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Eastman & Smith Attorneys Earn Certification
Eastman & Smith Ltd. congratulates attorneys Richard L. Johnson, A. Brooke Phelps, Carrie L. Sponseller and Laurie A. Watson, all of whom have recently become Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) certified specialists in the areas of workers compensation (Johnson and Phelps), labor and employment (Sponseller) and estate planning (Watson). Certification is effective January 1, 2010.To be eligible for certification, attorneys must meet requirements such as:
- demonstrate substantial and continuing involvement in the specialty
- provide references regarding competency
- earn a minimum of 36 continuing legal education hours in the specialty during the three years immediately preceding application to become a specialist
- be in good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court
- pass a four-hour written examination
Richard L. Johnson is a member in the Employment Law Section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. While his practice includes all areas of employment law, he concentrates his practice in workers' compensation defense and has represented both self-insured and state-funded employers before the Industrial Commission of Ohio and all levels of Ohio courts. He is a member of the Ohio Self-Insurers Association and currently serves as a trustee on the board of the Northwest Ohio Self-Insurers Association. Mr. Johnson has frequently lectured on workers' compensation issues.
A. Brooke Phelps is an associate in the Employment Law Section of Eastman & Smith Ltd. Her practice consists mainly of defending both state-funded and self-insured employers against claims for workers' compensation. Ms. Phelps regularly represents employers before the Industrial Commission of Ohio and in litigation before all levels of Ohio courts, including the Supreme Court of Ohio. Ms. Phelps' practice also includes counseling employers in a wide variety of employment matters.
Carrie L. Sponseller joined Eastman & Smith Ltd. in 2001 as an associate in the Labor and Employment Law Section. Ms. Sponseller concentrates her practice in the areas of employment discrimination, workers' compensation and related litigation. Ms. Sponseller's experience includes representing employers in administrative agencies, as well as in Ohio and federal courts.
Laurie A. Watson joined Eastman & Smith Ltd. in 2002. She concentrates her practice in estate planning, probate and trust administration matters, estate, gift and income taxation. Ms. Watson has significant experience working with closely-held business owners as well as private foundations, their contributors, and other non-profit organizations. Additionally, Ms. Watson counsels clients regarding the design and implementation of health and welfare employee benefit plans, and provides advice regarding associated compliance issues.