Sea Year

I graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York with a third mate’s license for any ocean and any gross tonnage, a commission in the Navy, and a B.S. degree in Nautical Science. I served as a line officer in the U. S. Navy and decided to attend law school. In 1975, I graduated with honors from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

I went to work for Cleveland’s largest maritime law firm. I worked on admiralty cases on the Great Lakes and other locations. I handled cases involving seamen, longshoremen, pilots, passengers, cargo, collisions, allisions, and other marine personal injury and property damage cases. I became a partner in the firm and was transferred to the firm’s Chicago office, where I handled cases involving marine causalities on Lake Michigan and Inland rivers. I am admitted to the Illinois Bar.

I returned to Cleveland in 1987. I purchased property in Ashtabula, Ohio on Lake Erie’s South Shore, where I maintain my office. I handle a variety of maritime and civil cases, and defend Coast Guard Licenses. I represent marine companies, seamen, pilots, marine workers, yacht owners, and passengers. My clients include Lakes Pilots Association, Inc., Western Great Lakes Pilots Association, Inc., and The Merchant Officers Protective Syndicate.

Read more about me and my memberships in various Associations and my Court admissions: