Faces and Places of Toledo Law
by Heather Karns | Aug. 1, 2020
Toledo Law alumni show up. They are in courtrooms and in boardrooms, in public interest and government environments, as well as private business and law firms of all sizes. They are part of the landscape and are doing things that make us proud. In 2018, Toledo Law embarked on an effort to enhance alumni communications, while also highlighting the interesting and important work Toledo Law alumni are doing around the world. Relying on our annual alumni magazine wasn't enough. Toledo Law alumni have a great story to tell; YOU are the story.
Not only did we want to showcase alumni, but we also hoped to connect alumni with college news along the way. To do so, we launched our first quarterly email newsletter last year, and we have not looked back. Since the kickoff, we have had the opportunity to share program news and updates, important events, alumni stories, and more. Each alumni story reminds us that real people are out in the world making an impact, and the common factor is Toledo Law.
The following stories highlight the amazing work being done by our alumni. Profiles were included in Alumni eNews, starting in February 2019. The stories are based on what alumni were doing at the time they were featured and offer a closer look at their professional and personal lives. With close to 8,000 living law alumni, there are many more stories to tell. We look forward to providing you with more alumni highlights and college updates in future issues of the Transcript and Alumni eNews.
Alumni Profile Stories
Sustaining Human Rights, Education, and Equality in Africa
Tunji Abayomi '79
Tunji's educational journey took him from Africa to Ohio. He's spent 37 years in private
practice in Nigeria, serving as a human rights advocate. From 1995-96, he was detained
by the military regime — an experience detailed in his book, "CELL 26: Detention Memoir
of a Political Detainee." As pro-chancellor and chair of the Governing Council for
Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, he's now advancing academics and research.
Tunji was selected as the 2020 recipient of Toledo Law's Distinguished Alumni Award.
Advancing Global Justice at The Hague
Fahed Al-Sabouni '13
Fahed was born in Syria and has already been able to call a number of international
locations "home." During law school, he was encouraged by Professor Ben Davis to write
a paper on international crime. Through that experience, Fahed realized that his long-time
interest in the public and international sector was his true calling. For the last
two years, Fahed has lived in The Hague, Netherlands, working with the Special Tribunal
for Lebanon as an associate legal officer/associate appeals counsel with the Office
of the Prosecutor.
Tackling Trial Cases as Director of Criminal Practice in Colorado
Jonathan Booker '10
Jonathan is the director of criminal law at Hernandez & Associates P.C. in Denver,
where he focuses his practice in the field of criminal defense. He considers criminal
defense an opportunity to assist individuals in navigating the complex judicial system.
His law practice primarily focuses on representing immigrants facing criminal prosecution
and possible deportation. As the son of a first-generation immigrant, helping clients
navigate challenges like the complex judicial system make his legal work fulfilling.
Toledo Lawyer, Advocate, and Civil Rights Leader Continues to Inspire Generations of Lawyers
Eddie Cole '51
At ninety-eight years young, Eddie Cole proves that hard work and passion are the
foundation of a satisfying law career. Throughout his life and career, Eddie has been
an advocate for social justice. His story continues to inspire generations of lawyers
to be agents of change in their own communities. To honor his legacy, the college
commissioned a portrait by Darryl Alexander Hines '79. The portrait will be displayed
in the law school by spring 2021.
Making Tough Decisions for Fair and Just Outcomes
Angelita Blackshear Dalton '97
Angelita is a criminal court judge in Davidson County, Tenn. She became the first
African American woman to serve the Davidson County Criminal Court. She was elected
to retain the seat in 2018. Angelita was first elected to the Davidson County General
Sessions Court in 2006, becoming the first African American woman in the county elected
to a judgeship. She was re-elected for a second term as a general sessions court judge
in 2014. Since assuming the bench, she actively works to ensure efficiency in the
courts, both inside and outside the courtroom.
Addressing Community Needs as the Newest Member of the Ohio Senate
Theresa Gavarone '94
Theresa was appointed to the State Senate in February 2019, filling the vacancy left
by Randy Gardner. Prior to her senate appointment, Theresa served in the Ohio House
of Representatives since 2016. In her short time, she has already introduced legislation
to protect Ohioans from cyberattacks, enhance penalties for drug traffickers, and
reform mental health evaluations and treatment for those who have committed non-violent
crimes.
