Best Employment Lawyers in Columbus Ohio
Sandy Meizlish
Employment Lawyer
Sandy Meizlish is a senior partner at Barkan Meizlish DeRose Cox, LLP, with extensive experience in personal injury, medical malpractice, and product liability law.
Throughout his career, Mr. Meizlish has worked diligently to represent individuals injured or wronged through the negligence of others.
Mr. Meizlish is a life member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum signifying that he has won individual settlements in excess of $2 Million Dollars for his clients.
Mr. Meizlish has been named to Who’s Who in the Law, as well as received the American Jurisprudence Award. Mr. Meizlish is a past editor of Bar Briefs, the publication of the Columbus Bar Association. He has been selected as a Top Attorney in Ohio by Cincinnati Magazine and the American Trial Lawyers Association has named Mr. Meizlish one of the top 100 trial attorneys in Ohio. Mr. Meizlish has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America listing since 2013. Additionally, Mr. Meizlish has been featured on the Superlawyers.com “Top Rated Personal Injury Attorneys” list since 2009.
Around the Columbus Metropolitan Area, Mr. Meizlish is heavily involved with the Leo Yassenoff Jewish Community Center (former board member), the Columbus Bar Foundation, and the William A. Barkan Memorial 3 on 3 Charity Basketball Tournament. He is a past member of the Columbus State Community College Foundation Board.
ERIC B. CAMERON
Employment Lawyer
Eric is a partner with Agee Clymer working primarily in the Columbus and Delaware, OH offices. Eric balances his practice between Worker’s Compensation, Litigation and Social Security disability.
Eric is a native of Columbus, OH. He graduated from Salisbury School for Boys in Salisbury, CT in 1991. Eric received his BA from The Ohio State University, graduating magna cum laude with distinction in History. He completed Law School in 2002 at Capital University.
Away from the office, Eric is a devoted husband and father. He is a die-hard Cleveland Indians fan.
ADMISSIONS
- Ohio Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court, Southern District, Ohio
MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATES
- Ohio Association of Justice
- Columbus Bar Association
- Ohio State Bar Association
Greg Mansell
Employment Lawyer
Greg Mansell is passionate about being a Columbus Employment Attorney. You will see this from your first meeting with him until the matter is completely put to rest. Mr. Mansell grew up in the Cleveland, Ohio area. He understands that the key to success for his clients is achieved through hard-work, dedication, and, most importantly, communication with you, the client. Also, his Columbus location allows him to easily represent clients all over the state of Ohio.
Mr. Mansell’s devotion to his work has been recognized by his selection for inclusion in Super Lawyers for 2021-23 and also from 2014 – 2019. A rigorous, multi-phase selection process, including attorney peer review, is used to select this list of the top attorneys. No more than 2.5 percent of all practicing attorneys are named to the Rising Stars list.
In addition, Mr. Mansell has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for his work as a Columbus Employment Law Attorney representing employees from 2019-2023. Similarly, the firm he founded has been recognized as one the Best Law Firms in America by the same publication for 2020-2023. These recognitions are a direct reflection of Mr. Mansell’s passion to get his clients what we need. We are your Ohio employment lawyers.
Matthew J. P. Coffman
Employment Lawyer
Matthew is committed to the provision of affordable, first-rate, and zealous representation. Matthew is very client-centered and provides client-friendly options, such as free consultations and contingency fee agreements (we don’t receive any compensation unless you do). He looks forward to the opportunity to speak with you to understand your employment-related legal issue(s) and work with you towards a resolution.
Trisha M. Breedlove
Employment Lawyer
Trisha Breedlove is the Partner in Charge of the Southern District Offices at Spitz, The Employee’s Law Firm. Prior to joining Spitz, Trisha practiced as a defense lawyer for two years. Her practice entailed representing clients throughout northern Ohio, including nearly every county and municipal court in the greater Cleveland, Toledo and Akron Metropolitan areas. Since being recruited by Spitz, Trisha has continued to represent clients focusing her practice on employment law in Spitz, The Employee’s Law Firm’s Columbus office.
Education
- University of Akron School of Law, Akron, Ohio
- University of Akron, Akron, Ohio
Bar Admission
- Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio
Honors
- Rising Star
- Super Lawyers
- The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40
Shannon M. Draher
Employment Lawyer
Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be a lawyer. After graduating from law school, I was blessed to work at one of the best law firms in the world. There, I had top-notch training and was mentored by some of the best lawyers I know. After a few years there, my child-like passion for the law dwindled. I moved to other prestigious law firms, yet nothing re-lit the spark I had as a child.
That passion finally returned when I decided to represent a group of workers who were denied overtime pay. I fell in love with the law again. I felt a strong desire and motivation to help workers. Up until that time, I had spent my career defending “Goliath”. I was now representing the “David’s” of the world – and I was never going to look back.
After that case, my law partner Hans Nilges and I decided we were going to commit our careers to standing up for workers’ rights. Since making that decision, I have represented thousands of workers.
I focus my practice on recovering unpaid overtime and minimum wages for workers. I have litigated wage and hour class actions and collective actions across the nation. I am proud to say that in five short years, I have helped thousands of workers recover over $50 million in unpaid wages.
John S. Marshall
Employment Lawyer
For 35 years, John Marshall has represented individuals in employment and civil rights litigation. His practice areas include discrimination, retaliation, employment contracts, non-competes, wrongful discharge, sexual harassment, police misconduct, and First Amendment cases. In addition to his litigation practice, John regularly assists clients by reviewing and negotiating employment contracts and severance packages.
John received his B.A. from Denison University and his J.D. from The Ohio State University.
