James M. McGovern

Attorney James (Jim) McGovern received his law degree from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 1993, after receiving his undergraduate degree from Miami University in 1989. Jim began his legal career by serving six years as an Assistant Ohio Attorney General, during which he spent three years as counsel for the Ohio Department of Human Services and three years as counsel for the State Medical Board of Ohio.

During his time serving as an Assistant Ohio Attorney General, Jim developed a deep understanding of how state agencies, particularly Ohio’s Professional Regulatory Boards, function. Jim also learned to navigate through the often complex processes that relate to obtaining a professional license and/or defending a professional license against a charge of wrongdoing. Finally, Jim was able to forge relationships with individuals affiliated with Ohio’s professional regulatory boards and those at the Ohio Attorney General’s office who are responsible for providing legal counsel to those boards.

Jim’s knowledge base and professional relationships paved the way for him to enter private practice. He spent nine years with HSW, a Columbus law firm, where his practice was focused upon defending the interests of professionals in their dealings with Ohio’s professional regulatory boards, and defending physicians, hospitals, and nursing homes against malpractice claims.

In August 2008, Jim joined Doug Graff to form Graff & McGovern, where his practice is now focused upon defending the interests of professionals in their dealings with Ohio’s professional regulatory boards, employers, credentialing organizations, and other entities. Jim routinely represents licensed professionals appearing before the Ohio Board of Nursing, State Medical Board of Ohio, Ohio State Dental Board, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, Ohio State Chiropractic Board, Ohio State Board of Psychology, Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy & Athletic Trainers Board, and the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapy Board. He also routinely spends time assisting clients engaged in disputes with employers and third party payers.

Jim is admitted and qualified to practice before the U. S. District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and all the state courts of Ohio.

Jim is a proud member of the Upper Arlington Rotary Club, an organization that through the camaraderie and commitment of service-minded business and professional men and women, works to make a difference in communities around central Ohio and around the world. He is currently serving a term on the Club’s Board of Directors.

Jim is a past chairman of the Ohio State Bar Association’s Administrative Law Committee and a past member of the Administrative Law Specialization Sub-Committee, which was formed to test and certify attorneys as specialists in that area of law.

Jim lives in Upper Arlington with his wife, Laurie, and his teenage sons, Michael and Kevin. He enjoys outdoor activities, following youth athletics and rooting for the success of any and all Cleveland and Ohio State University sports teams.

• Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law, 1993
• Miami University, 1989

• Ohio
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit