Curtis M. Fifner

Curtis M. Fifner joined Elk + Elk in 2021, bringing a formidable reputation for high-stakes litigation and a deep-seated commitment to the rights of injury victims. A third-generation attorney, Curtis has a unique perspective on the legal profession. While his predecessors spent their careers representing physicians and insurance companies, Curtis chose a different path. He is the first in his family to dedicate his practice to representing individuals and families whose lives have been altered by medical negligence, nursing home neglect, wrongful death, and catastrophic trucking or car crashes. This background gives him an invaluable understanding of how the defense thinks, allowing him to anticipate their strategies and build cases that are designed to win.

A Foundation in Persuasive Appellate Advocacy

With the collective firm experience at Elk + Elk serving as a foundation for his work, Curtis has established himself as a leader in the Ohio legal community. He earned his bachelor's degree in Government from Centre College and his law degree from Ohio Northern University's Pettit College of Law. His talent for advocacy was evident early on, as he was selected for the appellate advocacy team and served as a Moot Court Associate Justice. These early experiences sharpened his ability to craft persuasive legal arguments, a skill that has translated into a highly successful career in the courtroom.

Master of the Human Element in Trial Law

Before joining Elk + Elk, Curtis spent 14 years at a plaintiffs' firm where he developed significant first-chair trial experience at a remarkably young age. He is not an attorney who shies away from a courtroom; rather, he is committed to utilizing the most effective, cutting-edge techniques to serve his clients. To further hone his trial skills, Curtis successfully completed the intensive three-week program at Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College in 2016 and served as a member of the Founding Class of Trial School. This specialized training focuses on the human element of a trial, teaching attorneys how to connect with jurors on a visceral level and tell the true story of a client's suffering and perseverance.

Recognized Leadership and High Professional Standards

His peers have consistently recognized his talent, naming him a Rising Star or Super Lawyer every year since 2014. Additionally, he was named one of the Top 10 Under 40 by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, a testament to his impact on the field. He has also been recognized as among the "Best Lawyers in America®" since 2021.

Influencing Legislative Change for Ohioans

In addition to his work for individual clients, Curtis is a powerful force for legislative change in Ohio. He served for five years as the Legislative Chair for the Ohio Association for Justice (OAJ). In 2024, he received the OAJ President's Award for his leadership of the Clawson Task Force. This work was instrumental in the passage of House Bill 179, which codified common law agency and provided clearer protections for all Ohioans. His influence continues to grow as he was elected Secretary of OAJ in 2025. Curtis also authored multiple amicus briefs on behalf of OAJ at the Ohio Supreme Court, demonstrating his ability to cater his arguments to his audience and influence legal precedent at the highest level of the state. Many of the arguments he raised in the amicus brief filed in Thomas v. Logue, 2023-Ohio-3522, were incorporated by the majority of the Court who found in favor of the injured worker.

Educator and Expert in Malpractice Litigation

Curtis is frequently invited to speak to fellow attorneys and medical professionals about the intricacies of medical malpractice litigation. His presentations at major legal conferences, such as the OAJ Annual and Winter Conventions, the West Virginia Association for Justice Mid-Winter Convention, and the Ohio State Bar Association, cover complex topics like vicarious liability and subrogation in addition to trial advocacy. He has a unique ability to make technical legal and mathematical concepts accessible, as seen in his popular seminar "Oh @#$% I Have to Do Math." This willingness to educate his peers ensures that the standard of advocacy for all injury victims in Ohio continues to rise.

Beyond his professional accolades, Curtis is a devoted family man who values his roots in central Ohio. When he is not in the courtroom or defending the inviolate right to trial by jury in the legislature, he enjoys golfing and is a passionate supporter of Cleveland's professional sports teams. Above all, he treasures the time he spends with his daughters. This balance between high-level legal leadership and a grounded personal life allows Curtis to bring a focused, compassionate perspective to every case he handles. At Elk + Elk, he remains a dedicated champion for the injured, ensuring that even in the most complex medical and trucking cases, the voice of the victim is heard loud and clear.