Experience
Member-Owner, David H. Brown LLC, Cleveland, Ohio—2006 to 2014 and 2016 to present
Criminal defense practice encompasses federal, state, and juvenile courts, and includes cases and appeals ranging from traffic violations to economic crimes to murder. Twenty-plus oral arguments in multiple state appellate courts. Lead trial counsel for two other acquittals in felony and municipal court. Co-counsel in a three week federal corruption trial. Co-counsel on three murder trials to jury, including one acquittal. Co-counsel in a triple homicide capital case that resulted in the judge rejecting the jury’s death recommendation.
Member-Owner, The Brown Panagopoulos Law Group LLC, Cleveland, Ohio—2014 to present
Lead attorney for criminal defense and civil litigation at trial, post-conviction, and appellate levels. Criminal practice encompasses federal, state, and juvenile courts, and includes cases and appeals ranging from traffic violations to economic crimes to murder throughout Ohio. Argued multiple appeals in the Eighth District Court of Appeals.
Cross-Systems Mapping Facilitator, Criminal Justice Coordinating Center of Excellence (CCoE), Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio—2013 to present
One of three paid co-facilitators for Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) workshops in Clermont and Butler counties. SIM workshops are attended by representatives from criminal justice and behavioral services—judges, law enforcement, corrections, social service agencies, county hospitals, etc.—to create a map of local services and options to attempt to decriminalize mental illness.
Board Member, Advisory Board for Mental Health Intervention Program (MHIP), Medina County Common Pleas, Medina, Ohio—2013 to present
Board members advise and oversee development of the mental health court through Ohio State Supreme Court certification and regarding practice and procedures now that the docket is established.
Policy and Legislation Subcommittee Member, Ohio Attorney General’s Task Force on Criminal Justice and Mental Illness—2011 to present
Subcommittee members offer input and guidance on best practices or alternatives to existing or pending legislation, policies, and procedures that impact those with mental illness in the criminal justice system.
Associate Attorney, Janik & Dorman LLP—2002-2006
Securities, Business, and ERISA litigation experience in federal and state courts and at arbitration panels. Second chair in a credit fraud trial and won a federal appeal in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Education and Training
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained, Summit County, Ohio—2014
Forty-hour training for law enforcement officers to enhance all parties’ safety and prevent unnecessary incarceration through identifying signs of mental illness, de-escalation techniques, and knowing options other jail.
Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (MHDD) Docket Certified, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas, Cleveland, County, Ohio—2008 to present
Certified through multiple trainings to represent assigned clients whose cases are on the MHDD Docket at all felony levels including murder.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland, Ohio—Juris Doctorate, 2002
Cum Laude
Full Dean’s Scholarship
Moot Court Board of Governors
Vice Chairperson of Moot Court Team
2001‒2002 National Moot Court Competition Advocate
Cleveland-Marshall Employment Clinic 2001‒2002
Law Clerk Extern, United States Attorney Office, Cleveland, Ohio, Summer 2001
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio—Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, 1998
Cum Laude
Dean’s Scholarship for academic achievement
Silver Reunion Scholarship for academic achievement
1998 Mary Spangle Philosophy Award for outstanding philosophy major
Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society