Why did you decide to become an attorney?
A better question is why I am still an attorney. Not until I became an attorney did I realize what a rare and special privilege (and responsibility) it is to speak on behalf of someone else. Having practiced now for more than 20 years, I understand the important role that fair and reasonable lawyers play in our judicial system.
What experiences (work and personal) help you to be a better attorney?
There is no substitute for excellent training and experience. I have been very fortunate to have trained under and worked with and against some of the best trial attorneys in central Ohio. For more than 20 years, I have handled hundreds of difficult and challenging cases with various fact patterns, usually involving serious injuries or wrongful death resulting from motor vehicle accidents, job-related incidents, dangerous products, or medical negligence/malpractice.
What made you choose your primary area of law?
I have worked at personal injury/medical malpractice law firms since I graduated from law school. My work is challenging and rewarding. I love what I do and hope to continue doing it for a long time. If they made me practice in another area of law, I would probably fly jets instead.
What makes your law firm unique?
We have a talented group of trial attorneys at The Donahey Law Firm. Our backgrounds are diverse and our experiences are varied, but we respect and enjoy working with each other, and we bring a lot of resources and experience to bear in representing our clients. Most of us have worked both sides of the aisle, and this gives us a broad perspective and a unique sense of fairness. We often "roundtable" our cases so that our clients are really getting the benefit of being represented by several experienced trial lawyers.
Describe your ideal client.
The ideal client is understanding, fair and practical, and does not have unreasonable expectations about the outcome of the case, or the time it takes to get there. The ideal client can see both sides of an argument (just as his/her attorney should), and therefore understands the strengths and weaknesses of the case. The ideal client understands that his/her lawyer does not control every aspect of the case, only certain aspects. The ideal client improves the chances of a favorable outcome by seeking and following the advice of his/her professional advisors.
