Robert C. Meeker
Biography
After serving as an assistant prosecutor in the Summit County Prosecutor’s office, Mr. Meeker entered the private practice of law in 1972 and associated with Mr. Blakemore in 1973. In 1977, he became a partner in the predecessor firm to Blakemore, Meeker, & Bowler.
He has continued his efforts in support of youth athletics as both a basketball coach and football coach in the Catholic Youth Organization which he also served as a trustee. He is the founder of the Summit Sports Luncheon Club and past president of the Dapper Dan Club and Notre Dame Club of Akron. Since 1977, he has been a member of the board of trustees of Edwin Shaw Hospital which he also chaired. Mr. Meeker also sits on the board of trustees of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.
Mr. Meeker specializes in personal injury and medical malpractice. He is a member of the Akron, Ohio and American Bar Association and the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyer. Additionally, Mr. Meeker has been selected as an Ohio Super Lawyer in 2011.
Education
University of Akron School of Law, Akron, Ohio J.D. • University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana
Mr. Meeker is a graduate of St. Vincent High School and the University of Notre Dame. He received his juris doctor degree in law from the University of Akron School of Law. Mr. Meeker was a standout athlete in high school and college, including starting two years on the University of Notre Dame football team.
Practice Areas
- Wrongful Death
- Personal Injury
- Medical Malpractice
- Criminal Defense
- Business Litigation
Memberships
- Akron Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Ohio Bar Association
- Catholic Youth Organization, Trustee | Basketball and Football Coach
- Dapper Dan Club, Past President
- Edwin Shaw Hospital, Board of Trustees (1977-present), Past Chair
- Notre Dame Club of Akron
- St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, Board of Trustees
- Summit Sports Luncheon Club, Founder
Michael B. Bowler
Biography
Michael B. Bowler earned his law degree at the University of Akron School of Law in 1973, following his service in the United States Army in Vietnam. He is a graduate of Revere High School and the University of Cincinnati. After serving as a police legal advisor in the Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Municipal Court, as Municipal Court Prosecutor in Cuyahoga Falls and as an assistant Prosecutor for Summit County, Mr. Bowler joined Mr. Blakemore and Mr. Meeker in private practice in 1980.
Education
University of Akron School of Law, Akron, Ohio J.D. • University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense
- DUI/DWI/OVI
- Employment Law
- Personal Injury
Memberships
American Association for Justice
- Akron Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Ohio Bar Association
- Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Karman Rubber, Board of Directors
Colin g. Meeker
Biography
As Managing Partner with Blakemore, Meeker & Bowler Co. L.P.A., (BMB Law) Colin G. Meeker grew up watching his father, Robert, tackle tough legal issues for a wide variety of clients. The passion for fairness and representation rubbed off and Colin decided to begin his career in law enforcement. During his seven years as a Probation Office for the Summit County Adult Probation Department, he developed a reputation for treating offenders with dignity and respect, supporting and helping them restructure their lives post-incarceration. A focused and dedicated professional, Colin joined his father at BMB Law in 2013 where he has worked in a variety of practice areas including criminal defense, civil litigation, and estate planning.
With years of experience in the court system, Colin is an accomplished litigator who strives to protect individual’s rights while upholding the rule of law. He prides himself on 24/7/365 service to all his clients. Colin was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.
When he’s not working, Colin enjoys coaching football, hunting and fishing. He and his wife Maria spend time juggling sports schedules for their four children, enjoy date-night-out with a big steak, and love trying new wines together while relaxing with a big cigar.
Education
John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio • The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio
Colin graduated from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Sociology from John Carroll University, in University Heights, Ohio. He then pursued graduate studies at the University of Akron where he received a Master in Public Administration and a Juris Doctorate from the School of Law.
Practice Areas
- Wrongful Death
- Personal Injury
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Rehabilitation Act
- Fair Housing Act
- MEMBERSHIPS
- Hope United
- Open Gate Fair Housing
Ben T. Manayan, Jr.
Biography
Although not licensed by the state of Ohio, Mr. Manayan is licensed to practice law in Federal District Courts and Courts of Appeals, including the Northern District of Ohio and Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, where his practice includes general civil litigation, motions and appeals and administrative proceedings, such as Social Security claims.
After graduating from law school, Mr. Manayan practiced law in the State of Hawaii until his relocation to Akron, Ohio in 2000.
He is fluent in the Filipino Ilocano dialect.
Education
Bachelor of Political Science State University , Northridge, Northridge, CA • Juris Doctorate , University of Akron School of Law, Akron, OH
Practice Areas
- Administrative Proceedings
- Civil Litigation
- Collections
- Discriminatory Practices
- Family Law
- Immigration
- Personal Injury
- Probate
- Real Estate
- Trusts and Estates
- Workers’ Compensation
MEMBERSHIPS
- Legal Advisor, United Filipino Council of Hawaii | Honolulu, Hawaii
- Legal Advisor, Pasuquinio Association of Hawaii | Honolulu, Hawaii
- Legal Advisor, Women’s Community Action League of Hawaii | Honolulu, Hawaii
- Hawaii State Bar Association
maria Meeker
Biography
Education Professional • Assistant to Attorney Colin G. Meeker
Over the past almost 20 years, Maria has served as a teacher, intervention specialist, dean-of-students, assistant principal, and principal, in both the public and private sector. Maria has seen so much. SO much. While Maria is not in the actual school building these days, she is supporting professionals, students, and families in a completely different way, and Maria loves it!
Over the past few years, Maria has supported students in receiving special education services including 504 plans and IEPs, supported teachers in handling professional situations, supported families in correcting discipline and academic grading discrepancies, and supported individuals in creating a positive education experience when problems arose. Maria continues to listen, support and create a strategic plan that brings about success for you!
When she’s not working, Maria enjoys attending pilates class, cooking for her family, and gardening. Maria and her husband Colin spend time juggling sports schedules for their four children, enjoy date-night-out with a big shrimp cocktail, and love trying new wines together.
Education
Bachelor of Special Education, Kent State University 2007 • Master of Educational Administration, The University of Akron 2010 • Licensed as an Intervention Specialist (PreK-Grade 12) and School Principal (PreK-Grade 12)
Michelle Lucas
Biography
Paralegal with over 30 years experience
Michelle has been in the legal field for over 30 years, 20 of which have been spent at Blakemore, Meeker and Bowler. She is always eager to take on a challenge and never met a challenge she couldn't handle. When Ms. Lucas isn't working at the firm she enjoys walking in nature, reading, movies and spending time with family and friends. She is a proud mom of two and grandmother of three.She also enjoys travel and has been to Belgium,France, Holland and England. Michelle is happy to assist wherever necessary and has professional experience in Personal Injury, Probate, Criminal, Domestic, Estate Planning and Civil cases.