Eastman & Smith Ltd.

Gene R. Abercrombie is a member in the business section of Eastman & Smith Ltd., concentrating his practice in the area of real estate law, with an emphasis on transactions, zoning and planning and real estate brokerage law. Prior to rejoining the firm, Mr. Abercrombie served as Vice President and General Counsel of the then largest real estate services corporation in northwest Ohio and has served on the Springfield Township Board of Zoning Appeals. Mr. Abercrombie received his B.B.A. in finance from the University of Toledo and graduated cum laude from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1996, where he was a member of the Law Review. He is a member of the Toledo, Ohio and American Bar Associations.

A. Brooke Phelps is an associate in the employment law section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. Her practice includes representing employers in labor matters as well as against claims of employment discrimination and workers' compensation. Ms. Phelps is licensed to practice in the State of Ohio and is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Toledo Bar Association, where she sits on the Workers' Compensation Committee. She obtained her juris doctor degree, cum laude, from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2002, where she was a technical editor of the University of Toledo Law Review. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Toledo, magna cum laude, in 1999 with a major in Human Resource Management.

Andrea B. Smoktonowicz is an associate in the environmental law section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. Her practice focuses on federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including major federal statutes such as the Clean Water Act, CERCLA, and RCRA. Ms. Smoktonowicz graduated summa cum laude and received her B.A. in Criminology and Sociology from The Ohio State University in 2001. She also graduated with distinction from Ohio Northern University School of Law in 2004 where she participated on the Law Review Editorial Board and other law school organizations. Moreover, Ms. Smoktonowicz published her article on wetlands mitigation banking with the Ohio Northern University Law Review. She also received her LL.M. in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School in 2005. She is licensed to practice in the state courts of Ohio and is member of the Ohio State and Toledo Women's Bar Associations.

Bruce L. Smith is a member of the business section of Eastman & Smith Ltd., concentrating his practice in the areas of healthcare and general corporate law. During his career, Mr. Smith has been involved in a wide range of health care matters, including: hospital acquisitions and mergers; establishing and representing provider organizations and hospital-physician joint ventures; counseling and representing hospital-based physician practices and independent group practices; representing third party healthcare payers; counseling hospitals with respect to corporate and non-profit issues, physician recruitment and medical staff issues; and representing various healthcare providers in the negotiation of contracts. Mr. Smith has lectured on medical records, confidentiality and related practice issues. He received his B.A. from the Ohio State University and his J.D. in 1966 from the Ohio State University College of Law. He is a member of the Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio State (Member, Health Care Law Committee) and American (Member, Sections on: Antitrust Law; Business Law; and Health Law) Bar Associations. Mr. Smith is also a member of the American Health Lawyers Association and the Society of Ohio Hospital Attorneys.

Carrie L. Sponseller joined Eastman & Smith Ltd. in 2001 as an associate in the labor and employment law section. Ms. Sponseller is licensed to practice in Ohio, and is a member of the Ohio State and Toledo Bar Associations. Ms. Sponseller received her bachelor of arts degree from Bowling Green State University, cum laude, in 1998. She graduated cum laude from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2001 where she served as a member and note & comment editor of the University of Toledo Law Review.

D. Casey Talbott is a member of Eastman & Smith Ltd.'s employment section, concentrating his practice in the litigation of employment, workers' compensation, wrongful death, and significant personal injury and insurance coverage actions. He regularly appears before state and federal courts throughout the State of Ohio. Mr. Talbott also has a significant background in counseling railroad companies with respect to operations claims, including the defense of blocked crossing and bridge delay citations. Mr. Talbott received his undergraduate (B.A., cum laude, 1987) and law (J.D., 1990) degrees from The Ohio State University. Mr. Talbott is a member of the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel, the Defense Research Institute, and the American, Ohio State, and Toledo Bar Associations. Mr. Talbott is a member of the "Varsity O" Alumni Association and is a Past-President of The Ohio State University Alumni Association of Lucas County.

Connie S. Swemba is an associate attorney at Eastman & Smith Ltd. She was a summer associate in 2002 and then joined the firm as an associate in 2003. Connie practices in the firm s Litigation Section. Connie received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo, summa cum laude, in 2000, and was chosen University College s Outstanding May Graduate. She graduated cum laude from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2003 where she served as the Business Editor of the Law Review. Prior to law school, Connie worked in construction for twenty-one years as a licensed Steamfitter, licensed Plumber, and Ohio State Certified Welder. She is also a member of the Toledo and Ohio State Bar Associations and is licensed to practice in Ohio.

