Retired Justice Terrence O’Donnell Launches Frantz Ward’s Appellate Litigation and Advocacy Practice, Deepens Firm ADR Presence

Frantz Ward is pleased to welcome Justice Terrence O’Donnell (Ret’d) to the firm as Of Counsel. He will play a key role in launching the firm’s Appellate Litigation and Advocacy practice and will strengthen the firm’s existing Alternative Dispute Resolution presence.   

In his appellate advocacy work, Justice O’Donnell advises attorneys on matters pending in state Courts of Appeal and Supreme Courts nationwide, as well as on matters in Federal District and Circuit Courts of Appeal. He assists counsel with developing appellate issues and arguments, preparing briefs and appellate pleadings, and conducting mock oral arguments.  

He also serves as an arbitrator and mediator, assisting clients across industries in resolving disputes efficiently and effectively outside of court.  

“Justice O’Donnell brings unmatched perspective and sharp appellate insight from his years on the state’s highest court,” said Christopher G. Keim, Frantz Ward Managing Partner. “His arrival to the firm and the launch of our Appellate Litigation and Advocacy Practice reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering thoughtful, comprehensive representation at every level of litigation. He will be an invaluable resource for our clients and attorneys alike.” 

Prior to joining Frantz Ward, Justice O’Donnell served for 16 years as the 149th Justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio, from 2003 – 2018. He led statewide efforts to promote professionalism among judges and lawyers and implemented a mentoring program, recognized as one of the finest in the United States. He began his judicial career on the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, serving there for 14 years before serving at the Eighth District Court of Appeals for eight years.  

He earned his J.D. from Cleveland State University in 1971 after receiving his B.A. from Kent State University in 1968. 

Frantz Ward’s Appellate practice group manages state and federal appeals arising from trial court matters across all of the firm’s litigation-oriented practice areas and aids other firms and solo practitioners who lack the resources to manage appellate cases. Advocates have deep knowledge of appellate procedure and judicial decision-making, equipping them with the rare knowledge base and strategic insight to assist firms of all sizes with quick and efficient guidance on pending civil litigation appeals.

The firm’s Alternative Dispute Resolution practice assist clients across industries in resolving disputes efficiently and effectively outside of court. Attorneys serve as neutral arbitrators, mediators, and advocates in matters, bringing practical experience and deep institutional knowledge to each stage of the dispute resolution process.