Stop Paying for Legal Research—Your TBA Membership Already Covers It!


By Sierra Van Allen, vLex Fastcase

Are you spending hundreds of dollars each month on legal research platforms? If so, you might be paying twice for the same service. Many Toledo Bar Association members don’t realize that comprehensive legal research capabilities are already included in their membership—at no additional cost.

The Cost of Paying for Research
Legal research expenses can quietly consume a significant portion of a firm’s budget. Small and mid-size firms often spend thousands annually just to access case law and statutes. For solo practitioners, these costs can be particularly burdensome, sometimes representing huge percentages of gross revenue.

What many don’t realize is that the TBA has already invested in a solution for its members.
 

Your Research Platform is Already Paid For
Through your TBA membership, you have access to vLex Fastcase, a comprehensive legal research platform that includes primary law from all 50 states and federal courts. This is more than a limited trial or basic package. It’s the same robust research tool used by firms nationwide.

The platform provides access to:
♦    Complete state and federal case law
♦    Statutes and regulations 
♦    Court rules and procedures
♦    Advanced search capabilities
 

AI-Powered Features Save Time
What sets this platform apart are the artificial intelligence features powered by Vincent AI technology:

Smart Case Headnotes: Instead of reading entire opinions, AI-generated headnotes provide concise summaries of key legal points, helping you quickly determine relevance.
Automatic Translation: Encounter a case or document in Spanish or another language? Vincent AI provides instant translation, eliminating the need for separate translation services.
Find Related Cases: Vincent AI analyzes your research and suggests related cases you might have missed, functioning like a research assistant that never sleeps.
 

Getting Started is Simple
Accessing your research platform takes just minutes:
♦    Log into the TBA Member Portal at toledobar.org
♦    Navigate to Member Benefits
♦    Click on the vLex Fastcase access link
♦    Create your account using your TBA member credentials

Once set up, you can access the platform from any device, anywhere. The mobile app ensures research capabilities are always at your fingertips.
 

Making the Switch
If you’re currently paying for research services, transitioning to your TBA-provided platform can be seamless. Most attorneys find the interface intuitive, especially with features like:
♦    Saved searches that can be re-run with updated results
♦    Research folders for organizing cases by matter
♦    Citation analysis to verify case strength
♦    Printing and sharing options for collaboration

The included AI features make research more efficient than traditional platforms, often surfacing relevant cases that keyword searches might miss.
 

Maximizing Your Membership
Your TBA membership dues already include access to professional-grade legal research tools. Whether you’re handling a complex commercial dispute or a straightforward real estate closing, the resources you need are available at no additional cost.

For solo practitioners and small firms especially, this represents substantial savings—money that can be reinvested in practice development, client service, or simply improving your bottom line. Don’t let another month pass paying for research capabilities you already have. Take a few minutes today to set up your access through the TBA Member Portal. Your budget and your clients will thank you.

For technical support or questions about accessing your research platform, contact the TBA at 419-242-9363.

Become a FirstGen Mentor or Mentee – Build Connections. Share Knowledge. Shape Futures.
The FirstGen Lawyer’s Project of the Toledo Bar Association supports law students and attorneys who are the first in their families to graduate from college or earn a professional degree. Through mentorship, events, and digital resources, FirstGen helps you build your network, gain career insight, and find your place in the Toledo legal community. 

SIGN UP NOW

UPCOMING WEBINARS:
Our specialized webinar series provides bar association members with hands-on training and in-depth exploration of Vincent AI's award-winning legal intelligence platform and vLex Fastcase's powerful research capabilities, ensuring your members stay ahead in an evolving legal landscape.

REGISTER NOW

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE:


Does the TBA have your most current contact information for the upcoming print-version of the TBA Legal Directory?

Please login to the TBA website to review your membership profile today. While you're reviewing what address you'd like listed in the directory, we encourage you to also upload a photo to accompany your profile.  

Any changes must be made by September 15, 2025. Changes made after September 15 are NOT guaranteed to be included in the 2026 print directory but will be immediately updated in the online directory.

Update Your Profile

HIGHLIGHT YOUR FIRM:

The TBA Directory is the reference guide used daily by legal professionals in NW Ohio. Make sure your firm is represented in the law firm listings section. A law firm listing will ensure easy, quick access to a comprehensive list of attorneys and staff, plus direct contact info to your firm. 

