Amelia L. Bizzaro

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Amelia Bizzaro doesn’t hold back when describing herself and her line of work.

“I’m an appellate geek,” Bizzaro said.

It’s worked out well for her. After several years at Henak Law Office, she recently started her own firm, where she still focuses on appellate work. While the opportunity to do appellate work in more areas is appealing, her heart is still in criminal appellate work. And, she’s looking forward to spending time in the curtroom.

“I never wanted to do anything else but criminal defense,” she said. “I’m looking forward to doing civil appellate work, but I’ve always wanted to be a criminal defense lawyer.”

After majoring in journalism at Ohio University, Bizzaro thought about working for a few years, then heading to law school. After deciding to make the leap right away, she found her niche quickly in the research and writing intensive area of appellate law.

“I feel like appellate law for me is that perfect mix of my undergraduate training and those interests and the legal part which had always interested me too.”

What is your favorite U.S. Supreme Court opinion?

Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts, 129 S.C.t 2527 (2009).

What was the worst U.S. Supreme Court opinion?

Kansas v. Hendricks, 521 U.S. 346 (1997).

Can you handle the truth?

You’re god#$%! right I can!

What is your greatest extravagance?

Traveling abroad.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would be more patient.

What do you consider to be the most overrated virtue?

Righteousness.

What was your worst law school course?

Business Associations.

Who are your favorite writers?

Maya Angelou and Patrick Conroy.

Would you ever go sky diving?

No. Never ever.

Do you have any tattoos?

A lady never tells….

What can you spend hours doing that’s not law-related?

Play poker.

Can you drive a stick shift?

Yes. The car I drive now is a stick.