Following a decade as a reporter and editor,  Michael E. Walton joined the legal profession.  He utilizes his communications skills to convey legal concepts with precision and clarity.

Mr. Walton earned his law degree from the University of Toledo, graduating summa cum laude. During his time at law school, he was managing editor of the University of Toledo Law Review. As a law review member, Mr. Walton authored "Evolving Standards of Decency: How Ohio House Bill 136 makes a Compelling Case for a Nationwide Prohibition on Execution of Criminal Offenders Who Suffered from Severe Mental Illness at the Time of Their Crime," published in the journal’s Spring 2023 issue. He also gained practical experience by externing for a U.S. District Court Judge and the federal public defender his first two summers as well as working for the law school’s Immigrant Justice Clinic.  There he represented community members as they navigated the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.

During his last summer of law school, Mr. Walton joined Eastman & Smith as a law clerk. His current role is as an associate, where he contributes to the Labor & Employment and Workers' Compensation Practice Groups. His work includes:

• representing clients in employment litigation and workers’ compensation matters;
• advising clients about labor relations; and
• counseling clients regarding compliance with state and federal labor and employment laws.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Walton enjoys family life. He, his wife, and their daughter have chosen to make Toledo their home.

Community/Professional Affiliations

Metroparks Toledo, volunteer

Honors & Awards

• Highest ranking student (University of Toledo College of Law):
  • Corporate Criminal Liability Seminar, 2023
  • Fair Housing Practicum, 2022
  • Constitutional Law, 2021
  • Lawyering Skills I, 2021

• Toledo Press Club Touchstone Award, 2020

Publications & Newsletters