D. Casey Talbott is a member of Eastman & Smith Ltd.'s employment section, concentrating his practice in the litigation of employment, workers' compensation, wrongful death, and significant personal injury and insurance coverage actions. He regularly appears before state and federal courts throughout the State of Ohio. Mr. Talbott also has a significant background in counseling railroad companies with respect to operations claims, including the defense of blocked crossing and bridge delay citations. Mr. Talbott received his undergraduate (B.A., cum laude, 1987) and law (J.D., 1990) degrees from The Ohio State University. Mr. Talbott is a member of the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel, the Defense Research Institute, and the American, Ohio State, and Toledo Bar Associations. Mr. Talbott is a member of the "Varsity O" Alumni Association and is a Past-President of The Ohio State University Alumni Association of Lucas County.

Daniel O. Cecil is an associate in the Litigation section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. His practice consists of business, ERISA and employment litigation. Mr. Cecil obtained his juris doctor degree, magna cum laude, from the Case Western University School of Law, and is a member of the Order of the Coif. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1991 and Master of Business Administration degree in 1992, both from Wright State University. While attending law school, Mr. Cecil was a judicial extern for U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael R. Merz and a legal intern in the Milton A. Kramer Law Clinic. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Cecil worked for over eight years in operations management and taught courses in operations management at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida.

Daniel Everson is an associate in Eastman & Smith's Environmental and Public Law section. He is licensed to practice before the Ohio Supreme Court. Mr. Everson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Lipscomb University in 2003. He received his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from The Ohio State Moritz College of Law in 2008. While at Moritz, he served as a Managing Editor of the law review, The Ohio State Law Journal. He was also one of ten recipients of the law school's prestigious Moritz Scholarship. From 2003-2005, Mr. Everson worked in the Tennessee General Assembly. For two legislative sessions, he worked for the Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee, where he prepared policy analysis and summarized legislative proposals. For one session he worked as a Bill Clerk in the Senate Office of the Chief Clerk. In the Clerk's office, he served as the Chief Clerk's liaison with the Senate Judiciary, Environment Conservation and Tourism, Government Operations, and State and Local Government committees.

Mr. Krock graduated from The University of Toledo College of Law in 1982 where he was a member of the Law Review. He is a member of the Toledo and Ohio Bar Associations. He is an Ohio Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and was formerly a Tax Senior at Arthur Young & Co. In 2002, he was included in the publication The Best Lawyers in America.

David L. Kuhl is a member of the business section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. During his 29 years of practice, he has represented public and private companies in all phases of their development. He has extensive experience in transactional matters including mergers and purchases and sales of businesses, as well as in private placement securities offerings. He counsels numerous family and closely held businesses and sits on several corporate advisory boards. Mr. Kuhl also practices in the health law area and represents numerous health care clients including hospitals, joint ventures, physician group practices, imaging centers, outpatient surgery centers, and other providers. His experience includes counseling providers in all aspects of their operations, the merger of physician practices, various physician-hospital joint ventures, contract negotiations, and counseling of clients on compliance issues such as Stark, fraud and abuse, HIPAA, Medicare, licensing, tax exemption, and other federal and state laws. Mr. Kuhl received his B.A. in economics from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, and graduated from the University of Michigan law school in 1975, when he joined Eastman & Smith. Mr. Kuhl is the author of the "Business Law and Practice" Chapter of the Ohio State Bar Foundation Lawyers Desk Manual. Since 1996, Mr. Kuhl has been listed in Best Lawyers in America with respect to his health law practice. He is a member of the Toledo, Ohio, and American (member, sections on Business Law and Health Law) Bar Associations. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the American Red Cross. Mr. Kuhl has presented seminars on various subjects, including the Stark and anti-kickback laws, enforcement of restrictive covenants, confidentiality of medical records, group practice issues, and maintenance of corporate records.

David W. Carter is an associate in the wealth preservation section of Eastman & Smith LTD. concentrating his practice in the areas of estate planning, business succession planning, charitable giving, estate administration, and estate and gift taxation. His professional experience includes working seven years for a large financial institution as a trust officer. Mr. Carter graduated from the University of Toledo in 1993 and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School (cum laude) in 1998 Mr. Carter is licensed to practice in Ohio and is a member of the Ohio Bar Association. In Addition, Mr. Carter is a certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) through the American Bankers Association.

Dirk P. Plessner is a lifelong resident of northwest Ohio and joined the firm in 1987 after receiving his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. He attended the College of Business Administration at the University of Toledo where he received his B.A. and M.B.A. degrees. Mr. Plessner is currently a member of the University's College of Business Administration, Business Advisory Council. He is a member of the Toledo, Ohio State and American Bar Associations. Mr. Plessner is a member in the firm's environmental section and concentrates on environmental issues that affect the firm's rapidly growing public law practice. He assists the firm's clients in the development of strategies to reduce environmental risks in the redevelopment of contaminated property. Mr. Plessner is counsel to the Organization of Solid Waste Management Districts of Ohio and is a member of the Solid Waste Association of North America and is counsel to many of Ohio's solid waste management districts. Mr. Plessner is a frequent speaker on the impact of the commerce clause on governmental regulation of solid waste and the scope of local government authority in providing and procuring solid waste services.

