TBA News Brief

The year was 1974 when our 50 year honorees were first licensed to practice law. Read some of their stories below.

 

 

 

 

Edward J. Bocik
Undergraduate School & Major: University of Notre Dame - English
Law School: Ohio State College of Law

Why did you choose to become a lawyer?
Employment opportunities

What is your fondest memory of practicing law?
Corporate labor law and labor relations as Vice President Labor Relations - Honeywell for 25 years.

Who have you practiced with through the years? 
Prestolite - Eltra, Allied Signal, Bendix, Honeywell - One continuous employment opportunity for 44 years.

What are your non-law related interests or activities?
Music, golf

Is there any advice you would like to pass along?
Perseverance

 

Richard M. Kerger
Undergraduate School & Major: The Ohio State University - Journalism 
Law School: The Ohio State University

Why did you choose to become a lawyer?
Two events factored into that. One was when I was about seven. A fellow student who had developmental disabilities was being picked on and I simply could not watch it happen without stepping in. Then in my senior year in college when I was preparing to obtain a Masters Degree in journalism, a number of my friends one night over beers suggested they thought I should go to law school. They talked me into taking a Law School Aptitude Test the following Saturday and I did, scoring a fairly exceptional score which helped overcome a fairly unexceptional accumulative average.

What is your fondest memory of practicing law?
Meeting, working with and then marrying my wife Jessica.
Who have you practiced with through the years? 
Beginning in 1974 I clerked with United States District Judge Thomas D. Lambros in Cleveland. I was then asked to join the firm of Marshall & Melhorn which I did in 1976. I worked 20 years there, then my wife and I decided to open our own law firm. With the able assistance over the years of Steve Hartman, Kim Conklin, Bill Connelly, Jr. and Khary Hanible it is where I practice today, The Kerger Law Firm, LLC.

What are your non-law related interests or activities?
It used to be golf and reading. At one point I had a six handicap but that was long ago. Today I am relegated to reading and working on legal matters which frankly are almost as much fun as playing golf.

Is there any advice you would like to pass along?
It came from my father who at one point told me that what I chose to do was up to me but he asked that I be the best at it I could be and that I be happy. I think I have followed those two concepts fairly well and have passed them on to our children, of whom I am exceptionally proud.

 

Robert M. Leonardi
Undergraduate School & Major: University of Akron - Mechanical Engineering
Law School: University of Akron

Why did you choose to become a lawyer?
To make the world a better place.

What is your fondest memory of practicing law?
Oral arguments and winning appeals at the U.S. Patent Office Trial & Appeal Board.

Who have you practiced with through the years? 
Dana Corp. attorneys for 32 years. All attorneys with the MacMillan, Sobanski Firm, and especially Rich MacMillan and Mark Sobanski.

What are your non-law related interests or activities?
Golf

Is there any advice you would like to pass along?
Word hard, be prepared and be open to compromise.

 

Hon. S. Dwight Osterud
Undergraduate School & Major: University of Toledo - English
Law School: University of Toledo

Why did you choose to become a lawyer?
When I was 12 years old, I set my sights on becoming a lawyer because I wanted to advocate for what I thought were just causes. Then I rejected that notion because I didn’t think I was smart enough. It was in undergrad school that I decided I wanted to be an advocate. The law was calling me, and I answered.

What is your fondest memory of practicing law?
As a new practitioner I was appointed to represent dependent and neglected children. I found it heartening to advocate for children who were in a helpless situation. It’s been many years since I practiced but I think the fondest memories as a judge was performing weddings. It was a change of pace from the usual duties in Municipal Court. But generally, I had the honor, and still do, to observe some of the finest litigators in northwest Ohio.

Who have you practiced with through the years? 
After passing the bar, I re-evaluated my career path and entered an office-sharing on Reynolds Road with Bob Tucker and Mel Pomeranz. We were later joined by Jim Seitz, Kennedy Clare Sharrock, James Ray, Denny Parish and Ron McCourt. After that association dissolved, I shared an office with Sol Zyndorf and Scott Saum. From the Reynolds Road office came five judges; James Ray, Juvenile Court; Kennedy Sharrock, Crawford County Municipal; Jim Seitz, Monroe County, Michigan Probate/Juvenile; Denny Parish, 6th District Court of Appeals, S. Dwight Osterud, Perrysburg Municipal; and Ron McCourt, Magistrate,

What are your non-law related interests or activities?
My wife, Judy, and I enjoy traveling, both domestic and foreign. Also, anything my wife wants me to do like gardening, working with students, trying to hit a golf ball straight.

Is there any advice you would like to pass along?
For the members of the bar who recently passed the bar exam, I would say don’t go it alone. Seek connections and advice from experienced lawyers. There is so much to learn from friendships, mentors and office personnel. Please ask us. That is the Toledo Way of practicing law.

