what they’ve learned.”
added his family has attended family camp weekend at Camp Livingston for the past “several years,” and they are “laying the groundwork” for their children to attend summer overnight camp when they are older.
“(Camp is) just like working as a team, being a good team player,” Lipps, a Bexley resident, said, adding it requires people from di erent backgrounds living in close
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quarters to work through issues, skills that are important for any job.
In his spare time, Lipps enjoys running, but his favorite thing to do is spend time with Margo; his children, Eli, 7, and Nora, 5; his parents, who frequently visit; and Margo’s parents, who moved to Bexley to be closer to them, and his brother and brother’s family, also in Bexley.
- Lillie Askari
OSBA Certified in WORKER’S COMPENSATION
FREDERIC A. PORTMAN, ESQ.
Of counsel to Agee, Clymer, Mitchell and Portman
140 E. Town St. Ste. 1100 Columbus, OH 43215 fportman@ageeclymer.com 614-216-4366
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Sarah Pollyea
Sarah Pollyea LLC
Looking back, Sarah Pollyea of Sarah Pollyea LLC couldn’t remember a time when she didn’t want to become an attorney.
Growing up, Pollyea dreamed of practicing criminal law like her grandfather, but after attending Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland, she discovered other interests.
“When I went to law school, I didn’t really love criminal law as much as I thought I would,” she said. “I was really into courts and property law - more of the procedural classes and contracts.”
After graduating in 2000, Pollyea joined Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA in Cleveland, where she explored di erent practice areas. During her real estate rotation, she found a mentor who helped her de ne her niche. She later worked in Chicago for about 10 years, after getting an opportunity from Weltman, Weinberg & Reis, gaining experience in real estate law, litigation and in-house counsel work before returning to her hometown of Columbus in 2011.
“I did a bunch of di erent things there,” Pollyea said. “... en I decided it was kind of a good time to come back home – I’d always wanted to come back home.”
In Columbus, she took on real estate title work and joined Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC in Columbus as an attorney and manager of Title Curative. She then moved to Fidelity National Title, honing her underwriting skills.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pollyea was let go from her job, a moment she describes as “the best thing that’s ever happened,” as it pushed her to start her own rm, Sarah Pollyea LLC.
“I was getting all these people reaching out to me, asking me to do freelance work,” she said. “So I said, ‘Well, OK, maybe I can make a go of this.’”
After building up her rm, she then began partnering with LandSel Title Agency, Inc. in Columbus, serving as general counsel and commercial underwriting counsel.
“So I’m not only doing the real estate piece, but I’m also closing my own deals and doing the title piece,” she said. “I really love being able to do that.”
Re ecting on her journey, Pollyea said building con dence was crucial in her early career.
“ ere was a lot of things that I was being asked to do that I didn’t even know how to do, which was really kind of daunting,” she said. “And I think it would have been really easy for me to (say,) ‘No, I don’t know how to do that.’ But I didn’t (and) thankfully back then I had the time. So I just gured it out.”
Pollyea also credits her Jewish upbringing, particularly the concept of tikkun olam, for shaping her values in life and her career.
“What we’re taught in the Jewish religion is, ‘What can you do to help other people?’” she said. “And so that’s kind of always been in the back of my mind.”
After 25 years practicing law, Pollyea said she is now committed to giving back, whether by providing legal support or mentoring other attorneys. Outside of her career, Pollyea is active in local politics and serves on several boards, including the city’s Planning Commission.
Get to know Sarah
Age: 49
Residence: Gahanna
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: Indiana University
Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Current show you’re watching/streaming: “I love to stream true crime dramas, like the ‘Monsters’ anthology by Ryan Murphy. I just finished the one about Lyle and Erik Menendez and it was fascinating. Favorite Jewish delicacy: “My mom’s matzo ball soup and brisket”
Bucket list musician/concert to see perform: Taylor Swift How do you relax: “Zoning out with a good book or a magazine always helps me relax. And I love my Peloton bike and tread. Doing those classes is like a mini mental health break.”
If you could have any one superpower, what would it be: “The idea of having the power to hear people’s thoughts is intriguing and could potentially reduce future misunderstandings.”
What one piece of advice do you offer aspiring lawyers: “Find a practice area that you are passionate about. It may take a while to figure that out and that is OK. But once you do, that will fuel your motivation and keep you engaged and inspired through your legal career. And with that, network actively. Work on building relationships with legal professionals early on to gain insight and opportunity.”
If you could travel back in time, what age/time period in your life would you return to and why: “Probably the 1990s and definitely pre-9/11. That is the last period of time where I can look back and honestly feel a sense of safety in the world. Also, during those years, there was no social media, no smart phones, and the internet was just getting started. People HAD to speak to each other, if you called someone and got a busy signal, you called back. It was a slower paced existence which we definitely do not have in today’s times.”
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“I always said whenever I get to a point where I can help people ... I’m going to do it,” she said.
- Kirsten Beard
How do you incorporate Judaism in your daily life: “In Judaism, I was taught that the purpose of life is to embody the Torah, which is the living word of G-d. I try to do this by living out the values of the Torah, like love, justice, compassion and forgiveness. I don’t always do it perfectly and sometimes I don’t give myself or others enough grace, but in general, I try to live my life by those principles.”
Pictured (L to R): Rachel Gold, Jacob Dobres, Michael Schottenstein, Rob Cohen
Frederic A. Portman
Agee, Clymer, Mitchell and Portman
Frederic “Fred” A. Portman grew up in Columbus the son of a newspaper reporter who also was a Columbus politician and political radio show host.
Portman’s father, Maurice D. Portman, wrote for outlets including The Associated Press, before working for the mayor of Columbus and eventually becoming the city’s first finance director and later councilman.
Portman told the Columbus Jewish News he, too, enjoys writing in a general sense, but his preference is legal briefs.
“I’ve never considered running for office,” Portman said. “And as far as being a writer, I have written some stuff that got published in the Columbus Bar Association newsletter, and a couple articles a long time ago.”
Portman, a partner at Agee, Clymer, Mitchell and Portman in Columbus, practices personal injury law and is an
Ohio State Bar Association certified specialist in workers’ compensation law. Portman boasted an already long career in workers’ compensation law before merging his practice with Agee Clymer, according to the Agee, Clymer, Mitchell and Portman website.
“It’s extremely interesting,” Portman said. “It’s very challenging. What I’ve done all these years is helping people who have been injured, who need money, who, if they don’t win a workers’ (compensation) claim or even a personal injury claim, they’ll be penniless. And it helped getting people to survive economically, that’s what I (like) about it.”
A native of Columbus, Portman took his father’s advice and went to law school, because it could lead to job opportunities and – ultimately – give Portman more time to decide on his career path, he said.
According to Portman, he chose to
Get to know Frederic
Age: 77
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue: Temple Israel Columbus
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law School: The Ohio State University
Moritz College of Law
Current show you’re watching/ streaming: “Zero Day”
Favorite Jewish delicacy: Creamed herring
Bucket list musician/concert to see perform: Frank Sinatra
How do you relax: “I play golf and read.”
If you could have any one superpower, what would it be: Flying What one piece of advice do you offer aspiring lawyers: “They should enjoy family, friends and life. And the reason I say that is because in the legal profession, the amount of drug and alcohol abuse has risen dramatically, and the incidence of depression, anxiety and even suicide – unfortunately – has risen dramatically, and that’s because young lawyers particularly work extremely hard, and in the big firms are required to work an ungodly amount of hours.”
If you could travel back in time, what age/time period in your life would you return to and why: “Eleven years old; 1958. Why? Little league baseball, summer days at the swimming pool, pickup baseball, football and basketball with other kids from the neighborhood and living a carefree life.”
How do you incorporate Judaism in your daily life: “I do not consciously incorporate Judaism in the practice of law but its teachings are hopefully ingrained in my subconscious mind.”
study law at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, due to its “good reputation” and low cost, noting that he paid just about $1,000 a year for his legal education.
