Amourgis & Associates Attorneys at Law

Bios

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  Julius Amourgis

  Attorney

  Julius Amourgis has worked in many industries-from construction, to aluminum, to building a frozen food manufacturing company, to working on the line in a manufacturing plant, to commercial real estate, in the family business which owned 36 restaurants, and a host of small commercial real estate properties. After deciding to pursue a career in the legal profession, he graduated from the University of Akron School of Law. Julius opened his own law firm; and after practicing in several areas, he found that working in bankruptcy and personal injury to be the most rewarding. His passion comes by working directly with his clients and their families, so they can start a new chapter in their lives. Julius and his associates work to reorganize or get rid of debts and can help save their clients homes from foreclosure. They also work on educating clients so that they can make better financial decisions for their families. He and his team also help accident victims get compensated by insurance companies. Julius lives in Akron with his wife and two daughters. His focus is on serving Ohio families and continues to help improve the lives of his clients and community through his legal services.

  Education:

  Link: Julius Amourgis

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  James M. Doran

  Attorney

  James M. Doran holds the title of Head of the Northern District of Ohio, Bankruptcy Division. Jim’s responsibilities include the management and training of all attorneys and paralegals throughout the Northern District of Ohio. Jim meets with clients regularly and is very passionate about protecting his clients from their creditors. Jim really enjoys giving his clients the fresh start that they both need and deserve. Jim zealously represents his clients to assist them with negotiating with their creditors, settling their debts and providing them with bankruptcy protection and relief when needed. Jim protects his clients from lawsuits, garnishments, repossessions, foreclosures and frozen bank accounts on a daily basis. Prior to joining Amourgis in 2016, Jim spent many years working for the dark side (the creditors) as a collections attorney with Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A., one of the largest creditor’s rights law firms in the country. Jim learned every collection tool available to creditors – essentially the entire creditor’s playbook – for over sixteen years. During his years with WWR, Jim litigated cases throughout Ohio for his bank and other creditor clients. Jim was a Senior Attorney in the firm’s Legal Department where he managed and litigated claims and defended his clients against counterclaims throughout the State of Ohio. Jim acted as in-house counsel for many bank clients and private business clients, providing sound legal advice on a variety of matters; notable clients included FirstMerit Bank and The Huntington National Bank. Jim served as lead counsel for hundreds of cases with a remarkable success rate and exceptional client satisfaction levels. Jim successfully managed a heavy case load of 200 to 600 active cases on a monthly basis. Jim also represented several residential and commercial landlord clients throughout the Cleveland area including individuals and large commercial landlords; notable clients included Forest City – a company with approximately $10 billion in assets including retail centers, office buildings and apartment communities throughout the country. Jim was a frequent lecturer throughout Northeast Ohio in the areas of Landlord-Tenant law and Collection law. Prior to his time at Weltman, Jim practiced bankruptcy law with Rauser & Associates in 1999 where he represented the good guys (the consumers). Jim graduated from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1998 with a Juris Doctorate degree. During law school, Jim clerked at Friedman, Domiano & Smith, a well-known personal injury firm located in Cleveland, Ohio. Jim received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1995 from Miami University with a double major in Accounting and Finance. Jim originally went to law school to become a tax attorney but is thankful that his career path has afforded him the opportunity to do the rewarding consumer work that he does today where he once again represents the good guys (the consumers). Jim lives in Avon with his wife and three children. Jim enjoys spending time with his family. He also enjoys marathon running and watching football (every single game there is according to his wife – every single Minnesota Vikings game would be a more accurate statement). Jim is an avid runner. Jim has completed ten full marathons and numerous half marathons. Jim’s future goals include qualifying for the Boston Marathon and qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. Jim also enjoys playing fantasy football and has won his fantasy football league on several occasions including this year.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: James M. Doran

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  Jessica Goldberger

  Attorney

  Ms. Goldberger received her undergraduate degree from Ohio State, and her JD from Case Western Reserve University. She has practiced in private practice for nearly 10 years, eventually spending the vast majority of her time with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy is in the Cincinnati and Dayton Bankruptcy Courts. She is generally affable, but tends to respond to creditor malfeasance with the ferocity of a mother bear. Ms. Goldberger spends what little free time she has with her two young kids, who do not believe that people actually pay their mommy to tell them what to do.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Jessica Goldberger

