In This Issue A Message from Benjamin C. Sassé, 2022 OACTA President 2021 OACTA Annual Meeting Welcome New Members! Upcoming Lunch & Learn Scholarship Announcement On-Demand CLE Library Substantive Law Committee Update Need CLE Before the End of the Year? Member News OACTA Board of Trustees Mark Your Calendars! January 11, 2021 OACTA Lunch & Learn Meeting Inhale, Exhale with Megan R. Snyder, MSW, LISW Learn More & Register Today! President's Message By: Benjamin C. Sassé 2022 OACTA President We enter this holiday season strong and healthy as an association, reinvigorated by an in-person Annual Meeting with attendance near pre-pandemic levels. Credit for this goes to Natalie Weis, our Immediate Past President; her predecessor, Jamey Pregon; our Executive Director, Debbie Nunner, and her staff; my fellow officers; our many wonderful sponsors; and all of you who contribute your time and talents so we can put on first-class CLE programming and webinars.   Every year around this time when I was growing up, my father would turn his thoughts to next year. An eternal optimist, he believed the coming year would be better than the last. Problems would be solved. Opportunities would arise. And the Cleveland Browns would go to the Super Bowl. (Of course, the last one never happened.)   Perhaps my upbringing, then, leads me to be so optimistic about the coming year. But the truth is we have a lot to look forward to. A full year of in-person CLE programming and other events is just around the corner. Look for an in-person Insurance Coverage Seminar in May, and a Personal Injury Seminar this summer. We will have a Young Lawyer’s Happy Hour Series next summer, and the much-awaited Women in the Law Regional Summit is being planned for next year.   At the same time, we understand many members want opportunities for online education and engagement. We will continue to provide webinars and hold coffee chats. We will maintain and update our on-demand CLE database, accessible at this link: https://cle.oacta.org/?pg=semwebCatalog&panel=browse&_swft=SWOD. We will continue to publish the Quarterly Review and The Update, and we will explore other opportunities for virtual participation and engagement.   But learning and connecting are only part of what we do, the backdrop for our efforts to promote fairness, excellence, and integrity in the civil justice system. This work includes influencing the law by filing amicus briefs, offering comments on rules proposed by the Ohio Supreme Court, and the like. It benefits from our emphasis on equity and inclusion, which foster a more holistic perspective of the civil justice system. Yet we recognize this work will not be finished by this generation of OACTA members.   With all this in mind, I encourage you to think about junior lawyers you know who would benefit from the opportunities OACTA offers. I spoke in November about the need to champion junior members, bring them to events, and help them become our future leaders. We hope to roll out a mentorship program in 2022, and I encourage you to become part of it. But whether you participate in a formal mentoring program or not, I’d ask you to reflect on who brought you to OACTA and how they helped you succeed—and then help others as you were helped.   Thank you for the honor of serving as President of OACTA. I look forward to working with you over the next year and welcome any thoughts or ideas you may have. Enjoy the holidays.

2021 OACTA Annual Meeting

Thank you to all the Exhibitors and Sponsors who helped make the 2021 OACTA Annual Meeting a success!

At the Annual Meeting, the new OACTA officers for 2022 were installed.

Left to right: Jamey Pregon, Past President; David Orlandini, Vice President; Paul McCartney, Treasurer; Elizabeth Smith, Secretary; Benjamin Sassé, President; Natalie Wais, Immediate Past President.

The 2021 OACTA Hilary S. Taylor Inclusion & Equity Scholarship recipients were recognized. The recipients of the scholarship were:

Rebecca C. Alexander Capital University Law School

Neema Ashou The Ohio State University, Moritz College Law

During the OACTA Annual Business Meeting & Legal Excellence Award Luncheon on Thursday, November 11, the following awards were presented to recognize attorneys for their service to OACTA, the profession and the community:  Excellence in Advocacy Award: Nicholas E. Subashi, Esq., Subashi, Wildermuth & Justice   Distinguished Contributions to the Profession Award: James L. Mann, Esq., Attorney James L. Mann   Respected Advocate Award: Robert J. Wagoner, Esq., Robert J. Wagoner Co., L.L.C.   Public Service Award: Director Judith French, Ohio Department of Insurance   Outstanding Young Lawyer Award: Adelia A. Mohan, Esq., Gallagher, Gams, Tallan, Barnes & Littrell, LLP Frank Seth Hurd Member of the Year Award: Joseph T. Mordino, Esq., Faulkner & Tepe, LLP   OACTA Committee Chair of the Year Award: Michelle L. Burden, Esq., Garvey Shearer Nordstrom, PSC OACTA congratulates these award recipients for their outstanding contributions and their dedication to the legal profession!

