Local Lawyer Listings
Mitchell Adel
Law firm: Cooper, Adel, Vu and 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. What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I was extremely shy all the way through my freshman year of College. I barely spoke to outside of my family. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I have to admit that the law firm is the focus of most of my time. However, I am fortunate to have a close family and a network of friends who understand and support me with flexibility about spending the free time I have.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits” Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Villa Nova
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Stay open-minded and network. Always stay dedicated to continuous learning, informed about legal developments and advocate for the importance of your discipline, whichever one you choose. Treasure those you meet and keep them close. You can never have enough people in your life. Sometimes you will need them if you have questions you cannot resolve and you should strive to be the person that others seek advice from when they are in similar predicaments.
Robert Bergman
Law firm: Bergman & Yiangou
Age: 79
Hometown: Dublin
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? It has instilled the values of treating clients as I would want to be treated as well as being honest and fair with them.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? That I used to raise and show
Dalmatians and Havanese.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? My wife and I take short vacations to Florida during winter and spend our summers playing golf.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Valentina’s and La Tavola
What advice would you give today’s law school students? To get as much practical experience as they can both before and during law school working with attorneys.
David Bressman
Law firm: Bressman
Law
Age: 58
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? Judaism provides a framework for moral behavior and ethical decisionmaking.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? That behind my stern exterior, I am gut-wrenchingly funny and very humble about it.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? What is home life? I work with my wife and both of my children.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Roadhouse Wings and Grille What advice would you give today’s law school students? Don’t feel so entitled, you have to work hard to succeed.
Jedidiah Bressman
Law firm: Bressman
Law
Age: 31
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Temple
Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: Indiana
Institute of Technology
Law school: The Ohio State University
Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Judaism has influenced my legal career by providing a strong ethical foundation, guiding principles of justice and fairness, and a commitment to community service and social responsibility, all of which have been integral to my approach to
law and advocacy.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I love to cook various types of cuisine ranging from Indian to Chinese.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I do not. I work with my family.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Roadhouse Wings and Grille
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Network with any lawyer you can.
Gwen Silverberg Callender
Law firm: Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, Inc.
Age: 57
Hometown: Columbus
Undergraduate:
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Sharing our traditions with coworkers who do not know anything about what being Jewish was all about.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? A significant part of my work wardrobe is from vintage and resale stores. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? By making sure I always have time for daily exercise.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Verdict”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Lindey’s, Sycamore or Ginger Rabbit for drinks and jazz
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Find work you are passionate about, you will be much happier doing what you love than working countless hours doing work you do not find fulfilling.
Robert Cohen
Law firm: Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
Age: 72
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: Miami University
Law school: University of Cincinnati
How has Judaism played a role in your career? It has informed the values that I
have applied to my immigration practice.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits” Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Cafe Istanbul
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Trust your instinct and don’t be afraid to decline a case that you think will compromise your ethics.
Gary Cowan
Law firm: Elk + Elk
Hometown: Shaker Heights
Undergraduate: University of Ottawa
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Judaism has taught me to be empathetic to my clients, to be respectful, and to be charitable. What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? That I played competitive curling in high school and college.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I try to keep ahead of my docket and work diligently throughout the workday.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: A book –“The Runaway Jury” by John Grisham Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Cafe Istanbul at Easton Town Center
What advice would you give today’s law school students? I would advise law school students to take “trial advocacy” and “evidence” courses as they will come in handy once they become trial lawyers.
Jacob Dobres
Law firm: Rolfes Henry Co., LPA
Age: 51
Hometown: Columbus
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? Judaism puts a premium on doing what is right and just. I practice law with the mindset of always acting with those tenets of Judaism in mind.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I am a true crime podcast junkie. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I’ve never regretted making
my family my top priority and I would hope that my clients understand that.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Law & Order”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Giuseppe’s
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Law school may teach you to think, but it does not teach you how to practice law. Make connections with attorneys who can mentor you in the practical parts of the job. And never underestimate the importance of a strong professional network.