After graduating from law school cum laude, Portman taught eighth grade American history, ninth grade world geography and 10th grade world history at Mohawk Junior-Senior High School in Columbus, before litigating workers’ compensation cases on behalf of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, where he worked for one year.
Portman went solo prior to working at a law firm and eventually starting three of his own, including Cloppert, Portman, Sauter, Latanick and Foley; Portman and Foley; and his current firm, where he has worked since 2016.
Throughout his entire career, two of his most satisfying cases were obtaining a $6 million verdict for a client paralyzed in a motorcycle accident and a successfully appealing an Ohio Supreme Court workers’ compensation case, he said.
Portman’s career also has included some pro bono, civil rights discrimination and labor union work, he said, adding he also did a lot of work for the Ohio Education Association by representing teachers in contract disputes.
“We didn’t do the labor negotiations, but any time, if there was a strike, which used to be illegal, we would get involved in that,” Portman said, recalling his visits to picket lines during his career.
While he is no longer litigating cases, Portman still assists in trials, Portman said.
No stranger to hard work, Portman started to focus more on a balanced lifestyle after headaches began plaguing him, according to Portman.
“Blood work was good – incredibly,” he said. “My blood pressure was good, my pulse was good, and (the doctor) did a neurological exam and he said, ‘your problem is stress.’”
Thereafter, Portman said he took up new hobbies.
“So then I played basketball at the (Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus), I played softball at the (JCC), I took up racquetball, played four times a week, and then in my early 40s, I took up golf and became addicted, and it helped a lot,” he said.
- Lillie Askari
Kenneth Rubin
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
According to Kenneth Rubin, partner and antitrust litigation attorney at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP in Columbus, antitrust law is like football, but antitrust rules dictate corporate competition.
“ ey have to agree on the size of the eld, they have to agree on how many yards make a rst down,” he told the Columbus Jewish News. “ ey have to agree on how many points you score when you get a touchdown or a eld goal and that kind of thing. When you’re in the league, the teams have to agree on a schedule. If teams don’t follow their agreements, chaos can break loose.”
In assessing a case, Rubin, who represents plainti s and defendants, looks backward, starting from potential outcomes, to gure out how to prevail and advise, he said.
“I try to give clients what their options are, where I think the risk thresholds are, and help guide them to make the right decision for them, rather than put the fear of God in them – unless I need to,” Rubin said. “I generally try to come up with business-friendly solutions for clients on the counseling side.”
After graduating from e Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2004, Rubin clerked for Judge James Carr of the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Ohio in Toledo, and Judge R. Guy Cole Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Rubin started as an associate at Vorys in 2006 after
having clerked there during law school. He said he was immediately drawn to antitrust litigation counseling. Two of his current cases include suing a gaming company that potentially abused their market power to raise prices for consumers and game developers, and suing Visa and MasterCard on behalf of merchants in New York City and Chicago, he said.
According to Rubin, much of his success goes to his mentors, so he strives to mentor Vorys’ younger associates.
“Having good mentors and having older and more senior lawyers who are interested in providing constructive criticism and helping people grow I think is important for younger lawyers to grow,” Rubin said, adding he continues to grow as a lawyer, too.
A Queens, N.Y., native who moved to New Jersey in his youth, Rubin’s journey took a detour, when he was dismissed from Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass., for poor grades, he said.
According to Rubin, after working as a bicycle mechanic in Boston, he decided to re-enroll in school, this time at Northeastern University, from where he graduated. e Bexley resident, whose grandmother was a rabbi, said his Judaism plays an important role in his life. After the Oct. 7, 2023, surprise attacks by Hamas on Israel, Rubin volunteered in Israel as a Sar El for two weeks on an Israeli
air force base. In April, Rubin will travel to Israel on his third trip to the country, he said.
“If you’re a Jewish law student or lawyer looking for a rm, you want to make sure that the place you’re working is someplace that you feel comfortable being Jewish,” he said. “You need to be at the place where you’re comfortable being you and where people are comfortable with you.”
- Lillie Askari
Get to know Kenneth Age: 48
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue: Congregation Agudas Achim
Undergraduate: Northeastern University
Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Current show you’re watching/streaming: “I am trying to improve my Hebrew, so I tend to watch exclusively Israeli shows in Hebrew. Right now I’m watching a show called ‘Fire Dance.’”
Favorite Jewish delicacy: Shwarma
Bucket list musician/concert to see perform: “My maternal grandfather played violin on the Long Island Philharmonic, and I would love the opportunity to see him.”
How do you relax: Spending time with family, working out and traveling.
If you could have any one superpower, what would it be: To retire.
What one piece of advice do you offer aspiring lawyers: “Realizing that this is, this is a regardless of what you’re doing, this is a client centered, stressful job that can be very rewarding.”
If you could travel back in time, what age/time period in your life would you return to and why: “I’m very blessed, and I’m happy with where I live and with my family and where I work.”
How do you incorporate Judaism in your daily life: Studying Hebrew, working out at the JCC, involvement on the JCC’s executive board and on the security, finance and fitness committees, as well as being on the board of Agudas Achim. “I feel very Jewish, but I’m also not terribly religious, but I’m very, I do think I’m active in the community.”
The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law
Mastering AI: Five key tips for aspiring lawyers
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY MICHAEL E. MORITZ COLLEGE OF LAW
Special to the CJN
Here’s advice from professor Amy Schmitz, arti cial intelligence and dispute resolution scholar at e Ohio State University in Columbus. Arti cial intelligence, more commonly referred to as AI, is generating hype across disciplines and industries. e opinions surrounding AI are wildly di erent and can leave the novice users confused and sometimes even scared. AI is and has been for some time, a part of our everyday life. When you hear the term “AI” your mind probably pictures driverless cars or ChatGPT. Yes, these are forms of AI but so are trivial things like spellcheck and search engines that we have been using for decades. e Ohio State University Moritz College of Law professor Amy Schmitz is a leading researcher in the elds of dispute resolution and AI. Schmitz is the co-director of the Translational Data Analytics Institute Responsible Data Science Community of Practice and is the director of the JusticeTech Capstone and Fellowship Program, a groundbreaking initiative addressing access to justice challenges in our community through cutting-edge technology solutions such as AI. As AI expands, Schmitz argues that lawyers and legal scholars have an obligation to evolve and understand how to harness the power of AI and avoid its pitfalls. Schmitz o ers the following ve key tips to support law students in their AI explorations.
NO. 1: TRY IT OUT
Don’t be afraid of it. Allow yourself the freedom to try di erent forms of AI for low-risk activities like creating an agenda. e more you play with it and use it for di erent things, the more comfortable you will be become. You will learn how it can be used and see its limitations.
NO. 2: KNOW YOUR COURT’S ORDERS
Whether you’re serving in an externship or clerking for a judge or appearing in court as an attorney, you must know the orders that govern the court in which you’re serving or practicing. Many courts have speci c orders that dictate the approved uses of generative AI, and they can vary from court to court.
NO. 3: KNOW YOUR FIRM’S AI POLICY
Like the court system, law rms too have adopted policies that govern the use of AI in their rms. Mastering the policy ahead of time will elevate you from rookie status to rising star material.
NO. 4: BE AWARE OF CONFIDENTIALITY
As you’re burning the midnight oil it can be tempting to feed ChatGPT your case information and allow it to write the brief for you. Resist the temptation. Many AI tools are not con dential or private. If you enter in client protected information into one of these open tools, you may be violating ethical duties of con dentiality.
NO. 5 REVIEW FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ISSUES
AI is a powerful tool, but it isn’t foolproof. Most general large language models incorporate information that may be copyright protected. Even if unintended, unapproved use of copy-righted information can instigate litigation, and many of the issues are still open for decision. is is uncharted legal territory and should be on one’s radar in using generative AI in particular.
