Bradley A. Wright

Shareholder, Shareholder-in-Charge - Litigation
Akron
222 South Main Street
Suite 400
Akron, OH 44308
P 330.849.6629
F 330.376.4577
P 330.849.6629 | F 330.376.4577

Overview

Brad is the Shareholder in charge of the firm's litigation practice groups. He has led the firm's Transportation Law Group, a team of attorneys whose legal skills and client service have led to the firm’s recognition as a National Tier “Best Law Firm” in Transportation Law by U.S. News and World Report magazine. A tireless advocate and trusted legal advisor for over 30 years, Brad’s experience includes jury trials, mediations, and arbitrations in federal, state, and local courts, where he represents his nationwide client base in semi-tractor trailer and motor vehicle litigation. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2008 and as Lawyer of the Year in transportation law.

In addition to his work for transportation clients, Brad is a nationally recognized retail litigator.  He serves as national coordinating counsel and relationship counsel for multiple retail entities and as their "go to" emergency response attorney in a regional and local capacity.

During Brad’s tenure at Roetzel, he has been instrumental in developing, and then leading, the firm’s Emergency Response and Crisis Management Team – a group of Roetzel attorneys that provides 24/7/365 emergency response capabilities to our clients in any industry. Brad and the team work with clients at every step to address issues that may arise as a result of industrial accidents, personal injuries, or other catastrophes, providing end-to-end capabilities from the investigatory stage through litigation.

Given his prominence in the transportation and retail sectors, Brad is often invited to speak at industry conferences and seminars, where he educates his legal peers, together with transportation and retail industry personnel, in relevant and timely legal topics. Many of these opportunities have arisen through Brad’s relationship with USLAW, where he serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He was USLAW Chair from 2013-2014. He has recently served as Chair of USLAW’s Transportation Group. In addition to his ongoing leadership through USLAW, Brad has also been a prominent speaker at conferences held by the American Trucking Association, the Transportation Lawyers Association, The Trans-European Law Firm Alliance (TELFA), and the Arkansas Trucking Conference, the largest trucking conference in the country. Brad is also active in the Transportation Industry Defense Association (TIDA), the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), Defense Research Institute (DRI) - Transportation and Retail Section, and the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), where he is slated to assume the role of Vice Chair for the Transportation Practice Group.

Experience
  • Significant experience in transportation litigation, including semi-tractor trailer, transit authority, bus, rail accidents and FELA litigation, heavy equipment accidents, retail litigation, and complex personal injury litigation
  • Partners with a wide range of clients including major retailers and corporations worldwide to provide business and litigation strategy
  • Experience includes jury trials, mediations and arbitrations in the federal, state and local courts, appeals in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and numerous appellate courts throughout Ohio
  • Coordinator for Roetzel's Emergency Response Team, providing immediate response capabilities to a wide variety of corporate, transportation and industrial clients involved in catastrophic events. Emergency response coordinator for several large transportation and retail companies
  • Serves as national, regional and Ohio coordinating counsel for transportation and retail entities
  • Handles multi-million dollar litigated cases for major carriers across the country
Services

Industries

Education

  1. The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law, J.D.
  2. Miami University, B.A.

Credentials

Bar Admissions
  1. Ohio
Court Admissions
  1. U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  2. U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
  3. U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
  4. U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania

Recognitions

  • USLAW Network, Chair (2013-2014), Chair Emeritus (2014-2016), Vice-Chair (2012-2013), Treasurer (2011-2012), Board of Directors (2005-present), Executive Committee (2008-2017; 2018-present), International Expansion Director (2008-2009), Emerging Markets Director (2009-2010), Chair of Transportation Group (2015-2019)
  • Selected as a "Top Rated Lawyer in Transportation Law" by ALM (2012-present)
  • Selected as an "Ohio Super Lawyer" by Ohio Super Lawyers magazine (2008-present)
  • Named to The Best Lawyers in America® for Transportation Law (2008-2024)
  • Named Akron, OH "Lawyer of the Year" by The Best Lawyers in America® for Transportation Law (2020, 2021)
  • U.S. News and World Report, Best Law Firms, National Tier Transportation Practice
  • AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (2005-present)
  • Recognized as an "Akron Top Lawyer" by Akron Life & Leisure Magazine (2009-present)
  • Recognized in Who's Who in American Law (2004-present)
  • Roetzel Transportation Practice Group Manager (2000-present)
  • Roetzel Retail Practice Group Manager (2000-2018)
  • Roetzel Products Group Manager (2000-2007)
  • Partner-in-Charge of Roetzel Akron office (2007-2017)
  • Chair of Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA) Advanced Seminar in Miami, Florida (Spring 2012)
  • Facult of Law, National University of Mexico School of Law, presentation on United States civil litigation (2009)

Affiliations

Professional Affiliations
  • American Trucking Association (ATA)
  • Defense Research Institute (DRI), Transportation, Product Liability, and Retail Committees
  • International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
  • Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA)
  • Trans European Law Firms Association (TELFA)
  • Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA)
  • Council for Litigation Management (CLM)
  • Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC)
Community Affiliations
  • The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law, National Counsel Member (2021-present)
  • Akron Civic Theater, Board of Directors (2019-present)
  • Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce
    • Chairman's Council (2018-present)
    • Board of Directors (2008-2020)
    • Executive Committee (2010-2016)
    • Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs (2012-2016)
  • Leadership Akron, Graduate (1998)
  • United Way of Summit County, Board of Directors (2017-present)
    • Executive Committee (2019-present)
    • Campaign Chairman (2019-2020)
  • Hudson City Schools Foundation, Board of Directors (2013-present)
  • Hudson United Soccer Club (2016-2019)
  • Hudson Community Foundation, Board of Directors, Executive Committee (2020-present)

Insights

  1. Alerts
    It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s a … Drone? (May 4, 2021)
    Are Violations of the FMCSRs Admissible to Show Negligence in a Trucking Case? Not According to the Sixth Circuit (Jan 12, 2021)
    The Ohio Supreme Court Holds Driving On but Not Over the Highway Fog Line Is Not a Violation of Ohio Law (Jan 5, 2021)
    Can an Ohio Jury Award $0 for Pain and Suffering Even When It Finds That Plaintiff Was Injured? It Depends. (Dec 22, 2020)
    The Supreme Court of Ohio Disqualifies a Trial Court Judge for Failure to Implement COVID-19 Safety Measures (Dec 15, 2020)
  2. Articles
    Controlling Litigation Costs - Smart Business Akron/Canton (Apr 1, 2006)
    Trucking Litigation and D.O.T. Regulations in Ohio - Lorman Education Services Publications (2006)
  3. Presentations
    "Railroad Liability Issues" - USLAW Network (Jun 22, 2021)
    "What Happened to The Summary Judgement and Appeal?" - Spring 2019 USLAW Network Client Conference, Nashville, TN (2019)
    "Automatic but For the People: Autonomous Vehicles And Other Science Fiction Turned Fact" - Spring 2019 USLAW Network Client Conference, Nashville, TN (2019)
    "Navigating Claims of Negligent Hiring, Training & Retention...Is It Punitive?" - American Trucking Association: Forum for Motor Carrier General Counsel (2017)
    "Liability for the Violent, Intentional, and/or Criminal Acts of Third Parties" - American Trucking Association: Forum for Motor Carrier General Counsel (2017)
  4. Firm News
    19 Roetzel Attorneys Named Ohio Super Lawyers/Rising Stars (Dec 29, 2023)
    Roetzel & Andress Earns Recognition in 2024 Best Lawyers (Aug 17, 2023)
    22 Roetzel Attorneys Named 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars (Dec 29, 2022)
    Roetzel Attorneys Recognized in 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® (Aug 18, 2022)
    Twenty-Seven Roetzel Attorneys Selected to 2022 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List (Dec 30, 2021)

