When first-year law student Samuel Sherrer walked into Employer Night at Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law, he wasn’t expecting to land a job. After all, it’s unusual for a 1L student to be hired so early in their law school career. But after a meaningful conversation with ONU Law alumnus J.C. Ratliff, JD ’78, from the Ratliff Law Offices in Marion, Ohio, Samuel found himself with a unique opportunity—a summer associate position at a respected firm known for handling big cases in a small-town setting.
“I still can’t quite believe it,” Samuel admits. “I went to Employer Night mostly to practice networking and learn from professionals. But the attorney I spoke with saw potential in me and thought I’d be a good fit for their team.”
“Samuel had a great personality, which is a big part of being a successful attorney. It was clear he is eager to learn and hard working. We hope he stays with us beyond graduating law school,” says Ratliff.
For Samuel, the experience is more than just a résumé booster—it’s the first step toward following in his father’s footsteps. Growing up in a small town in Oklahoma, Samuel watched his dad serve his community through the law. “My dad has always been about giving back,” Samuel says. “I saw how he helped people through some of their hardest moments. That really stuck with me.”
At ONU Law, Samuel feels at home in a way he hadn’t expected. “ONU has that same small-town feel I grew up with,” he explains. “Everyone knows each other, and people genuinely want to see you succeed. Plus, it was more affordable than schools closer to home, which made it the right choice for me.”
Working with the Ratliff Law Offices will give Samuel a chance to apply what he’s learning in the classroom to real-world scenarios. Though the firm is small, it’s known for taking on substantial cases that make a difference in the community. “I’m excited to get hands-on experience,” Samuel says. “I’ve learned so much this first year, and now I get to see how it all plays out in practice.”
Ratliff thinks Samuel will be a great fit for his firm, which handles multi-million-dollar cases throughout the state of Ohio. “He’s from a small community and attends a small law school. The odds of him acclimating are higher than if you hire someone from a bigger city,” he explains.
Looking ahead, Samuel hopes to return to Oklahoma one day to practice law and help his grandparents with their family ranch. “I want to give back to the place that raised me,” he says. “If I can combine my legal career with supporting my family and my community, that’s the dream.”
For now, Samuel is focused on finishing his first year strong—and making the most of his summer in Marion. “This opportunity means a lot,” he reflects. “I’m grateful to Ratliff Law Offices for taking a chance on a first-year student. I’m ready to work hard and learn everything I can.”
Our next Employer Night is slated for Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Law firms interested in attending can contact Amber Schumacher, Director of Career and Professional Development, at 419-772-2220 or a-schumacher@onu.edu.