Overview
As co-chair of Reminger's Estates, Trusts, and Probate Litigation Practice Group, Jessica focuses her practice on will and trust contests, beneficiary disputes, and fiduciary litigation. She also handles matters of trust and estate administration, guardianships, and estate planning. Prior to joining Reminger, Jessica worked at a small general practice firm in Akron, Ohio, where she gained significant experience in real estate, general civil litigation, small business law, and personal injury matters. Jessica’s well-rounded background allows her to spot unique issues and find creative solutions for clients in all types of probate litigation.
Jessica frequently lectures across the state on the topics of estate and trust administration and litigation. She participates annually as an instructor of the University of Akron School of Law’s Summer Trial Academy – a program unique in the nation for providing students with an intensive course of trial advocacy culminating in a full jury trial. Jessica combines her deep knowledge of estate and trust law with her honed advocacy skills to create results for clients – whether that be via motion practice, mediation, or jury trials.
Jessica serves on the OSBA’s Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Section Council helping to create and sponsor estate and trust legislation. She is a former chair of Akron Bar Association’s Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law Section. She currently volunteers as a mock trial team coach for Akron Law, leading teams to national finalist rounds, and occasionally guest lectures at Akron Law on estate planning and probate law. She is a Trustee and Treasurer for Highland Square Neighborhood Association, a 501(c)(3) group in Akron that plans the annual PorchRokr Arts & Music Festival in Highland Square, Akron, Ohio. She serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for her alma mater, Our Lady of the Elms School and is on the professional advisory committee for Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice Greater Akron.
Honors & Recognitions
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Trusts and Estates, Litigation - Trusts and Estates in 2022 and 2023
Greater Akron Chamber, 30 For the Future Award – 2018
Akron Bar Association Leadership Academy, Class of 2017-2018
Community & Professional
Ohio State Bar Association
- Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Council
Akron Bar Association
- Past Chair Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law Section
- Investigative Subcommittee
University of Akron School of Law
- Volunteer Instructor, Summer Trial Academy
- Mock Trial Coach
Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice
- Professional Advisory Committee – Greater Akron
Our Lady of the Elms School
- Chair Board of Trustees
- Volunteer Speech/Debate Coach
- Commencement Speaker to the Class of 2018
Highland Square Neighborhood Association
- Treasurer
Results
- Darren DeHaven, et. al. v. Kristi Miller, et. al.Sep 9, 2021, Unanimous Jury VerdictPortage County, Ohio Probate Court
After Michael Posey’s death in Ohio in 2019, group of his nieces and nephews challenged the validity of his last will and testament that was executed in Maryland in 2004. Reminger represented numerous beneficiaries under the will and defended against Plaintiffs’ claims of permanent insanity, lack of testamentary capacity, and undue influence. As a result of trial and the unanimous jury verdict, the will was upheld as valid and Michael Posey’s last wishes will be honored.
- Aug 21, 20206th District Court of Appeals
A defendant appealed the unanimous jury verdict which overturned the decedent’s last will and testament. The appellate court, in a unanimous decision, found there was ample evidence at trial supporting a finding that the will was the product of undue influence. As a result, our clients will share equally in their mother’s estate.
- Jun 18, 2020, Summary Judgment GrantedCuyahoga County, Probate Court
In a unique question of Ohio and Michigan law, we won summary judgment determining that a will executed, although never probated, in Michigan was not effective to transfer assets out of an Ohio Trust. As a result, our clients inherited a share of their father’s trust rather than it distributing solely to their step-brother.
- Nov 19, 2019, Unanimous Jury VerdictHuron County, Probate Court
A daughter of the decedent unduly influenced her mother to change her will to benefit only her. We filed a will contest on behalf of the other two daughters of the decedent. After a two day trial, we won a unanimous jury verdict setting aside the invalid will and ensuring that the decedent’s assets would transfer equally to her children, as she had truly intended.
News
News
Speaking Engagements
Insights
Publications
Blog Posts
Practice Areas
Education
J.D., University of Akron School of Law, magna cum laude, 2010
- 10 CALI Awards
B.A., University of Akron, Honor's College, (International/Comparative Politics, Minor in history), summa cum laude, 2007
Admissions
- State of Ohio, 2011