‌ Awards Luncheon attendees included (L-R): Director Judith French, Nicole A. Mitchell, Justice Patrick F. Fischer, Justice Melody J. Stewart, Judge Craig R. Baldwin, Judge Julia L. Dorrian, Natalie M. E. Wais, Benjamin C. Sassé

View the Complete List of Awards & Past Recipients

Welcome New OACTA Members Since October!

Shafiyal Ahmed, Mazanec, Raskin & Ryder Carl Anthony, Freund, Freeze & Arnold Gordon Arnold, Freund, Freeze & Arnold John Brehm Jr, Freund, Freeze & Arnold Kimberly Brennan, Pilawa & Brennan Co. L.P.A. Kyle Cramer, Staff Counsel of the Cincinnati Insurance Company Mary Dennison, Sutter O'Connell Tanjeet Dhillon, Sutter O'Connell Rory Garrity, Freund, Freeze & Arnold Madison Leanza, Bonezzi Switzer Polito & Hupp Co. L.P.A. Bryan Mahoney, Freund, Freeze & Arnold Latifat Osinowo, Freund, Freeze & Arnold Austin Richards, Sutter O'Connell Lindsey Self, Eastman Smith Myrl Shoemaker, Freund, Freeze & Arnold

Upcoming OACTA Lunch & Learn

Lunch & Learn: Inhale, Exhale with Megan R. Snyder, MSW, LISW Tuesday, January 11, 2021 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM Megan is the Clinical Director at the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program, Inc, ("OLAP") and maintains a small private practice in Grandview, Ohio. We will discuss wellness and how to create a better relationship with yourself to achieve a better sence of wholeness in all the important areas of your life - work, leisure time, joyful relationship and being happy. We will also discuss important coping skills to combat stress and mental health issues.

Register Today!

Scholarship Announcement

The Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys (OACTA) Law Student Inclusion & Equity, Scholarship program is open to the following incoming second and third-year law students who are enrolled in an Ohio law school or are a permanent Ohio resident: Minority law students; LGBTQ (Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender, Questioning) law students, regardless of race or ethnicity; Female law students, regardless of race or ethnicity; or, Law students from economically impoverished families/backgrounds, regardless of race or ethnicity. The criteria include academic achievements; service to the community and to the cause of inclusion and equity; and experience or interest in a civil defense practice.   Up to three (3) scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each will be awarded to successful applicants. Applicants are required to submit an application, law school transcript and a cover letter addressing the following: academic, personal and professional accomplishments, and why they should be selected as a recipient of the scholarship. Applicants must also submit at least one letter of recommendation but may submit a total of three. Applications must be submitted online with a cover letter. Transcripts and letter of recommendation may be mailed to the OACTA office.   The completed application and all other requested material must be received by May 13, 2022. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Scholarship recipients will be announced in June and recognized at the OACTA Annual Meeting in November. Funding is provided by the OACTA Foundation.   OACTA believes that a diverse membership makes a stronger organization. OACTA encourages inclusion and equity in all aspects of its activities and is committed to nurturing a culture that supports and promotes it.   For more information or to complete an application, visit www.oacta.org

Need CLE Before the End of the Year?