To delve deeper into the intersection of AI and the law with professor Schmitz, visit tinyurl.com/y33k8axh.
University of Cincinnati College of Law
Four tips to follow when selecting law school
HAIDER ALA HAMOUDI Special to the CJN
Iappreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts on what prospective students should prioritize when choosing a law school. In my view, there are four key factors to consider, ranked in order of importance: experiential opportunities, outcome metrics, value and geography.
Experiential opportunities are a cornerstone of a comprehensive legal education. Alongside doctrinal education and training in professionalism and leadership, experiential learning prepares students to practice law at the highest level. It also is vital in allowing law students to develop their budding professional identities as attorneys and
counselors. While all law schools emphasize the importance of experiential education, not all are equally committed to it. A simple way to gauge a school’s dedication is to ask an admissions o cer what percentage of students have live client experiences before graduation. Schools that truly invest in experiential learning will have a clear answer.
Outcome metrics are equally critical. While experiential learning equips you to be an excellent lawyer, this only matters if you can pass the bar and secure meaningful employment. Every law school publishes data on bar passage rates and employment outcomes, and these metrics deserve your close attention.
Value is another important consideration. Law school is a signi cant nancial investment, and while the loans you take out will likely pay o in the long run, higher debt can limit your career options. Schools that keep tuition relatively low provide a tremendous service to their students and society. When evaluating value, consider the full nancial picture: tuition, fees, scholarships
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and living expenses – all of which are publicly available for every accredited law school. Geography also plays a role. It is generally easier to nd employment in the region where a law school is located. While this doesn’t mean you are con ned to the immediate area –Cincinnati law graduates, for example, often work in Cleveland or Columbus, and the same is true in reverse – the further a eld you go, the more challenging the transition may become. It is not insurmountable, but it is something to keep in mind.
One factor I deliberately exclude from my list is the U.S. News rankings. Properly used, rankings can provide a helpful shorthand for comparing schools on metrics like debt and outcomes. However, they are often misused in ways that harm students’ interests. I urge you to focus on the substantive factors that matter most to your goals rather than relying too heavily on rankings. ank you once again for this opportunity to share my perspective.
University of Cincinnati College of
2925 Campus Green Drive, Room 610A Cincinnati, OH 45221
Phone: 513-556-6805
Information: law.ec.edu
To read columns from other law schools, visit columbusjewishnews.com
Drew J. Golub, JD, Leads Columbus Expansion
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Drew, a Cleveland native with deep Columbus ties, attended The Ohio State University and Capital University Law School. His experience ensures that business owners achieve their goals with confidence.
Haider Ala Hamoudi is the dean and Nippert Professor of Law at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
Dean: Haider Ala Hamoudi Nippert Professor of Law
Law
Hamoudi
LASCO works to enforce fair housing for all
MELISSA BENSON Special to the CJN
As the managing attorney handling housing cases for Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, rising home and rent prices in Columbus make my work more urgent. With median home prices climbing and rents surging, more families are struggling to find or keep affordable housing, increasing the demand for our services and making fair housing enforcement more critical than ever. Discrimination, illegal evictions, and unfair rental practices push vulnerable tenants even further to the margins, making Legal Aid’s fair housing work essential. Ensuring that landlords follow the law helps protect tenants from exploitation and expands access to stable housing. Without strong legal advocacy, many lowincome renters would have no recourse against unjust practices. Fair housing work isn’t just about legal questions –it’s about making sure everyone has a fair chance for a safe, a ordable home.
Fair housing laws ensure that landlords, real estate agents, and banks treat all people equally. e laws protect people from being unfairly treated when they try to rent or buy a home because of their race, color, religion, national origin/ancestry, disability, sex, military status or family status.
During the pandemic, Legal Aid secured funding that enabled us to screen Franklin County clients for fair housing violations. One pervasive issue we discovered was that some Columbus landlords were refusing to accommodate people with disabilities. ey failed to provide legally required accommodations and modi cations that enabled people with disabilities equal access to housing. Some landlords refused to rent to families from certain countries, because they had a service animal, or simply because they had children.
e work showed the extensive need for fair housing enforcement in Franklin County. e violations were less surprising to my colleague Advocacy Director Kristen Lewis, who noted that Columbus had been without a Fair Housing Center since 2018. Under Lewis’ direction, the rural side of our program had been handling fair housing cases for seven years. Her team regularly o ered free legal help to those who had experienced housing discrimination or suspected housing discrimination in their community.
Working together, we sought grants from the City of Columbus and Department of Housing and Urban Development to extend those services to Franklin County. Our work culminated in late 2023 when we launched the Fair Housing Center of Southeast and Central Ohio. e Center, which serves all 36 LASCO counties, o ers free legal help to those who have experienced housing discrimination or suspect housing discrimination in their community. Between September 2023 and August 2024, the Center processed 315 complaints.
Launching the center has allowed my team to expand their focus from not only helping people facing eviction due to fair housing violations to protecting people trying to purchase or rent a home. We have stood up for single parents who were denied housing because they did not have a partner. We have stopped landlords from turning
away tenants with di erent backgrounds or religions. We have forced property managers to provide needed accommodations like rst- oor units and nearby parking spaces for clients with physical disabilities. It has also enabled us to use reasonable accommodations
policies to extend move-out dates for tenants with disabilities when they were given termination notices because the property where they lived was sold and the rent increased.
Beyond helping individual clients, the Center works to promote fair housing choice by providing education, outreach and advocacy. is work can lay the groundwork for real change by empowering people with knowledge of their rights and protections.
Outreach e orts also help landlords, real estate
Legal Excellence and Personalized Service
Benson
Columbus Bar Association supports local legal community
JILL SNITCHER
Special to the CJN
Thompson Reuters’ recent report on the State of the Legal Profession points out that law firm expenses grew by 5% in 2024 – 2% more than in prior years – due to more investments in technology, marketing and business development. According to Thompson Reuters, “Tech spending as well as knowledge management costs came in well above the historical average level, followed by outside services, marketing and business development and (as an outlier) benefits.”
at’s where the Columbus Bar Association comes in.
We understand that in today’s competitive environment, our members expect more than CLE and networking opportunities. Members expect resources that help them grow their practices and thrive.
Ohioans searching for the right lawyer have looked to the Columbus Bar Association for help for over 70 years. ColumbusLawyers.com is a new resource we’ve created that makes that search easier.
e site features pro les highlighting the experience, quali cations and areas of expertise of each lawyer and rm, making it simple to evaluate potential representation. Only Columbus Bar members can be listed on the online platform that connects clients with lawyers and law rms.
Attorneys and rms use the Columbus Bar to enhance their website with curated photography, improve their social media presence with dynamic photos, expand their rms’ Google presence with video and deliver programming with high-quality live streaming support. Our experienced media team supports digital productions of all sizes so our members and business associates don’t have to invest in expensive equipment or training.
Attorneys also leverage the CBA to raise their pro les as thought leaders. Articles published in Columbus Bar Lawyers Quarterly are delivered to over 4,000 readers, including potential clients and referral sources. Writing about legal developments in their practice areas is a no cost way to build their reputation and support the community.
Attorneys and members can also attend a variety of professional development network meetings to build their network for business development. ese networks are a great way to meet judges and other successful lawyers in their practice areas, while also staying current on legal updates that may impact clients.
of employee bene ts. With three licensed insurance agents on sta , we provide health, dental, vision, Medicare, disability, professional liability coverage and surety bonds. Our unique plan designs can provide incredible savings to members, while also o ering employee retention bene ts that support your rm’s ongoing success. Members receive individualized attention to products that meet their unique needs, and the proceeds are reinvested in the CBA.
Dedicated to protecting and preserving what’s important to you
For over 55 Years, Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP has provided legal excellence to businesses, families and individuals.