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  Jessica Goldberger

  Attorney

  Ms. Goldberger received her undergraduate degree from Ohio State, and her JD from Case Western Reserve University. She has practiced in private practice for nearly 10 years, eventually spending the vast majority of her time with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy is in the Cincinnati and Dayton Bankruptcy Courts. She is generally affable, but tends to respond to creditor malfeasance with the ferocity of a mother bear. Ms. Goldberger spends what little free time she has with her two young kids, who do not believe that people actually pay their mommy to tell them what to do.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Jessica Goldberger

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  Bryan Barch

  Attorney

  Bryan C. Barch joined the firm in 2019. He handles bankruptcy cases throughout Ohio and is licensed in the Southern and Northern Districts. He has over 17 years of experience practicing in many different areas including bankruptcy where he has assisted clients in hundreds of bankruptcy cases. Mr. Barch graduated from the Ohio State University as an undergraduate and Capital University law school. Bryan is a lifelong resident of Columbus where he spends his free time in activities such as running, working out, volleyball, skiing, hiking and spending time with friends and family.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Bryan Barch

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  Eric Ashman

  Attorney

  As a bankruptcy attorney I have worked with thousands of clients in the areas of foreclosure prevention, mortgage lien avoidance, judgement lien avoidance, auto loan deficiencies, rental lease deficiencies, renegotiation of loan terms, utility disconnections, and medical bill elimination. Each case and each client is special to me. There are times when I am the last line of defense when a client finds themselves to be in dire straits. I understand that responsibility and strive to put my best effort forward to protect them and advance their goals.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Eric Ashman

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  Jonathan Engelke

  Attorney

  Jonathan D. Engelke joined the Amourgis team in order to help hardworking people get a fresh start when they need it the most. He cares deeply about the well-being of the people in his community who are too often taken advantage of by predatory banks and debt collectors. Jonathan has a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, and he moved to Ohio to study law at Case Western Reserve University, where he received his Juris Doctor. He has made his home in Lakewood, and he has family in the Columbus area. When not advocating on behalf of working families, Jonathan likes to play music, cook, and spend time with his better half and their two cats, Willow and Tonto.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Jonathan Engelke

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  Todd W. Souve

  Attorney

  Born and raised in Rochester, NY. Attended State University of NY at Albany and participated in American Studies Honors Program in Washington DC in 1981. Graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law 1986. Admitted to practice law in Ohio and Federal Court in 1986 I have practiced in almost every type of law and Managed both a rural 2 county and a regional 15 county Legal Aid Program where I was actively working in all areas of law and designing programs to bring legal rights and information to those in need of legal assistance. I have participated as appointed counsel in Criminal and Appellate matters for indigent citizens in several Southwestern Ohio counties. I have practiced bankruptcy law since 1990 and concentrated my work solely in the Bankruptcy area for the last 5 years. I am admitted to the Southern and Northern Districts of Ohio Bankruptcy Courts. I enjoy helping our clients unravel financial burdens and complications and helping them to get a fresh start and successfully move forward toward their goals. I am a 3-year member of the Thomas F. Waldron American Bankruptcy Law Forum in Southwest and Central Ohio I enjoy time spent with my 3 daughters as well as fishing or recreation on local lakes and rivers in my leisure time.

  Education:

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  Link: Todd W. Souve

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  Arlene Potash

  Attorney

  Arlene has spent almost all of her working career in law offices prior to attending law school. She managed a large collections practice on behalf of the Ohio Attorney General’s office and later on behalf of the City of Cleveland. Arlene worked as a legal temp throughout law school at small, mid-size and large corporate law firms. As a licensed attorney, Arlene worked with the Juvenile Court system in abuse, neglect and dependency cases, juvenile criminal cases, as well as handling bankruptcy and civil litigation cases. She took on several pro bono cases when people would simply walk up to her and ask for help. One of the early highlights of Arlene’s legal career was having the opportunity to do an oral argument, along with her older brother, before the Ohio Supreme Court during her first year of becoming licensed. In addition to her interest in helping people find relief and regain financial stability through bankruptcy is a desire to protect seniors from fraud and abuse.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Arlene Potash

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  Joseph C. Penko

  Attorney

  After many years of working in the corporate world, Joe made a significant switch. He joined the Amourgis team in order to serve the needs of individuals with the goal of improving their lives and that of their families. Prior to joining Amourgis in 2021, Joe spent over twenty years in the trust and asset management businesses at National City Corporation and PNC. During his tenure he developed a family of proprietary mutual funds. He was also responsible for legal, compliance and corporate governance functions and managed several mutual fund and registered investment adviser consolidations. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from The Ohio State University, a MBA from the University of Akron and his Juris doctor from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. Joe is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Akron Bar Association. He has two children and lives in Copley with his wife, his son and their golden doodle, Duke. Joe enjoys spending time with his family, traveling with them and helping his son with landscaping activities. He also enjoys tending to his vegetable, flower and herb gardens. He also enjoys volunteering in the community and participating in fitness activities. He has completed a half marathon in the Akron Marathon Relay and numerous 5 & 10 K’s.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Joseph C. Penko

