I am a business lawyer with 25 years of experience representing clients involved in the construction industry. In fact, I am one of the few attorneys in the Akron area who has devoted an 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. 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 teach Legal Aspects of Construction each semester in the College of Engineering Technology at The University of Akron.

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)
• 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 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-Present)
• Mineral City Village Solicitor (2009-2019)
• Tusky Valley Youth Baseball Softball Association, Board Member, Secretary (2015-Present)
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Northeast Ohio Chapter, Chapter Chair 2019-Present (2001-Present)
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Habitat Partner (2013-Present)
• Federal Firearms Licensee (2010-Present)
• Mineral City United Methodist Church, Board of Trustees (2006-Present)
• Tusky Valley Youth Baseball Coach (2014-2019)