Local Lawyers / Super Attorneys 2026

Alan Acker Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP

JIMMY OSWALD joswald@cjn.org

Alan Acker could never see himself being one that built a career where his role involved doing the same repetitive tasks. He knew to last in whatever eld he chose, he needed to not only enjoy what he did, but be in a space that gravitated towards the unexpected.

Acker found the perfect route: practicing as an attorney in family wealth and estate planning, with an emphasis on estate and gift taxation, income taxation of trusts and estates, charitable giving and probate law.

“We’re not people on an assembly line putting in tiny screws on a computer, and that helps,” Acker told the Columbus Jewish News. “For me, it’s about taking comfort in what you’re doing. Certain professions – journalists, lawyers, doctors – what helps is that the days are not necessarily mundane. You get to explore di erent topics and di erent people.”

Acker, who has been with Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP since 2011, which has an o ces in Columbus and Dublin, grew up in Chicago and received the push to go into law from his father, who wasn’t a lawyer himself but had several

friends who were.

“He always believed that they had a more comfortable lifestyle,” Acker said. “My father ended up doing well, he started out as a deliveryman and worked his way up to management, but he felt those who were lawyers had a better quality of life. So he was an in uence and encouraged me to go to law school.”

Acker received his Bachelor of Science in accountancy from the University of Illinois in 1974 and his Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1977. One of his rst jobs out of school was working in the trust department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

“Chicago is a great place to learn about estate planning and there are a number of good estate planning attorneys in the area,” he said.

Acker lived in Virginia brie y but missed living up north. He eventually accepted a job with Columbus’ Schottenstein, Zox & Dunn Co., LPA in 1989.

He jumped between a few di erent rms before becoming a solo practitioner for around 17 years. He said he wanted to join a rm he felt comfortable with and where his clients could continue to get quality work done. He found it in Carlile Patchen & Murphy.

About Alan Age: 72

Residence: Fountain Hills, Ariz. and Columbus

Undergraduate: University of Illinois Law School: Chicago-Kent College of Law

What has been the most meaningful or defining moment of your legal career so far? I don’t feel like one particular moment stands out. My focus has always been on the people. Getting their estate planning documents in order has always been satisfying to me. How do you like to spend a rare free day? I like cycling and enjoy going on bike rides. What’s your ultimate comfort food? Ice cream How do you stay connected to the Jewish community? I’m still a member of Temple Israel in Columbus, I like to read their newsletters from Arizona. I’m also part of a small group from Columbus that meets via Zoom and once a week we get together and study Talmud.

“ ey are a terri c rm,” Acker, who has started to wind down his role as he nears retirement, said. But he takes comfort in introducing potential clients “to my colleagues because I know they’ll get really good legal service.”

During his tenure in Columbus, Acker served as a Franklin County Ohio Probate Court Judge and created the E&E Trust and Will Drafting System, a web-based system to assist Ohio attorneys in drafting trusts, wills and nancial powers of attorney.

What’s one thing every client should know before hiring an attorney? Find a firm that treats their attorneys well and treats their clients well. When concerning estate planning, find a lawyer who has a penchant for that type of tax work and understands that every family’s situation is unique. At Kegler Brown, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional value and results for our clients. As your strategic outside general counsel – We’re On It.

It was work that came naturally to Acker, he said.

“ ere’s also a degree of problem solving to it,” he said. “Clients come to you and share information on their family situation or circumstances. While we are not psychiatrists, we don’t handle emotional matters, every family is unique. It allows us to be creative. It allows you to work with people, get to know them and, hopefully, guide them through family dynamics to improve their lives.”

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Shana DeMooy Reminger

CASEY COUCH ccouch@cjn.org

For Shana DeMooy, partner at Reminger’s Columbus o ce, practicing law was always something she felt was her future, even if her end goal wasn’t always clear to her.

“I just didn’t know what I wanted to practice,” she told the Columbus Jewish News.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from e Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, DeMooy

SHELBY NATHANS

experimented with summer internships, trying out transactional law and testing the waters in the corporate eld.

“After that rst summer, I realized that was just not for me,” DeMooy, a resident of Blacklick, said. “I spent my entire second summer focusing on civil litigation, and realized I liked that a lot better. And eventually I got some experience in probate litigation speci cally, which is what my practice is now dedicated to.”

