Cleveland, Ohio, United States
I am a Member in the Cleveland office of Burns White, where I focus my practice on complex litigation. I represent manufacturers and retailers in asbestos and talc cases, and defend railroads in a variety of commercial litigation and FELA personal injury and occupational matters. I also advocate for doctors, hospital and long-term care facilities in medical malpractice and professional liability claims. Through this work, I have developed strong research, writing, and courtroom skills, including trial preparation and oral advocacy, and I thrive on building defense strategies that position clients for success in challenging litigation. As a first-generation college graduate and law school alum, I am passionate about mentoring and encouraging other first-generation professionals. My goal is to help employers understand the unique challenges faced by first-generation employees and to inspire students pursuing higher education. Outside the office: In the summer, you can find me on the golf course. I am the reigning women's club champion at Signature of Solon and have a <5 handicap. I was honored as an Athletics Hall of Fame inductee in 2024 for my successes while on the Baldwin Wallace University golf team. I live just outside Cleveland with my husband and our two cats.
As a Member in Burns White’s Litigation/Transportation group, I defend railroads, trucking companies, and maritime clients in personal injury and wrongful death matters, and represent manufacturers and suppliers in asbestos and occupational exposure litigation. My practice is built on early dismissal strategy — identifying jurisdictional, causation, and exposure timeline vulnerabilities to resolve cases efficiently and cost-effectively. I also supervise and mentor associate attorneys, manage complex multi-jurisdictional dockets, and contribute to firm business development in the transportation defense space.
Defended railroad, transportation, and occupational exposure clients across all phases of litigation, from initial case evaluation through dispositive motion practice, discovery, and trial preparation. Developed expertise in asbestos and toxic tort defense, personal jurisdiction strategy, and FELA litigation. Managed an active docket of complex cases while building proficiency in multi-jurisdictional mass tort defense.
Managed transportation and legal malpractice matters from inception through resolution, including drafting pleadings, conducting depositions, and negotiating favorable settlements. Handled substantial document review and e-discovery analysis in complex litigation matters. Developed foundational litigation skills across motion practice, legal research, and client communication.
Conducted substantive legal research for appellate matters, including a case argued before the Ohio Supreme Court on a civil procedure issue. Assisted with drafting briefs and pleadings, and attended depositions to develop practical litigation skills.
Drafted dispositive motions including Motions for Summary Judgment and Motions for Judgment on the Pleadings. Prepared research memoranda on civil procedure, workers’ compensation law, and insurance coverage issues in support of active litigation matters.
Developed recommendations for company data breach response policy by benchmarking strategies used across industries. Analyzed federal employment regulations for corporate foreign nationals and collaborated with Human Resources to implement a compliant file management system. Researched and created intellectual property training seminars for employees in information-sensitive roles.