Veteran litigator Mark A. Vander Laan has been named litigation director of the Ohio Justice & Policy Center, an advocacy and policy organization focused on individuals and families navigating the criminal justice system. Vander Laan begins the role June 17 and will remain of counsel to Dinsmore.

“Applying my legal training to advocate for individuals in need in our community has been a priority for me throughout my career,” said Vander Laan. “As I transition from more than 45 years in private practice, it is a true honor to join the Center and help further the meaningful work they are doing for people throughout Ohio.”

Vander Laan’s legal advocacy in the greater Cincinnati area spans a number of organizations. He previously served as trustee and president of the Center, as well as the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati and the Volunteer Lawyers for the Poor. He is a current board member of the Center for Closing the Health Gap and Talbert House and serves on the Ohio Ethics Commission.

“Mark is one of the best lawyers in the country,” said OJPC Executive Director David Singleton. “We are delighted to have him on our team to fight for the people we serve.”

A former chair of Dinsmore’s litigation department, Vander Laan’s practice has included business and fiduciary litigation, white collar crime and investigations, and municipal representation, among other areas. He teaches legal ethics as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

“Mark embodies the very best of Dinsmore,” Dinsmore Chairman and Managing Partner George Vincent said. “Though we will miss him dearly at the firm, I know the leadership, experience and sense of justice he takes with him to OJPC will benefit a great number of people throughout our community.”

About the Ohio Justice & Policy Center

OJPC’s mission is to create fair, intelligent, redemptive criminal-justice systems through zealous client-centered advocacy, innovative policy reform, and cross-sector community education. OJPC works to substantially reduce the size and racial disparity of the Ohio’s prison population, as well as to protect the rights and dignity of incarcerated people. OJPC also serves people in the community by removing criminal-records-based barriers to employment, housing, education, and full community integration. In collaboration with statewide organizations and directly-impacted people, OJPC offers community education and public policy advocacy related to criminal justice. For more information, please visit www.ohiojpc.org.