This CLE will break down the bombshell complaints filed by Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, providing an up-to-date case summary and analysis of the litigation.  In addition to discussing the allegations and causes of action raised in both complaints, we will explore the legal issues raised within the litigation, and any differences in Ohio law or procedure. We will also discuss Rules of Professional Conduct, including 3.6 regarding trial publicity and 4.1 regarding truthfulness in statements to others, where we will analyze the conduct of the parties’ counsel in consideration of zealous advocacy versus ethical obligations. To that end, we will analyze the different litigation strategies that have emerged, and possible consequences in the trend of celebrities exploiting the legal system to win in the court of public opinion.

Presenters:

Mary E. Kraft, Esq. and Jessica Forrest, Esq.

Mary Kraft is an associate attorney at Reminger Co. LPA’s Columbus office, where she focuses her legal practice in estates, trusts, and probate litigation. Mary represents clients in the pursuit, and defense, of cases involving trust and will contests, power of attorney abuse, declaratory judgment to invalidate financial or real estate transactions, fiduciary liability, and breach of trust. Mary counsels clients through all phases of the probate litigation process, including pre-suit investigation, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, mediation, evidentiary hearings, and trial. In addition to litigation, Mary handles estate planning, as well as estate and trust administrations, as fiduciary, counsel for fiduciaries, or counsel for beneficiaries.

Mary regularly presents and speaks on issues involving probate litigation, estate administration, and estate planning. Mary graduated cum laude from the University of Dayton School of law, where she served as the Business Editor on the University of Dayton Law Review, and as the Research Assistant to the Articles Editor of the American Business Law Journal.

As co-chair of Reminger's Estates, Trusts, and Probate Litigation Practice Group, Jessica Forrest focuses her practice on will and trust contests, beneficiary disputes, and fiduciary litigation. She also handles matters of trust and estate administration, guardianships, and estate planning. Prior to joining Reminger, Jessica worked at a small general practice firm in Akron, Ohio, where she gained significant experience in real estate, general civil litigation, small business law, and personal injury matters. Jessica’s well-rounded background allows her to spot unique issues and find creative solutions for clients in all types of probate litigation.

Jessica frequently lectures across the state on the topics of estate and trust administration and litigation. She participates annually as an instructor of the University of Akron School of Law’s Summer Trial Academy – a program unique in the nation for providing students with an intensive course of trial advocacy culminating in a full jury trial. Jessica combines her deep knowledge of estate and trust law with her honed advocacy skills to create results for clients – whether that be via motion practice, mediation, or jury trials.

Jessica serves on the OSBA’s Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Section Council helping to create and sponsor estate and trust legislation. She serves as the Vice President of Membership of the Akron Bar Association. She is also a former chair of Akron Bar Association’s Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law Section. She currently volunteers as a mock trial team coach for Akron Law, leading teams to national finalist rounds, and occasionally guest lectures at Akron Law on estate planning and probate law. She is a Trustee and Treasurer for Highland Square Neighborhood Association, a 501(c)(3) group in Akron that plans the annual PorchRokr Arts & Music Festival in Highland Square, Akron, Ohio. She serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for her alma mater, Our Lady of the Elms School and is on the professional advisory committee for Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice Greater Akron.

Jessica earned her J.D. from the University of Akron School of Law, magna cum laude, 2010
- 10 CALI Awards and her B.A. from the University of Akron, Honor's College, (International/Comparative Politics, Minor in history), summa cum laude, 2007

2.0 CLE Credit Hours including .50 Professional Conduct

This CLE will be held on Zoom. Login to the website and click the "Register" button to register. You will receive a confirmation email from the Columbus Bar AND an email from Zoom containing information about joining the meeting.