2026 Columbus Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys listings
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 to not 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. Complied by Andrew Isaacs and Becky Raspe.
Mitchell Adel
Law firm: Cooper, Adel, Vu & Associates
Age: 50
Residence: Columbus
Undergraduate: Ithaca College
Law school: Capital University Law School
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Event coordinator. For 15 years, I have planned and coordinated every firm-related celebration. Also, countless birthday and golf trips with friends and family.
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? You can do it yourself. If you try to do your own plumbing and you make a mistake, you can hire someone to fix it. If you mess up your estate planning, no one finds out until after you are deceased and then it cannot be corrected, potentially tearing apart families.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Empathy for your clients. Many people today are very transactional, trying to resolve the issue as fast as possible and on to the next. Spend time understanding your client’s needs from their side.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Talk to text dictation apps. I used to spend an enormous amount of time typing or writing client notes.
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about?
Anytime current students call from the Ithaca College Alumni Fundraising office, I love taking their call and after a back and forth about what life was like when I was there and now, I always donate money. My time at Ithaca changed my life. I came out of my shell and met some of my best friends.
How do you relax? Jigsaw puzzles
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Lighting the menorah on Chanukah. Always brings me back to my parents house as child.
Alex Alfonso
Law firm: Grossman
Law Offices
Age: 32
Residence: Columbus
Synagogue:
Congregation Agudas
Achim
Undergraduate:
DePauw University
Law school: The Ohio State University
Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? The skills for being a good lawyer are different than for being a great lawyer. A good lawyer is detail-oriented and possesses good organization and time management skills. These attributes make mastering the skills of a great lawyer much easier. If you don’t have the skills to be a good lawyer, it doesn’t matter if you’re a great lawyer.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Public service What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? Being a good attorney means being a zealous advocate for your client and not settling issues in your case. What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Being open to feedback and asking questions when you feel a bit lost in the sauce.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law?
Using AI in legal research. Not the AI case hallucination stuff, but more the AI tools which make finding relevant and persuasive case law easier and more efficient. What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about?
JewishColumbus
How do you relax? Learning languages, walking my three dogs and cooking
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Passover
Leon Bass
Law firm: Leon Bass Law Age: 52
Synagogue: Congregation Beth Tikvah
Undergraduate: Michigan State University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Jedidiah Bressman
Law firm: Bressman
Law
Age: 33
Residence: Westerville
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: Indiana
Institute of Technology
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? “Come work for me.”
– David Bressman
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Finance
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? That ChatGPT can represent them.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Having the ability to market yourself.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? AI has, and will continue, to reshape how we practice law.
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about?
JewishColumbus security fund
How do you relax? Relax?
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Zipporah and Rivkah’s Bubbe’s food
Gwen Silverberg Callender
Organization: Chief counsel for the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, Inc.
Age: 59
Residence: Columbus
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? To drain the emotion from your voice when dealing with a difficult person.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Something in the fitness industry.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Young lawyers need to be able to write in a formal context.
What technological tool or innovation has
most changed the way you practice law? AI
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? Friendship Circle in Cleveland. My niece is autistic. Friendship Circle continues to offer her a place to belong.
How do you relax? I exercise to relax. What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? For Shabbos, we throw pieces of challah to those at our table starting with the oldest to the youngest. My paternal grandfather started this tradition, those who join us for Shabbos know what to expect.
Robert G. Cohen
Law firm: Kegler Brown
Hill + Ritter
Age: 62
Residence: Liberty Township
Undergraduate: University of Michigan Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? When things are going your way, keep your mouth shut. If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Securities trader
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? That being overly contentious somehow benefits the client’s cause.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Curiosity
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? The prevalence of electronic communication, including email, has accelerated the timeline for everything and has created instant round the clock communication without boundaries. What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? Kegler Brown
How do you relax? Ohio: Work outside. Florida: Walk on the beach.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Two nights of Passover dinner.
Shana DeMooy
Law firm: Reminger Co., LPA
Residence: Blacklick
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth
Israel
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Zealous advocacy on behalf of your client does not have to come at the expense of professionalism and respect. You will almost certainly interact with the same opposing counsel and court staff again. Reputation matters.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Medicine, if I had the stomach for it (which I do not). In a dream world, though, I would open an ice cream shop at the beach or a cat cafe. What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? People may think that family members suing each other over an inheritance is selfish, distasteful, and purely motivated by money. But in reality, estate and trust litigation is about preserving a loved one’s intentions, and rectifying misconduct that may interfere with those intentions.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Showing initiative and thinking critically. Strong writing and interpersonal skills are also a must.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? I can’t live without Microsoft OneNote. I have separate “notebooks” for each of my active cases and can easily sort through all of my various notes in one place.