E. Kirk Ross is an associate in the wealth preservation group in the business section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. He is admitted to practice law in both Ohio, Illinois, and Florida, concentrating his practice in the areas of wealth preservation, estate planning and general corporate law. Mr. Ross graduated cum laude from Berry College in 1997. He attended graduate school at Bowling Green State University , graduating in 2001. He earned his law degree in 2004 from Northwestern University in Chicago. After law school, Mr. Ross practiced at a major law firm in Chicago before returning to Toledo . He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Toledo Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association.

Garrett M. Cravener is an associate in the Labor and Employment Law Section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. Mr. Cravener joins Eastman & Smith Ltd. after participating in the Firm's summer associate program. Mr. Cravener received his Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University, magna cum laude, in 2005, with a major in family resource management and minor in economics. He graduated cum laude from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2008, where he was a member of the Entrepreneurial Business Law Journal.

Graham A. Bluhm is an member attorney in the business section of Eastman & Smith Ltd., concentrating his practice in the areas of transactional law, commercial law, general corporate and business law. He is licensed to practice in the courts of the State of Ohio, the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Federal Circuit. Mr. Bluhm has served as counsel in multiple business organizations, mergers, asset and stock acquisitions, and business succession plans. He frequently represents clients before the Ohio Department of Taxation. In addition, he has presented seminars on sales and use tax and the legal concerns of operating a business. Mr. Bluhm is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Toledo Bar Association, where he sits on the business law committee. He obtained his juris doctorate degree from the University of Toledo College of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude, was a member of the University of Toledo Law Review, and is a member of the Order of the Coif. He received a B.S. degree in business management, magna cum laude, from Ashland University.

Heidi N. Eischen is an associate attorney in the Industrial and Employment Relations section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. Her practice consists primarily of representing employers against claims of employment discrimination and workers' compensation, and related litigation. Her experience includes handling claims before administrative agencies and work before federal and Ohio courts. Ms. Eischen is licensed to practice in the State of Ohio and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. She is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Toledo Bar Association, where she sits on the Workers' Compensation Committee. She obtained her juris doctor degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Toledo College of Law, where she was a published member of the University of Toledo Law Review and is a member of the Order of the Coif. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo, cum laude, in 1998.

received his J.D. degree from Harvard University in 1965 and his LL.M. degree in 1967 from Georgetown University. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and has been admitted to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Friedman currently is a Professor of Law at The University of Toledo, has authored numerous books and articles on securities law, including Ohio Securities Law & Practice, and has also worked with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The Firm consults with Mr. Friedman in matters involving the SEC.

Jeffery A. Culver is an associate in the public law and environmental section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. Mr. Culver concentrates his practice on governmental issues related to the firm's rapidly growing public law practice. He represents and advises both public and private entities in matters related to education, land use planning, zoning, environmental compliance, conservation, agriculture, and issues related to election law and politics. Mr. Culver is an active member of the Black Swamp Conservancy, Maumee RAP, American Farmland Trust, and several other organizations dedicated to addressing environmental concerns in Northwest Ohio and the Great Lakes region. In addition to receiving his Juris Doctor Degree in 2002 from the University of Toledo where he was an editor for the law review, Mr. Culver received a Master of Public Administration Degree from Bowling Green State University where he focused his studies on local government issues and policy research. While studying public administration, Mr. Culver authored his thesis entitled The Potential for Purchase of Development Rights as a Means of Farmland Preservation in Northwest Ohio. He is licensed in Ohio and Michigan.

Jeffrey M. Stopar is an attorney in the litigation section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. He practices in the areas of professional liability, governmental liability, general tort, administrative, commercial and appellate litigation. His recent litigation successes include Wenz v. Rossford, Ohio Transportation Improvement Dist., 392 F.Supp.2d 931 (N.D. Ohio 2005). Mr. Stopar's professional experience includes a two-year post-graduate clerkship with the Honorable Donald R. Ford of the Eleventh District Court of Appeals of Ohio . He is a member of the Toledo , Ohio State and American Bar Associations. Mr. Stopar received his B.A. in economics from the University of Akron and graduated cum laude from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1996, where he was a member of the Law Review and also participated in Moot Court. He is licensed to practice in federal and state courts in both Ohio and Indiana .

John Koehler, an experienced attorney focusing on wills, trusts, business planning, and tax planning, joins Eastman & Smith Ltd. as a member in the Wealth Preservation group. Mr. Koehler's practice includes handling probate and estate administration matters and charitable tax planning.

