Gov. Kasich Appoints Mark A. Vander Laan to the Ohio Ethics Commission

April 7, 2016News Releases

Dinsmore & Shohl LLP’s Mark A. Vander Laan has been appointed to the Ohio Ethics Commission by Gov. John Kasich. Vander Laan was appointed as a Democrat and will serve a five year term ending in January 2021. The commission is required by law to consist of three Republicans and three Democrats.

The Ohio Ethics Commission’s goal is to strengthen the public's confidence that Government business is conducted with impartiality and integrity and to promote ethics in public service. The commission has jurisdiction over all Ohio public officials and employees at the state and local levels of government, except legislators, judges, and their staffs.

“I am deeply honored to serve on the Ohio Ethics Commission at the request of the Governor. Throughout my career, I have strived to take a fair and balanced approach to the practice of law and plan to continue that spirit when serving on the Commission,” said Vander Laan.

With over 40 years experience trying cases and settling business disputes, Vander Laan’s legal experience is comprehensive, including business and fiduciary litigation, white collar crime and investigations, representing municipalities as well as appealing and advocating for business and individuals at the state and federal levels. His clients have included Procter & Gamble, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and a variety of large privately-held and public companies, and individuals and institutions serving in fiduciary capabilities.

Vander Laan teaches legal ethics as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He is also a champion for the less-fortunate, serving as Trustee and President for Volunteer Lawyers for the Poor, as Chairman of the Board for The Center for Closing the Health Gap of Greater Cincinnati and as a past Board Member of Ohio Justice and Policy Center. Vander Laan earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and graduated Cum Laude from Hope College in Michigan.