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? Equality Ohio, Kaleidoscope and Forgotten4Paws.
How do you relax? Going for long walks outside, spending time with family, and snuggling with my cats.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Passover seder
Jacob Dobres
Law firm: Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter
Age: 53
Residence: Columbus
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: The Ohio State University College of Law
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? When I started practicing in the area of workers’ compensation my kids said it was “the boring kind of law.” It might not be what you see in courtroom dramas, but you never see the same thing twice. So, it’s not really “boring.”
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Young lawyers should learn the value of picking up the phone and having a conversation with clients or opposing counsel. Oftentimes, it’s far more effective than an email. Don’t get me wrong – there are times when you have to communicate in writing. But, there’s a place for a good old fashioned phone call too.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? For better or worse, AI.
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? I’m passionate about Pelotonia, Columbus’ grassroots cycling event that raises critical funds for cancer research. This summer will mark my 12th year participating. I’m the very proud captain of Kegler Brown’s Peloton, which in our inaugural year, raised over $15,000.
How do you relax? Riding my bike, watching hockey and listening to true crime podcasts.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? My wife Kim prepares a big Erev Rosh Hashanah dinner where we host friends, who are like family to us. We even did this in 2020, having an outdoor and socially-distanced dinner.
Jeffrey Fish
Law firm: Haynes, Kessler, Myers & Postalakis
Age: 60
Residence: Pickerington
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Golf instruction What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? Divorce cases move quickly like portrayed on television or in films
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Maintaining perspective
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Word processing apps
What is a community cause or
organization you care deeply about? First Tee
How do you relax? Reading, cooking and playing golf
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Lighting the Chanukah menorah each night
Scott Friedman
Law firm: Friedman & Mirman Co., L.P.A.
Age: 54
Residence: New Albany
Synagogue: Temple
Israel
Undergraduate: Miami University
Law school: Capital University Law School
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Progress, not perfection
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Entertainer
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? It only involves dividing by two.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Hard work and dedication.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Email
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? Destroying cancer
How do you relax? Watch streaming television shows.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Family Chanukah party.
Law firm: Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter
Age: 36
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue: Temple
Israel and Beth Jacob
Congregation
Undergraduate: Indiana University, Bloomington
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Your reputation is everything – protect it and practice with integrity.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Yoga instructor
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? People often assume that real estate law only means buying and selling residential homes. What skill or trait do you believe is most
essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Be proactive and ask questions. Don’t wait around for work and training to find you.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? (Microsoft) OneNote. I don’t think its a new platform, but using an electronic binder to store and search notes has been extremely helpful in my day-to-day practice. What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? JewishColumbus and the Jewish community as a whole.
How do you relax? I attend workout classes at Butcher Shop Fitness and I listen to books on audible.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? On the second night of Passover, my aunt hosts an enormous family seder with about 50 people. It is incredible to have us all together at one large table celebrating the holiday. It is one of my most cherished traditions.
Ken Goldberg
Law firm: Strip Hoppers
Leithart McGrath & Terlecky Co., LPA
Age: 61
Residence: Dublin
Synagogue: Temple
Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: The College of William and Mary Law school: Capital University Law School
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Develop a skill so you have something of value to provide
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Small business owner
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? All lawyers are jerks when in fact the majority are decent people.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Attention to detail What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law?
The ability to perform all legal work on a laptop from any location in the world
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about?
Providing pro-bono legal advice to people who cannot afford a lawyer
How do you relax? Exercising and watching shows/movies
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? The storytelling during Passover seder
Rachel Gold
SUPER ATTORNEYS
Keith Golden
Law firm: Golden & Meizlish Co., LPA
Age: 73
Residence: Reynoldsburg
Synagogue: Temple
Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: Capital University Law School
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Keep your client informed of every step you take.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Teacher
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? That we do not practice in that area
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Logic
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law?
The computer
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about?