Legal research can cost law rms thousands of dollars per month, but the CBA covers that cost for members through vLex, one of the best online legal search platforms on the market. vLex is a new, improved, version of the existing Fastcase legal research platform, with enhancements that revolutionize access to legal documents. is innovative platform o ers attorney and practicing paralegal members of the bar association access to comprehensive US legal materials. Enhanced by vLex’s advanced AI-driven tools, vLex provides the most comprehensive collection of legal content worldwide on a single intuitive platform. is allows for unparalleled e ciency and a competitive edge in case preparation and strategy.
For over 30 years, the CBA has operated a full-service insurance agency to bring members competitive pricing on a vast array
All these products and services are created with our local lawyers and law rms in mind. ey are uniquely tailored to meet the needs of our members and the community they serve. Even better, we reinvest the proceeds we receive back into the profession and Central Ohio. e Columbus Bar Association keeps our local legal talent current, competitive, and connected; we are the community bar where everyone belongs.
Jill Snitcher is the executive director of the Columbus Bar Association.
DISCLAIMER
The Columbus Jewish News does not make endorsements of political candidates and/or political or other ballot issues on any level. Letters, commentaries, opinions, advertisements and online posts appearing in the Columbus Jewish News, on columbusjewishnews. com or our social media pages reflect the views and thoughts of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Columbus Jewish Publication Company, its board, officers or staff or any other organization unless explicitly stated.
BENSON | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37
professionals, and policymakers create fairer housing practices, leading to stronger, more equitable neighborhoods.
By raising awareness and fostering action, fair housing education is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and building a future where everyone has access to safe, stable housing.
DISCLAIMER
Melissa Benson joined the housing practice group at Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, then LASC, in 2015 and is currently senior managing attorney. She litigates cases protecting the rights of low-income tenants, including eviction prevention, maintaining housing subsidies and ensuring safe living conditions.
The Columbus Jewish News does not make endorsements of political candidates and/or political or other ballot issues on any level. Letters, commentaries, opinions, advertisements and online posts appearing in the Columbus Jewish News, on columbusjewishnews. com or our social media pages reflect the views and thoughts of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Columbus Jewish Publication Company, its board, officers or staff or any other organization unless explicitly stated.
Snitcher
Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys
Local Jewish attorneys included in this section completed a questionnaire that was emailed to attorneys and/or firms. The Q&A form was also available at columbusjewishnews.com. Some opted not to answer all questions and some answers were edited for clarity and brevity. To view the list of Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys online, including attorneys added after deadline, visit issuu.com/cjpc. Attorneys did not pay to be included in this directory. Compiled by Andrew Isaacs and Becky Raspe.
Mitchell Adel
Law firm: Cooper, Adel, Vu & Associates
Age: 49
Hometown: Columbus
Undergraduate: Ithaca College
Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Growing up in an extended Jewish family has helped me build a firm ethical foundation for my law practice. The teachings of my parents and grandparents guide me as I connect with clients, colleagues and the community. How do you unwind when not working? I enjoy traveling to visit with family. I also like playing golf, live music, puzzles and competitive games.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Trust the process and take the long road. Life doesn’t always unfold the way you expect, but with persistence and dedication, you can build something meaningful. Stay true to your values, and don’t rush into things. Focus on developing yourself and helping others along the way, as that’s where the real fulfillment comes from.
What is your favorite sports team? Buffalo Bills
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My deceased father. I realize with all the possibilities this seems silly, but his health and mind declined so rapidly, it was shock how little time we had. I would want one more night/conversation to have a chance at another memory that would echo long after.
Favorite local restaurant: Domo Sushi Kitchen Bar
First part-time job: Retail sales at Champs Sports
Do you have an Israel experience? In my 20s, I was selected to go on the March of the Living. My journey began with a few days in Poland, followed by a sunny week in Israel. The contrast between the emotional heaviness in Poland and the uplifting energy in Israel has stayed with me until this day.
Alex Alfonso
Law firm: Grossman
Law Offices
Age: 31
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Congregation Agudas
Achim
Undergraduate: DePaul University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Judaism informs my moral compass. It guides how I make career choices, how I treat others, and how I raise the floor of my ethical obligations. How do you unwind when not working? Spend time with my spouse and our three dogs (Mishmish, Umberto, and Babayel), Hebrew calligraphy, cook, work out. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Don’t worry so much about the end destination. All your memories and meaningful experiences occur along the journey.
What is your favorite sports team? The greatest team the world has ever seen: Columbus Crew
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Anthony Bourdain. I would love to have a conversation with him about the cultural memory and food and how this interplay is expressed in other societies and groups.
Favorite local restaurant: It’s a tie between Yoshi’s Japanese restaurant and Ginevra Cafe. Best Japanese and Somali food in Columbus respectively.
First part-time job: I was a lifeguard at a community pool in Blacklick. Do you have an Israel experience? So many. I spent 7 months learning Arabic and Hebrew at Givat Haviva and had the opportunity to meet many amazing people working towards a better future for all Israelis.
Leon Bass
Law firm: Leon Bass Law Age: 52
Hometown: Worthington Synagogue: Congregation Beth Tikvah
Undergraduate: Michigan State University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Growing up in the Jewish community instilled in me values that have shaped both my professional and personal growth, including leadership, integrity, dedication and a strong work ethic. How do you unwind when not working? I enjoy spending time with my family, including my wife Meagan and our two kids, Stella, 2, and Wesley, 4. I also enjoy playing music and performing for charity causes in my band, Grassinine.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? I would explore the concept of authenticity, emphasizing the importance of discovering and embracing one’s true self, reminding myself that authenticity fundamentally influences both personal and professional fulfillment. By remaining true to ourselves, we foster genuine connections, uphold integrity in decisionmaking, and cultivate a strong sense of purpose.
What is your favorite sports teams? The Ohio State Buckeyes football (and Bengals too!)
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My grandfather, Isaac Kambelis, who came to Columbus from Greece during the Holocaust with his wife, Rachel, my grandmother, and his three daughters, Bella, Martha, and Sophie (my late mother), leaving family, some of whom were taken to concentration camps. He passed away from cancer when I was 13 years old. On his deathbed he told me that education is always my top priority and that he was not able to pursue his education.
Favorite local restaurant: Hard to say as Columbus has so many great choices. Probably Butcher and Rose right now – I am a steakhouse guy. But I always enjoy Lindey’s downtown, The Avenue, Martini, Barcelona and Tucci’s.
First part-time job: When I was 13, my aunt Marty was a real estate agent at Sibcy Cline Realtors in Cincinnati where I grew up, and got me a job in their relocation department helping make relocation packets for people moving to the Cincinnati area. I then got a few of my friends from school jobs working there with me, and it was a party.
Do you have an Israel experience? Yes, I was privileged to take a six-week group
trip with my youth group when I was 16, thanks to help from the Rockdale Temple (Cincinnati) Sisterhood’s scholarships as well as a national scholarship. That was memorable experience that I will never forget, including that time when the Jordan army held us at gunpoint for a few minutes along the border and when we almost got lost out on the Dead Sea.
David Bressman
Law firm: Bressman
Law
Age: 59
Hometown: Powell
Undergraduate: University of Dayton
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? It provides a moral foundation for an increasingly immoral world. How do you unwind when not working? Spoiling my grandkids and irritating my children
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Invest in Berkshire Hathaway. What is your favorite sports team? Cleveland Indians [never, ever, the Guardians]
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My 14-year-old self to inform him of all the mistakes he is going to make. Will be a long dinner.
Favorite local restaurant: The Hamburger Inc.
First part-time job: Delivering newspapers for the Norwalk Reflecto
Do you have an Israel experience? Took my family there when my boys were both 13. My wife and I want to go back especially to Caesarea.
Gwen Silverberg Callender
Organization: Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, Inc.
Age: 58
Hometown: Shaker Heights
Undergraduate:
University of WisconsinMadison
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How do you unwind when not working?