E. Kirk Ross is an associate in the wealth preservation group in the business section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. He is admitted to practice law in both Ohio, Illinois, and Florida, concentrating his practice in the areas of wealth preservation, estate planning and general corporate law. Mr. Ross graduated cum laude from Berry College in 1997. He attended graduate school at Bowling Green State University , graduating in 2001. He earned his law degree in 2004 from Northwestern University in Chicago. After law school, Mr. Ross practiced at a major law firm in Chicago before returning to Toledo . He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Toledo Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association.

Lane D. Williamson is a lifelong resident of northwest Ohio. As a member of Eastman & Smith Ltd.'s business section, Mr. Williamson's practice includes real estate, estate planning and business related matters. His practice is focused on real estate acquisition and development with a concentration on land use, zoning, and planning law. Mr. Williamson has successfully handled a wide variety of transactions and has prevailed in matters before both administrative and judicial bodies, including the Ohio Supreme Court. Mr. Williamson is a member of the American Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Toledo Bar Association and the Wood County Bar Association and serves on various committees of those associations. He is also active on several charitable boards and public service organizations. He received his B.A. from Bowling Green State University in 1985 and his J.D. from the University of Toledo in 1988.

Lynn Vuketich Luther is an associate in the labor and employment law section. She joined Eastman & Smith in 2002 after participating in the Summer Associate program. Mrs. Luther is licensed to practice in Ohio and Michigan. She is a member of the Ohio and Toledo Bar Associations.

Mark W. Sandretto is an associate in the litigation section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. He concentrates his practice in the areas of defense of professional liability claims as well as general tort and commercial litigation. Mr. Sandretto received his B.S.B.A. from Bowling Green State University in 2002 and is a 2005 graduate of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where he served as an Articles Editor for The Ohio State Law Journal. He is currently licensed to practice in Ohio and is a member of the Ohio State and Toledo Bar Associations.

Michael A. Beal joined Eastman & Smith Ltd. in 2008 as an associate in the litigation department. He concentrates his practice in the areas of professional liability, commercial, and general tort related litigation. Mr. Beal had previously served as a summer associate with Eastman & Smith Ltd. in 2007. In 2004, Mr. Beal graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor of arts in political science and received his juris doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2008. While attending law school, he studied abroad in France and Turkey as part of the University's Summer Program. He is currently licensed to practice in Ohio and is a member of the Ohio State and Toledo Bar Associations.

Mimi Tarini is in the wealth preservation section of Eastman & Smith Ltd., administering the firm's probate and estate practice, concentrating in the representation of Trustees, preparation of fiduciary tax returns and estate planning. Her professional experience includes fiduciary administration in Columbus, Ohio and as senior trust officer in the personal trust dept. of Fifth Third Bank of Northwest Ohio. Ms. Tarini received her B.S. in business administration from Ohio State University, probate paralegal certificate from Capital University Law School and received her J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Florida, Ohio and Federal District Court (Northern District of Ohio). Mimi is a member of the Toledo Bar Association (Probate Estate Planning Committee), Lucas County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association (Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Section) , Florida Bar Association (Real Property, Probate & Trust Law; Out-of-State Practitioners; and, Elder Law Sections) and Toledo Estate Planning Council. Mimi was certified by the Ohio State Bar Association in January, 2003 as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law.

Nicole A. Flynn is an associate in the industrial and employment relations section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. Her practice consists primarily of representing employers in labor disputes and collective bargaining and before administrative agencies such as the OCRC, EEOC, NLRB, and the Industrial Commission. Her experience includes work before federal and Ohio state and appellate courts. Ms. Flynn is licensed to practice in the State of Ohio and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio. She is a member of the Ohio State and American Bar Associations, the Toledo and Columbus Bar Associations, and DRI, The Voice of the Defense Bar. She obtained her Juris Doctor degree from The Ohio State University College of Law, where she was a member of the Journal on Dispute Resolution. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University, magna cum laude, in 1998.

Patrick J. Downey is an associate in the business section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. with over seven years of legal practice in business, corporate, estate planning, probate, real estate, school and tax law. His practice at Eastman & Smith is concentrated in the areas of employee benefits, tax, business and school law. Mr. Downey received his J.D. from the University of Cincinnati and his LL.M. in taxation from the University of Florida. While attending the University of Florida, he served as a Graduate Editor and Assistant Managing Editor of the Florida Tax Review. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Downey worked as a Revenue Officer for the Internal Revenue Service for over five years.

