Brian Patrick Kopp, Partner/Shareholder

Attorney Brian P. Kopp's primary duties at Betras, Maruca, Kopp & Harshman, LLC include management of the firm's Litigation Department, with a focus on the preparation and presentation of cases at trial. His area of practice includes civil litigation, with a focus on personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. Brian has also argued cases in state and federal courts of appeals.

Recently, Brian has joined with DeBartolo Sports & Entertainment, Inc (DSE) as a certified NFL agent/contract advisor. DSE is owned by former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward J. Debartolo. Brian's education and legal training uniquely situate him to handle the needs of professional athletes.

Brian graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bethany College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics in 1992. Following his graduation from Bethany, Brian earned a Juris Doctor degree from Capital University in 1995. While in law school, Brian participated in a joint program with the Capital University School of Law and Ohio University's School of Sports Administration, and earned a Master's Degree in Sports Administration and Facility Management from Ohio University in 1996.

Following his graduation from Capital, Brian served as a federal law clerk to U.S. District Judge Peter C. Economus. In 1997, Brian became an associate attorney at Betras & Dann. As an associate, Brian represented his clients in a wide range of both civil and criminal cases. His experiences as a law clerk and an associate attorney enhanced his critical thinking and advocacy skills in preparation for his future endeavors.

In 2000, Brian was honored as "Trial Lawyer of the Year" by the Mahoning-Trumbull Counties Academy of Trial Lawyers for his verdict in the wrongful death action known as The Estate of Curtis Mays vs. Allstate. In 2004, he recorded what is considered to be one of the largest verdicts in the history of Mahoning County and was featured in Lawyers Weekly.

Brian is a member of the American Bar Association, Ohio Bar Association, Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American Association for Justice, and the Mahoning-Trumbull Counties Academy of Trial Lawyers.

He has also been selected on two occasions to serve on the Merit Selection Panel for the Northern District of Ohio. The Merit Selection Panel consists of lawyers appointed by the United States District Judges to aid in the selection and renewal of federal magistrates.

Brian has an extensive background in sports. His father, John, has coached high school football for over 40 years. Brian's brother, Neal, has coached football at both the collegiate and high school level. Another brother, Dan, has also coached high school football.

In 1987, Brian quarterbacked Boardman High School's football team, which was the Division I state runner-up. He played Division III football at Bethany College from 1988-1992 and for the past six years has served as quarterback coach for Austintown Fitch High School.

He is an NFLPA certified contract advisor, and served as Temporary Special Legal Assistant to the Athletic Department at Youngstown State University under Head Football Coach/Athletic Director Jim Tressel in 1995, dealing with luxury box contracts and NCAA compliance issues.

Brian has been actively involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America. Brian is married and lives in Boardman with his wife and six children.