Bar Briefs
DBA Board of Trustees
2024-2025
Hon. MicHael J. newMan
President
JaMie H. Greer
First Vice President
Jeff T. cox
Second Vice President
Joanna l. Garcia
Secretary
VicToria l. nilles
Treasurer
Jennifer l. BroGan
Member–at–Large
ToBy K. Henderson
Member–at–Large
erin B. Moore
Member–at–Large
cHrisTopHer M. wolcoTT
Member–at–Large
anne p. KeeTon
Immediate Past President
JoHn M. ruffolo, ex officio
Bar Counsel
Jennifer oTcHy, ex officio Chief Executive Officer
BAR BRIEFS is published by the Dayton Bar Association, 109 N. Main St., Ste 600, Dayton, OH 45402–1129, as its official publication for all members. Comments about this publication and editorial material can be directed to the DBA office. The DAYTON BAR BRIEFS is published September/October through May/June.
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Jennifer Otchy
Chief Executive Officer
Shayla M. Eggleton
Director, Communications & Membership
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TRUSTEE'S
JUDGE'S
The Lawyer’s Role as a Community Leader By Erin B. Moore, Esq. Green & Green, Lawyers Member-at-Large
Worthan and Beyond Redefining Search Warrant Authority for Electronic Data in Ohio By The Honorable Elizabeth A. Ellis Montgomery County Common Pleas Ct Gen Div
Richard Denny, Esq. By Andrew L. Rossow, Esq. President, Rossow Law LLC
Back Again With Your DBA Probate Institute Recap By Megan Bosley Esq. Roberson Law
Nathaniel M. Fouch, Esq. Sebaly Shillito + Dyer By Joe Barton, Esq. EssilorLuxottica
The Honorable Elizabeth A. Ellis Montgomery County Common Pleas Ct Gen Div By Adin Feliz, Associate Editorial Board Member UDSL
"When he talked, people listened" By Caterina McNamara ’24 UDSL
Making a Difference: The Foodbank, Inc. of Dayton By The Honorable Mary Wiseman and Amber Wright, Marketing Lead
The Honorable Robert G. Hanseman Second District Court of Appeals By Adin Feliz, Associate Editorial Board Member UDSL
&
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The Lawyer’s Role as a Community Leader
Lawyersare more than just legal professionals. We are entrusted with significant responsibilities that extend beyond the confines of the courtroom or an office. A lawyer’s role as a community leader is an important part of our professional duty, in my humble opinion, and one that impacts the broader society in which we live and work. Particularly in unique and challenging times, lawyers serving as community leaders are needed in our society. This role is exemplified by the efforts and outreach of our Dayton Bar Association and our members.
As community leaders we as lawyers are often at the center of efforts to bring about change, advocate for justice and uphold the rule of law, and influence societal norms. The rule of law ensures that every citizen from all walks of life and in all positions is bound by and accountable under the law, avoiding or preventing arbitrary governance. It is intended to safeguard rights, promote justice and foster economic and social development. Without respect and enforcement of the rule of law, communities, even societies, risk descent into disorder, abuse of power and erosion of individual freedoms.
We as lawyers must lead by example, promoting fairness, justice, and respect for the law in both word and deed. Our role in the community should wel-
come opportunities to provide mentorship, public service, and charitable endeavors, including serving as advocates for marginalized and underserved populations. By doing so, lawyers can help shape the future of society. These actions not only elevate the practice of law but can also help foster a more just, educated, and resilient society and while also providing some personal satisfaction to the attorney providing such support.
Within the larger community, engagement with those people and organizations around us is an integral part of a lawyer’s responsibility as a leader. The practice of law is inherently connected to society, and lawyers are best equipped to understand and address the complex issues that affect individuals and groups within their communities. Lawyers act as intermediaries between the average citizen and other citizens as well as the state. Lawyers have the opportunity and, I daresay the obligation, to educate not just clients but also the public when needed about legal rights and responsibilities to ensure the law is applied fairly and justly, helping demystify the legal system for those who may not otherwise understand it. Legal literacy and an informed citizenry are essential aspects of a well-functioning democracy. Lawyers, as leaders in our community, must speak up for the law when it is threatened.
By Erin B. Moore, Esq. Green & Green, Lawyers Member-at-Largw ebmoore@green-law.com
Within the legal community, experienced lawyers can also help shape not only the skill development but the values, ethical standards, and leadership qualities of future legal professionals by serving as mentors, guides, and role models. These concepts are reinforced by our Rules of Professional Conduct. Lawyers who dedicate time to mentoring, whether formally or informally, not only help young lawyers advance their careers but also contribute to the development of a more ethical, socially responsible, and diverse legal community. By culturing and fostering high ethical standards and the importance of accountability mentors in the legal community help develop and perpetuate our profession’s integrity and commitment to serving justice in all professional dealings. Such a cyclical process of guidance, passing critical leadership skill and knowledge to ensuing generations helps the legal profession grow, adapt, and support the evolving needs of our communities.