Today, she’s been partner at her rm since November 2024, and serves as the chair of the Columbus Bar Association’s Estate Planning and Trust Practice Group. She’s set to conclude her two-year chairwoman term this May. She also is a member of the association’s Probate Court Practice Group.

“It’s been a really great opportunity to get more involved in the local bar, and to network and connect with the estate planners and probate litigators who I’m going to be working with for a long time in my career,” DeMooy said. “I’m able to plan programs that are directly relevant to our practice.”

Estates, as a Rising Star by “Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine,” and by the CALI Awards for Excellence in Legal Analysis and Writing II, Civil Procedure II and Negotiation and Mediation. Looking ahead, DeMooy hopes to continue involvement with the Ohio State Bar Association’s Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Section Council and hopes to have “more of a direct role” in the future of probate law in Ohio by eventually becoming a voting member. At Reminger speci cally, she looks forward to helping the rm expand and become the “premier place to go” for matters related to probate litigation.

“Our Columbus probate team has been expanding,” DeMooy said. “We have the largest probate litigation department across the state, between our Cleveland team and our Columbus team. e goal for Columbus, speci cally, is just to continue expanding and building that reputation as the premier place to go for estate and trust litigation, both for clients directly and for other attorneys to refer work to. ere’s a ton of this work to be done, and it’s not going away as people continue to age and transfer their assets.”

A highlight of her career thus far, Demooy said, was being invited to speak at a conference at the Marvin R. Pliskin Advanced Probate and Estate Planning Institute in September 2025.

“It’s put on every year by the Ohio State Bar Association,” DeMooy said. “Every year, there are hundreds of participants, both in-person and remotely, and they always get some really acclaimed speakers from Ohio and sometimes even across the country, so being invited to speak in front of that group was a big honor and a major accomplishment.”

DeMooy has also been recognized by “ e Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch” for Litigation, Trusts and

Personally, DeMooy said she enjoys going on outdoor walks in her free time and spending time with her family members, who recently moved back to Ohio from Florida.

“We’re very lucky to be able to celebrate Passover and the High Holidays together, and just culturally keeping those traditions and values alive in our family,” she said.

About Shana Residence: Blacklick Undergraduate:

The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law What has been the most meaningful or defining

moment of your legal career so far? Serving as chair of the Columbus Bar Association Estate Planning & Trust Practice Group, and presenting at the Marvin R. Pliskin Advanced Probate and Estate Planning Institute.

How do you like to spend a rare free day? Going for a long walk on the Olentangy or Alum Creek Trails. What’s your ultimate comfort food, Jewish or otherwise? Brisket, cabbage and noodles, and my Bubbe’s chicken noodle soup.

Is there a quote or mantra you try to live by? Treat people how you want to be treated. Kindness is free. What’s one thing every client should know before hiring an attorney? The attorney who makes a fight out of everything is not always the best advocate. Practical solutions win the day.

Inna Simakovsky Simakovsky Law

AVI HOLZMAN

When Inna Simakovsky’s family left the Soviet Union in 1976, all they had was one suitcase and a hundred dollars. ey arrived in Kentucky and, a year later, moved to Columbus when Simakovsky was six. She entered rst grade at Columbus Torah Academy, all while speaking no English. e students were either Orthodox Jews or refugees.

“We weren’t allowed to be Jewish in Russia. We came to America not knowing anything about Judaism,” she told the Columbus Jewish News. “I remember my parents packing salami and cheese for lunch at Torah Academy.”

She learned English and started translating for her family. She continued advocating for her immigrant family and, in 1998, started working as a lawyer. Now, at 54, she runs her own law rm, Simakovsky Law in Columbus, with four other attorneys and support sta . e rm helps immigrants living in public housing and depending on food stamps like she once did.

“I’m a strong advocate because of those experiences,” she said. “I can relate to my clients and can push them because they’re resilient.”

After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, Simakovsky got an internship working as a translator in Siberia. e rm she worked for represented Russian factories in the region. at experience added to the foundation of resilience she had been building ever since emigrating to the United States.

