Legal Community
Amy Ruth Ita
Amy Ruth Ita, Section Chief
Section Chief
Wendy Clary
Wendy Clary, Assistant Section Chief
Asst. Section Chief

Section Phone Number: 614-644-7257
AGO Help Center: 800-282-0515

About the AGO > Service Divisions > Employment Law

Employment Law

The Employment Law Section provides legal advice and representation regarding an array of employment matters to all state departments, agencies, bureaus, commissions, elected officials and public colleges and universities.

The section’s attorneys defend clients in federal and state courts against allegations of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability and other classes protected by law. They also defend state employers against retaliation claims brought under those same laws and constitutional violations brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

The section’s attorneys defend clients against civil service appeals brought before the State Personnel Board of Review and against complaints brought before the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. They provide advice to clients regarding a variety of state and federal laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The Workers’ Compensation Defense Unit represents state agencies, state universities, boards and commissions, the General Assembly and the Ohio Supreme Court and lower courts in their capacity as employers in workers’ compensation matters. The unit provides advice to clients on a variety of workers’ compensation issues and defends contested claims and issues before the Industrial Commission of Ohio. Unit attorneys also represent clients in common pleas and appellate courts throughout the State of Ohio.

Who We Are

Following is a list of the attorneys employed in the Employment Law Section. Click on a name to learn more about him or her.

Section Chief
Employment Law Section

Contact:
Office: 614-644-7257
Fax: 614-752-4677
Amy.Ita@OhioAGO.gov

Amy joined the Employment Law Section in 2015 and was promoted to Section Chief in 2019. She manages a team of assistant attorneys general in representing state agencies, boards, commissions, educational institutions and officers in cases involving:

  • Federal and state discrimination law.
  • Harassment.
  • Retaliation.
  • Wrongful discharge.
  • Claims brought under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 for violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments.
  • Disciplinary actions appealed to the State Personnel Board of Review.

Amy oversees the Employment Law Section’s case docket, including defense planning and advice to counsel teams on discovery matters, motion practice, trial practice and legal arguments. She also counsels employers on employment concerns including employee discipline, removals, leaves, wages and hours, and policies.

Before becoming Section Chief, Amy served as Assistant Section Chief and Federal Litigation Coordinator. She is a member of the Ohio Attorney General’s eDiscovery Team.

Before joining the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Amy practiced employment law and commercial litigation with two private law firms in Columbus, where she tried several cases. Before private practice, Amy served as a law clerk to the Honorable James G. Carr of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio from 2001 to 2002.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State of Ohio (2002)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
  • State of Kentucky (2011)

EDUCATION

  • The Ohio State University, J.D., cum laude (2001)
  • George Washington University, B.A., cum laude (1998)

Assistant Section Chief
Employment Law Section

Contact:
Office: 614-644-7257
Fax: 614-752-4677
Wendy.Clary@OhioAGO.gov

An employee of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office since 2013, Wendy represents state agencies and universities, their officers and their agents in an array of employment matters in federal and state courts and before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and the State Personnel Board of Review.

Wendy defends clients against claims alleging discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and violations of the First Amendment and the Fourteenth Amendment. She provides guidance to state agencies on day-to-day personnel matters, especially regarding requests for disability accommodations.

As Assistant Section Chief, Wendy serves as the Employment Law Section’s federal litigation coordinator, guiding other section attorneys on briefs, motions, discovery issues and strategy for federal cases.

Wendy has devoted her entire legal career to the practice of employment law, beginning as an associate in one of the largest national employment law firms. She also practiced at another national firm before joining the Ohio Attorney General’s Employment Law Section.

Wendy has significant experience in disability discrimination claims and has assisted in class actions involving the Fair Labor Standards Act or the Family and Medical Leave Act.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State of Ohio (2004)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

EDUCATION

  • The Ohio State University, J.D. (2004)
  • The Ohio State University, B.S./B.A. (1998)

Principal Assistant Attorney General/Unit Coordinator
Employment Law Section
Workers’ Compensation Defense Unit

Contact:
Cell: 216-407-8271
Michael.Roche@OhioAGO.gov

In 2013, Mike joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Workers’ Compensation Defense Unit, which provides comprehensive legal defense services to state agencies under the Department of Administrative Services, as well as several colleges and universities. The unit handles administrative hearings and court appeals throughout Ohio.

As Unit Coordinator, Mike works with three assistant attorneys general and support staff to provide advice and strategy to clients on all matters related to workers’ compensation claims. He evaluates new claim referrals to determine compensability and possible defenses, and he develops case plans as needed. Mike coordinates with employers and their representatives to obtain, file and present evidence and defenses before the Industrial Commission of Ohio, courts of common pleas and courts of appeals throughout the state.

Before joining the Attorney General’s Office, Mike worked with a private law firm for more than eight years, gaining valuable trial experience. He provided workers’ compensation defense to both local and national companies doing business in Ohio, and his practice also included general litigation and probate. Before private practice, Mike served as a Judicial Staff Attorney in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.

