I am a business lawyer with over 25 years of experience representing clients involved in the construction industry. In fact, I have devoted my entire career to serving the legal needs of construction industry clients. Because of this dedication, I have been selected for inclusion on the Ohio Super Lawyers list in the field of construction litigation since 2011 – an honor limited to only 5% of lawyers, and I am also recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for my work in construction law, construction litigation and labor & employment litigation. I am continually involved in every aspect of our client’s business, including project delivery, construction claims, unfair competition, real estate acquisition, internal investigations, employment, mergers, contract negotiations and everything in between. When necessary, I will litigate for my clients and I have done that extensively throughout my career in both state and federal courts, as well as in binding arbitration proceedings.

As the managing member of Harpst Becker, I have deep insight into the business side of legal engagements, and I know how critical it can be to manage legal matters, especially litigation, to achieve the best business result under the circumstances. I am passionate about my advocacy within the construction industry. I am a past president and currently on the board of the Subcontractors Association of Northeast Ohio, where I have served since 2008. I also serve on the Attorney’s Council for the National Subcontractor’s Alliance, and taught Legal Aspects of Construction in the College of Engineering Technology at The University of Akron from 2013-2022 as part of their adjunct faculty.

Practice Areas

• Business Litigation & Unfair Competition
• Construction Project Dispute Resolution Advocacy
• Construction Project Planning
• Construction Defect & Contract Claims
• Labor & Employment

Admissions

• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Education

• The University of Akron School of Law, Juris Doctor, cum laude (1996)
• The Pennsylvania State University, Behrend College, Bachelor of Arts (1992)

HONORS AND DESIGNATIONS

• Ohio Super Lawyers® – Construction Litigation (2011-Present)
• The Best Lawyers in America® – Construction Law, Construction Litigation, Labor & Employment (2024)
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Al Carey Memorial Chairman’s Award (2010)

ASSOCIATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER POSITIONS

• Ohio State Bar Association
• Pennsylvania Bar Association
• Akron Bar Association
• Tuscarawas County (Ohio) Bar Association
• Subcontractor’s Association of Northeast Ohio, Past President, Secretary (2008-Present)
• National Subcontractor’s Alliance, Attorney’s Council Member (2008-Present)
• Senior Lecturer – University of Akron, College of Engineering Technology (2013-2022)
• Mineral City Village Solicitor (2009-2019)
• Tusky Valley Youth Baseball Softball Association, Board Member, Secretary (2015-2021)
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Northeast Ohio Chapter, Volunteer (2001-2019), Chapter Chair (2019-Present)
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Habitat Partner (2013-Present)
• Federal Firearms Licensee (2010-Present)
• Mineral City United Methodist Church, Board of Trustees (2006-2023)
• Dover First United Methodist Church, Stewardship Committee (2023-Present)
• Tusky Valley Youth Baseball Coach (2014-2019)
• Tusky Valley High School Trap Shooting Team Head Coach (2022-Present)