Advancing International Development at USAID
Gayle Girod '94
Gayle is the chief innovation counsel for the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) in Washington, D.C. The organization leads international development
and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance,
and help people progress beyond assistance. Her legal work supports international
development and humanitarian efforts around the world. Obtaining experience as a federal
judicial clerk and at a number of large firms in D.C., created a path to helping other
countries. Photo: Rachel E.H. Photography
Mapping the Journey from Toledo to U-Haul
Josh Goldberg '14
Josh used his degrees in law, business administration, and economics to chart a career
from the family business to U-Haul. In his second year of law school, Josh was accepted
to the U-Haul legal internship program in Phoenix. Shortly into the fall semester
of his third year, Josh received a call from U-Haul's tax attorney asking him to take
over following his retirement. It was a no brainer. Josh is now assistant general
counsel for U-Haul, where he provides expertise on tax, real estate/financial transactions,
employee benefits, and cybersecurity issues.
Leading the State Bar of Michigan as President
Jennifer Grieco '97
On September 27, 2018, Jennifer was sworn in as the 84th president of the State Bar
of Michigan. She serves as one of only seven other women presidents. Jennifer is a
partner at Neuman Anderson Grieco McKenney, P.C. in Birmingham, Mich., where she practices
commercial litigation. She sits on the board of directors of Lakeshore Legal Aid,
offering free legal services to low income and senior communities. She also helped
establish the Oakland County Bar Pro Bono Mentor Match program.
Representing U.S. Interests in a Global Practice
Jeff Haidet '85
Jeff serves as the U.S. chair of Dentons, the world’s largest law firm. His practice
focuses on domestic and international commercial transactions for a variety of corporate
clients. In 2019, he was named by JAMES magazine to their list of Most Influential
Georgians. This marked the second year in a row that he was selected for this distinction.
Jeff has also been recognized by The Legal 500 and Best Lawyers in America for his
mergers and acquisitions (M&A) work for middle-market clients and his corporate work.
Forming the Perfect Union of International and Environmental Law
Scott Hajost '80
Scott is an international environment and conservation policy law expert with over
36 years leading global environment and development projects through work with the
U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, and multilateral institutions. He
is chair of the board at Thinking Animals United and senior wildlife policy advisor
with the National Whistleblower Center. He started his career as a U.S. State Department
lawyer working on international environmental and oceans issues, including negotiation
of international agreements. Photo: Rachel E.H. Photography
Taking Legal Practice to the People
Ashley Myers Jackson '09
Ashley is the owner of a mobile law firm in Columbia, S.C, that focuses on the areas
of estate planning, probate and real estate law. Her unique business model allows
her to focus on a more client-centered approach to delivering legal services. She
can stay in touch with clients who prefer a more comfortable environment than an attorney's
office or who require more flexible hours than 9 to 5. Additionally, being mobile
allows her to reach people all across South Carolina, not just those located in Columbia.
Forging the Path to Pro Sports General Counsel
Andrea Kimball '97
Andrea is in-house counsel for Sporting Kansas City, an American professional soccer
club that won the U.S. Open Cup in 2017. It's a sports law dream job she's passionate
about as a former college athlete and player. In past positions, Andrea worked in
business litigation and intellectual property. She was with Dentons law firm until
2016, when she had the opportunity to leap to the world of sports. In 2020, Sporting
Kansas City celebrates 25 years as one of the 10 charter members of Major League Soccer.
Making a Difference in Family Law
Doug Leavitt '12
Doug served five years in the United States Navy. After completing his service, he
moved to Toledo, where he worked while earning his B.A. in organizational management
from Bluffton University. He went on to earn his J.D. from Toledo Law. Following graduation,
Doug relocated to Boise, Idaho, where he started a solo practice specializing in domestic
relations cases. He merged his solo practice with his current firm in 2017 to create
Leavitt Ryan PLLC, which concentrates in family law and litigation.