Temple Beth Shalom
How do you relax? Watch classic movies on Turner Classic Movies
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? High holidays
Robert Goldstein
Law firm: Robert R. Goldstein, Attorney at Law
Age: 60
Residence: Columbus
Synagogue: The Torah Center
Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Go to medical school
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Stand-up comedy
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? It doesn’t make you a good lawyer just because you love to argue
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Get all the facts before drawing conclusions
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law?
Electronic filing/Zoom conferencing
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about?
Jewish education/outreach
How do you relax? Video games on my phone
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Turning off my cellphone for 25 hours every Friday night
Andrew Grossman
Law firm: Grossman
Law Offices
Age: 55
Residence: Columbus
Undergraduate:
University of Kansas
Law school: Capital
University Law School
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? At the end of the day, all you really have is your word.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Writer/novelist
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? Most don’t understand that good divorce lawyers work really hard every day to keep people from fighting more.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? A strong work ethic
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? E-everything
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about?
Columbus Jewish Day School
How do you relax? Travel, read, red wine. Repeat.
Eric Hoffman
Law firm: Hoffman Law
Age: 68
Residence: Columbus
Synagogue: Beth Jacob
Congregation
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: Capital
University Law School
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? The best professional advice I’ve ever received is that less is more. Whether it’s writing, arguing a case, or negotiating, clarity and focus are usually more persuasive than volume.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Bicycle shop owner
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? One common misconception is that because someone is a lawyer, they can handle every type of case. In reality, the law is highly specialized, and effective representation requires focused experience in a specific
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Wait tables for the summer –you’ll learn how to keep a lot of people happy at once
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? The ink pen. At the end of the day, deals close, rights are protected and lives change when something is signed. What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? Hoffman Law
How do you relax? Run, bike, lift weights. Then reward the effort with a well-brewed IPA.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Shabbos on Friday night. Nothing better.
Jordan Hoffman
Law firm: Hoffman Law Age: 31
Residence: Columbus
Synagogue: Beth Jacob
Congregation
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? You can’t control the judge, opposing counsel, or every fact in a case. But you can control your preparation, your work ethic, and how you respond.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Probably general business. I enjoy interacting with people and building something that helps others.
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? Many people think divorce law is primarily about conflict. In reality, it’s about problemsolving, financial planning, and protecting children during difficult times. What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Resilience. What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? AI
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about?
Jewish education in Columbus. How do you relax? A sauna at the Columbus JCC and an IPA.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Shabbos dinner.
Russell Kutell
Law firm: FBT Gibbons LLP
Age: 58
Residence: Columbus
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts and Science; University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business Law school: Georgetown University Law Center
Kimberly Land
Law firm: Bailey Cavalieri LLC
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue: Temple Israel
Undergraduate: University of Dayton
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Gardening What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? They need to care – care about the client and care about their work. What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? I am ready to throw my cellphone out the window.
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? JewishColumbus
How do you relax? Puttering around the family farm with my husband and toddler.
Joe Lipps
Law firm: Bailey Cavalieri LLC
Age: 39
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Clients hire lawyers because they want a recommendation as to how to deal with a problem. While there are frequently gray areas in the law and business considerations, it’s still important to provide a client with a recommended course of action. It’s not helpful to hedge and simply punt the problem back to the client.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Journalist
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? Very few people have familiarity with D&O insurance coverage issues, so I don’t encounter any preconceived notions about this area of law.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Being an effective writer and communicator is the most essential skill for a young lawyer.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? The ability to seamlessly work remotely. How do you relax? Movie night with the kids
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Passover seder
Steven Loewengart
Law firm: Fisher Phillips Age: 72
Residence: Columbus Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: Northwestern University Law school: University of Cincinnati College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Listen carefully before you speak.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Psychiatrist
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? That employment law entails defending only meritless claims.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? In private practice, to begin thinking of marketing your skills inside and outside your firm almost from the first year of your career.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? AI. Our firm is a leader in making the practice more economical for clients. What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? The Anti-Defamation League, because it aims to protect every group from hate speech and threats.
How do you relax? Music
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Commemorating ancestors on death anniversaries.
Harlan Louis
Law firm: Bailey Cavalieri LLC
Age: 59
Residence: Grandview
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: Miami University
Law school: University of Dayton and University of Florida (Masters in Tax Law)
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Preparation is key. Always be well prepared. You can’t control the facts, but you can control how well you know and understand them. If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Accounting. Before law school, I started out as a CPA. What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? One size fits all. It does not. One person’s trust is very different than someone else’s. Every family has its own important and unique dynamic. What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Develop trusted relationships with your clients. Estate planning isn’t just about drafting documents. It’s about guiding families through emotionally charged, financially complex, and often unfamiliar decisions. What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? AI is a game changer. The ability to best use AI will become a differentiator among lawyers.
