FI&C developed and implemented an innovative alternative dispute resolution process for a client sued by over 160 individual plaintiffs in federal and state courts in five different states.  Ron Raether and Don Burton, with the permission of the courts, worked with Plaintiffs' counsel on a framework that avoided the usual litigation track; the claimants' cases were objectively analyzed and categorized, and, by agreement, limited document discovery and depositions of the plaintiffs took place in order to further the evaluation of claims.  Thirty-four of the cases were dismissed as meritless by motion or agreement.  The remaining cases were resolved in a Court-supervised mediation. 

Attorneys Laura Sanom, Tom Kraemer, Eric Voigt, and Lindsay Potrafke substantially prevailed in a trade secrets case in federal court on several motions for summary judgment.  On behalf of six Defendants, FI&C argued that seven of Plaintiffs' causes of action were preempted by the Missouri Trade Secrets Act and that no genuine issue of material fact existed as to three other claims.  The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri agreed with FI&C and dismissed those ten claims (including a RICO claim). 

Charlie Faruki was again selected by LAWDRAGON Magazine, as one of the top trial lawyers in the country.  Lawdragon.com explains that it is the largest online legal news resource in the United States.  Charlie was first selected as one of the top 500 trial lawyers by LAWDRAGON a few years ago, when the list began to be published.

Charlie Faruki and Jeff Sharkey concluded a preliminary injunction hearing, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, before Judge Walter Rice.  The matter involves intellectual property issues and claims under the Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act.  Post-hearing briefs and replies are to be filed in June.

Jeff Cox was named "Barrister of the Month" in the June edition of The Dayton Bar Briefs published by the Dayton Bar Association.  Elizabeth Wells, Bar Briefs Editorial Board member, wrote an article about Jeff's childhood in Richmond, Indiana, and after college, his move to Washington, DC to explore his interest in politics and his decision to practice law. 

FI&C partner, Laura Sanom, was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Women's Bar Association last month.  Laura will serve as the District 2 representative to the Board for the greater Dayton area.  The OWBA is a state-wide association of attorneys dedicated to supporting and advancing women in the legal profession.  Laura will also serve as co-chair of the CLE committee of the OWBA, which will offer CLEs state-wide on a variety of current legal issues.

Bob Bartlett and Andy Reitz spoke to various editors and reporters at the Dayton Daily News regarding the Ohio Public Records Act and the Ohio Open Meetings Act.  During a presentation on May 26, 2010, Bob and Andy discussed various topics regarding the current status of the Ohio Public Records Act and the Ohio Open Meetings Act.  Bob and Andy also answered questions and discussed a variety of topics, including the legality of formal requests for public records, the exemptions to public records, the process to obtain public records, the affect of municipal charters on public meetings, executive sessions, the exceptions to open meetings, and the different types of public meetings. 

FI&C is pleased to welcome two summer associates to the firm.  Robert Pickett has a BA from Georgetown, MST from Fordham, and is attending Nova Southeastern University Law Center in Fort Lauderdale.  Ken LeCroix has a BA from Vanderbilt and attends the University of Cincinnati College of Law."  Welcome to the team!

Andy Reitz was recently selected to serve on the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Strategic Planning Committee.  As a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, Andy evaluates the current vision and mission of the Chamber, attends and actively participates in meetings and discussions regarding the future initiatives and direction of the Chamber, reviews various programs and benefits offered by the Chamber, and provides feedback on a number of key issues relating to Chamber functions. 

Andy Reitz served as a "Celebrity Griller" for the annual Walk for Women's Wellness.  Andy, along with notable community leaders and volunteers, grilled and served various food items to the participating walkers.  The Walk's proceeds provide free mammograms and related medical services for uninsured women in the Dayton area.  In the past 16 years, these efforts have provided over $800,000 for services for over 8,000 women.  This is the second year in which Andy was asked to serve as a "Celebrity Griller." 

Eric Voigt has a forthcoming article on writing tips for young attorneys.  The article will be published in the Summer 2010 issue of TortSource, a quarterly newsletter of the American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section.