Simakovsky, who was a member of the 2019 class of Columbus Jewish News 18 Di erence Makers, remains motivated by her work because it has the potential to change lives and allow them to y home and visit family they had not seen in decades. Despite decades of experience, the constant anti-immigrant messaging is draining.

About Inna Age: 54

Residence: Columbus

Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati

Law school: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

What has been the most meaningful or defining moment of your legal career so far? As a refugee from the former Soviet Union, I went into law to be an advocate/ voice to those that have none. ... This work is hard and waking up daily knowing that people are hurting has been challenging and devastating.

What’s something colleagues might be surprised to learn about you? I am an insomniac. I am also obsessed with Africa and plan to visit as many countries in Africa as possible.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given? My parents emphasized working hard. ... As refugees they were referring to financial gains but for me working hard has also meant truly enjoying giving people solid legal advice, representing people in court, allowing people to become citizens and living the “American dream.” I have been very fortunate to work very hard in a field that inspires me on a personal and professional level.

“To wake up every morning and to do this is soul crushing,” Simakovsky said. “It really makes you question humanity.”

She said the Trump administration “spins” events in a way that counters public perception. at propaganda reminds her of the Soviet rhetoric she grew up seeing in St. Petersburg.

“We can’t agree on the truth because the spin is so great,” she said. “We can no longer come to an agreement on what is correct and then perhaps disagree.”

Simakovsky – who served for two years on the national board of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society – said there is a lack of immigrant advocacy among the Columbus Jewish community. While she recognizes there are individuals speaking out, she said she feels the larger community is disorganized and not making any real change.

“I think the Jewish community at least in Columbus has been very silent about what’s happening,” she said. “No one is pushing the envelope to say, ‘Why are we not doing these things?’”

Tikkun olam and tzedekah are Simakovsky’s two north stars. She said she believes everyone deserves to be treated with respect no matter where they are from and knows it’s impossible to ght every battle when it comes to immigration.

“You do what you are able to do and still remain true to yourself,” she said.

To read more about Inna, visit columbusjewishnews.com/18dm.

Avi Holzman is a freelance journalist.

Publisher’s note: is pro le has been edited for brevity. To read the entire version, visit columbusjewishnews.com.

Adriann McGee Partner, Columbus amcgee@reminger.com

Shana DeMooy Partner, Columbus sdemooy@reminger.com

Mary Kraft Partner, Columbus mkraft@reminger.com

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Roni Sokol The Sokol Law Firm

BECKY RASPE braspe@cjn.org

Thirty years into her legal career, attorney Roni Sokol still feels like she’s “29.” ose years, she told the Columbus Jewish News, “ ew by.”

But the throughline of those three decades remains deeply personal, she said.

“What rst drew me to law was my desire to help people who didn’t have a voice,” Sokol, 59, said. “I got bullied as a kid. I was really small and quiet, and I was too shy to stick up for myself back then. Having the education and license to ght for the underdog allows me to go toe-to-toe with the bullies. It is very cathartic for me, and it makes me feel like I’m contributing something good to society.”

insurance company, I dealt with a lot of plainti s’ attorneys and I realized I could do what they were doing, and maybe even do it better,” she said.

One day, she realized, “I think I’m ready to do this,” Sokol recalled.

“To go out on your own is something many attorneys fantasize about,” she said. “But, it is also so terrifying to go out on your own. For many years, it was not something I had the courage to do. I made the leap – and have exceeded my expectations. I didn’t know if I would succeed. I was giving it a year, and now it’s been 14 years. It’s been very rewarding.”

As she developed her rm, it was always about creating an environment where clients know she cares and has their best interests at heart, Sokol said. Additionally, it was important to her to incorporate her innate sense of honesty, fairness and respect, something she gleaned from her Jewish upbringing.

“I treat clients as I would want to be treated,” Sokol said. “I am honest with them, even if they want to kill the messenger. I tell them the truth, and I think they appreciate it.”

As she re ects on the last three decades and multiple chapters in her career, Sokol said one perspective stands out as something she wishes she’d known earlier – “you take the job you can get out of school.”

Counselors & Practitioners at Law

at instinct to stand up for others has shaped every chapter of her career – from her early years practicing in Cleveland to launching e Sokol Law Firm 14 years ago, and most recently, expanding her rm to Columbus in November 2024. As she continues to maintain her longtime Cleveland o ce, Sokol opened the Columbus location to better serve clients statewide and moved to Central Ohio to be closer to her adult children, both connected to e Ohio State University.