Patrick J. Johnson is a lifelong resident of northwest Ohio. After serving a clerkship with the firm and graduating from the University of Toledo College of Law, he joined the firm as an associate in 1967, concentrating primarily in litigation in state and federal courts. His practice has evolved into all aspects of employment law throughout the United States, with an emphasis on employee handbooks, collective bargaining, individual employment contracts, mediation, arbitration and government agency disputes. Since 1987, he has been named annually to the list of Best Lawyers in America. Mr. Johnson has authored several "how to" manuals for employers and lectured extensively for corporations, employment organizations and educational institutions. He has also served as an arbitrator of architectural/construction industry disputes. In addition to thirty-five years of service with the firm, including firm management, Mr. Johnson serves on several private corporate boards and has been active in community affairs on behalf of educational, health, and other public service organizations.

Peggy Mattimoe Sturgeon is a member of the employment section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. She represents employers before federal and state courts, as well as administrative agencies including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Industrial Commission of Ohio and the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Her practice also includes counseling of employers regarding a wide variety of employment matters, and assisting companies in preparing and reviewing employee handbooks. Ms. Sturgeon received her B.A. from Xavier University summa cum laude, and graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1990. Her professional experience includes a three year clerkship for U.S. District Court Judges Nicholas J. Walinski, David D. Dowd, and David A. Katz.

Richard T. Sargeant is the head of Eastman & Smith Ltd.'s environmental and public law practice group. He graduated from Capital University in 1969 with a bachelor of science degree and from Ohio State University College of Law, cum laude, in 1975. He has practiced in the area of environmental, administrative and public law for the past 26 years.

Robert J. Gilmer, Jr. is a senior trial attorney in Eastman & Smith Ltd.=s Employment Law Section and concentrates his practice in the areas of employment, environmental and professional liability litigation. He graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1975 and received his undergraduate degree from Ohio Northern University in 1972. Following graduation from law school, Mr. Gilmer worked as a trial attorney for the Office of the Lucas County, Ohio Prosecuting Attorney from 1976 through 1980. Since joining Eastman & Smith Ltd. in 1980, Mr. Gilmer has represented business clients in complex litigation in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies in matters involving employment discrimination, breach of contract, housing discrimination claims against insurance carriers, claims of professional negligence and CERCLA cost recovery and toxic tort litigation. Mr. Gilmer's community service includes currently serving as an Acting Judge in the Perrysburg (Ohio) Municipal Court and as a long-time member of the Way Public Library Board of Trustees. He also serves as a Troop Committee Chairman with the Boy Scouts of America.

Roy V. Pitman is an associate in the litigation section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. He focuses his practice primarily on the defense of professional liability claims as well as personal injury and product liability litigation. Mr. Pitman previously managed the Legal Operations group at a Fortune 300 financial institution. He received his B.S. in Zoology and Life Sciences from the Ohio State University, and is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board and was awarded with an honorary appointment to the Order of the Barristers. Mr. Pitman is licensed to practice in Ohio, and is a member of the American and Ohio State Bar Associations.

Ryan E. Crozier is an associate in the litigation section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. He concentrates his practice in the defense of medical, hospital, and other professional liability claims. Mr. Crozier received his B.S. in Aviation Management from The Ohio State University in 1998 and is a 2003 graduate of the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where he was a member of the Honors Advocacy Team. He is currently licensed to practice in the State of Ohio and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. He is also a member of the Ohio State and Toledo Bar Associations.

Sarah C. Dobrzykowski joined Eastman & Smith Ltd. as an associate and practices in the business section. Ms. Dobrzykowski graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2001 with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration and again in 2002 with a Master in Organizational Development. While pursuing her undergraduate degree she was elected to her first term on the Bowling Green City Council where she became the first student in the city history to gain re-election. During her third term she served as Chair of the Finance Committee. Ms. Dobrzykowski graduated with high distinction in 2007 from the Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law. While in law school, she served as an Associate Editor of the Law Review where she received the Associate Editor of the Year Award.

James F. Nooney is Chair of the litigation section at Eastman & Smith Ltd., concentrating his practice in the defense of professional liability and products liability claims and in complex commercial litigation. Before joining the Firm in 1971, he served four years as a Staff Judge Advocate in the United States Air Force and, during the same period of time, was a part-time law clerk for Kent County, Delaware Superior Court Judge William J. Storey. Mr. Nooney has been active in national, state and local bar activities as a member of the American, Ohio State and Toledo Bar Associations, serving as President of the Toledo Bar Association in 1999-2000. He has also, for many years, been the prime Toledo member of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, as well as a member of the Defense Research Institute and of the Ohio and Toledo Associations of Civil Trial Attorneys, having served as the inaugural President of the Toledo group. He is also a fellow of the Toledo and Ohio State Bar Foundations, and a Master and Past President in the Morrison Waite Inn of the American Inns of Court. Mr. Nooney received a B.A. from Denison University in 1963 and an LLB from Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1966.

