I am a business and insurance lawyer with more than a quarter century of experience in litigation. Prior to joining Harpst Becker LLC, I was a partner with a large law firm where I spent 12 years as a member of the business litigation group and frequently worked with both the real estate and creditor’s rights practice groups. I also worked in a corporate legal department where I managed a nationwide litigation docket which included coordinating the defense of class action lawsuits. My experience as both in-house corporate counsel and outside litigation counsel allows me to provide my clients with invaluable perspective as we work together to solve problems with precision and efficiency. In addition to my professional experience and dedication to my clients, I am proud to have been selected for inclusion on the Ohio Super Lawyers list in the field of business litigation.

I believe Benjamin Franklin’s axiom “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies to commercial disagreements, but in today’s business climate, most businesses will need to either initiate or defend litigation at some point. When that time comes, experienced business trial counsel is an absolute must. Trials involving business disputes require meticulous preparation, attention to detail and, particularly when a jury is involved, a particular psychological approach from the outset. I have business trial experience with the types of cases that involve volumes of documents and where witness testimony comes from accountants, salespeople and corporate officers; cases in which the crucial issues that a jury must understand involve contracts, purchase orders, invoices, and, most importantly, money.

Practice Areas

• Business Litigation
• Commercial Contract Dispute
• Business Torts, including Fraud and Conversion
• Tortious Interference with Business Relationships or Contracts
• Unfair Competition
• Insurance Defense and Insurance Coverage
• Defense of Lawyers in Legal Malpractice Lawsuits

Admissions

• Ohio
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Education

• Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Juris Doctor, cum laude (1995)
• Alma College, Bachelor of Arts, cum laude (1991)

HONORS AND DESIGNATIONS

• Ohio Super Lawyers – Business Litigation (2021)

ASSOCIATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER POSITIONS

• Ohio State Bar Association
• Akron Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute, Member
• Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, Member
• Country Club of Fairlawn, Member