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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.