Dagger Law Blog and Articles

Dagger Law Names Everitt Partner

Bryan M. Everitt, Associate attorney

Lancaster, Ohio – Attorney Bryan M. Everitt was made partner in Dagger Law. He engages in the general practice of transactional law, with an emphasis on real estate, business law, estate planning and probate. Everitt is licensed to practice in all state courts in Ohio and the Southern District of Ohio (U.S. Federal Court). Additionally, he is a licensed title insurance agent in the State of Ohio.

“Bryan is deeply committed to serving as a trusted advisor while adapting and evolving based on changing dynamics, particularly within the real estate and title industry,” said Jeff J. Spangler, co-managing partner at Dagger Law. “Throughout his career, Bryan has demonstrated his passion for serving others and we look forward to the significant contributions he will continue to make to our practice in his new leadership role.”

A Lancaster native, Everitt graduated, with honors, from The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Following his graduation, he was commissioned as a Naval Officer and began a career of military service. During his 24-year naval career, he served around the globe as a nuclear trained Submarine Warfare Officer and held numerous leadership positions including Operations Officer for the Navy Recruiting District Ohio, Professor of Naval Science at Purdue University, and Commanding Officer/Officer-in-Charge positions with various Navy Reserve Units. During the final period of his naval service, he attended Capital University Law School’s evening program while also working full-time. Everitt joined the firm in 2014, retired from the United States Navy in 2019, and was made partner this year.

In 2022, Everitt was designated as an Ohio Land Title Professional (OLTP) by the Ohio Land Title Association (OLTA). The OLTP designation recognizes individuals who have made contributions to the title industry through their work experience and involvement with national, state, and local land title associations.

He was selected to be a member of the Ohio State Bar Foundation’s (OSBF) 2021 Fellows class, an organization dedicated to advancing the law and building a better justice system. In 2017, Everitt was recognized for his dedication to the community and was selected as Young Professional of the Year by the Lancaster-Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. He has previously received a Volunteer of the Year Award and Community Service Award from Rotary International and has been awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his community involvement during his service in the Navy.

Everitt’s professional affiliations include:

Outside of his legal practice, he serves Lancaster, Fairfield County and beyond through his active involvement in numerous community organizations, including:

Dagger Law Welcomes Meghan J. Burge Ash

Phoyo of Meghan J. Burge Ash, Associate Attorney

Meghan J. Burge Ash has joined the Dagger Law team as an associate attorney serving Dagger Law’s Lancaster and Canal Winchester locations. She engages in the general practice of law, with an interest in business law; which includes areas such as acquisitions and mergers, contract creation and disputes, oil, gas, and mineral rights and agribusiness and agricultural law. Ash is also interested in personal injury law, which includes areas such as insurance claims, workers compensation, wrongful death and medical malpractice.

“Meghan represents the best and the brightest of attorneys joining the profession after successfully graduating law school,” said Jeff J. Spangler, co-managing partner at Dagger Law. “Meghan possesses the skills and experience we look for, and we are thrilled to add her as a valued member of the firm.”

She received her bachelor’s degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, where she graduated cum laude and majored in environmental science. She went on to graduate with distinction from Vermont Law School in South Royalton, Vermont, with a master’s in environmental law and policy. She then earned her Juris Doctor, graduating magna cum laude from Capital University Law School in Columbus, where she served on the Student Bar Association. Ash was the recipient of the Dean’s List Award for all six semesters. She also received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for both environmental law as well as law and social science.

Ash is a member of the Fairfield County Bar Association, as well as the Ohio State Bar Association. She is also a member of the Young Professionals of Fairfield County and The Rivet Society. She currently resides in Canal Winchester with her husband and dog, Preston, affectionately known as “Pup.”

Dagger Law Welcomes Hannah Travis

Photo of Hannah Travis, Associate Attorney

Hannah Travis has joined the Dagger Law team as an associate attorney serving Dagger Law’s Lancaster and Canal Winchester locations. She engages in the general practice of law, with an emphasis on domestic relations and juvenile law; which includes areas such as divorce, dissolution, child custody, paternity, visitation, child support and antenuptial agreements.

“Hannah has a desire and passion for law, and we are delighted to welcome her to our firm,” said Jeff J. Spangler, co-managing partner at Dagger Law. “It is exciting to grow our practice with talented attorneys who will provide our clients with outstanding legal and business services.”

Travis earned her Juris Doctor degree from Capital University Law School, in Columbus, Ohio, where she was a teaching assistant for legal analysis, research, and writing as well as a student peer advisor. She was also on the dean’s list.

She graduated cum laude from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree, majoring in sociology-criminology and psychology. She also played for the Ohio University women’s golf team.

Travis is a member of the Fairfield County Bar Association, as well as the Ohio State Bar Association. She has participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Lancaster for numerous years, currently serving as a mentor by doing monthly activities with her little sister. She is also a member of the Young Professionals of Fairfield County and The Rivet Society. A lifelong resident of Fairfield County, Ohio, she enjoys golfing, shopping and spending time with her friends and family.

Everitt of Dagger Law Awarded Prestigious Ohio Land Title Professional Designation

Bryan M. Everitt, Associate attorney

Bryan M. Everitt, associate attorney and title insurance agent with Dagger Law, recently became the newest recipient of the Ohio Land Title Professional (OLTP) designation.

Everitt is one of only 17 title professionals in Ohio to hold this designation according to the Ohio Land Title Association (OLTA). The OLTP designation is intended to recognize individuals in Ohio’s title insurance industry who have made contributions to the title industry through their respective work experience, OLTA attendance, OLTA involvement, involvement in the American Land Title and Regional Land Title Associations, and involvement with other professional organizations related to real estate.

“Bryan continues to make contributions to the title industry through his work, as well as through his involvement with national, state, and local land title associations,” said Jeff J. Spangler, co-managing partner at Dagger Law. “He is passionate about serving others and we are proud he has earned this recognition for his commitment to the real estate and title industry.”

Senate Bill 175 – Stand Your Ground/Duty to Retreat

Effective April 6, 2021, Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 175 into law. Prior to the enactment of Senate Bill 175, individuals had no duty to retreat when exercising self-defense in only two locations: (1) in his/her vehicle or (2) his/her residence. Ohioans may now use lethal force in self-defense anywhere they have a legal right to be. The trier of fact does not assess whether the litigant had the ability to retreat when examining the party’s assertion of self-defense. This modification is applicable to both criminal and civil tort claims regarding self-defense.