Mike is a certified specialist in workers’ compensation law by the Ohio State Bar Association.  While completing his law degree, he worked for Cuyahoga County Probate Court and Cleveland Municipal Court.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State of Ohio (2002)
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio

EDUCATION

  • Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, J.D. (2001)
  • Cleveland State University, B.A. (1998)

Principal Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section

Contact:
Office: 614-644-7257
Fax: 614-752-4677
Joseph.Rosenthal@OhioAGO.gov

Joe joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 1988. His first assignment was the Federal Litigation Section, but in short order, the Employment Law Section was created and he moved to become one of the founding members.

In his position, Joe represents state agencies and officials in employment discrimination lawsuits brought under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title IX and 42 U.S.C. Section 1983. He regularly appears before state and federal courts and administrative agencies throughout Ohio.

In addition, Joe works directly with human resources directors and in-house counsel to avoid and/or resolve potential employment related issues.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State of Ohio (1984)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

EDUCATION

  • Capital University, J.D. (1983)
  • Allegheny College, B.A. (1978)

Principal Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section

Contact:
Office: 614-644-7257
Fax: 614-752-4677
Cathleen.Slater@OhioAGO.gov

Cathleen joined the Employment Law Section in October 2019. Before coming to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Cathleen practiced labor and employment law for 15 years. Additionally, she has extensive experience in collective bargaining, representing public- and private-sector unions in labor negotiations, arbitration, mediation and in matters before the National Labor Relations Board and the Ohio State Employee Relations Board.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State of Ohio (1996)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio

EDUCATION

  • University of Akron School of Law, J.D.
  • University of Pittsburgh, B.A.

Associate Attorney General
Employment Law Section
Workers’ Compensation Defense Unit

Contact:
Office: 216-787-3715
Cell: 440-537-3636
Michael.Germano@OhioAGO.gov

Michael joined the Attorney General’s Office in July 2019 in the Workers’ Compensation Unit. He represents state agencies regarding workers’ compensation claims filed by employees. Representation includes appearances at the Industrial Commission and Common Pleas Courts.

Before joining the Attorney General’s Office, Michael was employed in private practice for 30 years. He was assigned all workers’ compensation cases, both for employee and employer representation. Additionally, while in private practice, Michael served in the following capacities:

  • Solicitor and Prosecutor, Village of Timberlake
  • Assistant Law Director, City of Willoughby; Counsel to the Board of Appeals; Counsel to the Planning Commission
  • Assistant Law Director and Prosecutor, City of Kirtland;
  • Assistant Law Director, Concord Township;
  • Prosecutor, City of Willoughby Hills

Michael has served as President of the Lake County Bar Association, Willoughby Chamber of Commerce and City of Willoughby Hills Council. He is also a graduate of Leadership Lake County.

Bar Admissions

  • State of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
  • U.S. Tax Court

Education

  • Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law, J.D.
  • Cleveland State University, B.A.s (Political Science and Mass Communication)

Associate Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section
Workers’ Compensation Defense Unit

Contact:
Office: 614-644-7257
Fax: 614-752-4677
Gregory.Patterson@OhioAGO.gov

Gregory has practiced law for more than 40 years. He joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2007 after a private-practice career representing injured workers, some for private law firms throughout the state and some in his own law office. He also served as a Hearing Officer and first Legislative Counsel for the Industrial Commission of Ohio.

For the Ohio Attorney General, Gregory was a founding member of the Workers’ Compensation Defense Unit, representing state agencies and state universities in problem workers’ comp claims. In the unit, he has performed administrative hearings as well as trial work.

In private practice, Gregory represented injured workers and clients in various other legal matters and was one of the few practitioners of entertainment law in Ohio. He worked on major projects with Bob Hope and Bob Keeshan, and founded three performing arts companies in Central Ohio, including the Lawyers’ Performance Ensemble.

Gregory is a past chair of the Entertainment Law Committees of the Columbus Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association. He is also a past chair of the Columbus Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Committee.

In his pre-law days, he worked in the Ohio House of Representatives, as Government Relations Director for all Ohio Red Cross Chapters and as a lobbyist for private clients.

Bar Admissions

  • State of Ohio (1979)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio

Education

  • University of Toledo College of Law, J.D (1978)
  • Bowling Green State University, B.A., B.S., cum laude

Associate Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section

Contact:
Office: 614-644-7257
Fax: 614-752-4677
David.Stouffer@OhioAGO.gov

David joined the Employment Law Section in 2020 and represents state entities in employment-related legal proceedings. He practices in state and federal courts, the State Personnel Board of Review, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

David has experience with a broad array of labor and employment laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and various State of Ohio labor and employment laws.

Before joining the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, David was in private practice representing parties in labor and employment matters and worked for Disability Rights Ohio, where he became well-versed in ADA Title I and FMLA law.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State of Ohio (2015)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
 
EDUCATION
  • The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D. (2015)
  • Wittenberg University, B.A. (2011)

COMMUNITY & PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

  • Member, Ohio State Bar Association (2015-present)
  • Participant, OSBA Leadership Academy (2020)

Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section

Contact:
Office: 614-644-7257
Fax: 614-752-4677
Lorenzo.Washington@OhioAGO.gov

Lorenzo joined the Employment Law Section in 2020 and represents state agencies, boards, commissions, educational institutions and officers in cases involving:

  • Federal and state discrimination laws.
  • Harassment.
  • Retaliation.
  • Wrongful discharge.
  • Claims brought under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 for violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments.
  • Disciplinary actions appealed to the State Personnel Board of Review.

