Ohio attorney general’s lawyers merit praise

By GARY J. LEPPLA

It is a privilege and honor to have the opportunity to become acquainted with lawyers from all practice backgrounds, all over the great state of Ohio, in large and small firms, everywhere from the big cities and to our townships. One common constant among the overwhelming majority of these servants of the public is their commitment to professionalism. No place is that commitment to professionalism more evident than among the lawyers of the Ohio attorney general’s office.

Events of recent weeks have been difficult for the lawyers and the staff of the attorney general’s office — and for the residents of Ohio. Because a few in that office have strayed from their commitment to professionalism, some have questioned the integrity of the attorney general’s office and the people who work there. Such thinking is uninformed and misguided. Such thinking and criticism belies the reality that is so very evident upon simple inspection and reflection. Indeed, the attorney general is the “people’s lawyer” and the employees of that office comprise the largest public interest law firm in Ohio.

The attorney general’s office has a rich, commendable history of service to the citizens of Ohio. Its lawyers, from the newest members of the staff to those professionals who have chosen to make public service their career, are among the best in the state. Together, they comprise one of the largest law firms in Ohio – and one with an impressive record of professionalism and success, regardless of the political party of the attorney general or the employees of that office.

Accomplishments abound

It was the lawyers of the Ohio attorney general’s office who returned more than $150 million to the state’s Medicaid program through settlements with several providers regarding improper billing. They forced the nation’s leading tobacco manufacturers to pay Ohio more than $3.1 billion to date, with more to come, to recover state health expenses attributed to smoking-related claims in support of much-needed public education. And they took action to protect Ohioans against price gouging at the gas pumps.

The lawyers and staff of the Ohio attorney general’s office provide excellent service resulting from a personal and institutional commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities in a fair and professional manner. We can all take pride in the good work they do on our behalf.

This is a new chapter in the history of the Ohio attorney general’s office. The leadership of Attorney General Nancy H. Rogers and the excellent work of the office’s lawyers and staff members will build on their rich heritage of service and professionalism for the benefit of all Ohioans.

We applaud the professionalism, dedication, talent, commitment and aggressive guardianship of the public interest exhibited every day by these attorneys and their staffs. As Ohioans, we are all in their debt, and we are fortunate that each has chosen to apply their remarkable legal talents to addressing the people’s business.

X Gary J. Leppla is president of the Ohio State Bar Association.