Arthur Elk
Law firm: Elk + Elk
Hometown: Cleveland
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? It is the balance and symmetry in my career.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I enjoy riding motorcycles.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I try to leave work at work, but that can be difficult at times.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Billions” What advice would you give today’s law school students? Pursue your visions.
David Elk
Law firm: Elk + Elk
Hometown: Moreland Hills
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? It taught me how to care about people and how important it is to give back to the community.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I played class C hardball and JCC softball while attending college. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I try to spend as much time as possible with my family.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Lincoln Lawyer”
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Listen to what your client is telling you and always do your best for them.
Mindy Elk
Law firm: Elk + Elk
Hometown: Highland Heights
Undergraduate: Arizona State University
Law school: Cleveland State University College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? It has helped me to be more empathetic with people and the challenges they’re facing.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I rode horses and competed in horse shows for most of my childhood. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I try to adjust my schedule and workload when needed to accommodate both work and family.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits”
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Find a mentor to help guide you through the first few years after law school.
Jeffrey Fish
Law firm: Buck & Fish Ltd.
Age: 58
Hometown: Pickerington
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Learning the importance of compassion and integrating that into my family law practice.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I enjoy cooking. Our family having dinner together every night was important and, even though our kids are out of the house, I still cook four or five nights each week.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? Making time for family and one’s self has to be a priority. It can be difficult to do, but once the work day ends, I try to leave work at the office.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: Most TV series and movies are unrealistic portrayals of the law and legal system so I generally avoid them. For purely entertainment purposes, maybe “LA Law” or “Boston Legal.”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: For fine dining, there is no other option than The Refectory; for Italian, it would be Scali Ristorante; a steakhouse, then probably Jeff Ruby’s.
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Seek out a mentor or mentors.
Scott Friedman
Law firm: Friedman & Mirman Co., L.P.A.
Age: 52
Hometown: New Albany
Synagogue: Temple Israel
Undergraduate: Miami University
Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Professional relationships and networking with other Jewish professionals are very important to my career.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I love to sing karaoke.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? It is not always easy, but I try to work reasonable hours and spend time with friends and family as much as I can.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Goliath” with Billy Bob Thorton is a great legal series.
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Ocean Club
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Keep an open mind to the areas of law you eventually want to practice including, whether you want to practice law or use your law degree in other ways.
Tod Friedman
Law firm: Schottenstein Stores Corporation
Age: 61
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? Judaism teachings provide a strong moral compass. What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I am Eagle Scout.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I strive to set aside time with no interruptions but that is very difficult.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Ocean Club or Avenue
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Think like a lawyer but always be nice.
Nelson Genshaft
Law firm: Strip Hoppers
Leithart McGrath & Terlecky
Age: 75
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 strike a balance between work and home life? Just manage your time. It’s easier than ever to work from home.
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: South Village Grille, Lindey’s and Figlio
What advice would you give today’s law school students? In any project, transactions or litigation, details matter.
Rachel Gold
Law firm: Kegler, Brown, Hill + Ritter
Age: 34
Hometown: Bexley
Synagogue: Temple Israel and Beth Jacob
Congregation
Undergraduate: Indiana University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? My Judaism has provided me with a clear moral and ethical compass that I use when analyzing any client issue or client project.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I am very into scheduling and using my calendar. If it is on my calendar, it usually gets done, so I apply this strategy to my home and social life as well.
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: No Soliciting Bar
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Learning the substantive law and legal thinking is important for any law student, but to be a good lawyer, it is important to be an effective communicator.
Ken Goldberg
Law firm: Strip, Hoppers, Leithart, McGrath & Terlecky Co., LPA
Age: 59
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? Judaism is my ethnicity and my culture so even though I’m religiously agnostic, I identify as a Jew. I’m certain Judaism has helped me more than hindered me throughout my career.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? Family comes first. Most clients have families too and understand that approach.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men” (“You can’t handle the truth!”) Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Cameron’s Bistro
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Find a good mentor whether it’s a lawyer you know or a colleague where you work. There’s lots to learn after law school ends.