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? JewishColumbus. When I moved to Columbus 30 years ago, I was introduced to the Columbus Jewish Foundation. I was immediately impressed by the dedication to build a strong local Jewish community. As the origination has evolved, that dedication remains important and strong. How do you relax? Listening to music and going to concerts.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Rosh Hashanah. I love that the happy new year (is) a spiritual reset and a time for renewal, introspection and reconnection.
Pamela Maggied
Law firm: Pamela N. Maggied CO., LPA Age: 73
Residence: Columbus Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: Ohio University Law school: The Ohio State University
Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Trust is crucial and other lawyers have long memories so don’t go back on your word. If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Social work, maybe. A good portion of my practice is social work already.
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? That financial problems could have been avoided – that somehow my client is to blame.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? A willingness to listen to more experienced lawyers.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Computer/internet. When I started, research was in books and bankruptcies were typed on carbon-sets and handcarried to court.
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? Cat Welfare and Colony Cats
How do you relax? Reading, watching old movies on TCM, going to live theater, spending time with friends, and attending OSU women’s basketball games – although yelling is maybe more cathartic than it is relaxing.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Passover seder
Jodie Meizlish
Law firm: Golden & Meizlish Co., LPA
Residence: Reynoldsburg
Synagogue: Temple
Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: Kent
State University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Be quiet and listen. Get paid up front. Send copies of all communications to your client.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Interior design What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? From lay people I have heard many times that cases are “open and shut.”
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Be able to read people to try to get to their truth/perceptions thus enabling better lawyering and communication. What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? I try to keep it simple and avoid complex
new innovations.
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? The work that is done by the JewishColumbus. How do you relax? I don’t! I am working on it.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Chanukah now that there are grandchildren.
Shelby Nathans
Law firm: ALH Law
Group
Age: 40
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue: Temple
Israel
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: University of Miami School of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? The best piece of all-encompassing advice comes from my mother, “Every problem has a solution.” I find this to be continually applicable in my professional and personal life. Some times you just have to get a little creative, but nothing is insurmountable. If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? I worked in sports marketing/sponsorship before law school, and I enjoyed the travel and events. Although in high school I was voted “Most Likely to Host a Talk Show,” so you know, never know what else is in the cards. What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? A big misconception in civil litigation is that there is always a winner and a loser. Frequently cases end in a compromise through mediation or settlement negotiations. But don’t get me wrong, I still love to win.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Have some humility, don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know what you don’t know. Seek out a mentor or networking opportunities to learn from those with more experience. And always respect the paralegals.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Clio legal practice management software is an amazing tool that helps keep all of my cases organized and allows me to communicate with my clients, share documents and keep track of case developments in one place. What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? I am on the board of Wexner Heritage Village and involved in many different ways with JewishColumbus. I also care deeply about HeartSAFE Bexley, an organization started
SUPER ATTORNEYS
by my father to train people in CPR and how to use AEDs in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.
How do you relax? I have a tradition of Shabbat dinners with friends. In my free time, you can find me spending time with my Standard Poodle, Jolene, my honorary nieces and nephews, or attending concerts and Buckeye games.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Passover seders at my parents’ home are my favorite tradition. I love how family and friends come together every year to tell the story of the Exodus with a little bit of chaos mixed in. My favorite thing about Judaism is that there are no shortage of opportunities to eat, drink and be together.
