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An in-depth look at some of this year’s “30 for the Future” award recipients
SHERRY KARABIN
Special to the Legal News
Published: September 10, 2015
The Greater Akron Chamber recently handed out its 2015 “30 for the Future” awards. This is the second part of a two-part series. The award honors those between the ages of 25 and 39, whose professional accomplishments, leadership and community service efforts have positively impacted the Greater Akron region.
The first story took a look at three law firm attorneys. Part two includes Ohio Sen. Frank LaRose, attorney Paul Zindle, who splits his time between The University of Akron School of Law and Community Legal Aid Services and Summit County Court of Common Pleas Judge Amy Corrigall Jones.
Judge Jones said the news that she had been chosen took her by surprise.
“I am humbled and very appreciative,” said Judge Jones. “My father always taught me to work hard and give back with no expectations.”
A native of Toronto, Ontario, Judge Jones first came to Akron in 1986, attending St. Vincent–St. Mary High School.
“Growing up, my dad was a professional football player and college football coach so we moved around a lot until he was hired as an assistant football coach at The University of Akron,” said Judge Jones.
The 39-year-old received her bachelor’s degreee in psychology from Kent State University and her juris doctor from The University of Akron School of Law. She began her career as an associate at Davis & Young, where she focused on civil defense litigation.
Judge Jones also worked at Sutter, O’Connell, Mannion & Farchione Co., before going into private practice in 2006, where she handled general litigation, domestic relations, criminal defense and probate matters for families and individuals. During her time in private practice, she served as a guardian ad litem for children, an advocate for the mentally ill and as a guardian for incompetent adults.
In November 2012, she was elected to a full term on the common pleas court. In 2013, she and Akron Municipal Court Judge Jerry Larson started the Summit County Valor Court, a specialized docket designed to address the unique needs of veterans returning to civilian life who may have suffered serious trauma, perhaps leading to their involvement with the criminal justice system. The court provides access to programs, treatment and mentors to help veterans get back on track.
In the valor court, Judge Jones oversees veterans who have felony charges, while her colleague Judge Jerry Larson deals with misdemeanors.
“From the time I was young I wanted to be a psychologist or a lawyer,” said Judge Jones, who lives in Akron with her two daughters and husband Erik, who runs his own legal practice, .
“I always felt that in either profession I would be able to give back and make the world a better place. As I moved forward in my legal career, I had the goal of becoming judge so that I could make decisions that would positively effect the lives of others.”
Judge Jones is a former Public Defender’s Commission board member and a former president and current board member for the Dapper Dan Club of Akron, a nonprofit, charitable organization in Akron that supports underprivileged children’s organizations and local area athletes.
In 2010-2011, she served as an assistant basketball coach at Archbishop Hoban High School. She currently volunteers as a youth basketball coach and coaches the Mock Trial Team at her alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.
“It is very rewarding to give back to the community,” said Judge Jones. “It keeps me grounded in my professional and personal life. As a woman, I feel it is important to be a positive role model to my two daughters and to youth across the community.
“Giving back also allows me to focus on others, which is what I prefer to do.”
Award recipient attorney Paul Zindle, 38, has spent much of his legal career helping those who cannot afford counsel.
A graduate of The University of Akron School of Law, Zindle now splits his time between The University of Akron School of Law and as an attorney at Community Legal Aid Services Inc.
At the law school, he serves as program director of the expungement clinic and the jail inmate assistance program. The inmate assistance program provides legal information to inmates in the Summit and Mahoning county jails and the prison system.
Part of his job entails recruiting and training volunteer and paid law students, teaching them the applicable law and supervising them as they address the concerns raised by inmates. The expungement clinic helps eligible Akron and Summit County residents seal criminal convictions to eliminate the stigma, increasing their chances of securing a better job and housing.
Early in his career, the Akron native was a law clerk in the city of Akron’s law department and spent several months as an attorney in the Ashtabula County Public Defender’s Office.
“A lot of what I do involves instilling good values and skills in law students who will hopefully go on to become solid attorneys,” said Zindle, who also serves as a coach for the law school’s teams that compete annually in the American Bar Association’s National Appellate Advocacy Competition.
In addition, he is also a teen court volunteer at Summit County Juvenile Court and helps judge at the annual high school mock trial competition.
Zindle is the current chair of the Akron Bar Association municipal courts committee and sits on the advisory board of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas Turning Point Program, a court-supervised program for substance dependent offenders that provides services and incentives to help participants make positive changes in their lives.
I enjoy getting involved and making the community a better place,” said Zindle, who lives in Cuyahoga Falls. “I plan to continue to give back whenever I can.”
Joann Sahl, an associate clinical professor of law at The University of Akron School of Law, first met Zindle when he was a law student.
“He was on my moot court team and I was his coach,” said Sahl. “Now he and I are colleagues.
“He’s a terrific lawyer,” said Sahl. “He’s thoughtful, a great researcher and shows compassion for his clients. I would want him to represent me if I needed a lawyer.
He is someone who is really going to make a difference in the legal community. He gives back to the community and the law school. I think he is an excellent choice to receive the ‘30 for the Future’ award.”
In the case of State Sen. Frank LaRose, this is his second term in the Senate. He represents District 27, which includes parts of Summit and Stark counties along with Wayne County.
After graduating from Copley High School, LaRose, R-Copley, enlisted in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne Division, later serving in the U.S. Special Forces as a Green Beret. During his decade in the military, he received a number of commendations and honors, including the Bronze Star.
Afterwards LaRose attended The Ohio State University, where he earned a bachelor’s dgree in consumer affairs and business. He first got involved in politics in 2008 when he worked on Republican presidential-hopeful Sen. John McCain’s campaign. He was elected to his Ohio Senate seat in 2010 and took office in January 2011. LaRose, now 36, started his second term in January 2015.
In the 131st General Assembly, LaRose was named chairman of the State and Local Government Committee. He also became a member of the Finance Committee, Government Oversight and Reform Committee, Insurance Committee and the Financial Institutions Committee as well as the Transportation, Commerce and Labor Committee and the Finance Workforce Subcommittee. In addition, LaRose serves on the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review, which includes members of both the Senate and House and is responsible for reviewing administrative rules proposed by state agencies, departments, boards and commissions.
“I enjoy the opportunity to serve our community and I want to do my best to ensure a more prosperous future for the resilient people of northeast Ohio,” said LaRose, who lives in Copley Township with his wife, Lauren, and their three daughters.
In addition to holding political office, he serves as the junior vice commander of the Fairlawn VFW. LaRose, who is an Eagle Scout, is also a member of the executive board for the Great Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America.
“To be recognized by our local chamber of commerce as a young leader for the future of our community means a great deal to me,” said LaRose. “I have been very lucky to receive a number of honors over the years, including the Bronze Star, and this ranks right up there.”
The 30 award recipients were recognized Sept. 3 at a ceremony at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED).