Michele Kryszak Abraham - Cleveland - Associate
As a summerlaw clerk at Thompson Hine, I had the opportunity to personally interact with other associates and partners on a regular basis, both at work and in social settings. Also, as a JD/MBA candidate, I was given assignments that leveraged both my developing legal and business skill sets. Each assignment was meaningful and challenging. The personal interaction with other lawyers and the depth of assignments that I was involved in proved invaluable in making my decision to join Thompson Hine. After my summer experience, I know that Thompson Hine has a lot to offer a young lawyer.
Susan A. Allyn - Cleveland
I came to Thompson Hine after being away from the corporate workplace for 12 years. When I joined the secretarial staff, the Firm provided extensive training to bring my technical skills up to speed with the legal profession. The secretaries at Thompson Hine provide a valuable and respected contribution to the legal staff and our dedication to providing superior service is recognized by our lawyers, our management, and our clients. As we try our best to respond to the challenging workloads of our lawyers, we have developed a team approach that allows us to meet client expectations every day. The team concept has built strong working relationships, and we can count on each other to assist in any crises moments. I am approaching my 17th year with the Firm, and I am pleased to work with extremely talented lawyers and support staff. Thompson Hine stands tall with its fine tradition of excellent client service. Our team environment makes client satisfaction our highest priority.
April Miller Boise - Cleveland - Partner
"When I came to Cleveland in 1999 after practicing in New York, I was looking for a firm with a sophisticated corporate practice but I also wanted to work with interesting, well-rounded people. When I interviewed at Thompson Hine, I found the attorneys to be very passionate about practicing law, but also engaged in the community and other interests and hobbies outside of the firm. We have so many different types of people here with very different interests. I felt that I could be myself here and still be successful and that my commitment to the community would be important to the firm. I was right."
April is a partner in the firm's Corporate Transactions & Securities practice group and is chair of the firm's Women's Initiative Committee. Her practice covers corporate governance including Sarbanes-Oxley; mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures; securities offerings for public and private companies; and private equity and venture capital matters. April is licensed to practice in Ohio and New York.
Michelle W. Cohen - Washington, D.C. - Partner
I joined Thompson Hine after 13 years with a large international law firm. Many people ask me about the transition. My reply is always the same: my transition was seamless, I felt very welcome, clients were incredibly receptive to the change and I haven't regretted my decision for a minute. The firm culture is wonderful -- I have interacted with colleagues in many of the firm's offices and found firm lawyers and staff to be dedicated, bright, and caring individuals. The firm has an especially positive culture for women attorneys -- several women are heads of practice groups and our "Spotlight on Women" program is designed to mentor, train, and advance women at all stages in their careers. If you want sophisticated work in a collegial environment where people really do practice law and have lives outside of the office, this is the firm.
Nancy L. Curry - Cleveland
When I began working in the Library at the Cleveland office, I knew next to nothing about the legal profession. I had public library experience but was nervous about making the transition to a law firm. There was no need to worry. I have been able to take advantage of numerous training opportunities on various legal research techniques and sources, Library procedures, databases, and other general software programs. The Library staff holds regular in-house training sessions to keep current with information, as well as, to share tips and time-savers with each other. My duties require me to build on my strengths, while also giving me the opportunity to continually broaden my knowledge base. Working in the firm's Library has also given me the chance to interact with many attorneys and staff members, and it is truly an enjoyable environment!
Georgene Davison - Cleveland
I spent many years working at another law firm and when the opportunity presented itself to join Thompson Hine, there was no question in my mind about taking the new position. The people (lawyers and staff members) at Thompson Hine are true professionals and a pleasure to work with. The work environment is challenging, rewarding, and enables people to continuously learn. The concept of being part of a team is so important to me and Thompson Hine encourages and supports lawyers and staff to work together on projects. Joining Thompson Hine was one of the best career decisions I ever made!
Megan D. Dortenzo - Cleveland - Partner
I chose to join Thompson Hine for the exciting challenges and opportunities of a strong firm with high quality clients and a growing national practice. Coming from an excellent regional firm, I recognized the personal and professional limitations of an intellectual property practice inherent to a smaller market. At Thompson Hine, I have the opportunity to challenge myself with a broader, more sophisticated client base and the limitless potential to grow that base. Since joining Thompson Hine, I have discovered that my colleagues, across all practice groups, are multi-talented, extremely dedicated, and honestly eager to contribute their expertise. This collegial atmosphere along with the breadth, reputation and professionalism of the practice have made Thompson Hine a perfect home for me.
