Biography
Known for her calm demeanor, thoughtful advice and fierce advocacy, Lori has established a reputation as one of the most revered women lawyers in the state. She represents companies in complex business and employment matters, both as a counselor and in the courtroom. Lori uses her two decades of experience to help companies navigate business disputes with customers and vendors, and advises companies on employment matters. When the need to litigate arises, Lori seamlessly steps into the ring, having tried cases in state and federal courts, both inside Ohio and elsewhere. Chambers USA reports that Lori is praised for being “able to ‘engender confidence and trust’ and exhibits an ‘obvious awareness of not only legal issues but business consideration and risk assessment.’” The industry recognition she has received tells us others agree:
- 2024, 2023: Lori was ranked as one of the “Top 5” attorneys in Columbus by Super Lawyers
- 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014: Lori was ranked as one of the “Top 50” women attorneys in Ohio by Super Lawyers
- 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014: Lori was ranked as one of the “Top 50” attorneys in Columbus by Super Lawyers
- 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011: Lori was ranked as one of the “Top 25” women attorneys in Columbus by Super Lawyers
- 2024, 2023, 2022, 2017, 2015: Lori was ranked as one of the “Top 100” attorneys in Ohio by Super Lawyers
- 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013: Lori was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®
- 2022: Lori was recognized in Columbus CEO, Best Lawyers
- 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014: Lori was ranked as Band 4 attorney in Litigation by Chambers USA
- 2017: Lori was selected as one of 12 Women WELDing the Way, and was included in a 2018 calendar honoring women who have made a positive impact on the economic and leadership development of women in the region.
- 2016: Chambers USA reported that Lori “offers impressive trial experience in ... breach of contract cases, torts and securities disputes. One client reports: ‘She understands my business and comes up with creative solutions.’”
- 2013: Lori was one of only four women nationwide to be selected as a finalist in the ‘Up and Coming Litigator’ category for the Chambers USA Women in Law Awards
- 2013: Chambers USA reported that Lori is quickly establishing a fine reputation in the state bar. Sources describe her as “smart, extremely diligent and hard-working,” and note that “she is good with witnesses and in the courtroom.”
- 2012: Chambers USA reported that, “In the heat of litigation, [Lori] maintains a very good sense of objectivity and a resolve to find a solution.”
- Lori is a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America Trial Lawyer Honorary Society, and is a co-founder of its Complex Commercial Litigation Institute. Fellowship is highly selective and by invitation only, and is based on accomplishment and effectiveness of litigation, as well as superior ethical reputation.
Smart, creative, focused and fun to work with. That’s how our clients describe Lori. Whether trying mortgage-backed securities, breach of contract, business tort or other complex business cases, or defending discrimination or wage and hour claims, Lori packs a punch.
Firm Leadership
Lori has served in numerous leadership roles within our firm over the years and understands the challenges facing business leaders. She served for many years on the firm’s Executive Committee, served as Director of Associate Development, chaired the Recruiting Committee, and was instrumental in the creation of the firm’s first Women Lawyers’ Initiative in 2000.
Practice Areas
Education
- The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law (J.D., 1997)
- With Honors; Order of the Coif
- University of Toledo (M.A., 1990)
- Mount Union College (B.A., 1988)
Bar Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- Ohio
- New York
Professional Affiliations
- Association of Workplace Investigators, member
- Columbus Bar Foundation, former trustee, fellow
- Complex Commercial Litigation Institute, co-founder
- Order of Certus, advocate
- Diversity Law Institute, member
- Trial Law Institute, member
Charitable + Civic Involvement
- Recipient of the Litigation Counsel of America’s 2019 Peter Perlman Service Award
- Behavioral Healthcare Partners, Inc., Board of Directors, Former President
- Granville Education Foundation, Former Trustee
- Legal Aid Society of Columbus (LASC), Tenant Advocacy Project, Volunteer
- Licking Land Trust, Former Trustee
- The Sheryl L. Kraner, Esq. Youth & Family Behavioral Health Campus, Board of Directors, Former President
Career Highlights
- Inducted as a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America
- Recognized by the Institute for Conflict Management as a certified mediator
- Served as law clerk to the Honorable David A. Nelson, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 1997-1998