Today, with o ces in both cities, Sokol continues to build a practice rooted in advocacy, accessibility and compassion.

“When I was working in-house at an

“When I got out of law school, I had three job o ers and I took the one that paid the highest,” she said. “None of them were necessarily the practice areas I wanted, but it didn’t matter because I learned so much about litigation. For many years, I didn’t have the courage to go out on my own because I felt that I still had so much to learn. I absolutely can’t downplay the knowledge I gained. In some ways, I do wish I had done it sooner. At the same time, I knew I needed that training to do this.”

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About Roni Age: 59

Residence: Westerville/New Albany

Undergraduate: UCLA

Law school: Southwestern Law School, Los Angeles

What has been the most meaningful or defining moment of your legal career so far? Having the courage to open my own law practice and keeping it open for 14 years so far.

How do you like to spend a rare free day? When it’s cold, I love to sneak away to a movie theatre by myself and put my phone on “do not disturb.” When it’s warm, I love to hike in the Metro Parks. What is something colleagues might be surprised to learn about you? I grew up in Beverly Hills, 90210. Way before the television show. What’s your ultimate comfort food, Jewish or otherwise? A warm chocolate brownie – no nuts –with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge on top. How do you stay connected to the Jewish community? I like to participate in community events through JewishColumbus or temple social groups.

Is there a quote or mantra you try to live by? “Look in the mirror, that’s your competition.” It reminds me not to focus on competing with other attorneys, but rather to focus on self-improvement. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given? When doing hourly work, always get paid in advance. Unfortunately, there are people who will disappear after the work has been done to their satisfaction. What’s one thing every client should know before hiring an attorney? Just like any other group of people, we are not all the same. Choose an attorney who you like and trust, not just the one who works at the biggest firm. What Jewish value most influences how you approach your work? There are three for me: honesty, empathy and trustworthiness. I treat people the way I would want to be treated.

Barry Wolinetz Wolinetz,

Horvath & Brown, LLC

BILL MOTCHAN

When Barry Wolinetz was growing up, he witnessed rsthand a concrete example of tzedakah. His mother always o ered food to the poor. at made an impact on him that has lasted decades later.

“She would never turn away someone who was hungry,” Wolinetz told the Columbus Jewish News. “ at matters. It is a Jewish value that everyone is important, and you should treat people with respect and kindness. When you do that, it will come back to you. I hope everyone in court who I come into contact with feels that I treat them as an important person.”

e word “respect” comes up a lot when Wolinetz describes his values, philosophy and even the way he presents himself to others.

“I want to look like an attorney,” he said. “My shoes are shined; my suits are impeccable. I tell my clients come to court as if they were going to a church or synagogue. You go with respect.”

He also tries to instill in his own children the importance of giving back. at means encouraging them to volunteer to serve food in a soup kitchen.

“You realize that there but by the grace of G-d, that could have been you,” he said. “When you get to know these people and you serve the meals, when they look you them in the eye and they say thank you, you realize that these are good people who have just been dealt a bad hand. When a member of the Jewish community volunteers, it not only enhances the lives of others, but also people get a good feeling about Jews in general.”

A Cleveland native, Wolinetz attended Shaker Heights schools, then studied in the master’s program in the political science department at e Ohio State University in Columbus, where he received his Juris Doctor degree from the Moritz College of Law. He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1971 and developed a reputation as an attorney skilled in civil law. In 2005, he established the Wolinetz Law O ces – now Wolinetz, Horvath & Brown, LLC – and in 2025, he was named to the Best Lawyers in America.

Wolinetz and his wife Kathleen are congregants of Temple Israel in Columbus. He has served as a trustee for the congregation and regularly volunteers for Jewish Family Services, o ering free legal clinics. By doing so, he can make a di erence in other people’s lives. at’s also Wolinetz’s goal his with clients, he said.

“ e greatest reward is to see that the person that you met at the beginning of the process who becomes a di erent person at the end,” he said. “When you see a client mature and become more sophisticated and healthier emotionally and physically, that is the best reward in practicing law – seeing people get through their problems and grow as human beings.