Beth J. Freemal - Cincinnati - Partner
Relocating home after six years at a large Chicago firm, I was looking for a firm with an excellent client base, a sophisticated practice and a collegial atmosphere. Much to my surprise, I found all of these at Thompson Hine. I was able to continue my structured-finance practice without missing a beat after my relocation. Since joining the firm, I have been invited to work on complex financing projects with colleagues across the offices. Additionally, I have found my colleagues to be generous and eager with their legal expertise and support. All of these factors build on one another to create an incredibly dynamic and exciting environment in which to practice law.
Teddy J. Hammond - Columbus
I have been working at Thompson Hine in the Columbus office for over 20 years. During my tenure, I have been able to transfer to several different positions within the office. I began with the firm as a Legal Courier, but I was able to transfer into a Receptionist position and then into a Legal Secretary position. Currently, I am a Legal Secretary Team Coordinator which is a very rewarding experience and allows me to share my varied knowledge with other secretaries within the office. In addition to being a Team Coordinator, I have been able to participate on several pilot groups which has provided me the opportunity to meet and work with individuals throughout the firm.
Lynee A. Hicks - Cincinnati - Associate
Being a summer law clerk at Thompson Hine was an extremely rewarding and enjoyable experience. Everyone from the first-year associates to senior partners went out of their way to get to know me and to give me a chance to get to know them. I appreciated immensely the opportunity to complete actual projects and to receive feedback on my contribution to a deal or a case. All of the associates and partners that I worked with were concerned not only that I got real assignments throughout the summer, but also that I be introduced to other aspects involved in the practice of law. From being invited to practice group lunches, to attending special training sessions, to volunteering at a neighborhood soup kitchen; every effort is made to make you feel like you are a part of the Thompson Hine team. In addition to the practical legal skills we as summer law clerks were able to exercise and hone, we were also given numerous opportunities to interact socially with partners and associates not only from the Cincinnati office, but firmwide. This gave the other "summers" and I an invaluable glimpse into the firm culture. Having been away from Cincinnati to attend school, the social activities arranged by Thompson Hine also gave me the opportunity to fall in love with the Queen City all over again. Because of the richness of the experience I had working as summer law clerk, when the time came for me to accept my offer I already felt as though I was a part of Thompson Hine.
Carol J. Lauver - Cincinnati
I accepted a position with Thompson Hine because of Thompson Hine's reputation of outstanding integrity and reputed professionalism. The firm's dedication to first-rate training in various areas helps to prepare me to handle new challenges with more confidence. Because I am a novice in the Intellectual Property field, it has been necessary for my colleagues throughout the firm to instruct me in IP administrative procedures. Not only has each of my colleagues answered my questions, they have also ensured that I understand how each step fits into the entire patent prosecution process.
Outside of the IP area, the Dayton office has workflow coordinators that help to balance workloads intra-departmentally and allows the legal secretaries the opportunity to learn and meet people throughout the office and firm. Socially, the office comes together at firm functions, such as the holiday party and the firm picnic - allowing office members to develop stronger teamwork in times of enjoyment.
Julia M. McCalmon - Washington, D.C. - Partner
"Unlike other firms that simply believe that diversity is important as a business case to answer the demands of their clients, Thompson Hine believes in the importance of diversity from a philosophical level. We are therefore not only leaders in society but leaders of society. As an Asian woman, I have always felt comfortable, confident, and completely at home at Thompson Hine. I am proud that we are leaders in ensuring that our clients and our communities reap the benefits of a firm that promotes and uses the very best talents of a wide variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds and with different colors and beliefs."
Julia heads the International Trade & Customs practice group. She is also the chair of the Diversity Committee's retention subcommittee and is in charge of the Women's Initiative committee in the Washington, D.C., office. Julia is the Washington office vice chair of the Diversity Committee. She focuses her practice on international trade with an emphasis on defending enforcement and unfair trade actions brought by the U.S. government against importers and exporters. She is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia.
Fran M. McClean - Cleveland
I always wanted to work at Thompson Hine. I actually was a temp secretary at Thompson Hine during a January blizzard in 1978 and was almost locked in when the office closed early! But a kind employee came to my rescue and led me to the only functioning elevators to get out of the building. I didn't get the job in 1978 but after 16 years, I was hired as a legal secretary -- I really did not want to work anywhere else! Thompson Hine's friendly and professional atmosphere was what I was looking for along with a chance for advancement. I had supervisory experience from my last position and that was recognized when the firm was looking for a co-secretarial supervisor in 1998. Working at the Firm as a secretary gave me first-hand knowledge of the technology and other skills secretaries needed. I believe I am a better supervisor because I was in their shoes! I am proud to be part of Thompson Hine's team and do all I can to help my direct reports and timekeepers succeed. If you are looking for a firm with a friendly, team atmosphere and devoted to extraordinary client service, Thompson Hine is the firm to join!
