Jacob Dobres, Director

Jacob joined the firm in 2024, and focuses his practice on civil and commercial litigation, labor and employment, and workers' compensation defense.

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. He has previously represented both the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and the Industrial Commission of Ohio. Adding to 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 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.