Ronald Petroff
Law firm: Petroff, Smitherman & Associates, LLC
Age: 45
Residence: New Albany
Synagogue: Temple Beth Shalom
Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Partnerships frequently run their course and you need to adapt and move on.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Real estate investments
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? Underestimate the amount of emotional and psychological abuse dumped on divorce attorneys
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Thoroughness and follow up What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? AI/ChatGPT
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? New Albany Schools
How do you relax? Tennis, paddle and pickleball
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Temple and Top Golf on the High Holy Days
Larry Pliskin
Law firm: Law Office of Larry Pliskin Age: 59
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue: Temple Israel
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania
Law school: Boston University School of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Preparation and attitude are the keys to success
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Consumer Reports reporter
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? Small business owners lack sophistication
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Listening and learning What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Artificial intelligence
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? Senior living/Wexner Heritage Village How do you relax? Walk my dog
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Lighting multiple menorahs for Chanukah
Sarah Pollyea
Law firm: Sarah Pollyea Law, LLC
Age: 50
Residence: Gahanna
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: Indiana University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Focus on being reliable before trying to be impressive. Consistency, follow-through, and clear communication build trust faster than big promises. When people know they can count on you, opportunities, influence, and growth tend to follow naturally. If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? If I weren’t practicing law, I would pursue a career as a lobbyist or in a political role, applying advocacy, negotiation, and strategic analysis to policy development, stakeholder engagement, and the advancement of informed decision-making within the public sector.
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? One common
misconception about real estate law is that it is purely transactional. In practice, it involves complex negotiations, risk assessment, and strategic problem-solving across regulatory, financing, and development issues. Real estate lawyers often help clients anticipate disputes, manage long-term risk, and navigate evolving legal and commercial considerations well before a deal closes. What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? For young lawyers today, two essential traits are listening to understand, not just to respond, and adaptability. Really hearing clients and colleagues allows you to address the real issues, while staying flexible helps you navigate changing circumstances, evolving law, and unexpected challenges. Together, these skills build trust, improve judgment, and enable young lawyers to provide thoughtful, effective guidance in a fastpaced, complex legal environment. What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law?
The technological innovations that have most changed my practice are AI tools and virtual assistants, combined with the ability to work from anywhere. AI helps with research, document review, and drafting, while virtual assistants streamline scheduling and administrative tasks. Together, they increase efficiency, reduce errors, and free up time for higher-level strategic work, all while allowing seamless collaboration with clients and colleagues regardless of location. What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? I care deeply about supporting local businesses and entrepreneurship. I helped found the Gahanna Chamber Impact Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides grants to small business owners and entrepreneurs in Gahanna. Our goal is to empower local businesses, foster innovation, and strengthen the city’s economic community by providing resources that help entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable, thriving businesses.
How do you relax? I relax by streaming a show or movie at home, spending time with my family, and hanging out with my dog, Rosie. I also love trying new restaurants and meeting friends for drinks or dinners. Whenever I can, I sneak in a few trips each year to explore new places and recharge. All of these little moments help me unwind and reset from the daily grind.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? My favorite Jewish holiday tradition is my brother’s Passover seders. Every year, our family, spread across several states, gathers at his house. He makes the seders meaningful and personal, including everyone at the table, continuing the tradition our parents started. I love how these seders create
lasting memories, celebrate our Jewish heritage, and are a tradition I hope all of my nieces and nephews will carry forward.
Frederic Portman
Law firm: Agee Clymer
Mitchell & Portman
Age: 78
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue: Temple Israel
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Have respect for judges and their staff
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Advertising What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? That Workers’ Compensation benefits are paid with taxpayer money
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Humility
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Email
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? JewishColumbus
How do you relax? Reading fiction
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Chanukah
Seth Preisler
Law firm: Chodosh & Chodosh
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue: Temple Israel
Undergraduate: Miami University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Anticipate the other side’s moves, and stop talking when you are ahead
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? That their issue is “routine” or “simple”
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Dual monitors
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? In the winter, I coach the Bexley High School wrestling team
How do you relax? Family time
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Seder
Josh Sanders
Law firm: Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
Age: 51
Residence: Granville
Synagogue: Temple
Israel
Undergraduate: Ohio
Wesleyan University
Law school: Capital University Law School
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? It is an amazingly small world and you will likely cross paths with people once again. Treat them that first time like you will see them again because chances are, you will. If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? I could see myself in some academic role such has a history professor. I enjoy talking with college/law school classes and believe I would enjoy teaching history related courses. What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? Since my main practice is government relations, a lot of people think there is something sneaky happening behind the scenes. However, legislators come from all walks of life and are dealing with thousands of different topics. My job is really about providing information about my clients. What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Be willing and ready to listen and learn. There seems to be a rush about taking the next step and sometimes people just aren’t ready. Being patient can lead to such wonderful life experiences. What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? My phone. The ability to accomplish so much work with the device is both a blessing and a curse. It can be so helpful but can also make you feel that you can never get away from work.