Keith Golden
Law firm: Golden & Meizlish Co., LPA
Age: 71
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? It was a driving force in my goal of obtaining a professional degree and I carry the principles of Judaism in my tool bag. What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? That I do not measure client success by how much my fees are.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I am successful at drawing a clear line of distinction between the two. Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Perry Mason”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Scali’s
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Do not overlook the option of a law degree as a secondary tool.
Robert Goldstein
Law firm: Robert R. Goldstein, Attorney at Law
Age: 58
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 the basic Torah values which provides the essential moral compass for my life.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I went to law school totally on a whim. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? Turning my phone off for Shabbat
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Night Court”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Saba
What advice would you give today’s law school students? There are lots of easier ways to make a living.
Hugh Greentree
Law firm: Internal Revenue Service
Age: 64
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: The Ohio State University
Moritz College of Law
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinnie”
Andrew Grossman
Law firm: Grossman Law Offices
Age: 53
Hometown: Bexley
Synagogue: Beth Jacob
Congregation
Undergraduate: University of Kansas
Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? My strong values, sound moral compass and compassion all come from being raised Jewish and all play a huge role in my professional life.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? Putting down my phone is a great start. I’m still working on that. Favorite legal movie or TV series: I prefer
movies and shows that aren’t related to the law. I get plenty of law during the day. Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Giuseppe’s What advice would you give today’s law school students? Be open-minded to areas of law you may not have initially considered. There are a lot of fields, and it’s important to really understand a variety of them before setting off on a career path.
Eric Hoffman
Law firm: Hoffman Law
Age: 64
Hometown: Berwick
Synagogue: Beth Jacob
Congregation
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? My Jewish upbringing has grounded me in knowing the importance of “treating others as you would like to be treated yourself.” As a trial lawyer, I am in court every day. It’s a real people person job. I know that others know that I am Jewish and I make no effort to hide it. I am proud of my heritage and truly believe that we are a “light unto the nations.” What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? That I often wake up in the middle of the night worrying about whether I have done everything I can to present our best case to the court.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I set aside time every day to exercise and set aside the Shabbat for family and spiritual growth.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Saba
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Make it like a job
Jordan Hoffman
Law firm: Hoffman Law
Age: 29
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 has provided me with the framework to make decisions and pursue purposeful endeavors in my career. What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? During summer weekends, one of
my favorite hobbies is cycling through the stunning corn fields around Columbus. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I prioritize observing the Sabbath and dedicate evenings to spending quality time with my family.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Saba
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Enroll in classes taught by professors whom you can connect with beyond the confines of the classroom.
Russell Kutell
Law firm: Frost Brown Todd LLP
Age: 56
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Law school: Georgetown University Law Center
Kimberly Land
Law firm: Bailey Cavalieri LLC
Hometown: Canal Winchester
Undergraduate: University of Dayton
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I am a sci-fi fanatic.
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Rubino’s
Kevin Lenson
Law firm: Elk + Elk
Hometown: Moreland
Hills
Undergraduate: University of WisconsinMadison
Law school: University of Toledo College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Judaism has kept me focused on speaking the truth, treating others with kindness and being striving to being humble.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I can name all the U.S. presidents in order in under 30 seconds.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I try my best to separate work from home life however, but, I am available to my clients 24/7 so sometimes,
they overlap.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “12 Angry Men”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: The Pearl
What advice would you give today’s law school students? You learn a lot more about the law and yourself practicing law then you do in law school. So, it is best to secure a clerkship or internship while in law school because what you will learn is invaluable.
Joseph Lipps
Law firm: Bailey Cavalieri, LLC
Age: 38
Hometown: Cincinnati
Synagogue: Temple Israel
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? It’s easy to establish a good rapport with other Jewish attorneys because we can always find some common acquaintance through summer camp, synagogue or otherwise.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? By catching up on work when the kids are in Sunday/Hebrew School
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Better Call Saul”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Chapman’s Eat Market
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Take time to enjoy/ develop your hobbies because it will be increasingly difficult to find the time when you’re a practicing attorney.
