Daniel M. Margolis was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. He obtained a B.A. from Carleton College and then attended the Vermont Law School, where he focused his studies on criminal law and constitutional issues. He obtained his J.D. in 1996 and was honored by being named to the Dean's List. While in law school, Dan was also a member of the local volunteer fire department, where he developed a keen interest in arson investigation. He is now admitted to practice law in all Ohio state courts as well as in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.