As society continues to face new challenges and injustices, the need for lawyers to step into leadership roles has never been greater. In today’s often confusing and chaotic world, we as lawyers should embrace our role as leaders, working not just for our clients but for our broader communities..
Dear Judge Newman,
On behalf of your fellow DBA Board of Trustees, Staff, Colleagues, and Friends in the legal community, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional leadership of the Dayton Bar Association.
Your steadfast devotion to the principles of civics and civility has left an enduring mark on the DBA. Through your example, you have fostered greater engagement, professionalism, and respect within our community, inspiring others to uphold the highest ideals of our profession.
Thank you, Judge Newman, for your leadership, dedication, and for your contributions as the 123rd President of the DBA. Your impact will be felt for years to come.
Sincerely,
DBA
& DBF Chief Executive Officer
Richard G. Denny
Richard Denny was recently recognized by the DBA as a 50-year honoree, and from serving as Montgomery County's first court administrator to living life on the fairway, it’s been a remarkable journey.
In the quiet town of Germantown, Ohio, Richard is enjoying a well-deserved retirement after a distinguished career in law. Originally hailing from Dayton, Ohio, Richard's journey to becoming an attorney was not a straightforward path. "When I was young, I'm sure I was not thinking of being a lawyer," he recalls, reflecting on his early aspirations. Richard’s educational journey began at West Carrollton High School, continued as he played basketball for Wilmington College in his freshman year, and finished when he graduated from the University of Dayton (UD) with majors in business and education.
He began his career as a teacher before making a fateful decision. "I got my first check for two weeks of take-home, and I was married and had two kids. 178 bucks," he remembers, a moment that prompted him to call a friend attending law school. "I said, 'Larry, are you still going to law school? Bring me an application. I can't make it on $178 every other week.'" This decision marked the beginning of a successful legal career that would span decades.
Richard’s career in law holds a significant place in the history of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas as its first court administrator. Appointed in 1973, Richard was tasked with establishing the framework for court administration in the county, a role that was pivotal in shaping the
efficiency and effectiveness of Dayton’s judicial system. Richard was committed to improving court operations and ensuring that justice was accessible to all. This involved overseeing the daily functions of the court, managing case flow, and implementing policies that would enhance the overall judicial process. He was instrumental in introducing practices that streamlined court procedures and made them more user-friendly for both legal professionals and the public.
During his time in this role, Richard not only focused on the administrative aspects but also fostered relationships within the legal community, understanding that collaboration was key to a successful court system. Richard's experience and insights were further enriched by his time at the National Court Administrator School in Aspen, Colorado, where he received specialized training in court management. This education equipped him with the skills necessary to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving legal landscape. His education and leadership then helped lay the groundwork for future court administrators, establishing standards and practices that would benefit the Montgomery County judicial system for years to come.
Reflecting on his time as court administrator, Richard recalls the excitement and challenges of the position, noting how it ignited his passion for law and the courtroom. His experiences during this period not only influenced his career trajectory but also inspired him to transition into practicing law, where he could engage directly with cases and clients.
His passion for law was ignited while observing trials, particularly one that left a lasting impression on him. "I still remember the fellow's name... a kid named Wayne Raney. He killed a girl down here in Germantown," he recounts, detailing the gruesome case that fueled his desire to practice law. "I sat there and watched the whole trial. It was really an interesting trial," he reflects, illustrating how courtroom experiences shaped his career.
Richard transitioned to private practice, where he initially focused on defense work before transitioning into personal injury and real estate law. "I started out with an old man named Bill Salva, who was a very good defense attorney, and I learned a lot off of him," he shares. Richard acquired extensive experience in the courtroom before ultimately finding fulfillment in real estate law, stating, "I just sort of limited my case or my practice to strictly real estate and domestic relations for the last 30 years."
Now retired, Richard splits his time between Ohio and Florida, where he enjoys the sun and the golf courses. "I consider myself just hanging around a golf course," he says with a chuckle. In fact, he built his own golf course—Jamaica Run—in Germantown, which opened in 1989. The decision to create a golf course stemmed from a fortunate investment in land. He recalls the spontaneity of the venture, remembering the moment it occurred to him he had enough land: “We could build a golf course if we wanted to. . ." So he did.