Steven Loewengart
Law firm: Fisher & Phillips LLP Columbus
Hometown: Dublin
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: Northwestern University
Law school: University of Cincinnati College of Law
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I was an professional singer before becoming a lawyer.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I really try to meld the two and always remain available to my clients and colleagues to the best of my ability no matter the time zone (We are a national firm). Modern technology makes that possible. You just have to take care to say,
“I’ll get back to you ASAP” when being constantly “on” catches up to you.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Verdict,” of course
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: The Pearl
What advice would you give today’s law school students? In spite of current challenges, the law is still a great profession which can distinguish you and open many doors. Just be prepared to approach your career options with careful planning and a creative path if you don’t at first find your niche. Analytical, critical thinking is needed more than ever in many endeavors.
Harlan Louis
Law firm: Bailey Cavalieri, LLC
Age: 57
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? Judaism has instilled a sense of ethics and justice in my work. Our Jewish Community is also a tremendous source of guidance and support.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? It’s great to be a Florida Gator. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? LOL! I probably don’t. Favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Skyline Chili
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Work hard. Work to understand your client’s needs and goals. Don’t be afraid to tell folks - and yourselfthe difficult truths.
Pamela Maggied
Law firm: Pamela N
Maggied CO, LPA
Age: 71
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 was unemployed right after law school. My father ran into Mitch Cohen at the JCC and Mitch was looking for help.
Connections!
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? Unless it’s icy or raining, I walk to and from the officethree miles a day.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Boston Legal.” I enjoyed the humor, and the absurd situations and results.
Local restaurant you’re taking outof-towners to: Mazah Mediteranean in Grandview
Jodie K. 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? My belief system has provided guidance in regard to my understanding of individuals’ issues and has promoted treatment with tolerance and kindness
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I enjoy yelling out the answers to Jeopardy almost every evening!
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? With great effort and advance planning - the biggest challenge was when my children were growing up!
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Good Fight”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Sargam - if they like Bhutanese food!
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Learn all that you can every day, take many extra steps to go the distance in solving problems.
Ronald Petroff
Law firm: Petroff, Smitherman & Associaters, LLC
Age: 43
Hometown: New Albany
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? That I am fluent in Russian.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? Good dinners with family and friends
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Lindeys
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Go to medical school.
Larry Pliskin
Law firm: Law Office of Larry Pliskin
Age: 57
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? It has taught me to be honest in business and to help repair the world. What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I often mispell words. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? Because I work out of my home, my dog helps keep me balanced. If he senses that I’ve been working for too long, he will come into my office and “remind” me that it is time to take him on a walk!
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Lincoln Lawyer”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Sababa Mediterranean Grill
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Be open to change in your career path over time.
Sarah Pollyea
Law firm: Sarah Pollyea Law, LLC
Age: 48
Hometown: Gahanna
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: Indiana University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Living pursuant to “tikkun olam” has shaped my career and my life. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to receive a legal education and I strive to use my legal skills and abilities to give back to my community in every way possible.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? That I am very involved in my local community and very proud to have grown up, currently live in, and serve Gahanna. I am on the Gahanna Rotary Board and I sit on the board of directors for the Gahanna Chamber of Commerce. I was
also appointed by the Mayor to serve on the Gahanna Planning Commission and I’m also Chairwoman of the Gahanna Property Appeals Board.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? This is definitely my biggest challenge as a practicing attorney in solo practice and I’m constantly trying to strike that balance. I work so hard on business development and networking and I hate to turn down work. But it is also important to set boundaries for good mental health, too.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits” Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: The Top. It’s such a fun supper club-type atmosphere with the best food and drinks! Everyone always loves it and has a great time.
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Develop a strong work ethic, but also understand that working smart can be as important as working hard.
