SARAH D. MORRISON’s practice is primarily commercial litigation, and she represents clients in all aspects of trial and appellate litigation. She has experience in different forms of alternative dispute resolution and in class actions. Her trial practice involves appearances in federal and state courts across Ohio. Ms. Morrison has argued before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court.  Well respected by her peers and members of the bench, Ms. Morrison has been recognized for excellence in commercial litigation by Best Lawyers in America and Ohio Super Lawyers. In addition to commercial litigation, Ms. Morrison has also represented clients before the Ohio Elections Commission and the Ohio General Assembly.

Representative Experience

• Successfully defended Ohio manufacturer in lengthy trial against claims brought by the Ohio EPA alleging violations of the manufacturer’s air permits
• Represented special litigation committee of board of directors of national drug distribution company in evaluating multi-million dollar settlement of multiple shareholder derivative actions against company officers and directors
• Represented local beer distributorship in obtaining permanent injunction issued by U.S. District Court against manufacturer’s attempt to terminate client’s local franchise
• Involved in a number of cases before the Ohio Supreme Court, including successful oral argument in State v. Watkins regarding the application of criminal rules to misdemeanor offenses
• Representation of clients before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, including successful oral argument in Stern v. Mascio, affirming dismissal on judicial immunity grounds (published opinion)
• Secured restraining order for family-owned business against former officers and employees in regard to non-compete agreements, claims of misappropriation of trade secrets and improper use of client lists and proprietary information
• Extensive litigation and negotiation of settlement for condominium association related to claims against its roofing contractor for defective construction in roof replacements

Achievements and Awards

• AV Peer Review Rated Martindale-Hubbell Rating Explanation
• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation
• Recipient, Business First's “Forty under 40” award for notable professional success and volunteer efforts (2005)
• Listed as Ohio Rising Star by Super Lawyers (2005 – 2010)

Professional Memberships and Community Service

• Columbus Bar Association
• Ohio Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Advisory Selection Panel on Reappointment of Terence Kemp as Magistrate Judge, Member (2010)
• Southern District of Ohio Local Rules Committee, Member (2010)
• Life member of the 6th Circuit Judicial Conference
• Federal Bar Association, Columbus Chapter, Board Member (2005 – 2010); Programming Co-Chair (2005 – 2006); Secretary (2006– 07); Vice President (2007– 2008); President (2008 – 2009)
• Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, Member (2002 – 2008); Chair of the Mentoring Subcommittee (2004); Chair of the Application Subcommittee (2005); Vice Chair of Commission (2007 – 2008)
• Delegate to the Judicial Conference of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (2004 & 2008)
• 2008 Campaign volunteer for the Judge Lisa L. Sadler Committee
• 2006 Campaign Coordinator for the Judge Alan C. Travis Committee
• Inns of Court, Franklin Inn (Membership Chair 2003 – 2006)
• Huntington’s Disease Society of America, Central Ohio Chapter, President (2002 – 2004) & Member of Board of Trustees (1999 – 2008); Advocacy Committee, Chair; Hoop-a-Thon Silent Auction Committee, Chair (2002 – 2003); Celebration of Hope Dinner Steering Committee (2005 – 2006)
• Gahanna Rotary (2010) 

Speeches and Publications

• “Educating Yourself on Law Firm’s Fee Structures May Save You Money” Columbus Business First, December 8, 2006
• “Sometimes It’s OK to Just Go Ahead and Make a Federal Case Out of It” Columbus Business First, August 24, 2007
• “Ohio Law Imposes Non-compete Limitations Even Without Agreements” Columbus Business First, March 16, 2007
• Lecturer in the areas of professionalism, legislation and civil litigation 

Other Professional Experience

• Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable John D. Holschuh, United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio (1997 – 1998)