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 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
Senior Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section
Contact:
Office: 614-466-4854
Devon.Alexander@OhioAGO.gov
Devon began his legal career in the Employment Law Section and, after leaving for several years, rejoined the section in January 2026. During his initial tenure with the Attorney General’s Office, he defended state agencies, courts, and public universities before federal and state courts, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and the State Personnel Board of Review. He gained extensive litigation experience, including taking and defending depositions, responding to written discovery, drafting dispositive motions, and negotiating settlements. He also prepared for and served as counsel in agency hearings and federal jury trials.
Devon then served as an in-house counsel for a multibillion-dollar retail company, providing advice and counsel, investigating internal reports of discrimination and harassment, and collaborating with Human Resources and other departments to increase corporate compliance. Following this in-house role, he worked at one of the nation’s largest labor and employment law firms, exclusively representing businesses and management. His practice areas focused on investigations, single-plaintiff discrimination claims, occupational safety and health, and unfair competition and trade secrets.
Drawing on his combined legal experience, Devon now brings a practical perspective to advising and representing state clients. His background allows him to navigate complex employment matters with legal insight and a strong understanding of organizational needs.
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)
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
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
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)
Principal Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section
Contact:
Office: 216-787-3039
Daniel.Kirschner@OhioAGO.gov
Dan joined the Attorney General’s Office in 2020. He represents state agencies in Industrial Commission hearings and 4123.512 appeals throughout northern Ohio. Before joining the Employment Law Section, he represented Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation in court appeals throughout northeastern Ohio. He also served as a Supervising Attorney for the AGO’s northern regional offices.
Prior to joining this office, Dan worked in private practice, representing injured workers in Workers’ Compensation matters, including Industrial Commission hearings, 4123.512 appeals, and mandamus actions.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State of Ohio (2010)
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
EDUCATION
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
- University of Dayton
Senior Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section
Contact:
Office: 614-466-1803
Charles.Kirby@OhioAGO.gov
Charles “Charlie” Kirby joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in August 2023 as a Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Workers’ Compensation Law Section, where he defended the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) in appeals before Ohio courts of Common Pleas and represented the BWC and Ohio Industrial Commission in mandamus actions before the Tenth District Court of Appeals.
In March 2025, he transitioned to the Employment Law Section – Workers’ Compensation Defense Unit. He currently represents state agencies and universities before the Ohio Industrial Commission and defends appeals in Ohio courts of Common Pleas. Charlie is an OSBA-certified specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law.
Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, he practiced law privately from 2014 to 2023 as a partner in a general practice firm. He represented injured workers, businesses, and municipalities in all aspects of Ohio Workers’ Compensation law, both in court and before the Ohio Industrial Commission. Before private practice, Charlie served eight years as a staff attorney for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, handling administrative hearings, advising claims staff, and managing claims operations.
BAR ADMISSIONS
EDUCATION
- Capital University, J.D. (2004)
- The Ohio State University, B.S. (2000)
Assistant Attorney General
Employment Law Section
Contact:
Office: 614-644-7257
Fax: 614-752-4677
Tyler.Benson@OhioAGO.gov
Tyler joined the Employment Law Section in 2025. He represents state agencies and public officials in employment-related litigation before state and federal courts and administrative bodies. His work includes defending against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, constitutional claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, and disciplinary actions appealed to the State Personnel Board of Review.
Tyler’s connection to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office began in high school as a member of the Teen Ambassador Board, an experience that sparked his interest in public service. During law school, he clerked for the Employment Law Section, where he developed his passion for employment law and gained experience in litigation and agency defense.
BAR ADMISSIONS
EDUCATION
- University of Cincinnati College of Law, J.D. (2025)
- University of Cincinnati, B.A., magna cum laude (2022)
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
- Federal Bar Association
- Ohio State Bar Association
- Columbus Bar Association