Frederic Portman
Law firm: Agee, Clymer, Mitchell & Portman
Age: 76
Hometown: Bexley
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? Getting continuances on days when trials, court and hearing dates fall on Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I really hate strawberries.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? Home life should always be first but most attorneys I know are thinking about their clients and cases 24/7. If one is looking for a stress-free career, it won’t be found in the practice of law. However I view it as positive stress that keeps me energized, entertained and challenged. It is a journey seeking knowledge of the human condition.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Verdict” starring Paul Newman
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Giuseppe’s
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Try to get a job as a law clerk as it’s the best way to preview your future.
Seth Preisler
Law firm: Chodosh & Chodosh
Hometown: Bexley
Undergraduate: Miami University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? I take great pleasure and pride in being able to help members of my community. In these times we should all do what we can to strengthen that community and look out for one another.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? That I am a wrestling coach for Bexley High School and still get on the mats with the athletes everyday.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I don’t have standard work hours. I work on and think about cases all the time. While I try to be in the office everyday, I’ll take my daughter for a walk at 1 p.m. and answer work emails at 1 a.m.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Scotty’s
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Have an open mind about your practice area.
Kenneth Rubin
Law firm: Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Age: 47
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 commnity.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I have a tattoo I got in Tel Aviv. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? Family life is very important; however, work provides for the life we have and, given the practice of law is a customer service business, sometimes has to take precedent.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny”
Local restaurant you’re taking outof-towners to: G. Michael’s, of blessed
memory.
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Look at the practice of law as a customer-service profession, not a 9-5 job. Hard work in law school pays dividends for years after school. Explore judicial clerkships – closest thing to medical residencies the law has.
Joshua Sanders
Law firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
Age: 49
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.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I am a complete sucker for any type of facial products. I have a serious addiction to different pre-shave oils, moisturizers, aftershaves, pore cleansers, etc. My teenage daughters make fun of me for my product collection.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? My wife does a wonderful job of keeping me balanced. She is a doctor and works a lot but yet finds time for us and our whole family. I truly just follow her lead.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “A Few Good Men”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Station. They have a wonderful patio and right next to the bike path. Great place to grab brunch and enjoy a cup of coffee.
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Your law degree can open up so many doors and provide a lifetime of opportunities.
James Schottenstein
Law firm: Schottenstein Legal Services Co., LPA
Age: 77
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Congregation Agudas Achim and Congregation Torat Emet
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law (Juris Doctorate);
New York University LLM (Taxation)
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.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? Few colleagues and clients are aware that I was a main character, known only as “Pongi”, in the book “Be True to Your School,” written by nationally-syndicated columnist and former classmate Bob Greene.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? Even though I’m now in my 52nd year of practice, I still average about 60 hours of work per week; however, as I am licensed in both Ohio and Florida, I have found how to blend work and play. I am keenly aware that my friends and family will remember me for the time I spent with them and not for how hard I worked.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “The Practice;” “Boston Legal;” “Judgment At Nuremberg”; “My Cousin Vinny”
Local restaurant you’re taking outof-towners to: Ocean Club has been a consistent go to winner. Of course there are places in the Short North, German Village and Dublin’s Bridge Park, but for my money Ocean Club is still excellent. What advice would you give today’s law school students? The best advice I received and can repeat is to join the local bar associations, join committees and call or seek assistance from experienced attorneys as passing the bar is a license to make mistakes or to spend way too much time reinventing the wheel. Most experienced lawyers are willing to offer assistance to new members of the bar. They were a great help to me when I first started.
Michael Schottenstein
Law firm: Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter
Age: 37
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth
Israel
Undergraduate: Syracuse University
Law school: The Ohio State University
Moritz College of Law
How has Judaism played a role in your career? I consider giving back to the community to be the duty of every attorney. Over the years, I have dedicated the vast majority of my communal
involvement to serving on boards and committees with JewishColumbus, the JCC and, previously, with Young Jewish Columbus and the OSU Hillel. I have learned so much and met some incredible people through those experiences. I am certain I wouldn’t be the attorney I am today without them.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? In middle school, three classmates and I (with the guidance of a great teacher) won first place at the Bayer/National Science Foundation Awards. Our idea was to use decomposing compost piles to help provide hot water for people living in places without readily available running water. We called it the “Hot Rot.” Given that it would be a surprise, you can guess that it never quite took off.