Albin Bauer, II, is a member of Eastman & Smith Ltd. where he concentrates on public law, environmental law, school law and constitutional issues. He counsels and represents cities, counties, special governmental districts, economic development agencies, community schools and other educational institutions. Mr. Bauer's experience includes public contract negotiation and drafting, competitive bidding dispute resolution, development of legislation and local regulations, open meetings and public records issues, taxpayer litigation, injunctions and litigation of constitutional and public law matters, particularly school cases and interstate commerce clause disputes. Mr. Bauer also counsels private and governmental clients on solid waste, air, water and sewer regulations, permitting, enforcement, and liability. Mr. Bauer maintains licenses to practice in Ohio and Michigan. He is a 1985 graduate of Kettering University (f.k.a. General Motors Institute) and a 1990 cum laude graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law. Examples of Mr. Bauer's cases include Maharg, Inc. v. Van Wert Solid Waste Mgt. Dist., 249 F.3d 544 (6th Cir. 2001); State ex rel. Lucas Cty. Bd. of Commrs. v. Ohio Env'tl Protection Agency, 88 Ohio St.3d 166 (2000); and Al-Sadeq Islamic Educ. Ctr. v. Lucas County Educ. Serv. Ctr., 2003-Ohio-7251 (Lucas Cty. App. 2003).

Joseph A. Gregg is a member in the Environmental Section of Eastman & Smith Ltd., where he regularly represents and counsels public entities, manufacturing, industrial and landfill clients, with respect to permitting issues, enforcement cases, remediation (clean up) projects, Voluntary Action Program (VAP) clean ups and compliance, RCRA waste management issues and corrective actions, CERCLA and state equivalent investigations and clean ups, PRP group organization, administration and participation, the negotiation of federal and state lead Administrative Orders on Consent, Consent Decrees and Statements of Work, and implementation of solid waste management plans and flow control rules and regulations.

Joseph R. Durham joined Eastman & Smith Ltd. as Of Counsel in the environmental section. His practice focuses on environmental law, public law, and litigation. From 1991 through July, 2002, Mr. Durham was employed as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in Columbus, Ohio and a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. He has advised, counseled, and litigated cases for District Boards of Health, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio, the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency, and prosecuted criminal cases investigated by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Mr. Durham is a graduate of Lewis and Clark's Northwestern School of Law in Portland, Oregon, where he received a J.D. and Certificate in Natural Resources and Environmental Law.

Marcus J. Brubaker is a member in the wealth preservation group of Eastman & Smith Ltd., concentrating his practice in the areas of probate and trust administration, estate and fiduciary taxation, and guardianships. After graduating from Ohio State University with a bachelor of science in business administration, majoring in accounting, he obtained his law degree from the University of Toledo. Mr. Brubaker has practiced law in northwest Ohio since 1981. Prior to his affiliation with Eastman & Smith, he was employed as the Chief Referee of the Lucas County Probate Court. Mr. Brubaker has served as counsel in unique probate civil actions such as trust reformations, fiduciary land sales, and the continuation of a decedent's business by a fiduciary. He frequently is hired as co-counsel to assist other attorneys with matters such as fiduciary tax preparation and specialized probate proceedings.

Morton Bobowick is a member of the wealth preservation group in the business section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. He is admitted to practice in the state and federal courts in Ohio. He practices in the area of wealth preservation, estate planning, and business entities. Morton Bobowick was a member of Phi Beta Kappa at Brooklyn College, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1962. Mr. Bobowick then graduated from Harvard Law School cum laude in 1965. Following graduation from law school, he worked for one year with the Civil Aeronautics Board in Washington, D.C. and then clerked for the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit for over two years. Mr. Bobowick is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Toledo Bar Association. He is a member emeritus of the Board of Governors of the Ohio State Bar Association - Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Section. Mr. Bobowick also served as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the Probate Law Journal of Ohio and is currently a member of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Thomas A. Dixon practices in the area of management labor and employment law. His practice covers the range of employment issues, including counseling on employment policies and handbooks, training supervisors and managers, representation in administrative proceedings, defending discrimination claims, and providing guidance on the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, drug testing, sexual harassment, wage-hour matters, and a variety of other issues. He also provides advice on union organizational campaigns, union prevention, negotiation and administration of labor contracts, labor arbitration, wrongful discharge, employment-at-will litigation, and civil rights litigation.

