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Two KNR attorneys promoted to partner
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: January 8, 2019
Two attorneys at the personal injury law firm Kisling, Nestico & Redick (KNR) rang in 2019 by officially rising to the rank of partner.
Kenneth Zerrusen and Michael Maillis received the news that they were being promoted to partner in December 2018.
“I am honored to serve as partner at KNR and appreciate the opportunity to take on this new role at a law firm that not only offers excellent client service but also values service to the community,” said Zerrusen, who became a partner on Jan. 1 and is based in KNR’s Akron office.
“I sincerely appreciate the confidence that has been placed in me to serve as a partner at KNR,” said Maillis, who works in the Poland, Ohio office. “I look forward to continuing to advocate on behalf of personal injury victims and serving as a resource to my colleagues. Together we have a tremendous opportunity to help those in need.”
“Our two newest partners, Mike Maillis and Ken Zerrusen, embody the very best of KNR in the courtroom, in the office and in the community,” said Rob Nestico, managing partner at KNR.
In the case of Zerrusen, he is not originally from northeast Ohio.
Born and raised in Teutopolis, Illinois, Zerrusen received his bachelor’s degree in business management from Quincy University.
He moved to Ohio to attend The University of Akron School of Law, where he obtained his juris doctor in 1999.
Zerrusen began his legal career at a local personal injury law firm, joining KNR in 2006.
“I became interested in law while in college,” he said. “My uncle was a personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney. I chose personal injury law because I thought it was an interesting way to help people.”
“Ken has represented thousands of people who have been injured and his goal is always the same: Help people receive the justice they deserve,” said Nestico. “His commitment to our clients and his track record of success has helped make our personal injury firm one of the largest in Ohio.”
Zerrusen, who lives in Green with his wife Katy and their four sons, said he plans to continue helping as many accident victims as possible.
He’s also looking forward to being part of the decision-making process at the firm.
“I’ve been at KNR since near the beginning,” said Zerrusen. “I’ve watched it grow and look forward to continuing that growth while working hard to advocate on behalf of our clients.”
Maillis is a more recent addition to KNR, joining the firm in January 2013 after working at the personal injury and medical malpractice law firm Perantinides & Nolan Co. for 11 years.
The Campbell, Ohio native received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Youngstown State University and his juris doctor from Akron Law.
“I initially wanted to become a lawyer because I had dreams of running for the U.S. Senate,” said Maillis. “I looked up to politicians, who I viewed as willing to give up successful private lives to help people.
“Once I became a lawyer I enjoyed it so much that I no longer wanted to go into politics.”
He began his legal career as an assistant public defender in Stark County in 1996, later serving as a Youngstown assistant city prosecutor.
“In 2000 I was drafted to the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office, where I was an assistant prosecutor handling major felonies,” he said.
Maillis said he initially turned down the offer to join KNR.
“Rob Nestico called me in December 2012 and at first I said no,” said Maillis. “He called back 10 minutes after we hung up and asked me what would make me change my mind. I said a chance to work in Youngstown. Once he agreed to let me work out of the firm’s Poland office I said yes immediately.
“I wanted to go back to my home,” he said. “My great grandfather settled in Campbell in 1918 and my family has been there ever since.”
Maillis and his wife Celeste are raising their family in Campbell.
“My daughter Arianna is 18 and attends Campbell Memorial High School and my son Nicholas is 12 and goes to St. Rose Catholic School in Girard,” he said.
Maillis is a member of The Mahoning County Bar Association Admissions and Grievance committees. He also serves on the Campbell Civil Service Commission and was appointed to the Campbell Charter Review Commission twice.
At KNR, Maillis handles complex personal injury cases, which he said allows him to fulfill his desire to help people.
“It’s the most amazing feeling in the world when you are able to make someone’s life easier or better,” said Maillis, who became a partner on Jan. 1. “I think my background in criminal law has done a lot to prepare me for my role at the firm.”
Maillis said joining KNR has turned out to be “the best decision of my career.”
Now that he’s a partner he’s hoping to train other new lawyers.
“I think it’s every young lawyer’s duty to replace himself with someone better,” Maillis said. “I am hoping to train the next generation of lawyers at the firm so that they can help keep the firm moving forward.
“I had my share of great teachers and now it’s time for me to pay it forward.”
“The hallmark of Michael’s career as an attorney has been his willingness and ability to help people who need help the most,” said Nestico. “Michael’s reputation, commitment to our clients and his extraordinary talent and work ethic make him an important part of the future success of the firm.”