John has been elected by his peers to be included in every edition of the Best Lawyers in America from 1995-2021. He has been named by Best Lawyers as a Lawyer of the Year in Employment Law (2012, 2014, 2018) and in Labor and Employment Litigation (2010, 2013). John has been named by Super Lawyers Magazine as one of the Top 5 Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio (2012-2016) and one of the Top 10 lawyers in the State of Ohio (2011-2012). In 2013, Columbus CEO Magazine included him in its Top 5 Lawyers listing. In 2011, the Columbus Bar Association presented John with its Professionalism Award for his “exceptional dedication” to the standards of the legal profession, and his “demonstrated integrity and humanitarian concern.”
Professional Memberships include the Columbus Bar Association; Ohio State Bar Association; National Employment Lawyers Association; Ohio Employment Lawyers Association; Columbus Employment Lawyers Association; Central Ohio Association for Justice; and the Ohio Association for Justice.
Barbara K. Letcher
Employment Lawyer
Barbara K. Letcher was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was raised in Pittsburgh and Chillicothe, Ohio. She received her B.S. in Allied Health Professions, with a major in Biomedical Communications, and her J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Ms. Letcher’s practice focuses on labor and employment law and civil litigation. She has represented clients before Ohio state and federal courts as well as federal and state agencies.
Ms. Letcher is a member of the Association of Workplace Investigators. She has completed the AWI Training Institute for Workplace Investigators and holds the designation of AWI-CH. She is also a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Columbus Bar Association, the Society for Human Resource Management, and the Human Resources Association of Central Ohio.
Education
- The Ohio State University College of Law, Columbus, Ohio
- J.D. – 1990
- The Ohio State University
- Bachelor of Science
- Major: Biomedical Communications
- Capital University College of Law
- Certified Legal Assistant
Navigating the Buckeye State Maze: Why You Need the Best Employment Lawyer in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, the vibrant capital of the Buckeye State, boasts a thriving economy, rich history, and a strong sense of community. However, even in a bustling metropolis, workplace issues can arise, jeopardizing your job security, financial stability, and emotional well-being. If you’re facing an employment law concern in Columbus, retaining the best employment lawyer can be your lifeline. This comprehensive guide explores the invaluable benefits of having a skilled legal professional on your side, protecting your rights, and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.
Understanding Your Rights in the Workplace: A Complex Legal Landscape
Employment law governs the relationship between employers and employees. Federal and Ohio state laws establish employee rights and employer obligations regarding various aspects of employment, including:
- Discrimination: Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics like race, religion, gender, age, disability, or national origin.
- Harassment: Harassment creates a hostile work environment and can be verbal, physical, or sexual in nature.
- Wage and Hour Issues: Laws dictate minimum wage, overtime pay, and meal/rest breaks.
- Wrongful Termination: Termination without a legitimate reason, especially if it violates your rights, can be challenged.
- Family and Medical Leave: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects your right to unpaid leave for serious medical conditions or to care for family members.
Navigating these intricate legal aspects and enforcing your rights can be challenging. Here’s where the best employment lawyer in Columbus becomes your champion:
- Understanding Your Rights and Options: Employment laws can be complex, and legal jargon can be confusing. A lawyer explains your rights in detail, explores available legal options, and guides you towards the course of action that best addresses your situation.
- Building a Strong Case: A skilled lawyer meticulously gathers evidence to support your claim. This evidence can include emails, company policies, witness statements, and documentation of discriminatory actions, harassment, or unfair workplace practices.
- Effective Communication with Employers: Employment lawyers are adept at communicating effectively with employers and their legal representatives. They can negotiate a fair resolution or draft a strong legal argument if necessary.
- Standing Up to Workplace Intimidation: Facing a powerful employer can be intimidating. A lawyer protects you from retaliation, ensures your voice is heard, and represents your interests with confidence.
- Negotiating Severance Packages: If termination seems unavoidable, a lawyer helps negotiate a severance package that includes fair compensation and benefits.
- Litigation Expertise: While most cases are settled out of court, some require litigation. An experienced lawyer provides effective representation in court, protecting your rights and fighting for a just outcome.
Beyond Legal Expertise: The Qualities of a Top-Tier Employment Lawyer in Columbus
Not all employment lawyers are created equal. Here are the key qualities to consider when selecting the best advocate for your situation in Columbus:
- Experience in Ohio Employment Law: Ohio has specific employment laws, and local courts may have established precedents. A lawyer with extensive experience handling employment cases in Columbus understands the nuances of local law and can effectively navigate the legal system.
- Track Record of Success: Look for a lawyer with a history of achieving positive outcomes for clients facing similar employment law issues. Prior successes demonstrate their ability to handle your case effectively.
- Client-Centered Approach: The best employment lawyers prioritize understanding your unique circumstances, concerns, and desired outcome. They work collaboratively with you to develop a legal strategy that aligns with your goals and protects your rights.
- Clear Communication and Accessibility: Clear and consistent communication is essential. A top-tier lawyer keeps you informed throughout the process, answers your questions promptly, and addresses your concerns with empathy and understanding.
- Competitive Fees and Flexible Payment Structures: Employment lawyers offer various fee structures, including hourly rates or contingency fees (where they get paid only if they win your case). Discuss fees upfront to ensure transparency and explore options that fit your financial situation.
Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Representation in Columbus
- Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have faced employment disputes and inquire about their lawyers.
- Ohio State Bar Association: Contact the Ohio State Bar Association for referrals to qualified employment attorneys in Columbus.
- Columbus Bar Association: The Columbus Bar Association also offers referral services for legal representation.
- Online Resources: Several online legal directories allow you to search for employment lawyers in Columbus based on location, experience, and client reviews.