Thomas J. Gibney is a member in the employment law section of Eastman & Smith Ltd., concentrating his practice in the areas of employment discrimination, labor litigation, workers' compensation and public law. Mr. Gibney is admitted to state bars of Ohio and Michigan , the United States District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, and the Eastern District of Michigan, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Gibney is a frequent lecturer on the National Labor Relations Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act and state workers' compensation laws. His administrative practice includes regularly appearing before the NLRB, the OSHA, the EEOC, the OCRC, and the Industrial Commission of Ohio. Mr. Gibney also regularly counsels employers on ways to prevent such litigation. Mr. Gibney is a 1985 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and is a member of the Toledo (Chairman: Workers' Compensation Committee, 1989-1993; Lawyers' Roundtable, 1999-2001), Ohio and Michigan State Bar Associations.

Bruce D. Lazar is a member in the business section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. His primary practice areas are mergers and acquisitions, securities and general corporate law. Mr. Lazar has represented clients in connection with stock and asset acquisitions, private placement offerings and entity formations. He has also presented numerous seminars on choice of business entity, limited liability companies, limited partnerships and franchising. He obtained his juris doctorate degree from the University of Toledo College of Law, received a B.S.B.A. in accounting from John Carroll University, and an M.B.A. with a concentration in finance from the University of Toledo. Mr. Lazar is a member and participant in the Ohio State Bar Association and the Toledo Bar Association, where he serves as the Chairman of the Business Law Committee.

Frank D. Jacobs graduated from the University of Toledo in 1956 with a bachelor of business administration degree, summa cum laude. In 1959 he graduated from the University of Michigan Law School with a juris doctor degree, with honors. He is admitted to the Bar of Ohio and is also admitted to practice in the federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Jacobs now practices as a member of Eastman & Smith Ltd. and is head of the business section of the firm. His practice emphasizes estate planning, general tax planning, charitable planned giving, business structuring, business succession planning, and qualified retirement plans. Effective January 1, 2003, Frank was accredited by the Ohio State Bar Association as a certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law. Mr. Jacobs has also been a speaker at numerous business and professional society meetings covering tax, business, charitable gifting, and estate planning subjects. He has written various articles in his areas of expertise. He is an adjunct professor in the College of Law, University of Toledo, in tax subjects. Since 1988 he has been included in the publication of The Best Lawyers in America. In 1991, he was elected a Fellow in The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Gary L. Miller is a member in the business section of Eastman and Smith Ltd., concentrating his practice in the areas of estate planning, probate, elder law, business law, tax, and qualified retirement plans. After seven years as a vocal music teacher, he worked 21 years as a financial planner, serving primarily small business owners in the areas of estate planning, business succession planning, and qualified retirement plans. He received his B.S. in Vocal Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and his M.M. in Music History and Literature from Temple University, and he graduated cum laude from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1998. Mr. Miller has worked extensively in the area of distribution planning for retirement plans and speaks frequently on this topic, as well as on other estate planning topics. He is a past president of Toledo Estate Planning Council and current treasurer of Toledo Area Planned Giving Council, and he serves in the MCO Foundation Gift Planning Advisory Group.

James B. Yates is a member of Eastman & Smith Ltd.'s labor and employment section. He represents public and private sector employers in all facets of labor and employment law matters including collective bargaining, general personnel planning and counseling, equal employment opportunity matters, workers' compensation and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. Mr. Yates has represented employers in labor and employment law related matters in a variety of fora including the Industrial Commission, NLRB, EEOC, OSHA, SERB, OCRC, OBES, state and federal courts and arbitration tribunals, and he regularly consults with clients regarding the drafting and implementation of employment policies and conducts supervisor training. Mr. Yates is a frequent speaker at seminars regarding a myriad of labor and employment law topics. Mr. Yates received his Bachelor of Arts Degree, summa cum laude, from The University of Dayton in 1987 and received his J.D. Degree from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1990. He is a member of the American (Labor and Employment Law Section), Ohio State (Labor and Employment Law Section) and Toledo Bar Associations (Labor and Employment Law and Workers' Compensation Committees) and a Barrister Member of the Morrison R. Waite Chapter, American Inns of Court.

Mr. Rogers has experience in all aspects of commercial litigation, including appellate level. He has litigated cases in state courts, a dozen different United States District Courts around the country, various United States Bankruptcy Courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Mr. Rogers has been active in professional associations and spoken to professional groups on ethical issues facing attorneys, liability prevention and creditor's rights. His community activities include service as a Board member with the Aurora Project, Inc., Catholic Charities for the Toledo Diocese, the Toledo Area Catholic Credit Union, and the Dean's Advisory Council for the College of Business at Bowling Green State University. Mr. Rogers received his B.S. in business administration from Bowling Green State University in 1984 and he graduated cum laude from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1987. He is licensed to practice in both Ohio and Michigan.

