Ohio Association for Justice

10/11/2026

We are one month out from Winter Convention! Join almost 200 Ohio trial attorneys in Cleveland for substantive CLE and real connections with the people doing this work across the state. If you haven’t registered yet, now’s the time. Register at oajustice.org/Winter26

OAJ Winter Convention | Cleveland | November 11–13

10/09/2026

OAJ Winter Convention | Cleveland, OH | November 11–13 | Register: oajustice.org/Winter26

The best case strategy conversations don’t always happen in session. They happen at the table between sessions, with lawyers who’ve tried the same kind of case you’re working up right now. Three days of CLE, networking, and time with Ohio’s plaintiff bar.

10/08/2026

The Fall 2026 issue of Ohio Trial is here. OAJ members, check your mailbox for your copy. Inside this issue:
- Ending Freight Broker Immunity: a breakdown of the unanimous U.S. Supreme Court victory in Montgomery v. Caribe
- Bad Faith Discovery After Eddy: what Ohio's new standard means for your cases
- OAJ at the Statehouse: members testify on damages caps and rideshare accountability

Prefer to read online? The full issue is also available at oajustice.org/publications.

10/07/2026

Bike crash cases come with their own set of problems: right-of-way disputes, damage to the bike, its components and accessories, and injuries that don't always fit a standard claim.

Ken Knabe of Knabe Law Firm Co., LPA will cover the laws Ohio cyclists should follow to secure the right of way, the issues unique to bike crash cases, and his recommendations for handling bike injury claims. He'll close by sharing the career path that led him to practice personal injury law in the activity he enjoys most: cycling.

The Right of Way for Ohio Cyclists & Finding the Right Career Path
Friday, Nov. 13 | 2 p.m. | Hilton Cleveland Downtown
0.5 General CLE

Register: OAJustice.org/winter26

10/04/2026

🪩Winter Convention's Second Night Party is Thursday, Nov. 12 from 6–9 p.m. at Goodnight John Boy, and we're getting groovy with our hosts, Preferred Capital Funding, Esquire Bank, and CW Settlements!

Join us for a live DJ and a lit-up dance floor. Plus enjoy an open bar (drinks + mocktails) and some light bites. Winter Convention is Nov. 11–13 in Cleveland. Register at OAJustice.org/Winter26.

09/30/2026

OAJ's Wellness Committee is bringing a free yoga session to Winter Convention on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7:00 a.m. All levels welcome, no experience necessary.

RSVP for yoga at tinyurl.com/OAJYoga and don't forget to register for Convention at OAJustice.org/Winter26

09/29/2026

Thursday, Nov. 12 | Advocates Academy / New Lawyers Track
"Finding the Trial Lawyer in You" with Charlie Rittgers

Charlie Rittgers, an accomplished trial lawyer at Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima with injury and criminal defense experience in state and federal courts, shares with new lawyers how to find the motivation to take cases to trial and not settle out of fear. Learn how to confront tough facts, own the numbers in damages arguments, and use storytelling to show jurors the human stakes.

1.0 General or NLT CLE | Register today at OAJustice.org/Winter26

09/28/2026

Congratulations to Beth Robertson of Investor Claims | Meyer Wilson Law Firm, OAJ's 2026 Most Valuable Paralegal.

Paralegal Section Chair Renee Reasoner Hatton presented the award at Friday's Paralegal Convention, recognizing Beth for demonstrating the knowledge, judgment, commitment, and work ethic that make a truly outstanding paralegal, while also making a meaningful difference to her attorneys, colleagues, and most of all, her clients.

For more photos of the Paralegal Convention, check out our Facebook photo album!

09/28/2026

09/28/2026

OAJ Leadership Spotlight: Ben Cooper, Civil Rights Section Chair

A partner at Cooper Elliott and a trustee of OAJ's Board, Ben Cooper is a Columbus-based trial and appellate lawyer who helps people navigate life-changing harm through the civil justice system. He represents plaintiffs in wrongful death, catastrophic injury, civil rights, medical and legal malpractice, and complex business disputes.

As Chair of OAJ's Civil Rights Law Section, Ben leads a member community created to be a force for change in Ohio-a forum where attorneys share ideas, tips, and tactics for tackling complex legal challenges and a resource for those practicing in the field. Ben also brings his experience to OAJ's education programming, presenting at conventions on professional conduct and more. In 2022, Ben received the American Association for Justice's Trial Lawyers Care Award for his work launching the first Ohio name change clinic for transgender people.

Are you a member interested in joining the Civil Rights Law Section? Email [email protected] to be added.