Rita’s practice at JD2 is focused on the government arena — including diversity and inclusion, municipal law, government affairs, economic development, administrative compliance, personnel, and civil rights. Her significant government experience has been earned serving in a variety of roles at both state and local government levels. She has been a Judge and Magistrate in the Domestic & Juvenile Division of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, a City Attorney for the cities of Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, Assistant Deputy Legal Counsel for Governor George V. Voinovich, Chief Legal Counsel for the Ohio Department of Commerce, and Vice President for Government Affairs at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The vast matrix of these experiences inform and shape her work advising public and private sector clients in diversity/inclusion projects, government management and administration. “Every client and every assignment I am given is a personal investment in achieving a win for that client or for that cause,” explains Rita. “It's personal because I am intent on making that critical difference in lives and fortunes - Leaving my clients whole and markedly better than when we first engaged in our work together.”

Rita's lengthy record of community service also speaks to the power of her parents’ legacy - and the strength of her own commitment to enriching the world around her. “I like the feeling of satisfaction I get when I did was I was supposed to do.” To me, those words are instructive and profound… echoing always as an exhortation in my mind. I cannot ignore them.”

Beyond the community, Rita has been an inspiring influence in the classroom. She taught Legal Writing at the Ohio State University College of Law as an Adjunct Professor, Business Law to adult students in the Masters of Public Administration Program at Wright State University, and Municipal Law to New Attendees at the annual Conference of the International Municipal Lawyers Association.