Mel’s practice ranges from business formation and consultation to civil litigation throughout the State and Federal Courts of Ohio. To date, Mel has tried over 100 jury trials to verdict and represented individuals and businesses before state and federal mediators. Through his experience representing political subdivisions, police officers and agencies as well as private individuals in a wide range of legal matters, Mel has developed a comprehensive understanding of the complex, constitutional issues facing modern litigants.

Mel continues to expand his practice to include oil and gas litigation and negotiation and the representation of national retailers in asbestos defense claims. In order to better serve existing clients and meet an expanding market, Mel recently gained admission to practice law in the state of Pennsylvania.

Mel is involved in a number of activities in the North Canton area, including leadership positions in Scouting and coaching youth sports, over the years. Currently, Mel supports the North Canton Hoover High School Hockey and Lacrosse programs.

Over his 33 years of training and teaching martial arts, Mel has appeared in tournaments, seminars, and demonstrations throughout the U.S. and in Asia. He has appeared before the World Taekwondo Federation in Seoul, South Korea and served as legal consultant to national governing bodies associated with the Olympic movement. For the last ten years, Mel has operated the Taekwondo/ Hap Ki Do program at the North Canton YMCA and holds the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt (Master). Mel also serves as Vice President of Cronus Consulting, LLC, a concern dedicated to the promotion of U.S. and South Korean business development.

Mel was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 6, 1965 and graduated from Mt. Healthy High School in 1983. He enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard (MOS Infantry) and attended Miami University on an Army Scholarship. While at Miami, Mel served as an officer in Mu Psi Chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu National Fraternity, graduating in 1987. Mel attended law school at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, serving on the Moot Court Board in the second and third years. Mel was honorably discharged from the Army in1989 at the rank of Sergeant. Mel graduated from Law School , passed the Ohio bar and was admitted to practice law in 1990.Mel lives in North Canton, Ohio with his wife, two sons and one daughter. Presently, Mel is a member of the Ohio Bar Association, the Ohio Academy of Civil Trial Attorneys, the Defense Research Institute and the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Mel has given presentations to the North Canton Chamber of Commerce Networking Forum, Canton Junior League and Canton Women’s Club. Additionally, Mel has offered training and continuing education seminars to the Ohio Sheriff’s Association, the Medina Police Department and Plain Township, Ohio Administrative personnel.Mel has a strong commitment to physical fitness, and enjoys weight training, running and practicing martial arts. When he is not attending an athletic event or arts performance involving his children, Mel enjoys reading non-fiction and painting.