Ohio’s largest education law practice gains two experienced attorneys

Bricker & Eckler’s education practice, which represents more than 200 public school districts, as well as colleges, universities and educational service centers throughout the state, has added two experienced attorneys to its legal team. Joshua D. Nolan, formerly of Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC, will join the firm’s Cleveland office. Federico G. Barrera III, a former Assistant Attorney General in the Executive Agencies Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, will join Bricker’s Columbus office.

Josh Nolan is a higher education attorney with a strong litigation background. Throughout his career, he has assisted numerous universities, colleges and other institutions handle many legal challenges. Prior to becoming an attorney, Josh was a college administration for 10 years, which helps him to better understand each client's particular campus culture. Josh received his juris doctor from the University of Akron School of Law and also holds a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs.

Rico Barrera possesses a wealth of public sector and litigation experience. He has represented numerous state agencies and boards at the administrative, trial and appellate court levels. His work in public sector has included more than 200 trial court and administrative hearings as well as consultation and support on many laws that govern school districts, colleges and universities, including the Ohio Public Records and Open Meetings Acts. Rico is a graduate of Case Western University’s School of Law and received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University.

“Josh and Rico are welcome additions to our team,” said Laura Anthony, chair of the Education Law group. “Josh's higher education expertise will continue to expand our capacity to help our college and university clients, while Rico's litigation experience will make him a valuable resource for public entities across the state."

According to Anthony, the addition of Josh and Rico will aid in the group’s ability to empower a variety of educational institutions with the smart, innovative and practice solutions for which the Education Law group — and the firm — are known.