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Michael Bivens...the Man.
Franklin County has been my home for all of my life. I have served in positions of
leadership as a community resident, United States Marine, business advocate and church
servant. In those roles, I have gained the experience, insight, knowledge and wisdom that
have shaped me as an attorney.
I grew up as an only child in a single mother household in Columbus, Ohio. Because we had
to move frequently, I have lived throughout the Columbus Area. The result of living on
every side of town shaped my connection to the people and experiences of those in Franklin
County. I knew early that serving others would be my life ‘s mission.
As a child, I attended Weiland Park Elementary School, Everett Middle School, the Columbus
Academy and graduated from Beechcroft High School in 1989. Upon graduating from Beechcrof
High School, I attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. During that time, a war
ensued in the Middle East, and I followed in the footsteps of my Grandfather, Russell
Mann, my uncles Larry and Jerry Mann, and my father to join the United States Marine Corps
in 1990. I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as a 0351 Dragon Gunner
specializing in Small Armor Vehicle and Anti-Tank Assault.
After Operation Desert Storm, I received an honorable discharged and immediately enrolled
at Capital University where I earned my bachelors degree in Economics in 1995 from the
School of Management.
Service to the community was always a high priority. While in college, I became a brother
of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and became involved in numerous programs to
improve youth education. Upon graduating, I earned a position with the Kroger Company as a
store manager.
In 1997, I earned acceptance into Capital University Law School. Capital University was my
first and only choice for law school because of the positive experience I had as an
undergraduate student.
Upon graduating from Capital University Law School, I continued to work for State Farm
Insurance. In 2003, I passed the Ohio State Bar Examination and opened a private practice.
I have been fortunate to represent business owners, entertainers, divorcees, and the
indigent. I have Jury Trial Experience in the Criminal and Civil Litigation. My general
law practice has included transactional work, personal injury, real estate and property
law, business law, criminal litigation, and civil litigation.
I decided to open my own firm particularly because I wanted the independence to help people
without regard to billable hours. I always envisioned opening up a law firm in the inner
city and I would have a table outside that I could play chess with the local residents and
help people when needed. I have a sincere love for the community. Throughout my life, I
have worked hard to present every person with dignity, diligence, and respect.
I am also ordained as a non-denominational Christian pastor. I have taught Bible studies
in my home, have preached the Gospel behind the pulpit, and continue to serve all people
with the best intentions.
My Family...
Among my greatest experiences at Capital University was the relationship that blossomed
with Joy Bledsoe. She became my wife. Joy Leneace Bledsoe and I were married on August 15,
1998 in Columbus, Ohio. Since then, we have shared the wonderful experience of raising our
children, MiKayla and Justin Bivens, serving the community, and starting several
businesses together.
Community Service…
I am a firm believer in community service. I believe that participation in the affairs of
the community, and especially the local community, is essential to a healthy society. I
founded the Eastland Business Association and co-founded the Lazarus Rise Christian
Community Development Corporation.
A core value of my belief system in community service is a motto I learned as a Marine
about discipline that states; “Discipline is the instant willingness and obedience to
orders, respect for authority, self-reliance, and team-work.”
Mission Statement…
I will serve with both integrity and honor all the citizens of Franklin County with a
diligent mind that provides fair access to the courts, and an efficient administration that
maintains consistency, moral courage and strict adherence to the law.
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