Public Litigation & Defense
In conjunction with the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, the Government Relations Practice Group represents many clients in litigation presenting significant state and federal constitutional issues. The Government Relations Practice Group also represents many of the firm’s clients before state and federal intermediate appellate and supreme courts.
Experience
- Represented OneOhio Recovery Foundation in cases before the Ohio Supreme Court and the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas concerning the Ohio Public Records Act and Ohio Open Meetings Act (“Acts”). The cases concluded on terms favorable to OneOhio and led to a change in law to clarify that the Acts do not apply to OneOhio. OneOhio is proceeding with its important work in an open and transparent manner to assure the monies are distributed to those who need them most.
- Successfully defended the legality and constitutionality of Ohio Medical Marijuana Program in multiple court actions.
- Secured dismissal of injunctive relief action filed against association of Ohio counties by several individual counties.
- In a case of statewide and national significance, won writ of prohibition issued by Ohio Supreme Court on behalf of Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge to prevent retired judges from convening private jury trials.
- Won dismissal of extraordinary writ action against Cuyahoga County Judges challenging transfer of cases under local commercial docket rules.
- Represented the Governor, the Secretary of State, and the State of Ohio against a Voting Rights Act challenge to the at-large election of Ohio's Municipal, County, Common Pleas, and Appellate Judges.
- As special counsel hired by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, successfully defended a Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge in disqualification proceedings filed by a convicted double murderer in the Ohio Supreme Court. The Supreme Court dismissed the proceedings and the judge remains on the case.
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Represents a public pension system defending its provision of health care insurance to its retirees.
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Represented the County Coroners Association in an action regarding the disposal of body parts following an autopsy.
- Successfully defended small business client against a government enforcement action to prevent license suspension or revocation.
- Prior counsel to Ohio Elections Commission while serving as an Assistant Ohio Attorney General and have litigated cases before the Commission on behalf of private clients.
- Represented Republican majority members of the Ohio Apportionment Board in U.S. Supreme Court litigation/appeals (1991-2003) in the approval of their legislative redistricting plans.
- Represented the organized construction trades in the defense of a public sector project agreement against constitutional and statutory challenges.
- Represented the organized construction trades in their challenge to legislation that prohibits public sector project labor agreements.
- Represented a nursing home association in a constitutional challenge to state regulation establishing Medicaid reimbursement rates.
- Represented a labor organization in the defense of a defamation action before the Ohio Supreme Court.