 

Charles S. Rowell, Jr.
Undergraduate School& Major: Hope College - Political Science
Law School: University of Toledo

Why did you choose to become a lawyer?
Restaurant management and welfare caseworker didn’t suit me. Air Force and Navy were overpopulated; Army and Marines? Jungles and snakes. Family joke: mother wanted a professional son, preferably a medical doctor. Compromise. Lawyer with bad handwriting.

What is your fondest memory of practicing law? 
Saving children’s lives.

Who have you practiced with through the years? 
Spl Zyndorf, Scott Saum, E. J. Leizerman, Carol Daumrauer, Mark Anderson, Chuck Boyk, Nate Silverman. 6th JAG Detachment, OHMR (now 4th Civil Support and Sustainment Brigade, Adjutant General’s Department. citizen Review Board #2, Lucas County Juvenile Court. Children’s Rights Council (now Consortium).

What are your non-law related interests or activities?
Commander, 4th Civil Support and Sustainment Brigade: Brigadier General (OH) DSM, retired. Novelist.

Is there any advice you would like to pass along?
“Believe nothing that you read and only half of what you see.”
            ~ P. J. Moore, Captain, TPD, dec’d.

 

Philip L. Schmidt
Undergraduate School & Major: University of Toledo - Political Science
Law School: University of Toledo

Why did you choose to become a lawyer?
Luck

What is your fondest memory of practicing law?
And the most valuable, was lunching at Posner’s Dli at the communal table for law related professionals and learning the “Toledo Way” of practicing law.

Who have you practiced with through the years? 
Law student intern at Lucas County Prosecutor’s office, then Toledo Law Department. Firms:
(1) Greenburg, Scouten & Schmidt, (2) Lydy, Moan & Douglas, (3) Lydy & Moan, (4) Brady, Coyle & Schmidt

What are your non-law related interests or activities?
Running, travel, sport car and Formula 1 racing.

Is there any advice you would like to pass along?
If you take care of your clients, they will take care of you.

 

Louis E. Tosi
Undergraduate School & Major: The Ohio State University - Math & Science
Law School: Ohio State University 

What is your fondest memory of practicing law?
Working for my mentors.

Who have you practiced with through the years?
Fuller & Henry 1974-1999; Shumaker Loop 1999-present.

What are your non-law related interests or activities?
Outdoors, movies, travel, Buckeye football.

Is there any advice you would like to pass along?
Get a good mentor.

 

David W. Wicklund
Undergraduate School & Major: Williams College - Economics 
Law School: University of Toledo

Why did you choose to become a lawyer?
I did not have a specific reason. Becoming a lawyer was something I had thought about doing throughout college. I also considered pursuing a career in business, but when I was approaching graduation from college, the economy was in a recession, and there were not many business jobs available for new graduates. I had always enjoyed debating and discussing issues, and I thought being a lawyer might be something that would suit me.

What is your fondest memory of practicing law?
I have fond memories as a young lawyer of second chairing cases being tried by Bob Clayton, Bob Gosline, and Jack Hackett, among others, and watching the very diverse but effective styles that each of them employed. At least one of my fondest memories as a lawyer was helping one of the Bell & Beckwith general partners save a good portion of his assets from the clutches of the Trustee by asserting that the partner should be allowed to rescind his agreement to become a partner, because it turned out that he had joined the partnership after the fraud had begun, which was not disclosed to him when he joined Bell & Beckwith. The Bankruptcy Court rejected the argument, but on appeal, the District Court reversed, which led to a settlement with the Trustee.

Who have you practice with through the years?
I spent my entire career at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick. In my 50 years at the firm, I have had the opportunity to practice with many great lawyers too numerous to list. A few of the lawyers that I worked closely with over the years are Mike Briley, Ed Emerson, John MacKay, Jeff Creamer, Dennis Witherell, and Mark Stewart.

What are your non-law related interests and activities?
At this stage, my primary activities are golf, traveling to see grandchildren, reading, etc. I am also president of our small HOA.

Is there any advice you would like to pass along?
Take care of yourself mentally and physically. Try to keep some balance between practicing law and your personal life. Also, try to keep an even keel whether you win or lose.

 

Daniel A. Worline
Undergraduate School & Major: BGSU - Accounting
Law School: University of Toledo

Why did you choose to become a lawyer?
I could not see myself in the accounting profession for my whole career. Becoming an attorney would provide a much more varied experience and allow me to use my accounting background as well.

What is your fondest memory of practicing law?
I can’t pick a single memory. There are so many different stories and situations my clients presented to me (some pretty crazy!).

Who have you practiced with through the years?
My entire career has been spent with Shindler Neff LLP (the firm name has changed throughout the years as my partners retired, but the firm remained the same).

What are your non-law related interests or activities?
Wood working (I enjoy making furniture), traveling to Mexico, fishing and spending time at my cottage on Put-in-Bay

Is there any advice you would like to pass along?
Enjoy the ride.