Christine M. McLaughlin - Dayton - Associate
Making the decision to join Thompson Hine was easy after my experiences in the summer law clerk program. The projects assigned were never busy work; instead I was solving real problems for real clients. During the summer, I was able to explore many of the firm’s practice groups, which helped to shape and narrow my interests. In addition, the lawyers welcomed us to attend client meetings and depositions. The work was exciting, but the people really amplified my experience at the firm. Thompson Hine maintains a collegial atmosphere. All of the lawyers are very approachable, from associates to partners. The lawyers gave valuable feedback that helped to improve my legal skills and understanding. The firm makes you feel like you are an integral part of it from the very first day. I am looking forward to my career with Thompson Hine. It is the perfect fit.
Valerie Medcalf - New York
I had the advantage and opportunity of working at Thompson Hine as a temporary employee prior to accepting a full-time position as a Legal Secretary. From my first day on the job I received a very warm welcome from both the lawyers and the staff, which definitely made my decision to join the firm on a permanent basis an easy decision to make. My fellow staff members, both in the New York and other Thompson Hine offices, assisted me immensely in learning the required systems and procedures necessary to support the lawyers to my fullest capacity. In closing, the people and their fervor for excellence in their respective positions, more than anything else attracted me to Thompson Hine and was the deciding factor in my acceptance of my position at the firm.
Myra R. Michail - Dayton - Associate
Thompson Hine's culture not only fosters growth as a lawyer via complex and interesting work, but also fosters growth as a person via ample opportunities to get involved with the local community. As a young associate, I work with some of the best corporate and banking lawyers in the country, all of whom regularly take the time to give me constructive feedback and to guide me in the practice of law. Associates are given increasingly complex projects and have the opportunity to develop their skills at a rapid but manageable pace. Additionally, partners in the firm welcome and foster community involvement by their associates, including the most junior lawyers. My experience with Thompson Hine has been both challenging and rewarding, and I look forward to building a fulfilling legal career with the firm.
Kelly A. Mowery - Cincinnati
I chose to work at Thompson Hine because I wanted to work in a comfortable atmosphere and enjoy what I am doing. I came from another profession that operated 24/7 and I frequently had to work weekends, holidays and even third shift. When my alarm clock went off in the morning, the thought of going to work was unimaginable.
Working at Thompson Hine, I have a totally different mindset. The atmosphere is very family friendly and I don't have to work those long hours I did in my previous profession. By working at Thompson Hine, I know I can make my family top priority and everyone here would be very understanding. I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work for such a great firm!
Pam D. Plummer - Washington, D.C.
I initially applied to work at Thompson Hine because of a referral from a friend. My friend always spoke very positively about working for the firm and after the initial interview, I realized what my friend had always talked about was true. I left the interview feeling very positive and quite impressed with both the office and the firm.
Now that I've joined Thompson Hine, I feel the same way as I did when I left the interview. I've learned that Thompson Hine is a place where my opinion really matters. The firm offers numerous continuing education classes throughout the year and we are continuously reminded of the importance of excellent teamwork and providing outstanding client service. I am glad that my friend referred me to Thompson Hine!
Claire Huaying Ye - Cincinnati - Associate
While I was interviewing with Thompson Hine, I was impressed by the very talented group of people I met and the type of work they were doing. Having made the decision to join Thompson Hine, I was and have been convinced that I made the right choice. People are extremely supportive and encouraging, and I truly enjoy the working environment here. From the experienced partners to junior and senior associates, they are all willing and happy to sit down with me, answer any questions I have, and provide me with great suggestions and guidance while are tremendously helpful to my professional growth. I am very excited about starting my legal career here at Thompson Hine and will always be grateful for the opportunity.
Ann B. Zallocco - Columbus - Associate
Thompson Hine offers its attorneys all the benefits and resources of a large law firm with none of the pretensions. Associates are given significant assignments early on in their careers, and are encouraged to learn by doing, not simply observing. Thompson Hine associates benefit from working on sophisticated legal matters in a relaxed culture where senior attorneys are always available and eager to act as mentors and teachers to new attorneys. What impresses me most about Thompson Hine is the firm's emphasis on its attorneys' professional well-being. Associates are valued and rewarded for the quality of their work, not simply the quantity of their billable hours.