Workout, cook, read, go out and listen to live music with my partner Jeff Katz and our friends.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Stay in the moment and manifest what you want in life. What is your favorite sports team? Cleveland Browns
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My grandmother on my Dad’s side. I would want to share my journey exploring my Judaism with her that started after she passed away. There are so many traditions and wonderful memories I have of big family Shabbos dinners. She instilled in me what it means to be Jewish, not from a religious perspective but from a family tradition and cultural perspective. I want to thank her.
Favorite local restaurant: Columbus has so many great restaurants it is hard to pick just one. Chi Thai, Forno and the Sycamore are at the top of the list.
First part-time job: I worked part-time at the concession stand at the Vogue Movie Theater, an iconic movie theater in Shaker Heights that is no longer there.
Do you have an Israel experience? Yes, 10 years ago I went on a JWRP (now Momentum) trip. I made lifelong friends on that trip. I will never forget the feeling of being connected to the land in a profound way that has remained with me even though I have not been back, yet.
Robert Cohen
Law firm: Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
Age: 73
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: Miami University
Law school: University of Cincinnati College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Jewish values, particularly respect for all people, are critical to any professional practice.
How do you unwind when not working? Pickleball
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Take more math in school. What is your favorite sports team? Columbus Clippers
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Thomas Jefferson. I would like to ask him to reconcile the language in the Declaration of Independence with his ownership of slaves.
Favorite local restaurant: Cafe Istanbul
First part-time job: Delivering the Citizen-
Journal
Do you have an Israel experience? I have been to Israel 4 times, and am looking forward to the community trip in October.
Robert G. Cohen
Law firm: Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter Co., L.P.A.
Age: 61
Hometown: Liberty Township
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Cultural Judaism’s focus on education and honesty created important guiding principles.
How do you unwind when not working? Spend time outdoors, swim, read and travel. I like to go somewhere where there is a beach.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Become a doctor.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Abraham Lincoln. I would be curious to hear both about his own personal life experiences and lessons, his changes in circumstances over his lifetime, and the difficult decisions he had to make for the country and how he made those decisions.
Favorite local restaurant: Moretti’s on Sawmill Road
First part-time job: Construction general laborer
Do you have an Israel experience? I’ve had two. First time was a three-week trip during college when my girlfriend was spending a year studying at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She stayed. The highlight was attending a speech to a small group at the university given by Yitzhak Rabin. The second was a several week trip where I met my brother in Israel, and we traveled all over the country.
Law firm: Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter
Age: 52
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law How do you unwind when not working? I prefer to unwind spending time with my family, riding my bicycle, or reading a good book.
Favorite sports team: Columbus Blue
Jackets
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Chef Michael Symon
Favorite local restaurant: Pelino’s Pasta
First part-time job: I worked at my father and uncle’s scrap metals business, Dana Salvage Company, where my dad first taught me about the importance of getting a good education. His hope was that I wouldn’t have to work as hard as he did. Do you have an Israel experience? My first trip to Israel was as a 6 year old when we went to see my grandfather. We stayed in the Tel Aviv apartment where my mom had grown up.
Jeffrey Fish
Law firm: Buck & Fish
Ltd.
Age: 59
Hometown: Pickerington
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School
How do you unwind when not working?
Cooking and playing golf. Occasionally traveling, and spending time with friends when not attending our daughters’ performances. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Read the book “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,” and be your own person. What is your favorite sports teams? Either the Buckeyes or University of Tennessee Volunteers football and basketball teams. If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Any of my grandparents to record more of our family history
Favorite local restaurant: The Refectory First part-time job: Delivering the Portsmouth Times newspaper
Scott Friedman
Law firm: Friedman & Mirman Co., L.P.A.
Age: 53
Hometown: New Albany
Synagogue: Temple Israel
Undergraduate: Miami University Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Judaism has played a role in my career in several ways. One is networking. It is a large part of my business and being connected with the Jewish community helps with meeting people and making business relationships. How do you unwind when not working? Walk our dog, Lincoln. Exercise and binge
watch television series with my wife. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Progress not perfection. Be patient and think outside the box. What is your favorite sports team? The Ohio State University Buckeyes If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My paternal grandfather who I never met. He died well before I was born. Why? I have heard many stories about him and would want to get to know him as an important part of my family history. Maybe he could bring my dad to dinner, I miss him terribly.
Favorite local restaurant: Several, including Ocean Club, Giuseppe’s, Kitchen Social and many more.
First part-time job: Painting vacant apartments in Columbus
Do you have an Israel experience? Yes, I traveled to Israel during college with family and friends. It was an amazing experience. I love Jerusalem, Mount Masada, the Dead Sea and many other places in Israel.
Tod Friedman
Organization: Schottenstein Stores Corporation
Age: 62
Hometown: Bexley
Synagogue: Temple Israel and Beth Jacob Congregation
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: Syracuse University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Jewish teachings provide a strong moral compass.
How do you unwind when not working? I cycle about 2500 miles per year. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Everything will work out. What is your favorite sports team? Any team my kids or grandkids play on. If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My mother because I miss her and I would like to fill her in on her family’s accomplishments.
First part-time job: Working the deli counter at Martins Kosher market
Do you have an Israel experience? My son winning USA’s first gold medal in soccer at the Maccabi games
Jacob Dobres
SUPER ATTORNEYS
Sandra Mendel Furman
Hometown: Columbus
Undergraduate:
Brandeis University Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? I place the highest value on fair treatment. Otherwise there is no justice. How do you unwind when not working?
Morning exercise most everyday at the JCC-swim-treadmill-weights. Reading fiction, attending classical and jazz concerts.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Listen before you speak. What is your favorite sports teams? Chicago Bulls when Jordan, et al., were playing.
Favorite local restaurant: Agni
First part-time job: C.I.T. at Camp Ora
Do you have an Israel experience? I was on the first community mission for teens in 1969 or 70-not sure. I spent my junior year of college there during the Yom Kippur War. I have been back four times since college. I hope to return soon.
Nelson Genshaft
Law firm: Strip Hoppers
Leithart McGrath & Terlecky, LPA Age: 76
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Much of my volunteer time has been with Jewish agencies and many of my friends have come through volunteer work. How do you unwind when not working? Walking our dog
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Look for something exciting to do in life and build on that
What is your favorite sports team?
Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Ben Franklin. He was at the center of so much history and politics
Favorite local restaurant: South Village Grille, Lindey’s and Figlio
First part-time job: Selling corn dogs at the County Fair
Ken Goldberg
Law firm: Strip Hoppers
Leithart McGrath & Terlecky, Co., LPA
Age: 60
Hometown: Dublin
Synagogue: Temple
Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: The College of William and Mary
Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? I identify as a Jew and I’m certain Judaism has helped me more than hindered me throughout my career. How do you unwind when not working?
Long walks with my dog and listening to recorded books.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Pretty soon you’re going to take life more seriously.
What is your favorite sports team?
Washington Commanders
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Ulysses S. Grant because he had an amazing life.
Favorite local restaurant: The OG –Cameron’s American Bistro.
First part-time job: Stock boy at a large fruit and vegetable stand/store. Do you have an Israel experience? I have not traveled there but my kids did and had wonderful experiences.
David Goldstein
Law firm: David A Goldstein Co LPA
Hometown: Victorian Village
Synagogue: Temple Israel
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? The core values of Judaism have made me a caring and compassionate attorney. Part of my firm’s practice is to those who are underserved and do not necessarily have access to attorneys based upon their financial position. “Tzedakah.”
How do you unwind when not working? I enjoy playing golf, spending time with friends and family and an occasional vodka soda
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Take time to enjoy yourself before you enter the “real world” of work. Travel and see the world.
What is your favorite sports team?
Chicago Cubs
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My dad sine he has been gone
for almost 20 years would love to tell him how his grandkids are doing.
