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DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder welcomes a new litigation associate
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: May 14, 2015
Akron-based DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder has added new litigation talent to its attorney pool.
On March 23, Kathryn Vadas joined the criminal defense firm as an associate in the commercial litigation practice group.
Vadas has 15 years of experience in the areas of commercial litigation, employment law and workers’ compensation.
“The firm approached Kathy because we have experienced tremendous growth in the past twelve months, and her skill set complemented our existing litigation practice,” said Litigation Practice Group Manager and partner Marshal Pitchford in an emailed statement.
“As an experienced litigator, she is able to assist on a number of our complex cases and manage the files at the level our clients expect and deserve,” said Pitchford, who works closely with Vadas. “She has hit the ground running.”
Located at 209 S. Main St., DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder was founded in 2003 and handles cases ranging from criminal defense and domestic violence to federal, juvenile and white collar crimes.
In addition to her role as a litigator, Pitchford said Vadas brings an added dimension of employment law experience that “our corporate and public sector clients have asked of us.”
Born and raised in Warren, Vadas majored in psychology and criminal justice at Youngstown State University, receiving her juris doctor from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.
During her second year in law school, she began working for the boutique medical malpractice firm, Becker & Mishkind. “I handled plaintiffs medical malpractice, personal injury and professional negligence,” said Vadas. “After I passed the bar, they offered me a position and I stayed there for about three years. We did a lot of birth-related injuries so it was often sad and I found that I needed a change.”
Her next stop was as an associate at Hanna Campbell & Powell in Fairlawn, where she defended clients against employment and workers’ compensation claims.
“Working at Hanna Campbell & Powell gave me a chance to experience the opposite side of cases,” said Vadas.
Prior to joining DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder, Vadas worked as an associate at Nadler Nadler & Burdman Co. in Canfield.
“Commercial litigation can be very complex and at Nadler, I was the only litigator so I had to shoulder all the responsibility on my own. I was looking for a firm that could provide me the support I needed to handle these matters and DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder fit the bill,” said Vadas.
“I was incredibly busy and I have brought my clients and cases with me. Here I have a litigation team to support me.
“I would like this to be my last law firm until I retire. The people here are fabulous and I believe I have found a home.”
In addition to tackling commercial litigation, Vadas said she is hoping to increase the number of employment-related cases at the firm.
Aside from her focus on her legal career, Vadas spends a good deal of her time doing fundraising work for the Growlin Howland Browns Backers.
“The goal of the organization is to bring the Cleveland Browns name to the community in a positive way,” said Vadas. “A large portion of the money that I have helped to raise goes to the Children’s Rehabilitation Center in Warren. The center provides therapy to mentally and physically challenged children.
“It’s a fabulous center,” said Vadas. “I have been doing charity work for the Growlin Howland Browns Backers for eight years and I really enjoy it.”