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  Joseph C. Penko

  Attorney

  After many years of working in the corporate world, Joe made a significant switch. He joined the Amourgis team in order to serve the needs of individuals with the goal of improving their lives and that of their families. Prior to joining Amourgis in 2021, Joe spent over twenty years in the trust and asset management businesses at National City Corporation and PNC. During his tenure he developed a family of proprietary mutual funds. He was also responsible for legal, compliance and corporate governance functions and managed several mutual fund and registered investment adviser consolidations. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from The Ohio State University, a MBA from the University of Akron and his Juris doctor from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. Joe is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Akron Bar Association. He has two children and lives in Copley with his wife, his son and their golden doodle, Duke. Joe enjoys spending time with his family, traveling with them and helping his son with landscaping activities. He also enjoys tending to his vegetable, flower and herb gardens. He also enjoys volunteering in the community and participating in fitness activities. He has completed a half marathon in the Akron Marathon Relay and numerous 5 & 10 K’s.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Joseph C. Penko

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  Richard LaPilusa

  Attorney

  Richard is an attorney working within the bankruptcy division of the firm. He joined the firm’s bankruptcy department because he wants to help those who have ended up in rough financial situations, as well as help pull those in need out from underneath the debt that is holding them back. Richard is a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio. He attended the University of Akron School of Law, where he received his law degree, and he received his Bachelor’s in Sociology and Political Science from Walsh University, located in North Canton, Ohio. During law school, Richard worked as a Summer Associate with Community Legal Aid Services where he, among other things, assisted the attorneys with the preparation and review of bankruptcy petitions in connection with their pro-se bankruptcy program which helped those of limited means file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. When he is not practicing law, Richard is either spending time with his family, watching Netflix, or watching Cleveland sports.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Richard LaPilusa

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  Brooke E. Elliott

  Attorney

  Brooke E. Elliott is a resident of Columbus and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University. She then attended Capital University Law School where she earned her Juris Doctorate Degree. She was awarded the Roberta Mitchell Award in acknowledgment of her passion and service given to indigent clients in the Capital University Law School Clinic. Brooke has been practicing law since 2015 and joined Amourgis & Associates in 2016. While at Amourgis & Associates, she has prided herself on helping each and every client by providing professional, caring, and knowledgeable service. Brooke recently returned to Amourgis & Associates in 2021, after being away for 2 years, she is so happy to be back with the Amourgis family. She is very passionate about her practice and dedicated to helping clients with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy cases. Brooke currently practices in the Southern District of Ohio, focusing on Columbus and Cincinnati. Outside of the office, Brooke enjoys spending time with her family. Family and Friends are a very important piece of life’s enjoyment. Brooke’s children mean everything to her and she dedicates as much time and love to them as possible.

  Education:

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  Link: Brooke E. Elliott

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  Greg Jennings

  Attorney

  Greg was born in the flat lands of Western Kentucky in Owensboro, Kentucky, the hometown of Johnny Depp and Florence Henderson. He worked hard, graduated from Western Kentucky University, then obtained his law degree from Brandeis School of Law in Louisville, the hometown of Tom Cruise and Jennifer Lawrence. Greg built a career in the Kentucky State Government, at various times serving as General Counsel for the Kentucky Dept of Financial Institutions, an attorney for the Kentucky Department of Revenue, and Director of the Division of Minerals Taxation and Geographical Information System Services. During his state government career, Greg was a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, on legal topics as diverse as taxation, energy, banking, and financial institution regulation. Greg also authored the “Arbitration and Award” section of the Kentucky Practice Series publication. After leaving state government, Greg entered private practice as an attorney for a civil law practice that focused its practice in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. There, he focused on helping families, handling primarily bankruptcy, family law, and estate planning matters. Faith, family, and fellowship are very important to Greg. Greg recently moved to Northeastern Ohio where everyone has a funny accent. Greg joined the Amourgis & Associates firm to continue helping folks in financial distress. Greg is active in his church, Parkside Church, in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

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  Services:

  Link: Greg Jennings