Jeffrey D. Snavely is a member in the business section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. concentrating his practice in the areas of commercial transactions and general corporate law. Mr. Snavely's practice focuses on the representation of small and medium sized businesses in corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions and the formation of entities, and commercial transactions, including financing transactions and the purchase, sale, and lease of assets. He is a member of the Ohio Bar (member of the Corporation Law Committee) and Toledo Bar Associations. Mr. Snavely graduated magna cum laude from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1996 where he was managing editor of the University of Toledo Law Review, and a member of the Order of the Coif. He also received a B.B.A. in Finance, cum laude, from the University of Toledo.

Matthew D. Harper is a member in the business litigation section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. Mr. Harper is admitted in state and federal courts throughout Ohio and Michigan where he represents parties in a variety of business and real estate disputes. Mr. Harper obtained his B.A. in 1989 from Ashland University, magna cum laude. Mr. Harper graduated in 1992 from the University of Toledo College of Law, magna cum laude, where he was the managing editor of the Law Review, a member of the Order of the Coif, and the Outstanding College of Law Graduate. Following his graduation from law school, Mr. Harper also served for one year as a law clerk to the Honorable Richard F. Suhrheinrich of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Mr. Harper is a member of the National Lawyers Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, the Toledo Bar Association (Past Chairman, Professionalism Committee), the Wood County Bar Association, the Christian Legal Society (President), and the Toledo Chapter of the American Inns of Court.

Michael W. Regnier is a member in Eastman & Smith's litigation section. He practices in the areas of professional liability, product liability, general tort, and commercial litigation, and regularly appears before Ohio, Michigan, and federal courts. Mr. Regnier has defended medical, chiropractic, dental, and podiatric malpractice cases, and similar cases brought against institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes. He has also handled cases involving professional licensing, commercial disputes, general negligence, product liability, premises liability, worker's compensation, and intentional torts. Mr. Regnier graduated magna cum laude from the University of Toledo College of Law, where he was a member of Law Review and the Order of the Coif. He received his B.A. from Hope College in Holland, Michigan where he majored in business administration and minored in economics. He is licensed to practice in Ohio and Michigan.

Richard L. Johnson is a member the employment law section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. While his practice includes all areas of employment law, Mr. Johnson has special expertise in workers compensation defense and has represented both self-insured and state-funded employers before the Industrial Commission of Ohio and all levels of Ohio courts. He is a member of the Northwest Ohio Self-Insurers Association and has frequently lectured on workers compensation issues. Mr. Johnson received his bachelor of science degree from Indiana Wesleyan University (f/k/a Marion College) in Marion, Indiana, and graduated from The University of Toledo College of Law, cum laude, where he served as a technical editor on the Law Review. Mr. Johnson is licensed to practice in Ohio and is a member of the Ohio State and Toledo Bar Associations.

Roger Paul Klee is a member of the business and litigation sections of Eastman & Smith Ltd. His practice involves both general representation of business clients, as well as acting as a senior litigator in complex business litigation; real property litigation, including eminent domain, zoning and landlord/tenant disputes; probate litigation related to defending or prosecuting disputes concerning the validity of testamentary plans and other litigation-related aspects of the administration of a decedent's estate. Mr. Klee has more than 27 years of experience representing business clients in the creation, development and continuing representation of their general business needs. In addition, Mr. Klee has litigated numerous disputes in his areas of specialty at all levels of the Ohio court system, as well as in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Mr. Klee received his B.A. degree in economics with high honors from Michigan State University in 1970 and graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School in 1974. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar, Toledo Bar and Lucas County Bar Associations.

Ronald J. Tice is a member in the business section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. Mr. Tice practices in the areas of business and commercial counseling, planning and transactions, principally for small to medium-size closely-held and family business enterprises. Mr. Tice serves as the principal legal advisor for numerous industrial and manufacturing businesses in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. Mr. Tice was admitted to practice in 1973 and has been a member of the firm since 1985. Prior to that, he was in private practice in Toledo and served in a variety of legal positions with Marathon Oil Company in Findlay, Ohio; Casper, Wyoming; Washington, D.C. and Houston, Texas. Mr. Tice is a member of the Toledo, Ohio and American Bar Associations and has served as Chairman of the Business Law Committee of the Toledo Bar Association.

Steven D. Reinbolt is a member in the real estate practice group of Eastman & Smith Ltd. His principal areas of practice include property acquisitions, property divestitures and leasing; public and private real estate financing; land use planning and business law. Mr. Reinbolt has extensive experience representing owners, large corporations, investors and developers in Ohio, Michigan and multi-state real estate projects. He has substantial experience in forming limited liability companies, commercial leasing, bond financing and formation and operation of condominiums. Mr. Reinbolt is a member of the Toledo, Ohio State and Michigan Bar Associations. He is also a member of the Board of Governors of the Real Property Section of the Ohio State Bar Association. He serves as a trustee of the Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Reinbolt graduated from the University of Cincinnati Law School in 1985 where he was a student articles editor of the Law Review.