Michael Grodhaus

Current

Attorney at Waite Schneider Bayless & Chesley

Past

First Assistant Attorney General at Ohio Attorney General's Office
Chief Legal Counsel at Ohio Auditor of State's Office
Attorney at Squire Sanders & Dempsey

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Education

Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Miami University

Recommended

2 people have recommended Michael

Connections

128 connections

Industry

Law Practice

Websites

Michael Grodhaus’s Summary

Politically savvy lawyer with 25 year track record of providing pro-active legal solutions to Fortune 500 corporations as outside counsel and to large government agencies as in-house general counsel. Dedicated to delivering value to clients with experience in devising innovative, cost cutting alternative fee arrangements. Superb crisis manager, able to work quickly and adept at immediately seeing the big picture and utilizing a strategic, multi-disciplinary approach to solving problems. Substantial experience working with news media to explain complex legal issues. Strong track record of managing and mentoring other lawyers in law firm and in-house law department environments.

In 2009 named one of "Central Ohio's Top Lawyers" by "Columbus CEO" magazine.

Co-founded the Columbus office of the Cincinnati-based firm of Waite Schneider Bayless & Chesley in 2006 and in 2008 led the office's transition from billing clients by the hour to alternative fee methods including fixed fees, retainers, success fees and many combinations of the same. The office's switch from billing by the hour to alternative fees has been profiled in Columbus Business First, the ABA Journal, the Columbus Dispatch and the Cincinnati Business Courier.

Michael Grodhaus’s Specialties:

Business & commercial litigation, product liability litigation, state & local government law, election law, general business representation, litigation avoidance strategies

Michael Grodhaus’s Experience

Attorney

Waite Schneider Bayless & Chesley

(Law Practice industry)

October 2006 — Present (3 years 2 months)

Opened Columbus office of Cincinnati-based boutique litigation firm. Began commercial litigation practice and public law practice in Columbus office.
First Assistant Attorney General

Ohio Attorney General's Office

(Government Agency; Law Practice industry)

January 2003 — July 2006 (3 years 7 months)

Principal Deputy to Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro and authorized by law to act for him in his absence. Managed the day-to-day activities of the office’s 370 lawyers and 1,000 non-legal personnel. Responsible for defending the Governor, the General Assembly and many State agencies, boards and commissions in civil litigation.
Chief Legal Counsel

Ohio Auditor of State's Office

(Government Administration industry)

January 1995 — January 2003 (8 years 1 month)

General Counsel for state agency with 950 employees that audits all units of government in Ohio. Advised the Auditor of State, senior management and audit staff on legal issues related to the receipt and expenditure of public funds by State, county and local governments. Managed staff of eight attorneys and two lobbyists.
Attorney

Squire Sanders & Dempsey

(Partnership; Law Practice industry)

July 1989 — January 1995 (5 years 7 months)

Litigated asbestos, formaldehyde, lead based paint and chemical toxic tort cases, as well as automobile product liability and commercial cases. Drafted pleadings and motions, deposed hundreds of fact and expert witnesses, argued motions and tried lawsuits in state and federal courts.

Michael Grodhaus’s Education

Case Western Reserve University School of Law

J.D. , Law , 1981 — 1984
Miami University

B.A. , Political Science, Economics , 1977 — 1981

Activities and Societies:

Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity