A senior trial attorney in the firm’s litigation area, Jacob chairs the Workers’ Compensation practice, offering management-side clients a unique perspective on dispute resolution and claim defense informed by his previous experience representing both the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and the Ohio Industrial Commission.
He also maintains a broad-based commercial litigation practice, relying on his profound first-chair trial and appellate experience to counsel clients of all sizes, from startups to multinational companies, on issues involving contract disputes, insurance defense, construction defects, wrongful death claims and other civil litigation matters.
Workers' Compensation + Labor and Employment
Jacob manages every stage of workers' compensation claim defense and litigation. His experience includes first-chair trial and appellate work on behalf of employers ranging from family businesses to multinational corporations. Previously, he has represented both the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and the Industrial Commission of Ohio. And with this unique perspective, Jacob offers his management-side clients the experience and insight he gained while working on the “other side of the table” representing injured workers.
Jacob also counsels clients on labor and employment issues, including USERRA, FMLA, and unemployment compensation. During the pandemic, Jacob assisted clients in updating employment manuals to address COVID-19 issues, such as telecommuting, testing programs, and CARES Act compliance. He also provided a series of tailored webinars for his employer clients to keep them aware of the constantly changing workplace legal environment.
Administrative Practice
Jacob represents employers in administrative hearings before the Ohio Unemployment Compensation Review Commission and the Industrial Commission of Ohio.
Litigation
Jacob's litigation practice includes authoring more than 20 briefs in the Ohio Supreme Court and serving as first-chair in trials. Known for his creative problem-solving skills, he emphasizes efficient case resolution. Jacob represents insurance companies and their insureds in civil litigation, including claims related to automobile accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, construction defects, business interruption, professional liability, and wrongful death cases in both state and federal courts.
Public Speaking
Jacob has presented numerous seminars for employers, third-party administrators, and professional trade organizations, including the Ohio State Bar Association.
- The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law (J.D.,1999)
- The Ohio State University, Summa Cum Laude (B.A., 1995)
- Ohio
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
- Columbus Bar Association
- Ohio Bar Association
- Ohio Self-Insurers Association
- Columbus Literacy Council, Board of Trustees, member
- Pelotonia, rider, volunteer, and fundraiser
