Brian Joslyn is Expanding Joslyn Law Firm Across the Buckeye State
Photo courtesy of Joslyn Law Firm
Interview by Jim Deline
After experiencing police brutality and being falsely accused of several crimes while in college (he was later acquitted on all counts), Brian Joslyn developed a better understanding and respect for the judicial system. He vowed to help others in similar circumstances and Joslyn Law Firm was born. “I come from an entrepreneurial family and knew I always wanted to work for myself and own my own company,” said Joslyn. A decade later, he and his wife/business partner, Angie, have built a team of attorneys to help expand their criminal defense practice across Ohio from Columbus to Cincinnati and Dayton, anticipating even more growth in the near future.
Name: Brian Joslyn
Age: 37
Occupation: Owner and Principal Attorney, Joslyn Law Firm, Inc.
Education/Certifications: Franklin University: Finance, Marketing and B.S. in Business Management, Thomas Jefferson School of Law-Juris Doctor
Neighborhood: Arena District
Connect: LinkedIn
Give us a snapshot of your career path:
When I was in undergraduate school I was a triple major in business, marketing and finance. I come from an entrepreneurial family and knew I always wanted to work for myself and own my own company. I was highly interested in financial planning and wealth management, however my interests changed when I was the victim of police brutality and falsely accused of 5 crimes when I was in college. I had to go through the process of choosing and hiring a criminal defense attorney and participate in a two-week jury trial, which ultimately led to my acquittal of all 5 charges. After experiencing the criminal court process first hand, I had a great deal of respect for our judicial system and wanted to become a part of it, helping individuals in similar circumstances as myself.
Tell us about Joslyn Law Firm. What do you want us to know?
My Criminal Defense practice started a decade ago with just me and my wife. It has since expanded to serving Cincinnati and Dayton, as well as Columbus and we anticipate more growth and expansion in the near future. We truly care for our clients and strive to obtain the most favorable outcome for their cases. Our track record and reputation are unparalleled by other firms and that is why we have continued success and growth in the Central Ohio area. I have an amazing staff of lawyers, paralegals and support staff that have been with our firm for years. They continue to impress me year after year with their dedication to our clients and our firm. Joslyn Law Firm has handled over 15,000 criminal cases. I have been ranked by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys as one of the top ten best criminal defense lawyers in the state of Ohio. I have also been named as Columbus CEO Magazine as a top lawyer in Columbus and I have also had the honor of being named Top 100 Trial Lawyer in the USA by the National Trial Lawyers Association. I take great pride in these accomplishments and it truly is an honor to continue serving my Columbus community. The vast majority of individuals that come to my office for help are good people who have made bad choices. I do not turn a discerning eye to my clients, in fact the exact opposite. I treat my clients as I would my own family member and I take each and every case to heart.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
First and foremost, my daughter Maryjane who is about to turn 4 years old and is the happiest little girl. And also, my wife Angie who has been by my side for 22 years. She is my business partner, my confidant and much more than that, my best friend. Secondly my business and clients are always on my mind and I strive every day to do the best work that I can for them.
What mentors have helped guide you along the way?
There have been various attorneys along the way that have helped me throughout my career, but I have to give the most credit to my father. He is a scientist and always uses logic for solutions to problems. Oftentimes it’s easy to let emotion cloud your judgement and my father has an amazing way of putting things in perspective that make the most sense. He has always used the quote that “positive gets positive and negative gets negative.” I have reminded myself of his philosophy many times throughout my career and it has helped provide me clarity on numerous occasions.
Give us one piece of advice (or a quote) that you live by:
“Work hard, play hard.” I am a highly motivated and driven businessman, but I still take the time to spend quality time with my family and friends.
How do you focus on success through the pressure of maintaining a work-life balance?
I think it’s easy for my family because our work is our life, they go hand in hand. Angie and I are both extremely passionate about our work and we are always discussing our business and ways we can grow and improve. We make sure that our weekends are focused on spending quality time with our daughter, and we enjoy taking Hawaii and ski vacations throughout the year.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
When I was young I competed in numerous martial arts competitions and I wanted to be a boxer when I grew up.
What are among the top places you’d recommend to someone who is visiting or new to Columbus?
The Franklin Park Conservatory is a great place for a family outing and COSI is fun for kids to explore. I live downtown and am a frequent visitor to the North Market, which had a diverse selection of foods and beverages from independent merchants. The newest restaurant that I’ve enjoy visiting in town is the RH Rooftop restaurant, the food is fantastic and the vibe is very cool.
Tell us about a community initiative that you’re most passionate about:
I am most passionate about the “Smart Columbus” initiative. It’s moving toward the future of Columbus and is focused on technology that will make living in our city better than ever and will provide for our neighborhoods to have stronger connections.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
I would tell them that everyone I know who lives in Columbus is proud to live here. Columbus is thriving and you can feel the positive energy throughout our city.