Favorite local restaurant: Lindey’s
First part-time job: I made egg rolls in the basement of the Kahiki
Robert Goldstein
Law firm: Robert R. Goldstein, Attorney at Law
Age: 59
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: The Torah Center
Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Judaism provides a basic framework of ethics and morality which pushes me to always try to do what’s best for others.
What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? Always be flexible and unpredictable. Things rarely work out the way you expect them to.
What is your favorite sports team? Columbus Blue Jackets
Favorite local restaurant: Either Saba’s, Matt’s, East Pizzeria or maybe OSU Hillel’s Bagel Cafe
First part-time job: I was a roadie for a bar mitzvah wedding band in Philadelphia. Do you have an Israel experience? I had my bar mitzvah at the Kollel. I also spent a summer in the 80’s as an ambassador of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland to the city of Neve Sharett.
Hugh Greentree
Organization: Internal Revenue Service
Age: 65
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Don’t be so impatient to start your career. Consider joining the armed services before going to law school. Know that the woman you met on July 14, 1989, is the woman you will marry.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My father. He’s been gone 35 years and I would love to tell him what has happened.
Favorite local restaurant: Rubino’s First part-time job: Newspaper route
Andrew Grossman
Law firm: Grossman
Law Offices
Age: 54
Hometown: Bexley
Synagogue: Beth Jacob
Congregation
Undergraduate: The University of Kansas Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? I think that the ethics underlying Judaism are very similar to the ethical standards that govern lawyers’ actions and behavior.
How do you unwind when not working? Travel, tennis and red wine. Not necessarily in that order.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Put your bar mitzvah money in Nike stock
What is your favorite sports team? Kansas Jayhawks basketball team
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Toss up between Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway. I need help on my first novel.
Favorite local restaurant: Answering this will get me in trouble with a number of wonderful restaurateurs.
First part-time job: Assistant purchasing director of non-ferrous metal for The Recycling Exchange
Do you have an Israel experience? The b’nai mitzvah of our twins, Isle and Pierce, atop Masada on a clear day is pretty hard to beat.
Law firm: Hoffman Law Age: 66
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Beth Jacob Congregation
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? The Torah provides guidance in dealing with others
How do you unwind when not working? Road biking
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Dollar cost averaging
What is your favorite sports team? The Ohio State Buckeyes
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? It’s a tie. My parents. I miss them.
Favorite local restaurant: East Pizza First part-time job: Hoffman Container –loaded and unloaded trailers and drove a
Eric Hoffman
semi
Do you have an Israel experience? I met Menachem Begin at the King David Hotel in 1977.
Jordan Hoffman
Law firm: Hoffman Law Age: 30
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Beth Jacob
Congregation
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Judaism provides me with a guide to live my daily life.
How do you unwind when not working?
The shvitz at the Columbus JCC
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? To try to think about the big picture
What is your favorite sports team? Ohio State Buckeyes football
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My great grandfather
Favorite local restaurant: East Pizza
First part-time job: JCC snack bar
Do you have an Israel experience? Yes –one of my most unforgettable experiences in Israel was driving from Tel Aviv to Eilat on my honeymoon with my wife Nicole.
Michael Jacobson
Law firm: Law Firm of Michael T. Jacobson Age: 72
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: American University Law school: Vermont Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? It is one of several sources I rely upon for ethics.
How do you unwind when not working?
Dancing, motorcycling, weight lifting and spending time with friends.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Always be honest, hard-working, and treat people with respect. I’ve always tried to follow this advice.
What is your favorite sports team? The Ohio State Buckeyes, of course.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Abraham Lincoln. How he coped with everything and led our country is admirable.
Favorite local restaurant: Cafe Istanbul Dublin
First part-time job: Working for my father’s factoring company
Do you have an Israel experience? Besides my bar mitzvah visit, I took a law school course at Hebrew University.
Russell Kutell
Law firm: Frost Brown
Todd LLP
Age: 57
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania College of Arts and Sciences and Wharton School of Business
Law school: Georgetown University Law Center
Kimberly Land
Law firm: Bailey Cavalieri LLC
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Temple Israel
Undergraduate: University of Dayton (Go Flyers)
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How do you unwind when not working?
Snuggling with my baby boy, Lukas
What is your favorite sports team?
Anything Bexley Lions
Favorite local restaurant: Zen Chai
First part-time job: Farm hand at a horse farm
Joseph Lipps
Law firm: Bailey Cavalieri, LLC
Age: 38
Hometown: Cincinnati Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? The small Jewish network is a great way to find commonalities and establish relationships with other attorneys.
How do you unwind when not working? By running and spending time with our kids What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Don’t stress about your missed shots, goals or hits. You don’t have a future as a professional athlete.
What is your favorite sports team?
Cincinnati Reds
If you could have dinner with any one
person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My wife without our two kids sitting on our laps because that is very rare occurrence.
Favorite local restaurant: Chapman’s Eat Market
First part-time job: Summer camp
Steven Loewengart
Law firm: Fisher & Phillips LLP
Age: 72
Hometown: Dublin
Synagogue: Temple
Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: Northwestern University
Law school: University of Cincinnati College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? I am the son of German refugees. This has given me strong feelings about the harmful effects of disrespecting or “otherizing.” I try to treat clients and opposing parties with understanding and tolerance even when it isn’t so easy. I deal with a lot of employment litigation and use this tolerance to try to help opponents see each other’s points of view, often resulting in successful compromises. How do you unwind when not working? I love music, reading novels and non fiction, cycling, skiing and enjoying the outdoors. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Most setbacks have a silver lining even if that’s not apparent at the time. Most worries are a waste of time as long as you hold on to your principles.
What is your favorite sports team? Ohio State, of course
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Bach or Mozart, preferably both. Favorite local restaurant: Cento First part-time job: Cleaning pools
Do you have an Israel experience? Not yet.
Harlan Louis
Law firm: Bailey Cavalieri LLC Age: 58
Hometown: Grandview Heights
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: Miami University
Law school: University of Dayton School of Law and University of Florida Levin College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? I read all legal decisions right-toleft.
How do you unwind when not working? By preparing for work.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Stay away from dishonest people. What is your favorite sports teams? Cincinnati Reds
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My father. He was my hero and I miss him.
Favorite local restaurant: Skyline Chili. Obviously.
First part-time job: Stocking shelves at Bettman’s Pharmacy.
Pamela Maggied
Law firm: Pamela N Maggied CO., LPA Age: 72
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue:
Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: Ohio University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? I got my first law job after my father told Mitch Cohen about me, at the JCC.
How do you unwind when not working? Walking and listening to music. Also reading, going to the theater, and watching women’s basketball games on TV and in person.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Do not get braces. What is your favorite sports team? Ohio State women’s basketball. I am a season ticket holder.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My grandmother, so I could ask her about her life.
First part-time job: Babysitting – at 35 cents per hour
Jodie Meizlish
Law firm: Golden & Meizlish Co., LPA
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Temple
Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: Kent State University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? I try to apply the principles of Jewish ethics and charitable acts. How do you unwind when not working? I enjoy reading a variety of books, am a political junkie, taking long walks and cooking.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Make some different decisions
SUPER ATTORNEYS
What is your favorite sports teams? Boston Red Sox
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Elie Wiesel
Favorite local restaurant: Scali Ristoranti
First part-time job: I worked at a bookstore for a summer and waitressed for two weeks
Law firm: Bailey Cavalieri LLC
Age: 31
Hometown: Columbus
Undergraduate: University of Rochester
Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Judaism has deeply shaped my legal career, emphasizing ethical responsibility and community service. My faith fosters a strong sense of duty to serve my clients and community, ensuring that my work aligns with principles of justice, fairness and making a meaningful impact in the legal field.
How do you unwind when not working? When not working, I spend time with my family and friends. My wife, Julie, and I have the joy of raising our son, Jack, with both our families in town.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Never get too caught up in the moment that you forget to see the bigger picture.