Deadline is September 15, 2025

List Your Firm

CERTIFIED SPECIALIST LISTING:

Are you recognized as a Certified Specialist by the Supreme Court of Ohio? Consider placing a listing in the Certified Specialist section of the legal directory. When you purchase your listing in the print directory, it will automatically be added to our online directory at no additional charge!

Deadline is September 15, 2025

Place a Listing

PLACE A DISPLAY AD:

Want to stand out even more? Consider placing an ad in the Gold Pages. This section of the directory has it's own index with easy to access phone numbers and display ads with more info to help attract new business. 

Deadline is September 15, 2025

Place an Ad

The Trustees' Award is given annually by the Toledo Bar Association Board of Directors to a member of the Association who exemplifies professionalism in the practice of law and who has demonstrated a commitment to improving the legal profession through active involvement in the TBA.

The TBA Board is pleased to present the 2025 Trustees' Award to Ben Syroka. 

A lifelong Toledoan, Ben graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2016. He began his legal career as a term clerk for the Honorable Jack Zouhary in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and now serves as Judge Zouhary’s career law clerk.

Ben is deeply engaged in the Toledo Bar Association through a wide range of impactful roles. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Bench Bar Committee, where he helped lead the planning of the 2023 and 2024 Kiroff Bench Bar Conferences—selecting topics, securing speakers, producing promotional content, and launching the Cubbon & Associates Legal Writing Competition to encourage young lawyer participation.

He also Co-Chairs the TBA’s newly renamed Civics Outreach Committee, where he has worked to bring the “3Rs” civics education program to local schools, launched a pilot at Whitmer High School, and contributed to initiatives such as the Mock Trial Competition, as a judge and legal advisor and Law Day Essay Contest, helping write the questions and grading essays. 

As a member of the Federal Court Committee, Ben helped develop the latest Walinski Federal Practice Seminar, shaping the program, recruiting speakers, and presenting on the use of artificial intelligence in federal court.

Beyond his committee work, Ben has volunteered as a CLE instructor, contributed to the TBA Newsletter and mentors newer lawyers through the First Gen Lawyer’s Project. His leadership, creativity, and dedication have made him a valued member of the TBA community.

The Community Service Award is given by the Toledo Bar Association Board of Directors to a TBA member who demonstrates a commitment to the community by unselfishly giving of their time in service to community organizations or activities that are not law related.

The Toledo Bar Association is proud to present the 2025 Community Service Award to Clare Armbruster.

Clare is an attorney at Spengler Nathanson, where she practices in the areas of employee benefits and federal contractor affirmative action compliance. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Law and earned her undergraduate degree in Management from Bucknell University.

For more than 20 years, Clare has been a tireless champion for the children and families served by Lucas County Children Services. What began as a Junior League of Toledo project quickly evolved into a deeper calling. Recognizing that the needs of foster children extend far beyond a single event, Clare founded the nonprofit, Friends of Lucas County Children Services, and has served as its board president ever since.

Under her leadership, Friends of LCCS has grown into a year-round partner to the agency—coordinating impactful initiatives like a back-to-school drive that provides over 1,000 backpacks, a graduation celebration for foster youth, one of the region’s largest Trunk or Treat events, an annual holiday gift drive collecting more than 20,000 items, and a Caregiver Holiday Party at the Toledo Zoo for foster and kinship families.

In addition to these major efforts, Clare has quietly led countless smaller acts of care—like organizing the Community Bike Build and helping bring birthday cakes to children in foster care through the Cakes for Kids program. Her unwavering commitment, deep compassion, and remarkable service reflect the very best of our community, and we are proud to honor her with this well-deserved award.

Congratulations!

Gary L. Byers Bio

Gretchen S. DeBacker Bio

Hon. Lori L. Olender Bio

Cara B. Wall Bio

Thank you for joining us for the 86th Annual Joint Ceremony of the Toledo Bar Association, Lucas County Bar Association, Thurgood Marshall Law Association, Toledo Women’s Bar Association to pay tribute to the members of the Bar who have passed away during the last year. The Memorial Committee has released a pre-recorded video of the Memorial Service below. 
 

Hon. Jeffrey Helmick, Presiding       Hon. Michael Goulding, Presiding
 

OPENING OF COURT
John A. Coble
    
INVOCATION
Major Candy Fritsch, The Salvation Army

ROLL CALL OF DECEASED
Krys E. Beech
John A. Coble

Joseph Goldberg                                        
Time: 0:07:50
November 19, 1934 – April 1, 2024
Admission to bar: October 16, 1963
Catherine Garcia-Feehan, Chair
Bonnie R. Rankin
Christopher Parker
 

Joseph P. Jordan                                                                          
Time: 0:10:26
June 21, 1937 – June 30, 2024
Admission to bar: July 1, 1962
Gregory Arnold, Chair
Jude Aubry
James W. White, Jr.
 

