Scott Gwin joined the Plakas Mannos family in March of 2025. At the time of his retirement from the Fifth District of Court Appeals in February of 2024, Scott Gwin was the most senior appellate court judge then serving in the state of Ohio. Let us see what has transpired for Scott over the past few months in his newest endeavor as a Plakas Mannos Law Lion.
Q: What has it been like to work at Plakas Mannos?
A: It has been exciting and challenging returning to private practice. A highlight for me is watching how the practice of law has evolved over the past 36 years of being on the bench. For one, technology is so fundamental to the present-day practice of law from documenting time to the gathering of research. It has become one of the main fundamental components to the everyday practice of law. At the start of my career, trips to the law library were necessary to research the current state of a legal issue; today, law libraries are nearly obsolete, and all research is conducted at your desk on a computer screen or even on your phone. It’s literally at our fingertips. The Plakas Mannos law firm embraces technology to the highest degree, and we emphasize the importance of being competent in using technology for our clients. The practice of law has changed dramatically over the past 30 years, in my opinion, and the importance of being technologically competent is fundamental to present-day practice of law.
Q: How has this experience matched up to your expectations?
A: My actual experience has exceeded my expectations. The quality of the work produced at this firm is exceptional. The expertise in a wide variety of civil and criminal matters is unmatched, in my opinion, by any firm in this area. The dedication and hard work that every member of the firm embraces is truly exceptional. All of our attorneys and administrative professionals are committed to achieving excellence for our clients.
Q: What are some of the highlights of your experience?
A: The interoffice experience has been exceptional; the camaraderie and unified effort to achieve excellence is present every day. The camaraderie of the attorneys and the staff is evident in the quality of the work produced. One of the highlights of my recent experiences at the firm involves participating in the settlement of a case involving a young client who suffered life-changing injuries. The compassion the firm showed this client and his family was truly incredible. The result was exceptional and will provide stability and future opportunities for the plaintiff for the rest of his life.
Q: How has your judicial experience translated into being an advocate for clients?
A: Over the course of my judicial career, I have handled over 10,000 cases dealing with matters in many different areas of law. The breadth of that experience has given me insight into the legal system as well as society in general, and makes me a better, more well-rounded lawyer.
Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing this year?
A: One of my most significant accomplishments this year is the transition I made from the area of judiciary to the practice of law. As I noted before, the practice of law is significantly different now than it was 36 years ago. And I view this as a challenge to adapt and hopefully excel in my new career.
Q: What do the other attorneys at Plakas Mannos say about having Attorney Gwin on our team?
A: Managing Partner Lee Plakas states, “Having Scott as part of our legal team is invaluable. Not only do we get the benefits of his decades-long judicial career, but we also have the benefit of his energy, enthusiasm, and passion for the law. Scott has immediately impacted cases and helped clients in his first several months with the firm.”
Associate Attorney Brandon McHugh echoes these sentiments: “Having the Judge on our team is so incredibly helpful to analyzing cases from an appellate perspective.”
An Integral Addition to Plakas Mannos
Scott Gwin, with 36 years of experience on the bench, brings unparalleled expertise to our law firm, offering deep insights into judicial processes, legal precedents, and courtroom strategies. His extensive experience provides a comprehensive understanding of how cases are likely to be viewed by the courts, enabling him to offer invaluable advice on case preparation, negotiation, and litigation. This level of insight significantly enhances our firm's ability to serve clients effectively, offering a strategic advantage that few others can match. Scott Gwin has, without a doubt, become an integral part of the Plakas Mannos law firm. Thank you for choosing us to continue your esteemed and most distinguished career.
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