How do you strike a balance between work and home life? I try to block out dinner time to the kids’ bedtime as many nights a week as I can to unplug and be with my wife and kids. I’m not always successful, but I’m working on it.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: The Top Steakhouse What advice would you give today’s law school students? Be kind, be helpful and, generally, be someone who your classmates like to be around. You never know when your paths will cross again or when you may need a favor from them.
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 is interesting, because one of the primary traits of Judaism is following the laws. Judaism has helped me understand how laws need to be applied in a fair way so that everyone is treated equally under the law.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? That I love to play No Limit Texas Hold Em and am a speed walker. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? Although I do bring work home with me, I try and avoid bringing the stresses along with the work. I have always made sure that my work schedule
remains flexible enough that I can make it to important children and family events. Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Justified” or “Bosch”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: The Mad Greek
What advice would you give today’s law school students? 1. Focus on what you are passionate about. 2. When you are a lawyer make sure you focus on what is in the best interest of the client. 3. be willing to always think outside of the box.
Jodi Smilack
Law firm: Grossman
Law Offices
Age: 41
Hometown: Columbus
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Law school: University of Illinois Chicago
School of Law
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Suits”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Schmidt’s
Beatrice Sowald
Law firm: Sowald
Sowald Anderson
Hawley & Johnson
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Beth Jacob Congregation
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I used to be a square dancer. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? The present situation has changed the balance.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “Perry Mason”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: The Top What advice would you give today’s law school students? Get a good mentor.
Heather G.
Sowald
Law firm: Sowald
Sowald Anderson
Hawley & Johnson
Hometown: Columbus
Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University
Law school: Capital University Law School
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I have made mosaic artwork, knotted macrame hangings and created acrylic
paintings over the years. I would like to try my hand at ceramics next.
Favorite legal movie or TV series: “My Cousin Vinny”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: The Barn in Gahanna
David Stein
Law firm: Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Age: 59
Hometown: New Albany
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: Capital University Law School
How has Judaism played a role in your career? Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof. We are each commanded to pursue justice in our own way, using just means. I am privileged to serve a profession dedicated to justice. What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I won the sixth grade spelling bee. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? Be intentional in separating work from “home.”
Favorite legal movie or TV series: The hearing in “Animal House” - Otter’s words were very well spoken.
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Block’s Bagels
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Stay humble.
Asriel Strip
Law firm: Strip, Hoppers, Leithart, McGrath & Terlecky Co., LPA
Age: 87
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 reminds me to be kind and respectful to all people.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? They would be surprised at my old age, the fact that I have been in practice for 64 years and in the same bowling league for 62 consecutive years. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? This is an area in which I do not do well as I normally end up taking my case load home with me mentally. My one real escape is time in my workshop. Favorite legal movie or TV series: “To Kill
a Mockingbird”
Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Lindey’s
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Strive to determine what area of law attracts you most so that you have some idea as to where you would like your practice to take you.
Benjamin S. Zacks
Law firm: Zacks Law LLC
Age: 63
Hometown: Columbus
Synagogue: Congregation
Beth Tikvah and Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: University of Arizona and The Ohio State University
Law school: Capital University Law School How has Judaism played a role in your career? It Is a foundation for ethical conduct, learning, debating and discussing how rules and laws affect people and business.
What would a client and/or your colleagues be surprised to learn about you? I enjoy painting and creative arts. How do you strike a balance between work and home life? Family as in Judaism is paramount if we are remembered for how we act towards those we love and support and what kind of human being we are. We manifest this balance in the work we do. Favorite legal movie or TV series: I have watched “Suits,” but generally watch what movies my family members watch as we relax and spend time together. Local restaurant you’re taking out-oftowners to: Chapman’s Eat Market and Sow Plated
What advice would you give today’s law school students? Be kind and patient. Our work is demanding. Our work is always changing. Try to focus on details and how in a changing world you owe responsibility to your health, your family, profession and society. Try to be true to all your masters without compromise.