Juris Doctor (JD)
University of Cincinnati
1990
I was honored with the Business First 40 Under 40, in 2000. I am the Board Chair for the Delaware Area of Commerce, I serve on the Franklin County Abused Children Advocacy Board, the OhioHealth Foundation, Board of Directors, and the OhioHealth Professional Advisory Committee as Board Chair. I formerly served as a Board member of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio and as a Commissioner of Columbus Recreation and Parks.

Columbus Bar Association
Ohio State Bar Association
Delaware County Bar Association
OSBA Certified Specialist - Family Relations Law
US District Court - Southern District Ohio
US Court of Appeals - Sixth District
All Ohio courts
I am often asked to provide presentations on legal issues for various continuing education institutions. I am current on all continuing education requirements.
Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce, Board Chair
Lutheran Social Services Central Ohio, former Board
Franklin County Abused Children Advocacy Board
OhioHealth Foundation, Board of Directors
OhioHealth Professional Advisory Committee, Chair
Columbus Recreation and Parks, former Commissioner

1990
0047149
OH
1-5

18 years experience focused on family and small business law matters; Divorce, Custody, GLBT partnerships, Business Divorce, & IP/Trade secrets.
Upon my graduation of law school at the University of Cincinnati in 1990 I began working at one of the largest law firms in Ohio. I formed my own law firm in 1996 and have worked directly with my clients since that time. I have offices in both Franklin and Delaware counties, allowing me to serve clients in the location that is most convenient to them. I'm proud of being able to offer this degree of service to those in need of family law and small business law representation.
I have significant litigation experience around IP and Trade Secret issues for small businesses. My experience handling all divorce matters is significant and in particular, I’ve handled multiple divorces with a small business involved, requiring unique financial complications and evaluations of the business, and addressing ongoing ownership issues because of the divorce. I also have significant experience handling child issues during divorce and post-decree, including custody disputes and guardian work. As a parent of 4 children and an owner of my own small business, I have a unique perspective and compassion for finding good solutions in such family and small business law matters.

I became an attorney because I am a good advocate. I enjoy learning all aspects of my clients' issues and creating a persuasive argument to advocate my clients' position. I believe an attorney's role is to develop clients' legal positions and cases to help them achieve the desired result.
Eighteen (18) years of advocating on behalf of my clients has helped me to hone my legal skills and assisted me in better understanding my client's legal issues. Working my way through law school, raising a family, and operating a successful business for twelve (12) years has helped me to understand what a client is seeking when they contact our office. Through these experiences I have developed the skills necessary to help clients achieve their objectives, including compassion, management of resources, understanding issues, and thinking outside the box.
I chose family law as a primary focus because it allows me to combine my skills and interests to be very effective for my clients. Family law matters require significant advocacy skills, negotiation skills, legal analysis, compassion and understanding for clients and children involved in the process. My extensive litigation background, my business background, as well as my public speaking and lecturing background all help me provide effective legal skills in this area. Additionally, as the mother of four children, an advocate of children's rights and a guardian ad litem, I understand the particular family dynamics and issues involved in family law matters. I believe these factors are critical in obtaining satisfactory results for my client.
My law firm is unique in that we provide high quality legal expertise in a setting that allows us to provide personal attention and direct communication with our clients.
My ideal clients are ones that understand their legal issue and what they are seeking in an attorney. Additionally, my ideal clients are willing to view our relationship as the creation of a team to work together to achieve the clients' desired result.
I play saxophone, violin and piano. I also enjoy skiing, and playing tennis and softball.
Member of Liberty Presbyterian Church. I also serve on the Franklin County Abused Children Advocacy Board, the OhioHealth Foundation, Board of Directors, and the OhioHealth Professional Advisory Committee as Board Chair. I formerly served as a Board member of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio and as a Commissioner of Columbus Recreation and Parks.

Our fees are based upon an hourly rate. Additionally, a retainer is requested prior to commencing our representation. The retainer is determined after meeting with the client and determining the nature of the case and the legal services to be provided.