Rod’s career began in 1969 after graduating with a BS and JD from Ohio Northern University and an MBA from the University of Toledo. An influential and enthusiastic figure in his community, Rod taught business law at Defiance College prior to beginning his practice. Never short on ambition, Rod’s vision and drive led him to found the Arthur Law Firm in 1972.
Revered by his peers for his tireless work ethic and an insatiable desire to bring justice to those being treated unfairly by insurance companies and big business, Rod’s career was marked with numerous accomplishments. Rod was a frequent lecturer for the Ohio Academy of Trial Attorneys (now Ohio Association for Justice) and served as its president from 1982-83. He was an active member of the American Bar Association, the Roscoe Pound Trial Lawyers Foundation, and was named to the Board of Governors of the American Trial Lawyers Association. He was also a recipient of one its most prestigious honors, the Wiedemann & Wysocki Citation of Excellence Award. Throughout his time in these organizations, he held many chairmanships and served as a distinguished lecturer to thousands of lawyers in educational programs across the nation.
Rod was certified as a specialist in civil trial advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. His primary practice areas included wrongful death, product safety, medical negligence, personal injury, and domestic law.
Rod’s fundamental belief, which drove many of his accomplishments as a plaintiff attorney was, it’s a privilege and responsibility to stand up for those who could not stand up for themselves. Rodney’s talents as a communicator were legendary, and his courtroom success was a testament to his skill and dedication to the practice of law. Rod was known as a lawyer’s lawyer. Other attorneys frequently referred their most difficult and complex cases to him so they could obtain the most beneficial results for their clients.
His legacy is carried on through Nan Arthur, his steadfast wife of over 40 years, and his three wonderful children Meredith, Matthew and John.
Today, the members of Arthur Law Firm continue to dedicate their time, effort, and skills to Rod’s vision of serving those who are injured, a pursuit that has endured for nearly 50 years.