Championing for People
Matt Manning '12
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Matt was raised by and around servant leaders who
provided an example of service he has since sought to emulate. He interned on Capitol
Hill and became immersed in politics, developing a desire to serve others through
legal practice, particularly in the area of civil rights. He is now back in his home
state of Texas. As an attorney with the Corpus Christi law firm, Webb Cason, P.C.,
he maintains a personal injury practice representing the rights of the criminally
accused and fighting for those whose civil rights have been violated.
Driven to Succeed
Corey Minor Smith '01
Corey made history in 2017, as the first African American elected as an at-large member
of the city council in Canton, Ohio. The odds were against her, but she received more
votes city-wide than the other five candidates. Corey is also general counsel for
the Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority. Another success is the January 2019 release
of her book, #Driven. In the book, she details her journey and sheds light on the
complexities and struggles of supporting a loved one with a serious mental illness.
Making Legal History While Serving our Country
Maysaa Ouza '17
Maysaa made legal history when she was selected as a new Air Force JAG Corps attorney
with the distinction of being the first hijabi selected for this role. With the help
of the ACLU and the Dearborn, Mich. law firm of Hammoud & Dakhlallah Law Group, she
persuaded the Air Force to grant her a religious accommodation before she commissioned.
Maysaa sees similarities between life in the military and wearing the hijab, as both
require lives of structure and discipline. She also recognizes that being a trailblazer
requires both grit and persistence.
Happy, Retired, Grateful, and Giving Back
Alan Sankin '75
Alan retired as vice president of Dolby Laboratories' tax and treasury groups in January
2019. Before joining Dolby in 2007, he served as vice president of international taxes
at Oracle. Alan began his tax career at Arthur Anderson & Co. in New York in 1976
and has been actively working with U.S. multinational companies in the Netherlands
for the last 20 years. He is now spending time expanding his network to help folks
in need through his pro bono legal group based in California.
Building Success in Diverse Legal Fields
Jean Sieler '86
As a partner at RCO Law, Jean's daily workflow is constantly shifting. Her practice
focuses on construction law, medical malpractice defense, commercial litigation, and
agribusiness throughout Ohio and Michigan. For over 25 years, Jean has been defending
doctors and hospitals. While she has gained multimillion-dollar verdicts for commercial
clients, she assists clients with matters of all sizes. She's also president and co-owner
of Sieler Construction Inc., where she's able to leverage her experience in both business
and law.
Making an Impact in Hollywood and the Surrounding Community
Anant Tamirisa '14
Anant is vice president of business & legal affairs for AGC Studios in Hollywood,
Calif., where he oversees matters across the company’s film and television divisions.
He previously was director of business & legal affairs at Lionsgate Entertainment,
where he founded the company's first-ever pro bono group dedicated to finalizing adoptions
of underprivileged and disabled foster children into permanent homes. While his current
work enables storytellers to share their visions with the world, he's also committed
to continuing his pro bono work in the community.
Inspiring Change through Leadership
Niyah Walters '15
Niyah is an attorney at the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, where she drafts
legislation and conducts research in the areas of family law, abortion, public utilities,
energy, and finance for the Ohio General Assembly. Her role is to help legislators
take their idea from concept to legislation. Niyah founded and chairs the commission's
Diversity Discussion and Advisory Group that helps the agency attract and retain diverse
talent. She is also committed to making a difference in the community as vice president
of the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals.
Powering Solutions in Law and Technology
Brock Wanless '03
Brock served as tech giant Groupon's managing counsel for global privacy and regulatory,
but accepted a position in November 2019, as general counsel and corporate secretary
at Olive AI — a tech start-up in Columbus, Ohio. The start-up developed the first
operational artificial intelligence to automate healthcare services. The platform
results in lower costs, fewer human errors, and less time completing manual tasks.
Brock's making a difference while forging his own legal path in the tech world.
Shaping the Guest Experience at Disney World
Emily (Ciecka) Wilcheck '04
Emily is a senior labor relations manager at Walt Disney World. It is the place where
dreams come true, and she plays a key role in making the magic happen. Emily always
wanted to work for Disney. During a Disney family vacation, she saw a job posting
for a non-legal position. She applied and received a call a month later, which changed
the course of her career. Emily started with Disney in 2017. She may be involved in
the less glamorous side, but is quick to say that she works for a company where the
product is creating a once in a lifetime guest experience.