Standing for Ohio: Elk + Elk Celebrates OAJ Leadership and Advocacy at the 2026 Annual Meeting
Written by Jay M. Kelley III in Community Outreach, Firm News on May 28, 2026
The strength of a law firm is measured not only by the results achieved inside the courtroom, but also by its commitment to the legal community outside of it. For 50+ years, our team has dedicated itself to providing high-quality legal representation to individuals and families who have suffered life-changing injuries. This dedication requires an active, continuous effort to protect the civil justice system that makes fair representation possible.
This May, our team traveled to Columbus to participate in the Ohio Association for Justice (OAJ) Annual Meeting. The convention brings together the state’s leading personal injury, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, and consumer rights attorneys to collaborate on trial strategies, analyze shifting legal landscapes, and reaffirm a shared commitment to civil justice.
The highlight of this year’s convention was the formal swearing-in of Elk + Elk attorney Curtis Fifner as the new OAJ Treasurer. This major milestone places Curtis on a direct path to the organization’s presidency in 2029, continuing our firm’s tradition of leadership and systemic advocacy in Ohio.
The Vital Role of the Ohio Association for Justice
To understand the significance of Curtis’ election and our firm’s presence at the annual meeting, it is important to recognize the work the OAJ performs.
2026 OAJ Women’s Law Caucus
As the only statewide professional association dedicated entirely to representing plaintiff’s attorneys and trial lawyers, the OAJ advocates for the rights of injured Ohioans. While major corporations, insurance conglomerates, and powerful special interest groups employ vast resources to limit corporate accountability, the OAJ stands firmly on the side of the individual.
The association’s work spans across state government and the judiciary.
At the Statehouse, OAJ defends the inviolate right to trial by jury guaranteed by the Ohio Constitution and advocates against proposed laws that could limit the rights of injured consumers, workers, and patients.
In the courts, OAJ also participates in important Ohio Supreme Court cases that can impact the rights of injured individuals across the state.
For a firm like ours, supporting the OAJ is a fundamental duty. Preserving access to a fair civil justice system and protecting the constitutional right to a trial by jury ensures that when a person is harmed by negligence, they have a genuine opportunity to seek accountability. Our active participation in the annual meeting reinforces our collective responsibility to keep the courthouse doors open to everyone, regardless of wealth or status.
A Legacy of Continuous Service: Curtis Fifner’s Leadership Track
Curtis’ election to the position of Treasurer is a natural progression of a legal career defined by service, leadership, and public policy advocacy. Within the OAJ, leadership is a multi-year commitment that demands a deep investment of time, energy, and legal acumen. Officers do not simply step into these roles overnight; they earn them through years of consistent contribution to the trial bar.
Curtis’ leadership trajectory within the organization reflects this dedication:
- Legislative Chair (2019–2025): For six consecutive years, Curtis served as the Legislative Chair, a critical position selected annually by the OAJ President. In this role, he was at the forefront of monitoring state legislation, coordinating grassroots advocacy, and working directly with lawmakers to protect the rights of injured workers and families.
- Secretary (2025): Following his extensive service on the legislative front, Curtis was elected by the membership to serve as Secretary, stepping onto the formal executive officer ladder and helping the organization to grow its membership.
- Treasurer (Current Term): Elected by his peers at the annual meeting, Curtis has officially assumed the role of Treasurer, where he will oversee the financial governance of the organization.
- The Path to the Presidency: The officer structure is designed to prepare leaders for the highest level of responsibility. Over the next three years, Curtis will continue to rise through the executive ranks, culminating in his formal installation as OAJ President in 2029.
This long-term dedication benefits both the organization and our clients. By helping lead the state’s premier plaintiff’s bar, Curtis remains at the absolute cutting edge of statutory changes, administrative policies, and judicial updates that impact personal injury and workers’ compensation claims across Ohio.
Understanding the Responsibilities of the OAJ Treasurer
The position of Treasurer is a demanding officer role that carries immense responsibility for the day-to-day operations and long-term sustainability of the association. As a nonprofit organization, the OAJ relies entirely on member dues, educational seminar registrations, and contributions to fund its legislative, judicial, and educational initiatives.
In his own words, Curtis (right) highlights the fundamental importance of the role:
“I’m responsible for managing the budget. This serves an important function as OAJ is a nonprofit organization and managing our funds to ensure our budget is balanced and allocated appropriately is vital to the success and future of the organization.”
Balanced budget management ensures that the OAJ has the financial strength to counter well-funded corporate lobbying efforts, maintain secure case-consultation platforms for members, and continue hosting top-tier continuing legal education programs.
Curtis’ role ensures that every dollar the association receives is strategically directed toward defending the civil justice framework that protects injured Ohioans.
Strengthening the Trial Bar: Collaboration and Education in Columbus
Beyond the election of officers, the Annual Convention in Columbus served as an essential hub for professional development and firm-wide collaboration. Members of our legal team attended intensive continuing legal education tracks designed to elevate the standard of practice for plaintiffs’ attorneys across the state.
The convention provided specialized sessions covering advanced trial tactics, trucking litigation strategies, medical negligence developments, and complex personal injury frameworks. In an era where corporate defense strategies and insurance practices are constantly shifting, staying ahead of industry trends is vital.
The knowledge gained and shared during these sessions is brought directly back to our office, directly influencing how we prepare cases, preserve evidence, and present arguments to juries.
Our presence in Columbus reflects a firm-wide belief that a lawyer’s education never truly ends. By learning alongside experienced trial attorneys across Ohio, we ensure our clients receive representation informed by the most current strategies in the country.
Our On-Going Commitment to Leadership and Advocacy
Curtis’ installation as OAJ Treasurer is a proud moment for our entire firm, representing our core values in action.
We believe that true legal advocacy requires a holistic approach. It means fighting tirelessly for the individual client sitting across the desk from us, while simultaneously working to protect the legal infrastructure that grants that client rights in a court of law.
When our attorneys take on leadership roles in organizations like the OAJ, they help shape a fairer legal system for all citizens. We look forward to supporting Curtis throughout his term as Treasurer, his subsequent officer roles, and his eventual presidency in 2029.
As we move forward into the rest of the year, our team remains energized by the insights gained in Columbus and deeply committed to our foundational mission. We will continue to advocate, lead, and stand up for injured individuals and families across Ohio, ensuring that the civil justice system remains strong, accessible, and balanced for everyone.
Jay M. Kelley III - Managing Partner
Meet Jay M. Kelley III, a top medical malpractice and catastrophic personal injury attorney in Ohio with over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of securing millions in verdicts and settlements. He leads Elk + Elk’s comprehensive litigation strategy across state, federal, and appellate courts, drawing on a unique background as a former felony prosecutor and hospital defense lawyer. Jay focuses on high-stakes, complex cases, including birth injuries and wrongful death, and is widely recognized by Best Lawyers and ranked among the Super Lawyers Top 10 in Ohio.
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