Kerri is a partner in the Akron and Cleveland offices, and a member of the Labor & Employment Practice. She helps businesses and public entities navigate employment and business disputes. Kerri works with her clients to take control of legal uncertainties and stress so they can focus on what they do best. 

Kerri values results and relationships in equal measure. She collaborates with her clients to understand their objectives and goals. Whether it is taking steps to prevent lawsuits, controlling  workforce problems, or assisting clients with business disputes, Kerri provides detailed advice and strategies for the troubles her clients face. She successfully represents a diverse client base, including manufacturing companies, healthcare organizations, local governmental agencies, and non-profits. 

Kerri regularly handles high stake employment issues, contractual disputes, and business torts. She also helps her clients handle the day-to-day legal matters that distract from their work. If litigation is unavoidable (or even when it’s desirable), Kerri has years of experience litigating in state and federal courts, as well experience appearing before various regulatory agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and the Department of Labor. 

Prior to entering private practice, Kerri was a law clerk to the Honorable John R. Adams in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (2003-2007). She is an active volunteer in numerous professional, community, and charitable groups.

Publications

Pro Bono & Philanthropy

Professional Affiliations

Professional Presentations

• “Advanced Topics in Labor & Employment Law - Workplace Harassment,” Akron Bar Association (December 2019).
• “What’s New in Employee Benefits: EEOC Rules on Wellness Programs,” Employers Health & Wealth Administration Workshop (August 2019).
• “The Rules of Evidence: A Practical Toolkit - Ethical Considerations,” NBI, Inc. (April 2015).
• “Understanding Document Retention Plans and Litigation Holds,” Lorman Education Services (May 2013).
• “Technology Gone Wild: How the Increased Use of Technology Has Affected the Practice of Law in Summit County,” Bench Bar Conference (March 2013).
• “Technology and its Impact on Legal Ethics,” Federal Bar Association, Northern District of Ohio (November 2012).
• “Civil Court Procedure and Strategy Bootcamp,” NBI, Inc. (December 2011).

Admissions

• State Bar Admissions
  • Ohio
• United States District Courts
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
• United States Courts of Appeals
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Associations

• Federal Bar Association, Northern District of Ohio Chapter, Board of Directors (2017-present).
• Federal Bar Association, Northern District of Ohio Chapter, Trial Academy Committee, Member (2019-2021), (Chair 2022), Co-Chair (2023)
• Advisory Group, of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Civil Committee member (2015-2016) and Co-Chair (2017-present)
• Akron Bar Association, Commission on Judicial Candidates (2011-present)
• Akron Bar Association, Finance Committee (2020-2021)
• Akron Bar Association, Board of Trustees, Member (2014-2017)
• Akron Bar Association, Federal Court Committee, Chair (2012-2014)

Awards & Honors

• Best Lawyers in America® - 'Best Lawyers' Commercial Litigation (2024)
• Ohio Super Lawyers (2016-2023)
• Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2010-2015)

Education

University of Akron School of Law

Juris Doctor, cum laude, 2002

Cleveland State University

Bachelor of Arts, Honors 1998

Representative Matters

• Regularly counsels and litigates employment and business disputes.
• Has served as in-house employment counsel on an as-needed basis for certain clients.