Biographical Information
Sam G. Caras
Sam G. Caras (samcaras@caraslaw.com) was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. After a youth marked by participation in sports, Sam attended Wright State University, from which he graduated cum laude. During his last two years of undergraduate education he worked as a legislative aid for the Honorable C. J. McLin, and as a laborer in several industrial plants. Sam enrolled in the University of Dayton Law School in 1977 and graduated in 1980. During law school he enjoyed the privilege to clerk for the Honorable George J. Gounaris of the Civil Division of the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court for three years, while working part-time for two years with the City of Dayton Prosecutor's Office. Following graduation from law school he entered into private practice as an associate in an insurance defense firm, focusing on civil litigation defense of motor vehicle accidents, products liability, insurance, and professional liability cases. For several years after becoming partner in the insurance defense firm his practice concentration increasingly developed in plaintiff's personal injury and wrongful death. In 1990 he left the insurance defense practice and has since been practicing almost exclusively in the areas of medical and professional malpractice, wrongful death, serious personal injury, insurance litigation, with periodic referrals for business and contract litigation. Sam has practiced before all levels of Ohio courts, including successful arguments before the Ohio Supreme Court. He also has extensive experience in federal practice, particularly including practice before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, along with pro hac vice admissions in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama and U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Sam is a member of the American Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and particularly active in the Dayton Bar Association, having served as chairperson for several association committees. Sam is also an active member of the Miami Valley Trial Lawyers Association, Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
He was licensed to practice in all courts and agencies of the State of Ohio in 1980, before the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio in 1980, U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in 1982, U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in 1993, and the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in 2003.
Sam's avocational interests include service on civic boards, professional lectures, fishing, hiking, gardening, and golf.
Daphne R. Mahle (Paralegal)
Daphne R. Mahle (daphnemahle@caraslaw.com) our paralegal, was born and raised in Dayton. After graduating from Wayne High School, Daphne moved to Florida and began her legal career in 1982. Tragically, within months Daphne was involved in a motorcycle collision resulting in serious injury. Daphne was compelled to return home to be with her family to recover from her injuries. This personal experience was a catalyst for Daphne to dedicate her professional life to assist victims of negligence.
Daphne became a certified legal assistant (paralegal), and for more than a decade had also been involved in the training and supervision of other paralegals.
With her personal and professional experiences as a guide, Daphne provides sensitive insight and empathy to serve and professionally assist our many clients who have suffered profound injuries and the effects of a loved one's death due to negligence.
Outside of her tireless devotion to her professional life, Daphne enjoys a number of sporting activities, reading, shopping, sharing time with her husband, and excitedly follows her son's college career.
Daphne's engaging personality, character, and extensive professional talents enhance every aspect of the firm's service to our clients.
Melissa "Missy" West (Legal Administrator)
Melissa "Missy" West (missywest@caraslaw.com) Melissa "Missy" West, our legal administrator, was born and raised in Dayton. After Missy graduated in 1991 from West Carrollton High School, her career desires resulted in her becoming a legal secretary. Her industry and talents were promptly recognized, and her duties expanded as "Legal Administrator" to enhance all aspects of service to clients and the demands of litigation.
In addition to expertly handling the ever expanding technical tasks attendant to litigation support, Missy particularly embraces the challenge of applying her conscientious sensitivity to respond to the many needs of our injured clients. Our lawyers and clients alike well benefit from Missy's thoughtful devotion.
Indeed, Missy's devotion to our injured and disabled clients and their families finds root in the cherished joys of her family, including her husband of ten years and two young, very active children, with whom she enjoys an abundance of physical and social activities.