Overview

Brad is the Shareholder in charge of the firm's litigation practice groups. He has led the firm's Transportation Law Group, a team of attorneys whose legal skills and client service have led to the firm’s recognition as a National Tier “Best Law Firm” in Transportation Law by U.S. News and World Report magazine. A tireless advocate and trusted legal advisor for over 30 years, Brad’s experience includes jury trials, mediations, and arbitrations in federal, state, and local courts, where he represents his nationwide client base in semi-tractor trailer and motor vehicle litigation. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2008 and as Lawyer of the Year in transportation law.

In addition to his work for transportation clients, Brad is a nationally recognized retail litigator.  He serves as national coordinating counsel and relationship counsel for multiple retail entities and as their "go to" emergency response attorney in a regional and local capacity.

During Brad’s tenure at Roetzel, he has been instrumental in developing, and then leading, the firm’s Emergency Response and Crisis Management Team – a group of Roetzel attorneys that provides 24/7/365 emergency response capabilities to our clients in any industry. Brad and the team work with clients at every step to address issues that may arise as a result of industrial accidents, personal injuries, or other catastrophes, providing end-to-end capabilities from the investigatory stage through litigation.

Given his prominence in the transportation and retail sectors, Brad is often invited to speak at industry conferences and seminars, where he educates his legal peers, together with transportation and retail industry personnel, in relevant and timely legal topics. Many of these opportunities have arisen through Brad’s relationship with USLAW, where he serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He was USLAW Chair from 2013-2014. He has recently served as Chair of USLAW’s Transportation Group. In addition to his ongoing leadership through USLAW, Brad has also been a prominent speaker at conferences held by the American Trucking Association, the Transportation Lawyers Association, The Trans-European Law Firm Alliance (TELFA), and the Arkansas Trucking Conference, the largest trucking conference in the country. Brad is also active in the Transportation Industry Defense Association (TIDA), the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), Defense Research Institute (DRI) - Transportation and Retail Section, and the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), where he is slated to assume the role of Vice Chair for the Transportation Practice Group.

Experience
  • Significant experience in transportation litigation, including semi-tractor trailer, transit authority, bus, rail accidents and FELA litigation, heavy equipment accidents, retail litigation, and complex personal injury litigation
  • Partners with a wide range of clients including major retailers and corporations worldwide to provide business and litigation strategy
  • Experience includes jury trials, mediations and arbitrations in the federal, state and local courts, appeals in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and numerous appellate courts throughout Ohio
  • Coordinator for Roetzel's Emergency Response Team, providing immediate response capabilities to a wide variety of corporate, transportation and industrial clients involved in catastrophic events. Emergency response coordinator for several large transportation and retail companies
  • Serves as national, regional and Ohio coordinating counsel for transportation and retail entities
  • Handles multi-million dollar litigated cases for major carriers across the country

Education

  1. The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law, J.D.
  2. Miami University, B.A.

Credentials

Bar Admissions
  1. Ohio
Court Admissions
  1. U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  2. U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
  3. U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
  4. U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania

