Tucker Ellis LLP is pleased to announce that Appellate & Legal Issues Chair Benjamin Sassé has been elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers.

The American Academy of Appellate Lawyers was founded in 1990 to recognize outstanding appellate lawyers and promote the improvement of appellate advocacy and the administration of the appellate courts. Academy membership is open only to a person who possesses a reputation of recognized distinction as an appellate lawyer. To be eligible for membership, a nominee’s practice must have focused substantially on appeals during at least the last 15 years. Academy membership is limited to 500 members in the United States.

Membership in the Academy is by invitation only. Candidates for membership must be nominated by a present Academy member, reviewed and approved by a Membership Evaluation Committee, and elected at a regular Academy meeting.

“Anyone who has ever been on a case with Ben knows that this honor – reserved for appellate lawyers with a ‘reputation of recognized distinction’ – is well deserved and describes Ben and his practice perfectly,” said Trial Department Chair Karl Bekeny. “We’re lucky to have him leading our formidable appellate practice.”

Mr. Sassé has argued appeals in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and several federal circuits. Cases he has argued before the Ohio Supreme Court have established standards for Ohio employment intentional tort claims, treble damages actions against public utilities, and attorney fees enhancements; upheld the 365/360 method of interest accrual in Ohio; and clarified the standard of review in zoning appeals. Mr. Sassé’s experience as Chair of the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys’ Amicus Curiae Committee helps him frame legal issues for Ohio Supreme Court review. Mr. Sassé received his law degree magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He received his undergraduate degree with honors from Earlham College.