Walter J. Skotynsky                                                    
Time: 0:12:45
June 28, 1946 – July 17, 2024
Admission to bar: November 19, 1976
Jack Viren, Chair
Ted Tucker
Beverly Cox    
 

Richard L. Emery
Time: 0:15:15
July 14, 1964 – July 15, 2024
Admission to bar: November 18, 1991
Marty Holmes, Jr., Chair
Kyle A. Silvers
Marty Holmes, Sr.
              

Aleta M. Bonini            
Time: 0:17:54               
August 19, 1954 – August 7, 2024
Admission to bar: November 2, 1979
Regina Joseph, Esq.
 

Richard D. Emch                                                                         
Time: 0:20:27
December 1, 1934 – August 8, 2024
Admission to bar: May 1, 1963
Dale Emch, Chair
Gregg W. Emch
Charles Schaub          
 

Daniel H. Grna
Time: 0:24:10                               
December 14, 1951 – September 4, 2024
Admission to bar: November 19, 1976
James Adray, Esq., Chair
Kevin McManus
Martin McManus
 

Kenneth L. Mickel                                                       
Time: 0:26:24
October 9, 1938 – September 13, 2024
Admission to bar: October 27, 1965
Norman Abood, Chair
William G. Meyer
Christopher Parker    
 

Hon. Amy J. Berling                                                   
Time: 0:29:28
June 24, 1950 – October 12, 2024
Admission to bar: November 16, 1987
Hon. Arlene Singer, Chair
Hon. Thomas Osowik
Hon. Michelle Wagner
 

Michael H. Scott                         
Time: 0:31:48
September 3, 1953 – October 15, 2024
Admission to bar: May 10, 2004
Hon. Michael Goulding, Chair

               
Catherine B. Martineau                                                          
Time: 0:34:12
May 10, 1954 – October 17, 2024
Admission to bar: May 10, 1982
Richard S. MacMillan, Chair
MacMillan, Sobanski & Todd, LLC
             

Joseph H. Pilkington                                                 
Time: 0:36:17
March 4, 1934 – October 21, 2024
Admission to bar: October 2, 1959
Philip McWeeny, Chair
               

Julia Casey
Time: 0:37:53
September 12, 1946 – October 28, 2024
Admission to bar: May 1, 1974
Sheldon Slaybod, Chair
Dorian Slaybod
Marshall Slaybod
 

Robert Hopperton                                                      
Time: 0:41:48
June 19, 1941 – October 30, 2024
Admission to bar: November 1, 1972
Douglas Ray, Chair
James M. Klein
Dean Rebecca Zietlow
 

Sidney C. John                                                                              
Time: 0:45:22
July 8, 1939 – November 14, 2024
Admission to bar: October 27, 1965
Krysten Beech, Chair
Christopher Parker
Catherine Garcia-Feehan
 

Eric N. Zeiger                                                                 
Time: 0:47:04
April 12, 1962 – December 5, 2024
Admission to bar: May 20, 1991
Steven Hales, Chair
Tom Goodwin
Joanne Rubin
     

John N. MacKay
Time: 0:50:30
November 23, 1946 – January 4, 2025
Admission to bar: November 7, 1975
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLC, Chair
 

Allan J. Brogan
Time: 0:53:35
November 25, 1929 – January 10, 2025
Admission to bar: October 9, 1958
Veronica Szozda, Chair
Glenn Rambo
Sheilah McAdams
 

Daniel P. McQuade                                                   
Time: 0:56:30
July 11, 1942 – January 18, 2025
Admission to bar: October 27, 1967
James Carr, Chair
Richard McQuade
 

Barry F. Hudgin
Time: 0:59:10
September 7, 1959 – February 16, 2025
Admission to bar: October 1, 1984
Hon. Gene Zmuda, Chair
Martin Morrissey
Jim Seguin

Nicholas W. Hetzer
Time: 1:03:07
September 3, 1948 – February 21, 2025
Admission to bar: April 28, 1978
Jack Viren, Chair
Jerome Parker
Scott Mote      
 