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? I am on both the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and the Licking County Humane Society boards. I believe strongly in helping those – including our furry friends – who may not be able to help themselves. How do you relax? I have started to read more which I find very relaxing. My wife is a terrific reader and really helped me get into the habit. It is a great way to end the day.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? I love the Passover seder. It connects us to our shared past and is such a wonderful time to spend with family. We have a tradition of inviting friends who have never experienced a seder and have found it makes the night even more meaningful.
James Schottenstein
Law firm: Schottenstein
Legal Services Co., LPA
Age: 79
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue: Congregation
Agudas Achim and Congregation Torat Emet
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law – JD; New York University – LL.M. (taxation)
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? As in all things in life, balance is essential. Balancing the time spent in the practice of law with the time spent with your family is of equal importance. After practicing for over five decades, I am certain that no one will remember the extra time that you devoted to work. However, friends and family will remember the time that you devoted to them.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Most likely real estate development as I have owned and developed several office properties and enjoy seeing a development come together. What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? People do not always see the value in planning business ventures and obtaining proper guidance and paperwork before entering into a venture. Often they contact an attorney only after they have had disagreements with partners or other members of a company which results in litigation. Proper preparation of agreements at the beginning of a business venture can avoid conflict later. What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Whatever field a young lawyer decides to practice in, business skills are essential for effective time management, accounting, and allocation of services. Basic level business education will benefit young lawyers whatever field of law that they choose to practice in.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? When responding to this issue the obvious thought goes to artificial intelligence; however, in that I have been practicing for over five decades, I have to go back to the beginning when I used an electric typewriter and a Xerox copier. The advent of the computer, programs for word processing, and the Internet all changed the way I practice. However, perhaps the cellphone most changed the practice as now I am available 24/7/365.
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about?
Jewish Federation, JewishColumbus, The Jewish Historical Society, Columbus Community Kollel, and my synagogues, Congregation Agudas Achim and Torat Emet. I believe strongly in protecting our children and people from antisemitism, and both teaching our history and culture to those that come after us. How do you relax? My wife and I enjoy tennis and swimming and travel to our second home in Florida. We also enjoy travel to scenic American sites and World destinations, dining out, viewing art, attending concerts, including classical music, opera, country, and rock. Finally, we both share a love of science fiction series and movies.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Passover with the entire family is my favorite holiday and I dress up as Moses and my wife as Pharaoh. It is always a joy for me and the entire family to ask Pharaoh to “Let My People Go” and for my wife to repeatedly reply “No!, No!, No!” I can’t think of a better role to play.
Michael Schottenstein
Law firm: Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter
Age: 39
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: Syracuse University
Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Under promise and over deliver.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Sportscaster
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? Judging by the number of cold calls I get asking for representation in connection with disputes over transactions gone wrong, it would be that all real estate lawyers also handle litigation.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? The ability to communicate effectively.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Generative AI (specifically, at this point, Copilot, though I’m in the process of exploring other AI tools)
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about?
Making our Jewish community a model for success for other communities in North America
How do you relax? Walking the dog and
listening to music or a podcast
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Passover seder with my family. We still use the same Hagaddah that my grandpa used to lead us when I was a kid. It brings back a lot of memories.
Douglas Segerman
Law firm: Luper
Neidenthal & Logan
Age: 55
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue:
Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati Law school: University of Cincinnati College of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Don’t sweat the small stuff. Be patient and focus on the things that you can control.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Accountant –my undergraduate degree is in accounting and I passed the CPA exam.
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? That you get a case from beginning to a trial in a month like they see on TV. That is not the way commercial litigation works. What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Personal interaction and the ability to communicate by phone and in person with clients and opposing counsel. Too many young attorneys want to do all communications by email. What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Email and electronic filing. Email has made communication much easier and faster. Unfortunately, e-filing has reduced the amount of time that I spend at the courthouse thereby reducing my interaction with other attorneys. It is those prior interactions that led to greater civility in the practice of law.
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? Tifereth Israel and the Bexley Education Foundation. They both do tremendous work in supporting the community. How do you relax? I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching sporting events and spending quality time with my wife.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Breaking the Yom Kippur fast with an egg cream.
SUPER ATTORNEYS
Jodi Smilack
Law firm: Grossman Law Offices
Age: 43
Residence: Columbus
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Law school: John Marshall Law School
(University of Illinois Chicago School of Law)
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? That they do not need a lawyer when terminating their marriage. Amicable does not mean riskfree, and obtaining legal advice is critical. What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Do not rely on artificial intelligence.
