When did you decide to become an attorney? What influenced your decision?
In 2001, I was working as a police sergeant in Toledo, and I realized that what I liked most about the job was investigating and putting together cases. I was also getting tired of working third shift and sleeping in four-hour blocks of daytime hours. And although there is a lot of diversity in Toledo, even among cops, I never really fit in very well with the "culture". So I started law school in 2001 and graduated in 2004.
Your undergrad major at University of Toledo was environmental studies. How does that relate to law or at least to your current practice?
It doesn't. I decided that in college, I was going to learn about what interested me, not what would lead to the best-paying job. So I put together my own program that included Anthropology, Sociology and Biology mostly. Technically my degree says "Liberal Studies." Turns out it didn't really matter what my major was.
Tell me about the type of law that you practice. Where did you practice before returning to Bluffton to live? What drew you back to Bluffton?
I am a consumer lawyer and a trial lawyer. I represent mostly working-class and poor victims of predatory capitalism. In plain English, that means I defend people against debt collection law suits, and I file law suits against businesses that do unfair and deceptive things to people (like debt collectors and car dealers, for example). I also do some bankruptcy work. I often use laws that force my opponents to pay my clients' attorney fees. This allows me to represent people who cannot afford an attorney. My clients are all over the State (probably because there are not a lot of lawyers that do what I do). I also help teach other lawyers about consumer law at continuing education classes. I had an office in Mansfield until 2009. I was drawn back to Bluffton by my family and my sweetie.
You have a blog that is titled "Ohio Consumer Law". Can you elaborate? Does that bring in new clients and/or is that simply a way for you to share your knowledge with those of us who don't - as a rule - understand law?
My blog is mostly designed to spread the word about issues that I believe are important in the area of consumer law. I'm sure it contributes to getting new clients too. Some of the posts are an introduction to a topic, like debt settlement company scams. Unfortunately I don't have (or make?) the time to post as often as I want to. One of my goals is to post more examples of actual cases.
Do you ever debate with your sister-in-law, Reema Bazzy, former attorney?
I love debating, and I love Reema. However, we seem to have too much in common to have really good debates. But good conversations, yes!
What was your first job? (Mow lawns? Fast food?)
How did you know that? Yes, mowing lawns from about age 13 or so. My first wage-earning job was as a fill-in food server/dishwasher at the junior high school in Beaverdam. The first wage-dollar I ever earned was there, but it was only 70 cents.
When did you graduate from Bluffton High School? How did you make your college choice?
I graduated in 1988, and decided to go to U. of Toledo, because they offered me a full ride and had a physics and astronomy program (one of my former majors).
What teachers stand out as influential in your growing-up years?
There were a lot of great teachers at Bluffton, and it's hard to pick just a few to name. Mrs. Weaver stands out, for her passion and sheer enjoyment of all her classes, and Mr. Brown, for making science fun, and Mr. Bollenbacher, for starting the academic team, and Mr. Herr, for his ability to teach complex math in a way that made sense.
Were you and your wife, Lubna, friends back in school? How did you connect later on?
Yes, we were friends. I asked her to a dance, and she wasn't allowed to go. 23 years later, she found me on Facebook. I had her picture in my wallet for a couple decades. Yada Yada Yada ... now we're married and have a family. I've never been happier.
You have two children now. How old are they? Does your daughter enjoy taking care of her baby brother?
Leila is 7, and Laiq is almost 5 months. Leila is very helpful and loves helping out with Laiq. We're lucky.
What is your favorite book? Movie? What movie was the biggest waste of your time?
Those are hard questions. I'll go with A People's History of the United States for the book, and Jurassic Park for the movie (though any of Michael Moore's later films would be competitors). I'm not good at remembering movies, especially when I didn't like them.
How do you relax? Any hobbies?
When I get time, I take photos. There are some on Facebook. I also have a telescope and need to get that out again; it's been a while. Oh, and talking politics, like the Occupy movement.
What would you like to do that you haven't yet done?
I haven't had a real vacation in a while. I'd like to travel with my wife. Someday down the road, I'd like to write a book -- maybe about the crossroads of consumer law, politics and how they affect the everyday lives of working people.
