MEET THE BOARD

Gina began her law career managing the family firm Piacentino and Piacentino Co. LPA in Marion, Ohio. Gina was then approached by O’Connor, Acciani, & Levy, a Cincinnati-based partnership with no Central Ohio presence, to create and establish its Columbus office. Under her leadership and skill, the office quickly grew to have a reputable presence.

In 2014, Gina opened her own firm, bringing her considerable experience with litigation, particularly in personal injury, to guide and assist clients in her practice. Gina continues to be very active in both the Columbus and Marion communities. She has presented in several professional venues, speaking by invitation on a wide variety of topics including subrogation, ethics, client management and business ownership.

Personal experiences further bridge Gina’s depth of understanding and empathy so that she serves her clients to the highest and best of her abilities. Gina is a graduate of Miami University and the University of Akron School of Law.

Erica Arras is an Associate at Ice Miller LLP, practicing in the firm's Litigation Group and focusing on complex commercial litigation and business disputes as both plaintiff and defense counsel in a wide variety of industries and fields. She is licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio and is admitted in The United States District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of Ohio. 

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Erica received her B.S. from The University of Akron, followed by obtaining her J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. She has been an active member of WLFC since being selected as a law student liaison in 2019. A native of Youngstown, Ohio, she regularly returns to her hometown to visit friends and family. As a first-generation lawyer, Erica is passionate about being involved in the legal community and mentoring law students and junior attorneys as they begin their careers. 

Liz Mote has over a decade of legal experience providing counsel on every aspect of serious injury and wrongful death claims on behalf of injured parties, criminal defense, as well as medical malpractice, products liability and complex consumer matters. She provides one-on-one representation and understands that needing legal representation, especially if you or someone you love is injured or accused of a crime, means this is a difficult time. Liz believes in providing transparent advice to help clients navigate the legal system.

Liz graduated from Capital University Law School, cum laude, in May 2010. In law school, she participated in the Jessup International Law Moot Court Team and made the Dean's List.

Before law school, Liz studied Classics at Kenyon College. There, she received a B.A. in Classics, cum laude, in 2007. In college, Liz worked on the Literary Magazine (HIKA) and was a tour guide for the Brown Family Environmental Center. She was fortunate enough to spend the spring and summer of 2006 studying abroad in Greece.

In 2003, Liz graduated from Columbus Academy as valedictorian.

Brandi supports clients through complex injuries and personal losses with her characteristic warmth, effervescence, and compassion. Her practice focuses on plaintiff’s personal injury litigation and wrongful death.

She is passionate about the Columbus legal community and in addition to her role with Women Lawyers of Franklin County, she serves as Secretary of The Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer Inn of Court. Formerly, Brandi was an Ohio State Bar Foundation Fellow, Co-Chair of the Columbus Bar Association Young Lawyers Committee, and Columbus Bar Association Barrister Leader.  

Brandi graduated magna cum laude from Capital University Law School in 2017 where she was the Managing Editor of the Capital University Law Review, a Student Ambassador, and a pro bono honors student. Brandi also has a B.S. from Clemson University in environmental and natural resources with a concentration in economics and policy. Her Law Review article, which was published in 2017, married her passion for environmentalism, politics, and the law.

In her free time, Brandi volunteers with the Columbus Metropolitan Library in the Homework Help Center. She is a board member of the nonprofit Slow Food Columbus and a member of far too many book clubs. She loves reading in her hammock, spending time with her hyperactive dogs, and baking goodies for anyone and everyone.

Bridjette Hairston currently serves as Staff Attorney to the Honorable Stephen L. McIntosh at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court where she manages the civil docket of 300+ cases on a regular basis. Prior to the Court, Bridjette held legal positions at the Ohio Attorney General's Office, Franklin County JFS, the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. 

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Bridjette is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Law and earned her J.D. with a concentration in Litigation/Alternative Dispute Resolution.  She is licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio and is admitted in The United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

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Bridjette is actively involved in her local community, passionate about mentorship, and engaged in Diversity & Inclusion initiatives. 

Jolene represents clients in commercial litigation at both state and federal levels. Her experience includes directors and officers insurance litigation, contract disputes, tort litigation, workers’ compensation cases and other employment disputes, trust litigation, and real estate cases. She has experience drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs, arguing motions, taking depositions, conducting and responding to written discovery, collecting and evaluating evidence, and conducting settlement negotiations. She has represented Fortune 500 companies, insurance companies, banks, hospitals, small businesses, and individuals.