When Skill Matters

• Testified as an expert witness before the Ohio Legislature concerning proposed “reform” of the Civil Justice System.
• Served as sole mediator and as chosen arbitrator in product liability, personal injury, and commercial disputes.
• Rick’s advocacy has been reported in cases going back to 1982. His recent Reported Cases include:
  • Disciplinary Counsel v. Thomas (2020), 2020-Ohio-5582
  • Ohio State Bar Assoc. v. Mason (2017), 2017-Ohio-9215
  • Disciplinary Counsel v. Simon (2016), 146 Ohio St.3d 44
  • Toledo Bar Assoc. v. DeMarco (2015), 144 Ohio St.3d 248
  • Disciplinary Counsel v. Grubb (2015), 142 Ohio St.3d 521
  • Disciplinary Counsel v. Shimko (2012), 134 Ohio St.3d 544
  • Disciplinary Counsel v. Ridenbaugh (2009), 122 Ohio St.3d 583
  • Cleveland Bar Association v. Slavin (2009), 121 Ohio St.3d 618

Articles + Presentations

Rick has lectured and written on a variety of substantive tort, discovery, trial technique, expert witnesses, tort reform, S.B. 120, ethics and professional responsibility topics for numerous metropolitan bar associations including, the Cleveland Academy of Trial Attorneys, Cleveland Employment Lawyers Association, Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, Ohio State Bar Association, Stark County Trial Lawyers, and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, and published in Ohio Trial.

Distinctions + Awards

• Board-Certified Specialist in Civil Trial Law – National Board of Trial Advocacy
• Ohio Super Lawyers
• AV-Preeminent Peer Review Rated (Martindale-Hubbell)
• Cleveland Magazine Top Attorneys, Cleveland & Columbus – January 2023

Civic Involvement

• Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Alumni Association – Past President

Professional Affiliations

• Cleveland Academy of Trial Attorneys – Past President
• Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
• Judicial Conference of the Eighth Judicial District – Life Member
• Judge John M. Manos Inn of Court – Past Master Bencher
• Ohio Supreme Court Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline – Past Commissioner; Past Board Chair
• Ohio Association for Justice
• Ohio State Bar Association – Rule 1.15 Committee; Chair, Subrogation Committee
• The Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers
• American Board of Trial Advocates – Elected to Membership; Ohio Chapter Past President