Recent News

September 23, 2011

An Interview with Columbus Bar inc Attorney, Lisa Julius

Why did you decide to be a solo attorney participating in Columbus Bar inc?
I decided to participate in Columbus Bar inc as a solo practitioner because the inc program offers the autonomy and independence of a solo practice with the added benefit of support from experienced attorneys. I liked the program's "safety net" of educational programs, mentors, as well as the other inc attorneys so that you are not out in practice entirely alone.

What area(s) of law does your solo practice focus on?
I will look into any matter that a client needs and if I feel I can competently and effectively represent that client - I will take any case. I do focus on criminal defense - I have worked in defense for over two years now and I am passionate about it. In addition to criminal defense, I work in post-conviction relief as well including appeals and Judicial Release. I also work in domestic and family law, landlord/tenant and evictions, and OVI and traffic cases.

What made you choose your primary area of law?
I have always been fascinated by the criminal justice system, which grew into a passion for criminal defense. In an abstract sense, criminal defense is a challenging area of law that makes a practitioner look at a case from 100 different angles to come up with an argument. In a practical sense, though, criminal defense protects the fundamental rights that all citizens of this Nation are entitled to and I take that responsibility very seriously.

What will make your law firm unique?
My personality makes my law firm unique because I am the chameleon of the courtroom - I can be negotiable or I can be aggressive depending on the situation. I don't use just one "style" of litigating but I change my response as I see necessary and this is how I get effective results for my clients. I am also compassionate, whether an individual is a paying client or a pro bono, I will go out of my way for every client.

Summary of previous employment.
Before I left for law school, I worked in the intake section of the City of Columbus Prosecutor's Office where I learned a great deal about the municipal court system. During law school, I was an extern at the Ohio Attorney General's Office in the Capital Crimes Unit, which provided me with experience in habeas corpus actions and appeals in general. I also externed at the Columbus Bar Association in the Ethics Division and I learned what NOT to do as an attorney! Since being licensed, I have worked as a law clerk for two attorneys here in Columbus with a focus on criminal defense, civil litigation, domestic law and appeals. That position has been an ideal way to learn the nuances of "lawyering" and I believe that with the knowledge, skill, and experience that I have gained over the years I am very prepared to embark on a career as a solo practitioner.

Describe your personal interests and hobbies.
I love a good movie - Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thrillers, Comedies, anything really. I love animals and I have a 12-pound pet bunny named Norman. I enjoy reading, my favorite being Kurt Vonnegut, and I write short stories and essays - I once had a professor tell me that I may be the next John Grisham!

Click here to learn more about Columbus Bar inc Professional Development Center.