What is your favorite sports team? The Ohio State Buckeyes
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? I would choose Adam Sandler because he is a favorite around our household.
Favorite local restaurant: Akai Hana
First part-time job: Making and packing shipping crates in a manufacturing warehouse.
Do you have an Israel experience? I lived in Israel for just about 2 years, from 2016 to 2018. During that time, I played professional basketball in Israel’s Winners and Leumit Leagues for the basketball clubs Ironi Nahariya and Hapoel Haifa.
Joel Moore
Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Judaism’s emphasis on justice, ethics, fairness, advocacy and learning has positively shaped my career. I have always strongly believed in fairness and advocacy which leads to my deep commitment to advocating for clients with compassion. How do you unwind when not working? I love spending time with my family and finding adventures. I particularly like hiking and mountain biking, as it’s something I grew up doing in California. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? Trust yourself more. Doubt is natural, but don’t let it control you. At 14, you second-guess everything, but confidence comes from action, not perfection. Mistakes won’t break you; they’ll teach you. Be mindful, be present. Breathe and take life step by step. Life can be tough but so are you. Keep learning, be kind, and never forget who you are and why.
What is your favorite sports team? San Francisco 49ers.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My maternal grandfather. He passed before I was born and my mother constantly tells me how similar I am to him. I would love to have known him.
Favorite local restaurant: Drelyse – a hidden gem
First part-time job: A counselor at summer camp
Do you have an Israel experience? I was fortunate enough to go on the first Birthright Israel trip in 1999-2000. Walking Jerusalem’s ancient streets, touching the Western Wall, and experiencing Israel’s beauty made my heritage feel real. Seeing it firsthand gave me a profound sense of belonging and pride, strengthening my identity in ways I never imagined.
Steven Nobil
Law firm: Fisher Phillips
Hometown: Aurora
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: Baldwin
Wallace University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My father and/or my mother so that I could let them know how much I loved them and thank them for giving me the strength, beliefs and fortitude that have made me who I am.
Favorite local restaurant: There are far too many great restaurants in the Columbus area for me to make that choice.
First part-time job: Early morning paper delivery, mowing grass and shoveling snow for the neighborhood.
Ronald Petroff
Law firm: Petroff, Smitherman & Associates, LLC
Age: 44
Hometown: New Albany
Synagogue: Temple
Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
Law school: The Ohio State University
Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Cultural affinity
How do you unwind when not working? Tennis, pickleball, paddle and traveling with my family
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Learn how to play golf well What is your favorite sports team? Cleveland Browns
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Larry David
Favorite local restaurant: Ocean Club
First part-time job: Delivering jewelry
Larry Pliskin
Law firm: Law Office of Larry Pliskin
Age: 58
Hometown: Bexley
Synagogue: Temple Israel
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Law school: Boston University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Always conduct myself with the highest ethics
missed so much of my life since he passed years ago, and I would love to fill him in
Favorite local restaurant: Sababa
First part-time job: Bexley Public Library
Do you have an Israel experience? Winter break senior year in college
Frederic Portman
Law firm: Agee, Clymer, Mitchell & Portman
Age: 77
Hometown: Columbus Synagogue: Temple Israel
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Taught me compassion
How do you unwind when not working? Reading, travel, golf and deciding whether to try pickleball.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Think twice before doing something stupid which I failed to do in my youth.
What is your favorite sports teams? Ohio State Buckeyes football
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? The person who wrote these questions and why they were chosen. Favorite local restaurant: Giuseppe’s First part-time job: Bag Boy at Martin’s Grocery Store
Seth Preisler
Law firm: Chodosh & Chodosh
Hometown: Bexley
Undergraduate: Miami University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School Law
How do you unwind when not working? I am a wrestling coach for Bexley High School. It’s a great stress reliever
What is your favorite sports team? Unfortunately, the Browns. But, if I want to see a modicum success, Ohio State Wrestling.
Law firm: Law Office of Joel Moore
Age: 44
Hometown: Dublin
Synagogue: Congregation Beth Tikvah
Undergraduate: UCLA
Law school: Maurice A.
How do you unwind when not working? I unwind by working out, playing the piano and golf and watching our local professional sports teams
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Learn from your mistakes, plan for your future and work like hell to make your dreams become your future
What is your favorite sports teams?
Cleveland Browns
How do you unwind when not working? Walk my dog
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Be open to change, because it will come whether you want it or not
What is your favorite sports team? The Ohio State Buckeyes
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My father, because he has
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Larry David. An in-person meal with Larry would be the most entertaining event ever.
Favorite local restaurant: Scotty’s Cafe. The food is great but the environment is better.
Kenneth Rubin
Law firm: Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Age: 48
Hometown: Bexley
Synagogue: Congregation Agudas Achim
Undergraduate: Northeastern University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Judaic learning methods provide the base for analyzing problems. Judaism as a whole keeps me grounded in the community.
How do you unwind when not working? Spending time with family and traveling. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? To not wait until your early 20s to work hard at school.
What is your favorite sports team? Boston Red Sox
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My maternal grandfather. He passed away when my mother was 15. My mother frequently said I was a lot like him and I would like to meet him.
Favorite local restaurant: Basi Italia First part-time job: Pumping gas at a gas station in New Jersey
Do you have an Israel experience? In February 2024, I volunteered with Sar-El, an organization that provides volunteer logistical support to the IDF. It was important to me to physically support Israel after Oct. 7, 2023. I spent a week on an air force base in the Negev, and a week on a combat training base east of Haifa. I am going to Israel in April with my youngest and we are visiting with a reservist I became friends with.
Joshua Sanders
Law firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
Age: 50
Hometown: Granville
Synagogue: Temple Israel
Undergraduate: Ohio Wesleyan University Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? We talk about tikkun olam often at services and I try to bring that to my practice. I like to think that I am repairing a small piece of the world for every one of my clients.
How do you unwind when not working? An evening walk with my dog, Lucky, and my wife, Aimee, is a great way to unwind.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? It is amazing how small the world is and how people you meet seem to come back into your life. Treat everyone like you may see them again.
What is your favorite sports team? Ohio State Buckeyes. I went to the National Championship with my two daughters and younger sister. It’s an experience I will never forget.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? I would love to have dinner with Lorne Michaels from “Saturday Night Live.” My wife and I watch each episode and would love to hear the inside story of the show.
Favorite local restaurant: Palumbo’s Italian Market. They have wonderful prepared food that is perfect to pick-up for an easy and delicious dinner. They also have an amazing wine selection.
First part-time job: Bagging groceries at the Kroger in Reynoldsburg. It was a terrific job and I still insist on bagging my own groceries when we go shopping. Do you have an Israel experience? We traveled as a family to Israel in 2017. The trip was organized by our amazing cantor at Temple Israel and was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. It gave my entire family such a great appreciation for Israel and its people. I can’t wait to go back on the community trip in October.
James Schottenstein
Law firm: Schottenstein Legal Services Co., LPA Age: 78
Hometown: Columbus Synagogue: Congregation Agudas Achim and Congregation Torat Emet
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and New York University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? My religious beliefs and practices have served as a foundation to both my legal career and my endeavors in real estate and business. While I am far from becoming a biblical scholar, the essence of being a righteous person is similar to trying to maintain ethical standards in both business and the practice of law. How do you unwind when not working? I spend as much time with family as possible sharing shows, musicals, sports and family events. When my 120 years are up, no one will remember how many billable hours I logged, they will only remember the time you shared with them. What advice would you give your 14-year-
old self? At the age of 14, I did not recognize how quickly time passes. Each day that you are given is special and you must squeeze the joy out of every minute that you get. At 14 years of age, I would advise myself to cherish the time I had remaining with my parents and friends. What is your favorite sports team? The only sports team that can move me from joy to anger and back again is The Ohio State Buckeye football team. If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Golda Meir. She was raised in Kiev, Ukraine of the Soviet Union at the time, came to America, taught school, and rose to become the head of the State of Israel. My parents met with her and I have marveled at her accomplishments. Her statement that “There will be peace when the Arabs love their children more than they hate us” is classic. I also love “Don’t be humble; you’re not that great.”
