Attorney Profile 

About

Don is a partner with Saad & Saad LLP, providing counsel to clients in commercial and residential real estate transactions, including affordable housing development, general business transactions, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan programs.  Don is also Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Star Title Agency LLC, with a focus on land subdivision, zoning, survey, and real estate matters.

He has dedicated a significant portion of his practice working with USDA Rural Development and closing transactions for his clients involving USDA Section 515 and Section 538 loans; and assisting his clients with the rehabilitation of USDA Section 515 projects through the USDA Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization Program (MPR).  Through his years of experience in handling USDA matters, Don has developed valuable working relationships with his clients and USDA Rural Development.

Don also works with USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS), assisting NRCS with title related matters, including oil and gas matters, and the purchase of easements through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program which limits non-agricultural use of land and protects, restores, and enhances wetlands.

Prior to joining Saad & Saad LLP, Don worked for various agencies of USDA for over 28 years including Farmers Home Administration, Rural Economic and Community Development, Farm Service Agency, and the Office of the General Counsel (OGC).  At OGC, he served as attorney advisor, representing the various agencies of USDA in transactional and commercial matters involving business and industry, residential and multifamily housing, sewer and water, and farm programs.  Don’s practice areas also included administrative tort claims, administrative hearings, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and defense of claims against the United States.  Don also was a former Assistant Prosecutor for the City of Columbus.

Going to school at night while working at USDA Farm Service Agency, Don received his Juris Doctor Degree from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio in 1996; and was admitted in 1996 to the practice of law in the State of Ohio.

Don received a Bachelor of Science Degree from The Ohio State University, College of Agriculture, in 1979.

He is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Federal Claims and the United States District Court of Ohio, Southern and Northern Districts.

Residing in Upper Arlington, Ohio with his wife, four children, and granddaughter, Don enjoys biking to work, backpacking, hunting and fishing, and camping.  Don has been involved in scouting for many years and is the proud father of three Eagle Scouts.

Admission Details

  • 1996, Ohio

Law School Attended

  • Capital University, J.D., 1996

University Attended

  • The Ohio State University, B.S., 1979

Columbus Office

  • Address

    500 S. Front Street,
    Suite 250,
    Columbus, Ohio 43215 US

    Phone

    614-396-3296