Richard's love for golf is evident, as he spends much of his time on the links. "I just spend my time on the golf course," he says,
emphasizing the joy it brings him. In Florida, he alternates between golfing and fishing, often targeting bass and catfish in the waters. "I like to fish," he admits, sharing that he has a three-acre lake on his golf course where he enjoys casting a line.
Despite his laid-back lifestyle, Richard remains connected to the legal community. When asked about advice for new attorneys, he emphasizes the importance of preparation: "Be prepared. If you have a case, you prepare for that thing like the dickens." He acknowledges the challenges young lawyers face, especially when starting their own practices. "You just need to really be careful about what you take on," he advises, reflecting on his own experiences.
As a retired attorney, Richard has no regrets about his career. He appreciates the relationships he built and the lessons learned along the way. "I just didn't mean, like, it would be a boring article because I really don't have much exciting to talk about," he says modestly, though his life story is anything but mundane.
In his free time, Richard enjoys simple pleasures, such as fried chicken and rum and coke, and he cherishes the time spent with family, including his son who owns a local bar. "I go there and just eat whatever he's got that day," he shares, highlighting the familial bonds that remain strong.
Richard Richard's journey from a young teacher to a successful attorney and now a retiree enjoying life on the golf course is a testament to the unpredictable paths life can take. His story serves as an inspiration to those who may find themselves at a crossroads, reminding us that sometimes, a leap of faith can lead to fulfilling and unexpected destinations. Fast forward to 2025, Richard’s contributions have had a lasting impact on the Montgomery County court system, having positioned it with longevity to continue operating with integrity and efficiency, ultimately serving the needs of the community.
By Andrew L. Rossow, Esq. Rossow Law LLC (President)
Minc Law LLC (Of Counsel) Founder & CEO (AR Media Consulting) andrew@rossowlaw.com arossow@minclaw.com
CIVICS & CIVILITY
A Year to Remember
As the DBA prepares to welcome new leadership, we reflect on the impactful year led by The Honorable Michael J. Newman, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio, who served as the DBA’s 123rd President. His chosen theme, “Civics & Civility,” resonated deeply with the legal community, especially at a time when civil discourse in public life and education remains more essential than ever.
Judge Newman’s term was marked by a clear mission: to strengthen understanding of the judiciary and promote respect, dialogue, and professionalism—both within the legal profession and beyond. Through thoughtful programming and meaningful community engagement, he brought this vision to life.
A Legacy of Learning and Leadership
Judge Newman championed educational outreach throughout the year, collaborating with schools, bar associations, and federal colleagues to engage young minds in civic education. His efforts culminated in several impactful events that brought students into direct contact with judges, lawyers, and legal professionals.
On March 4, 2025, in a standout initiative, the DBA hosted Andrew Lowenstein from Holland & Knight in West Palm Beach, Florida, who conducted a training session for federal judges and bar leaders on the “Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions” program—developed by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. The event concluded with a dynamic three-hour civics program and mock oral argument session featuring students from the Dayton STEM School, showcasing what civil discourse in practice truly looks like.
Throughout March, Judge Newman, along with local judges, met with students across the Miami Valley. On March 10, he and Judge Angelina Jackson (Montgomery County Common Pleas Court) engaged with over 90 students at Fairmont High School, addressing wide-ranging questions about civil and criminal law, judicial decision-making, and balancing life in the courtroom. Many of those students expressed interest in job shadowing the judges over the summer—a testament to the inspiration sparked by these visits.
Just a day later, on March 11, Judge Newman and Judge Gerald Parker of the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court visited Tippecanoe High School, where they discussed everything from judicial elections and appointments to the challenges of difficult trials and the importance of impartiality in the courtroom.
Judge Newman’s commitment to civics education extended to the national stage as well. On March 28, he participated in an oral argument and civics session with the Washington Urban Debate League at the Federal District Courthouse in Washington, D.C., alongside a distinguished panel of federal judges including Judge Alison Bachus, Judge Donna Currault, Judge Zia Faruqui, and Judge Angel Kelley. That same week, he joined Judges Kelley and Faruqui for additional civics programming in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Photo Caption:
• Judge Kelley, Judge Faruqui and Judge Newman in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
Most recently, on April 11, Judge Newman returned to Dayton to meet with students from the University of Dayton School of Law alongside DBA President-Elect Jamie H. Greer, board members Jeff Cox and Joanna Garcia, and DBA staff. The group fielded questions about the benefits of DBA membership, networking with the judiciary, and professional development in the early stages of a legal career.