Recognitions

  • USLAW Network, Chair (2013-2014), Chair Emeritus (2014-2016), Vice-Chair (2012-2013), Treasurer (2011-2012), Board of Directors (2005-present), Executive Committee (2008-2017; 2018-present), International Expansion Director (2008-2009), Emerging Markets Director (2009-2010), Chair of Transportation Group (2015-2019)
  • Selected as a "Top Rated Lawyer in Transportation Law" by ALM (2012-present)
  • Selected as an "Ohio Super Lawyer" by Ohio Super Lawyers magazine (2008-present)
  • Named to The Best Lawyers in America® for Transportation Law (2008-2024)
  • Named Akron, OH "Lawyer of the Year" by The Best Lawyers in America® for Transportation Law (2020, 2021)
  • U.S. News and World Report, Best Law Firms, National Tier Transportation Practice
  • AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (2005-present)
  • Recognized as an "Akron Top Lawyer" by Akron Life & Leisure Magazine (2009-present)
  • Recognized in Who's Who in American Law (2004-present)
  • Roetzel Transportation Practice Group Manager (2000-present)
  • Roetzel Retail Practice Group Manager (2000-2018)
  • Roetzel Products Group Manager (2000-2007)
  • Partner-in-Charge of Roetzel Akron office (2007-2017)
  • Chair of Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA) Advanced Seminar in Miami, Florida (Spring 2012)
  • Facult of Law, National University of Mexico School of Law, presentation on United States civil litigation (2009)

Affiliations

Professional Affiliations
  • American Trucking Association (ATA)
  • Defense Research Institute (DRI), Transportation, Product Liability, and Retail Committees
  • International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)
  • Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA)
  • Trans European Law Firms Association (TELFA)
  • Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA)
  • Council for Litigation Management (CLM)
  • Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC)
Community Affiliations
  • The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law, National Counsel Member (2021-present)
  • Akron Civic Theater, Board of Directors (2019-present)
  • Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce
    • Chairman's Council (2018-present)
    • Board of Directors (2008-2020)
    • Executive Committee (2010-2016)
    • Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs (2012-2016)
  • Leadership Akron, Graduate (1998)
  • United Way of Summit County, Board of Directors (2017-present)
    • Executive Committee (2019-present)
    • Campaign Chairman (2019-2020)
  • Hudson City Schools Foundation, Board of Directors (2013-present)
  • Hudson United Soccer Club (2016-2019)
  • Hudson Community Foundation, Board of Directors, Executive Committee (2020-present)

Insights

  1. Alerts
    It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s a … Drone? (May 4, 2021)
    Are Violations of the FMCSRs Admissible to Show Negligence in a Trucking Case? Not According to the Sixth Circuit (Jan 12, 2021)
    The Ohio Supreme Court Holds Driving On but Not Over the Highway Fog Line Is Not a Violation of Ohio Law (Jan 5, 2021)
    Can an Ohio Jury Award $0 for Pain and Suffering Even When It Finds That Plaintiff Was Injured? It Depends. (Dec 22, 2020)
    The Supreme Court of Ohio Disqualifies a Trial Court Judge for Failure to Implement COVID-19 Safety Measures (Dec 15, 2020)
  2. Articles
    Controlling Litigation Costs - Smart Business Akron/Canton (Apr 1, 2006)
    Trucking Litigation and D.O.T. Regulations in Ohio - Lorman Education Services Publications (2006)
  3. Presentations
    "Railroad Liability Issues" - USLAW Network (Jun 22, 2021)
    "What Happened to The Summary Judgement and Appeal?" - Spring 2019 USLAW Network Client Conference, Nashville, TN (2019)
    "Automatic but For the People: Autonomous Vehicles And Other Science Fiction Turned Fact" - Spring 2019 USLAW Network Client Conference, Nashville, TN (2019)
    "Navigating Claims of Negligent Hiring, Training & Retention...Is It Punitive?" - American Trucking Association: Forum for Motor Carrier General Counsel (2017)
    "Liability for the Violent, Intentional, and/or Criminal Acts of Third Parties" - American Trucking Association: Forum for Motor Carrier General Counsel (2017)
  4. Firm News
    19 Roetzel Attorneys Named Ohio Super Lawyers/Rising Stars (Dec 29, 2023)
    Roetzel & Andress Earns Recognition in 2024 Best Lawyers (Aug 17, 2023)
    22 Roetzel Attorneys Named 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars (Dec 29, 2022)
    Roetzel Attorneys Recognized in 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® (Aug 18, 2022)
    Twenty-Seven Roetzel Attorneys Selected to 2022 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List (Dec 30, 2021)