Ohio Association for Justice

Thank you to the OAJ members who joined us for our Columbus and Akron happy hours this month. It is always great to connect and bring members together. Stay tuned for the next member-appreciation event!

OAJ Members, if you are in the Akron area, stop by the Town Tavern Copley this evening from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. for OAJ's happy hour!

Tomorrow: OAJ's Akron Membership Happy Hour. Join fellow OAJ members for a relaxed evening of networking and complimentary drinks.

📍 The Town Tavern, Copley
⏰ Tuesday, June 23rd, from 4:30–6:30 p.m.

See you there!

Did you know? OAJ offers discounted CLE webinars for members on timely topics you can apply immediately to your practice. Register now at oajustice.org/selfstudy

-Today at 3:00 p.m.
Beyond ChatGPT: Advanced AI Workflows for the Plaintiff’s Practice: Learn practical ways to use AI tools for deep research, document review, public records investigations, and more, while staying within ethical guardrails.

-Tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.
Advanced Strategies for Representing Spanish-Speaking and Undocumented Clients: Gain actionable strategies for building trust, overcoming language barriers, addressing immigration-related concerns, and strengthening client outcomes.

⚖️ Both webinars offer 1.0 CLE credit.

Tomorrow: OAJ's Akron Membership Happy Hour. Join fellow OAJ members for a relaxed evening of networking and complimentary drinks.

📍 The Town Tavern, Copley
⏰ Tuesday, June 23rd, from 4:30–6:30 p.m.

See you there!

Leadership Spotlight

Today we recognize Sarah Gelsomino, who serves as Secretary of OAJ. A partner at FG+G, Sarah is a nationally recognized civil rights attorney who represents individuals and families in cases involving police and government misconduct, First Amendment violations, and wrongful convictions. Her work is focused on holding institutions accountable and advocating for those whose rights have been violated.
She previously served as Chair of OAJ’s Civil Rights Section. In 2022, Sarah received OAJ's Esther S. Weissman Optimist Award, which honors those who demonstrate relentless resolve and unwavering commitment to civil justice in the face of significant challenges.

Thank you, Sarah, for your leadership, your engagement with OAJ members, and your commitment to holding power accountable.

Columbus OAJ Members, will we see you tonight at Gemüt Biergarten Old Town East? Drop by from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. for networking and complimentary drinks!

Members- join us for networking and complimentary drinks tomorrow evening in Columbus at Gemüt Biergarten Old Town East from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming Membership Happy Hours

📍 Columbus - Tomorrow, June 17 - Gemüt Biergarten, 734 Oak St, Columbus, OH, US, 43205!

📍 Akron - Tuesday, June 23 - Town Tavern Copley, 125 Montrose West Ave, Copley, Ohio, US, 44321

Members only. We hope to see you there!

Leadership Spotlight

We recognize Curtis Fifner, Treasurer of the Ohio Association for Justice.

Curtis is an attorney at Elk + Elk , where he represents individuals and families in cases involving medical negligence, wrongful death, trucking crashes, and serious personal injury.

Within OAJ, Curtis has been a driving force in both leadership and advocacy. He received the OAJ President’s Award in 2024 and led the Clawson Task Force, which helped pass House Bill 179, a significant step in codifying common law agency. Curtis also authored the Ohio Supreme Court amicus brief for the Ohio Association for Justice in Thomas v. Logue, 2023-Ohio-3522.

Thank you, Curtis, for your leadership at OAJ and your advocacy on behalf of your clients and injured Ohioans.

Why does OAJ advocacy matter?

According to OAJ member Konrad Kircher, trial lawyers help identify gaps in laws designed to protect victims, while OAJ advocates work to bring those issues directly to lawmakers. The result: stronger protections, better outcomes, and a more effective civil justice system.

That's the power of membership. Renew today and continue supporting OAJ's work on behalf of Ohio's injured and vulnerable.