How do you relax? Staying active with exercise – preferably outside – or reading a good book
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Telling old family stories, especially those about family members who are no longer with us
Lee Smith
Law firm: Leach Smith and Associates
Age: 73
Residence: Columbus
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth
Israel
Undergraduate: Ohio University
Law school: University of Dayton School of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Be honest, be fair and a wild card
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Real estate development
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? But it is simple to understand and comprehend What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Work hard and choose a place to practice that you will be satisfied in. Try to look at where you want to be in five or 10 years. What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law?
Computerization
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? JewishColumbus and Dawes Arboretum. How do you relax? I read a lot and try to exercise every day
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? The high holidays because I spend them with my kids and grandkids
Roni Sokol
Law firm: The Sokol Law Firm
Age: 59
Residence: Westerville
Synagogue: Congregation Beth Tikvah
Undergraduate: UCLA Law school:
Southwestern University School of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Get paid in advance.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? A writer
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? Thatwe’re all “ambulance chasers.” Not true.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Patience, especially if you’re a litigator
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Zoom hearings
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? Protection of abused children
How do you relax? I take long walks, watch movies, read for pleasure and do craft projects.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Baking hamantaschen.
David Stein
Law firm: Taft
Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Age: 61
Residence: New Albany
Synagogue: Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Never talk when you can listen.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Jewish communal work
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Effective writing. It is essential for advocacy.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Document imaging and advanced word processing
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about?
JewishColumbus
How do you relax? Watch the Columbus
Blue Jackets with my kids and play with my dog, Elvis.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Shabbat dinner with the family.
Benjamin Zacks
Law firm: Zacks Law
LLC
Age: 65
Residence: Bexley
Synagogue:
Congregation
Beth Tikvah and Congregation Tifereth Israel
Undergraduate: University of Arizona and The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? From my father. “That name on the door is mine, you need to start in the file room and earn your way.”
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Entrepreneurial business and real estate and creative arts like poetry, painting and writing
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? That law is simple and does not truly involve human beings making decisions. What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Active listening and making the law understandable in all its many aspects for people’s lives. What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Computers and cellphones. Most people today do not appreciate that a meeting or phone discussion beat emails and texting for serious matters.
What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? Zacks Law LLC
How do you relax? Family time, art and thinking
What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Singing and celebrating simchas
Andrew Zashin
Law firm: Zashin Law
LLC
Age: 58
Residence: Pepper Pike
Synagogue: Chabad
Undergraduate: Brown
University
Law school: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Go to law school in the state you want to practice.
If you weren’t practicing law what career could you see yourself in? Spycraft. The practice of family law, when adversarial and not cooperative, overlaps with spycraft. Family law attorneys have to figure out, understand, predict and prepare for what the opposing client might do. And outwit them.
What is one misconception people often have about your area of law? That it is easy, just divide assets in two and agree on a parenting schedule. If things were so simple there would be no family law attorneys. In reality, some marital estates and assets are difficult to divide, and some parenting plans are complicated. High net worth cases and high conflict cases often require specialists with specific knowledge and experience. Especially for those clients who are exacting about the results they need.
What skill or trait do you believe is most essential for young lawyers entering the field today? Family law attorneys today must be relatable and have common sense. They should also have training in accounting and business valuation techniques. The ability to think outside the box and to think quickly and carefully under pressure. Also, a new lawyer entering this field requires patience and understanding. Every client and every situation is different. A lawyer needs to understand, adjust and demonstrate patience.
What technological tool or innovation has most changed the way you practice law? Video conferencing. Some time ago, I would have said the cellphone. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to smoothly connect to others seamlessly from anywhere is indispensable. Family Law requires lawyers to respond quickly and make themselves available. Clients often cannot wait for a lawyer to return from somewhere or to get out of another obligation. Courts around the state have come to expect telecommunications to conduct hearings more efficiently. Family law attorneys need to deliver. What is a community cause or organization you care deeply about? Teaching future lawyers. I have taught every family law course at Case Western Reserve University School of Law for over 20 years. Family Law is now part of the bar exam. Well trained future lawyers are indispensable.
How do you relax? I play with my giant mastiff, Hugo the Boerboel. What is your favorite Jewish holiday tradition or family custom? Visiting Israel with my family to celebrate the holidays.