 

Hon. Stephen A. Yarbrough
Undergraduate School & Major: University of Toledo - Business, Marketing
Law School: University of Toledo

Why did you choose to become a lawyer?
I thought it would be a good way to help people.

Who have you practiced with through the years? 
Brogan, Savage, Gibson & Yarbrough George Gusses, Al Brogan.

What are your non-law related interests or activities?
Golf, fishing, reading.

Is there any advice you would like to pass along?
Practice in the Toledo Way.

 

Sol Zyndorf
Undergraduate School & Major: Miami University - Political Science
Law School: University of Toledo

Why did you choose to become a lawyer?
Interest in the legal system.

What is your fondest memory of practicing law?
Handling an adoption where the child was from Alaska.

Who have you practiced with through the years? 
Daryl K. Rubin, Scott J. Saum, John K,. Pardee, Charles Rowell, Douglas Price, Judge S. Dwight Osterud and E.J. Leizerman.

What are your non-law related interests or activities?
Hiking, traveling and visiting grandchildren.

Is there any advice you would like to pass along?
Try to enjoy what you’re doing and don’t take life too seriously.

 

 

The Robert A. Kelb Distinguished Service Award, the Toledo Bar Association’s highest award for service to the association and membership, was presented to Joseph P. Dawson on December 10 by Maggie M. Humphrey.

 

Throughout Joe Dawson’s legal career, he has dedicated his time, talent, and heart to committees and programs of the Toledo Bar Association (TBA).

Joe served as Bar Counsel from 2018-2022. Before taking on this position, he served on the TBA Grievance committee as early as 2008, chairing the committee from 2014-2016, and then serving on it again right up to his appointment as Bar Counsel.

His “retirement” is in name only.  He remains active, offering his advice and his wisdom to anyone that asks for his assistance or his opinion.  He is a source of historical information for Peggy Mattimoe Sturgeon, current Bar Counsel.  In short, he is as unforgiving of his precious time for matters associated with ethics and professionalism in the practice as he is with his other volunteer activities.

Outside of his Grievance work, he has volunteered for more committees and projects than can possibly be captured. Much of what he does goes unseen but is vitally important to the organization, such as the following example:

In 2020, the long-standing chair of bar admissions, Keithly Sparrow, passed away. Joe immediately took over the committee as chair and named Barb Stutz his co-chair. Joe implemented training for committee members, handled the workload of trouble applicants, made trips down to Columbus to represent the committee, when necessary, kept the 7-member panel hearings in order, and maintained the communication lines with volunteers. He was instrumental in this role and continues to serve on this committee after his retirement.

Joe is also a strong pro bono volunteer. Following are some thoughts from the pro bono staff on his involvement in the program:

“Joe volunteers at nearly every clinic we put on – even when they are back to back, like the VA Brief advice clinic and the Juvenile Clinic. He takes individual cases as well. He is always good for a case we are having a tough time placing. His answer is always “if you don’t find anyone else, I’ll do it.” Just 2 weeks ago, we had a volunteer issue at a clinic (2 volunteers didn’t show up and we had 25 clients waiting for help), I texted Joe and he showed up within 30 minutes to save the day. He often calls me before heading to a clinic to see if I need a ride so that I can save on parking, which is a nice thing of a friend or colleague to do, however, he doesn’t just do that for me. I can think of more than one occasion where he has driven one of our clients home from a clinic so they didn’t have to wait for a ride – mind you, one I recall in particular was a criminal record sealing clinic. Not only was he being kind, but his confidence in our client base there, who are people who are often not given the benefit of the doubt, is so admirable.”

It is difficult to think of an instance he has said “No” to a request for help. He serves on the TBA Pro Bono Advisory Board and Bar Admissions,  is a member of the Diversity, Inclusion and Race Equity Committee, and has volunteered to help with Mock Trial. Outside of his involvement in the TBA, he gives of his time to many other worthy causes, including serving on The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Board and Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio. He is also a volunteer CASA and prior board member of Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity and Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, he is a constant and consistent mentor to many, many young attorneys in Toledo. While serving as Bar Counsel, he would always tell attorneys they could call with questions or issues. He answers his cell phone for virtually anyone in need and will help navigate whatever situation they have found themselves in. His patience and giving nature has made him a trusted counselor to so many attorneys in Toledo.

 

Aaron Delano Hill, City of Toledo Prosecutor’s Office, is the Criminal Track winner of the inaugural Cubbon and Associates Spotlight on Innovation: New Writing Competition for Young Lawyers. You can read his winning legal brief here: www.toledobar.org/Criminal24

 

Nicholas W. Bartlett, Eastman & Smith Ltd., is the Civil Track winner of the inaugural Cubbon and Associates Spotlight on Innovation: New Writing Competition for Young Lawyers. You can read his winning legal brief here: www.toledobar.org/Civil24