James V. Shindler                                                                       
Time: 1:05:27
March 28, 1939 – February 25, 2025
Admission to bar: October 19, 1966
Jude T. Aubry, Chair
James Nooney
Kyle Silvers
 

Frank A. Justen
Time: 1:07:41                               
June 17, 1940 – February 11, 2025
Admission to bar: May 2, 1970
Christopher Parker, Chair
Jude Aubry
Kyle Silvers
 

Duane J. Skrzyniecki                                                 
Time: 1:09:30
June 26, 1945 – March 3, 2025
Admission to bar: May 6, 1977
James Vail, Jr., Chair
Christopher Parker
Catherine Garcia-Feehan
 

Oliver E. Todd, Jr.
Time: 1:11:15
April 13, 1940 – January 15, 2025
Admission to bar: May 8, 1967
Richard S. MacMillan, Chair
MacMillan, Sobanski & Todd
 

John N. Drowatzky
Time: 1:12:40
April 11, 1936 – March 18, 2025
Admission to bar: November 2, 1979
Catherine Garcia-Feehan, Chair
Christopher Parker
Bonnie Rankin
 

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM

A Perfect Start to the Week at Belmont Country Club!

We couldn’t have asked for a better day to kick off the week! This past Monday, we hosted our annual golf outing at Belmont Country Club, featuring 13 enthusiastic teams.

Congratulations to our winning team:
Tony Glase, Connor Gavin, Jim Weiser, and Korey Williams!

Special shoutouts:

• Closest to the Pin (Sponsored by Eastman & Smith):
  Men – Kevin Kuhl
  Women – Andrea Young
• Longest Drive (Sponsored by RCO Law):
  Men – John Weglian
  Women – Julia Wiley

We’re also thrilled to share that the Pro Bono Program raised $717 through mulligan sales, the betting hole, and the 50/50 raffle. Thank you to everyone who contributed!

Congrats to our 50/50 winner: Steve Hartman, who generously donated his winnings back to the TBA Pro Bono Program!

A heartfelt thank you to Cindy Kirby and Lindsay Gumersell for volunteering their time to staff the betting hole—we couldn’t have done it without you!
 

And finally, thank you to all our generous sponsors for helping to make this event such a success:

• Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company - TBA Platinum Sponsor

• Huntington National Bank - TBA Gold Sponsor

• Jason Harris, Equitable Advisors LLC – TBA Silver Sponsor & Beverage Hole Sponsor

• AREA Title Agency, Inc. - Complimentary Lunch Hole Sponsor

• Law Office of Anthony J. Richardson II, LLC - Beverage Hole Sponsor

• Lexis + AI - Beverage Hole Sponsor

• Zoll & Kranz, LLC - Beverage Hole Sponsor

• Eastman & Smith - Prize Hole Sponsor

• RCO Law - Prize Hole Sponsor
 

Hole Sponsors:

• Cubbon & Associates Co., L.P.A.

• Groth & Associates

• Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC

• Legally Nursing Consulting Services

• Spengler Nathanson

• Trust Company Family Offices

• Hon. Ken Walz

TBA Statement in Support of the Rule of Law:

A core mission of the Toledo Bar Association (TBA), as set forth in our Mission Statement, is to advance the highest standards of excellence for the legal profession and promote the rule of law.  As members of the legal profession, we are uniquely positioned to come together to promote a deeper understanding of the rule of law, the U.S. Constitution, and how our democracy strives to serve all citizens. 

The TBA stands in support of the rule of law; it is the foundation of our democracy.  Adherence to the rule of law ensures that government operates within legal bounds, laws are applied fairly, and no one is above the law.  Disregard of constitutional mandates and silencing those who uphold the law weakens our democracy and erodes public trust.  The TBA reaffirms our commitment to holding each of our separate, co-equal branches of government accountable and defending the rule of law against unlawful encroachments. 

Further, the TBA stands in support of judicial independence.  Our judges and justices should not be attacked or threatened with impeachment based on adverse rulings.  As Chief Justice John Roberts stated recently, “impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision.  The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.”  We agree.

Finally, the TBA stands in support of the rights of all people to advance their interests in courts of law.  We reject the assertion that lawyers or law firms can be punished for representing clients or advocating positions disfavored by others, and we oppose attempts to limit the rights and duties of lawyers and law firms to advocate for their clients.

The TBA affirms its dedication to its mission and our system of American government. We will continue our efforts to serve our members, create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and promote the rule of law while respecting the diverse perspectives of our membership and remaining a non-partisan organization.