Did you miss any of the OACTA Lunch & Learn webinars? No problem! You can view OACTA Lunch & Learn webinars on-demand for self-study CLE credit! You can also view all of the webinars from the 2021 OACTA Insurance Coverage Virtual Seminar on-demand. You can purchase them individually or as a bundle for a discounted price! Available Lunch & Learn Webinars On-Demand "2020 Case Law and Legislative Developments, Impacting Insurance, from the COVID-19 Virus" "Automotive Sensors for Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS)" "Pain and Suffering Without Medical Bills? How to Deal with this Emerging Trial Tactic" "Sideswipe Collisions: Biomechanical Analysis" "Surveillance and Body Camera Analysis and Exhibits" "Targeted Hacking and Ransomware" "An Update on Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) From Diagnosis, Treatment, To Prognosis" "Human Factors and Premises Liability" "Insurance Coverage for Claims Arising in the 'Gig' Economy" "Litigating Common Coverage Issues in Auto and Homeowners Claims" "Low-Speed Vehicle Collision Analysis" "Making Insurance Great Again - How the #Insurtech Revolution is Bringing Much Needed Innovation to an Archaic Industry" "Mitigating Risks of Subcontractor Default" "Preparing and Protecting Your Witness Against the Reptile Theory From Discovery Through Trial" "Procedural, Evidentiary and Practical Considerations For Defending Bas Faith Litigation" "The Care and Feeding of Trial Judges: Dos and Don'ts" "Everything a Lawyer Needs to Know About Supersedeas Bonds" 2021 Insurance Coverage Virtual Seminar On-Demand "Insurance Coverage for Discrimination Claims" "Recent Developments & Recurring Issues in Ohio Bad Faith Law" Restatement of the Law, Liability Insurance (2019): How Will It Impact Ohio Law?" "The Internet of [Insurance] Things" "The Year of Living Dangerously--COVID-19 and First Party Property Claims"

View the OACTA On-Demand CLE Library

Featured Member Resource: Amicus Curiae Program

Substantive Law Committee Update

The Product Liability Committee and the Environment Law and Toxic Tort Committee have merged to form the Product Liability and Toxic Tort Committee. Karen Ross (Tucker Ellis) will serve as Chair and Patrick Haggerty (Frantz Ward) will serve as Vice Chair. All those who have signed up for either committee will be included on the new committee.

Member News: Weston Hurd LLP Welcomes OACTA Member as New Partner

Weston Hurd LLP is pleased to announce that Robert H. Stoffers has joined the firm's Columbus office as a Partner. Bob brings to Weston Hurd more than 35 years of litigation and trial experience. Bob represents his clients in a wide variety of legal matters including general liability, auto and trucking, products liability, construction defects, intellectual property, premises liability, professional malpractice, and errors and omissions.   In addition to his Ohio Bar admission, Bob is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.    Bob is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Columbus Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, and the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM).   After obtaining his B.A. in 1979 from Otterbein University, Bob received his J.D. in 1982 from the University of Toledo College of Law.

Don't Forget to Renew Your Membership!

Thank you for your membership in the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys! OACTA is a member-driven organization and we value the contributions from our members. Your involvement and participation is important and very much appreciated. If you haven't already done so, please take the time to renew your OACTA membership now, and remain part of our professional organization in 2022. Don't let your membership benefits expire! If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

Renew Your Membership Now!

DRI's Golden Coat Competition!

OACTA is encouraging members to collect coats between now and December 31st and donate them to local shelters in your area for distribution to those in need. Let us know how many coats you or your firm has donated ([email protected]) and we will report the number to DRI and acknowledge you and your firm in our next e-news. Thank you for making a difference in your community!

OACTA Can Help You...

Stay informed... OACTA has a webpage with links to many resources - NEWS AND INFORMATION REGARDING COVID-19. If you have resources to share, please send them to [email protected].   Stay connected... Join OACTA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and OACTA’s LinkedIn Private Group Page where you can share information and resources among your colleagues. Earn CLE credits... OACTA’s Online CLE Library allows OACTA members the opportunity to earn continuing legal education credit from the comfort and safety of your home. Visit the Online CLE Library today to view our on-demand programs and the OACTA Website for a listing of our Live Webinars!

Case Victories Needed! OACTA members - send summaries of your significant case victories to David Oberly, OACTA Social Media & Website Chair, for inclusion on OACTA's new "Significant Case Victories" webpage and announcements on social media. Those received will be posted on our website.

Check Out the Job Postings On the OACTA Website If you are looking for a position within the civil defense practice, you've come to the right place! All listings appear for 90 days or until the position has been filled, whichever is lesser, and will be listed in at least one issue of The Update. Be sure to notify the OACTA office if the position has been filled prior to the end of the 90 day period. Job postings cost is $150 for members and $250 for non-members. Submit a Job Posting

OACTA Social Media Opportunity We would like to feature OACTA members in our social media! To be a featured member, send the following to [email protected]: Your name Position Link to your online biography In 2 sentences or less, complete the following: How has OACTA membership benefited you? Nominate an OACTA member to be featured! Send the member name and email address to [email protected] and we will follow up to request the information needed. ‌ ‌ ‌

OACTA requests that authors who republish articles that were originally published in an OACTA publication, reflect that the article first appeared in the OACTA publication.

OACTA | www.oacta.org

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