“ at is my goal, not to be the best lawyer in America, but to be the best lawyer in some person’s life that made a di erence. Columbus, Ohio, has been fabulous to us. And when I die, I hope that people will say ‘He made things better for a lot of people.’”

Bill Motchan is a freelance journalist.

Publisher’s note: is pro le has been edited for brevity. To read it in its entirety, visit columbusjewishnews.com.

About Barry Age: 81

Residence: Bexley

Undergraduate and Law School: The Ohio State University

How do you like to spend a rare free day? Volunteer for a project that helps others. What’s your ultimate comfort food (Jewish or otherwise)? My mother made chocolate cake with chocolate icing and raspberries between the layers. Chocolate cake has always been my comfort food ever since.

Is there a quote or mantra you try to live by? “I’m a rich man because of my friendships and who sits at my table on a regular basis.”

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given? Make the right decision with a moral component to it and you will be successful in life.

What’s one thing every client should know before hiring an attorney? Lawyers can’t make gold out of straw. We just do the best we can.

What Jewish value most influences how you approach your work? Respect everyone that you meet.

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Benjamin Zacks Zacks Law LLC

ED CARROLL

For attorney Benjamin Zacks of Zacks Law LLC, his Judaism is constantly guiding him in his career.

“ ere’s never an instance where it doesn’t (factor into the work),” he said.

He said he’s found it informs many of his choices as a counselor and dedicated legal executive with more than 43 years of experience in a wide range of legal matters and feels that many of the principles of Judaism align closely with the legal profession.

“ at is because in my view of Judaism, it is really about how to live and to treat people right, and that to me is what being a member of society is about,” he said. “As a member of the legal profession, it’s my job to, in my view, on a big scale, really help people understand how to be successful in life and Judaism has taught me that.”

Zacks’ work has had him assisting in vast areas of the law, including estate planning and law, taxation, technology, health care, elder care and law, intellectual property, asset preservation, real estate, development and capital. Still, the congregant of Congregation Tifereth Israel in Columbus and Congregation Beth Tikvah in Worthington doesn’t like to be called a generalist when it comes to the law.

“ e reality is that I’m still trying to gure out what I’m going to be when I grow up,” he said. “I love the intellectual pursuit of helping people with complicated problems. Other people I know

say, ‘Well, you’re really a generalist, OK?’ And I take a little o ense to the idea of the generalist, because to me, the generalist is the country lawyer who never gets really deep problems but is a jack-of-all-trades.

“I try to limit myself to multidisciplinary problem solving and understanding that nobody can have perfect knowledge and perfect judgment in all situations. e e ective lawyer, which you have to do in my view, is to explain to your clients the pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses of di erent positions, and how little they control if they end up in court.”

He said sometimes it leads to one of his biggest challenges as a lawyer: managing people’s expectations of what the law should be.

“People who are not regular uses of law form an opinion of what lawyers should and shouldn’t be doing that to me, is unrealistic,” he said. “Because we can’t have perfect knowledge and perfect judgment all the time, it’s just not humanly possible. Yet sometimes we think of the law as being exactly a rm understanding of what your rights are and therefore, this is the outcome, and we eliminate the people and the human element of that.”

Ed Carroll is a freelance journalist.

Publisher’s note: is pro le has been edited for brevity. To read the entire version, visit columbusjewishnews.com.

About Benjamin Age:

65

Residence: Bexley

Undergraduate: University of Arizona for his first two years, then The Ohio State University Law school: Capital University Law School

How do you like to spend a rare free day? With family – it sounds trite but it’s true.

What’s something colleagues might be surprised to learn about you? That I paint and write poetry.”

What’s your ultimate comfort food (Jewish or otherwise)? I’m trying to be really healthy right now, so I have to say sushi, even though a lot of sushi isn’t that healthy.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t take yourself too seriously.

What’s one thing every client should know before hiring an attorney? If you can work with that person effectively and honestly. What Jewish value most influences how you approach your work? One of the most prideful things ever said about me was, I was compared to King Solomon for being wise and I thought that was a great complement, but the Jewish value I think it talks about is really being

and work is a

And if

because it really is

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

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.