ABOUT
As a litigation-focused labor and employment attorney, I am dedicated to representing federal and private-sector AFGE members, primarily in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, who are adversely affected by unjustified or unwarranted personnel actions.
I have first-chair litigation experience in a variety of complex cases, including removals, suspensions, RIF appeals, higher-graded duty temporary promotions, FLSA claims, EEO reprisal, FMLA interference/retaliation, and whistleblower retaliation claims.
My blue-collar upbringing as the son of a factory worker and a mechanical engineer instilled in me a strong work ethic, a passion for workers' rights, and a practical approach to the practice of law. As a third-generation dues-paying union member, I pursued a career in law to advocate for working people and to provide solutions to their most challenging problems during critical times.
My role demands robust negotiation, counseling, and interpersonal skills. I excel at translating complex legal concepts into clear, accurate, and practical legal advice. My expertise encompasses a broad range of US employment law issues pertinent to the federal employment sector. I am well-versed in federal labor and employment laws, including FSLMRS, NLRA, ADA, ADEA, WPEA, FLSA, and FMLA, and I have substantial experience with federal regulatory agencies such as MSPB, OPM, and the FLRA.
Before working as a Legal Rights Attorney in AFGE's District 6, I worked as a law clerk for AFGE at their Washington, DC headquarters, and at the UAW International Union's headquarters, Solidarity House, in Detroit, Michigan.
During law school, I oversaw the rechartering of the William Howard Taft Senate of Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, International. I led the Taft Senate as Dean for all three years of law school, serving as a delegate to the 59th Biennial Convention of Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, International. I received a Certificate of Achievement from the Supreme Court of Ohio and the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation in 2016 for my pro bono legal work benefiting the legal needs of impoverished Ohioans.
I was recognized as a member of the 2017-2018 Emerging Leaders Project -- the Emerging Leaders Project is a non-profit operated by volunteers with a mission of providing free training, mentoring and networking opportunities to up-and- coming Hoosier Democrats who have an interest in running for office or working on Indiana-based campaigns. My experience includes consulting political campaigns regarding labor policy, and contributing to organizing events.
In addition to my litigation work, I provide national, district, and local training sessions on labor and employment law topics. These trainings are designed to empower union stewards and officers with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively advocate for themselves and their colleagues, as well as counseling labor leaders on internal union governance best practices.