In addition, Lorenzo advises employers on various labor concerns, such as employee discipline, removals, leaves, wages and hours, and policies.

Before joining the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Lorenzo practiced employment law at a private law firm in Columbus. He also had served as a law clerk for a law firm that primarily focused on insurance subrogation claims.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State of Ohio (2017)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio

EDUCATION

  • The Ohio State University, J.D. (2016)
  • Ohio University, B.A., cum laude (2012)

Senior Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section

Contact:
Office: 614-644-7257
Direct dial: 216-777-8029
Fax: 877-589-5567
InSon.Loving@OhioAGO.gov

In Son joined the Employment Law Section in 2023 as a Senior Assistant Attorney General. She represents state agencies, boards, commissions and educational institutions as well as their officers in a variety of employment matters, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wrongful discharge.
Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, In Son served as Judicial Staff Attorney to the Honorable Shirley Strickland Saffold of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. For 13 years before that, she practiced employment law on both the plaintiff side and defense side.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State of Ohio (2009)
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio (2017)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio (2020)
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (2018)
EDUCATION
  • University of Akron School of Law, J.D. (2008)
  • John Carroll University, B.S. (2005)

Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section
 
Contact:
Office: 614-644-7257
Fax: 614-752-4677
Neema.Ashou@OhioAGO.gov
 
Neema joined the Employment Law Section in 2023. He defends institutional state entities of Ohio before state and federal courts, the State Personnel Board of Review, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In his role as Assistant Attorney General, Neema handles the unique employment requirements of public sector clients in aspects of federal and state employment laws, including claims arising under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and the Equal Pay Act.
 
Before joining the Attorney General’s office, Neema served as an extern to the Honorable Laurel Beatty-Blunt of the Tenth District Court of Appeals for the State of Ohio and to the Honorable Mina Nami Khorrami of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
 
BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State of Ohio (2024)
 
EDUCATION
  • The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., (2023)
  • Auburn University, B.A., magna cum laude (2019)

Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section
 
Contact:
Office: 614-644-7257
Fax: 614-752-4677
Finley.Newman-James@OhioAGO.gov
 
Finley joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2024. He represents state entities, elected officials and higher education institutions in employment-related legal proceedings in state and federal courts or before the State Personnel Board of Review, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
 
Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Finley practiced employment and business law in private practice.
 
BAR ADMISSIONS
  • State of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
 
EDUCATION
  • The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D.
  • Capital University, B.A, Political Science and Public Administration

Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section

Contact:
Office: 614-644-7257
Fax: 614-752-4677
Grace.Omalley@OhioAGO.gov

Grace joined the Employment Law Section in 2024. She defends state entities and their officers before state and federal courts, the State Personnel Board of Review, and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. She also handles employment cases involving federal and state discrimination laws, retaliation, harassment, and other various employment issues.

Prior to joining the Attorney General's Office, Grace served as an extern to the Hon. Michael Mentel of the 10th District Court of Appeals for Ohio and the Hon. Andria Noble of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

Grace is also an officer and board member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Central Ohio.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State of Ohio (2024)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio

EDUCATION

  • The Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law, J.D. (2024)
  • The Ohio State University, B.A/B.S, magna cum laude (2021)

PROFFESIONAL INVOLVEMENT

  • Ohio State Bar Association
  • Ohio Women’s Bar Association
  • Columbus Bar Association
  • Women Lawyers of Franklin County
  • Ohio Women’s Bar Foundation 2019-2020 Leadership Institute Class Member

Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section

Contact:
Office:  614-644-7257
Direct:  614-752-4677
Michael.Sliwinski@OhioAGO.gov

Mike is back for a second stint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office, now serving as the managing attorney of the Cleveland Regional Office. He originally joined the office in 2007 as an assistant attorney general with the Consumer Protection Section. He left in 2014 to become legal counsel for the Ohio Lottery Commission and, two years later, was appointed a Cleveland Municipal Court judge by Gov. John Kasich.

Since returning to the AGO, Mike has both managed the Cleveland office and represented state agencies, colleges and universities in federal employment-related litigation; in disputes before the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission; and in actions brought before the State Personnel Board of Review.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State of Ohio (2003)
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio

Senior Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section

Contact:
Office: 614-644-7257
Fax: 614-752-4677
Allison.Lippman@OhioAGO.gov

Allison joined the Ohio Attorney General's Office in 2025 from the city of Columbus, most recently serving as the Equal Employment Opportunity compliance officer for the city's Department of Public Safety. During her tenure as an assistant city attorney, Allison represented the city in labor and employment cases and arbitrations, and advised human resource departments on employment issues.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State of Ohio (2002)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

EDUCATION

  • Fordham University, J.D. (2002)  
  • The Ohio State University, B.A. (1999)
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