Favorite local restaurant: Another year and it is still the Ocean Club at Easton. The blackened snapper is a favorite as is the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli. The view on the terrace even in cooler weather, with heaters, is enjoyable.
First part-time job: My father had me sorting the paper cartons in a wooden case of soft drinks at the age of 8. By 9, I was selling Pepsi Cola in the grandstands at the Ohio State Fair. I made three cents on a small cup and five cents on the large. I spent all my earnings on games at the Fair. As I grew older, I would learn every part of the soft drink business.
Do you have an Israel experience? I was in Israel three times: 1971; 1992; and 2017. The changes I have observed are striking. In 1971, I spent a month traveling on my own. In 1992, I went with the Columbus Jewish Federation, and in 2017, I traveled with my wife and a private tour guide. I have climbed Mt. Masada at 4 a.m.; slept on a Kibbutz; stayed in the Arab quarter after the 1967 War and prayed at the Kotel.
Michael Schottenstein
Law firm: Kegler Brown
Hill + Ritter
Age: 38
Hometown: Bexley
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth
Israel
Undergraduate:
Syracuse University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How do you unwind when not working? Walking the dog
What is your favorite sports team? Besides my college sports teams (the Orange and Buckeyes), the Cleveland
Guardians
Favorite local restaurant: The Top Steak House
First part-time job: Cleaning gutters, landscaping and helping to turn down units at an apartment complex
Do you have an Israel experience? I have been to Israel five times. My first trip was on Birthright and the last was for a family wedding. On that trip, my wife had her first Israel experience. Drawing from my time on Birthright, I tried to recreate that for her as we drove around the country. We hoped to attend the upcoming JewishColumbus mission, but we’re expecting so we won’t be able to make it. We’ll be there in spirit.
Douglas Segerman
Law firm: Luper Neidenthal & Logan, L.P.A.
Age: 54
Hometown: Bexley
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth
Israel
Undergraduate:
University of Cincinnati Law school: University of Cincinnati College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? It has been the foundation for the basic focuses that I have in my legal practice. Being ethical, treating others fairly and in a respectful way, and questioning the status quo and those that seek to apply the law unfairly.
How do you unwind when not working? I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching sports events and watching movies and television shows with my wife.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Don’t sweat the small stuff. Be patient and focus on the things that you can control.
What is your favorite sports team? That is a tough one. I am a lifetime Cincinnati sports fan. It would be a tie between the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team. If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My father, Elliot Segerman. My father passed away when I was 33 years old. I would love to bring him up to date on what has occurred since then with me, my siblings and his grandchildren and to get his thoughts on advice on things currently going on in the world.
Favorite local restaurant: My family and I love the Mad Greek on East Broad Street. We have been regular visitors for over 20 years and the owner and staff have always been wonderful in treating us like family. First part-time job: I worked at my family’s
dry cleaners. That experience helped me to learn how to deal with people from diverse places and experiences.
Jodi Smilack
Law firm: Grossman Law Offices
Age: 42
Hometown: Columbus
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Law school: John Marshall Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Its emphasis on asking questions encourages critical thinking, challenging assumptions, and exploring diverse perspectives – all of which are valuable skills as a family law attorney.
What is your favorite sports team? Michigan Wolverines. Go Blue.
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? My grandfathers. They both passed away long before I was born. First part-time job: Snack bar at the Bexley Pool
Roni Sokol
Law firm: The Sokol Law Firm, LLC
Age: 58
Hometown: New Albany
Undergraduate: UCLA
Law school: Southwestern Law School
How do you unwind when not working? I love taking Zumba classes.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Don’t believe them when they tell you that you can’t do it.
Do you have an Israel experience? I traveled to Israel last summer on a volunteer mission. This was my fifth trip to Israel. It was rewarding, as always.
David Stein
Law firm: Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Age: 60
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your
career? Judaism’s principles form the basis of the practice of law.
How do you unwind when not working? Time with my family, play with my dog, listen to music.
What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Don’t worry – be happy. What is your favorite sports team? The Ohio State Buckeyes
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? My grandfather
Favorite local restaurant: Adriatico’s
First part-time job: Martin’s Kosher Foods –bagging groceries
Do you have an Israel experience? Being at the Kotel during Kabbalat Shabbat is a wonderful and inspiring experience.
Asriel “A.C.” Strip
Law firm: Strip Hoppers Leithart McGrath & Terlecky, Co., LPA Age: 88
Hometown: Blacklick
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? It encourages me to assist those in need.
How do you unwind when not working? I spend time in my workshop and also building large historical ship models. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Work hard to escape poverty
What is your favorite sports team?
O-H-I-O
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Alexander Hamilton because he had the greatest mind our government ever had.
Favorite local restaurant: Lindey’s First part-time job: I was a stock clerk at Sears for $1.05 per hour.
Do you have an Israel experience? I had a Friday night dinner under a lemon tree with 22 family members.
Benjamin Zacks
Law firm: Zacks Law
LLC
Age: 64
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Congregation
Beth Tikvah and Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University and University of Arizona
Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? It shaped me to pursue justice and ethical entrepreneurism. Jewish laws permeate in democratic societies, and it’s been my pleasure to help people, businesses and families face legal challenges, prosper and growing businesses with ‘sechel’ and practical principled attention.
How do you unwind when not working? Family, friends, music, sports and volunteering. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time. Keep to your values and everything else will work out. What is your favorite sports team? The Ohio State Buckeyes
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? King Solomon. To appreciate that wisdom and action when life is limited by time means that we can only comprehend the life we choose and as Hashem intended we face adversity patiently, with measured actions and humbly stand in other’s shoes when making judgments.
Favorite local restaurant: Rubino’s Pizza and so many others
First part-time job: Store shelf stocker at Shotty’s, then Kroger’s bagger
Do you have an Israel experience? The Columbus Federation cohort with Mary Beth (my wife), led by Michael and Vicki Canter, after the 1993 Peace Accords experiencing the River Jordan from Golan to Jerusalem, and Yad Vashem when I saw my son’s face it seemed among the children’s faces.
Andrew Zashin
Law firm: Zashin Law
Age: 57
Hometown: Pepper Pike
Synagogue: Chabad
Undergraduate: Brown University Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Judaism, and Zionism in particular, have given me the opportunity to travel abroad. That, in turn, gave me a unique opportunity to launch an international family law practice. Now, in addition to our well known success in family law, our firm is regarded as one of the premier international law firms in the United States and the world.
How do you unwind when not working? I study trends in family law and have taught at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law for over 20 years. I write about these issues in lay publications and in academic journals. I passionately follow current events. I also love to play with my giant mastiff, Hugo the Boerboel. What advice would you give your 14-yearold self? Don’t take things too seriously. Time is short, enjoy each day. What is your favorite sports team?
Cleveland Guardians
If you could have dinner with any one person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why? Theodore Herzl. He was a Jewish visionary and he was just plain right. He knew after the Dreyfus Affair in France that the Jews in France and Europe were living on borrowed time, and for the safety of the Jewish people, they needed a home in our ancestral land. He more than anyone else, excuse the pun, put Israel on the map. He predicted that in 50 years Israel would exist. He was exactly right.
Favorite local restaurant: That is on a need-to-know basis.
First part-time job: I worked with my father, the premier family law attorney of his day, for as long as I can remember. He took me to work with him all the time. I went to his office, to meetings, and he took me to court. In one case, my presence in the courtroom so upset the other side that when the other party lost, one of their grounds on appeal was that I sat through the trial.
Do you have an Israel experience? Yes, my family is committed to the state of Israel. Four of my children, and my son-in-law to be, served, and are currently serving, in the Israel Defense Forces. Next year, my youngest will also start her service.