On Law Day, May 1, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio honored attorney J. Steven Justice for over twenty years of pro bono service and dedication to his clients, including those represented as Criminal Justice Act (CJA) appointed counsel. Justice began his career clerking for Judge Nathaniel Jones on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, later becoming a partner at Taft in Cincinnati, helping establish the Dayton office, and leading the litigation department at Dungan & LeFevre in Troy, Ohio. He will retire at the end of 2025, and the Court wishes him the very best.
Measurable Impact, Meaningful Connections
Judge Newman’s presidency set a high bar for what it means to lead with purpose. Through his “Civics & Civility” initiative, he helped foster not only greater understanding of the legal system among students and young professionals but also encouraged a tone of respectful engagement in the practice of law. His ability to connect with both seasoned attorneys and future members of the profession reflects his deep commitment to public service and mentorship.
As his term concludes, the DBA expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Judge Newman for a year marked by inspiration, education, and a renewed focus on the values that hold the legal community together. His legacy will continue to shape the DBA’s mission and message for years to come.
From Judge Newman's Desk
Thank you to the many state and federal judges who worked with the Dayton Bar Association this year to make our “civics and civility” project such a great success! We met with hundreds of students in many schools throughout the Dayton region and Miami Valley, and made a real impact as we explained the workings of the Third Branch. It was a great honor and privilege to work with so many local judges this year – in particular, Judge Silvain and Judge Gentry from the U.S. District Court; Judge Ellis, Judge Jackson and Judge Parker from the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court; and Judge Epley from the Second District Court of Appeals. I also thank the many staff attorney/law clerks, from the state and federal courts, who made this initiative such a great success and worked so very hard behind the scenes: among them, Mike McShea, Esq.; Dorothy McGee, Esq.; Lauren Shelepak, Esq., and John Lintz, Esq. Thanks, also, to the DBA staff - we could have not done it without you! Jennifer Otchy and Shayla Eggleton are fantastic!
Back Again With Your DBA Probate Institute Recap
On March 14, 2025, the Dayton Bar Association hosted the 2025 Annual Probate Institute, which provided a unique opportunity for local attorneys to network and gain valuable insight in the areas of estate planning, trust and probate law.
To begin the day, we heard from Attorney Edwin P. Morrow III, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), MBA, CFP, from Kelleher + Holland, LLC. Attorney Morrow provided an annual update on tax laws. Attorney Morrow noted that it is important for attorneys to continue to monitor the federal estate tax exemption amount, which is currently set at $13.99 million. At the end of 2025, this amount is set to revert back to $5 million, indexed for inflation, which is estimated to be around $7.1 million. Attorneys, especially those who practice estate planning and probate law, must continue to monitor the exclusion amount because the possible reduction would substantially impact estate taxes.
Attorney Morrow also focused on the unintended tax consequences that could result from a trust modification and termination. After raising awareness of the consequences, he discussed some techniques to avoid the negative tax implications. For example, he advised that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has not generally permitted retroac-
By Megan Bosley Esq. Roberson Law mbosley@dayton-attorney.com
tive modifications to change a tax status; but have allowed a modification to affect a future tax status. Attorney Morrow discussed several IRS private letter rulings. One of those rulings involved a commutation, which is an early termination of a trust in which each beneficiary is given the current actuarial value of their share. Although such a termination of the trust was permitted and there were no negative generationskipping tax (GST) or gift tax ramifications to the beneficiaries because the termination did not frustrate the purpose of the trust; the IRS ruled that there were income tax consequences because the termination was deemed a sale. He cautioned that when you sell an income interest in a trust, that share will have a zero basis resulting in substantial taxes.
The second presentation was an ethics panel hosted by Richard A. Dove, Director of the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct; Thomas M. Green, Partner at Green & Green Lawyers LPA; and Gary J. Leppla, Partner at Leppla Associates, Ltd. The panel stressed how crucial it is for attorneys to maintain the code of ethics on the job and in all aspects of our lives. The panel discussed the gravity and impact that negative actions can have on the perception of lawyers from the public. They explained the disciplinary process and gave examples of cases recently
heard before the disciplinary counsel. The panel focused on the importance of disclosure, honesty, and competency. Concerning the practice of probate, the panel stated that it is essential to maintain complete billing records, clear and concise written fee agreements with all clients, and to ensure that billing rates are appropriately categorized based on the services rendered. The panel explained the significance of keeping up to date on new technologies while also maintaining client confidentiality in light of the age of Artificial Intelligence. Last, the panel detailed file retention and encouraged attorneys to return files to clients; reiterating, however, that attorneys are not required to disclose attorney workproduct. The panel left us with a general rule of thumb that attorneys should retain files for seven years, especially for IOLTA records and fee agreement records.
The third presentation was a legislative update provided by Scott Lundregan, the Director of Policy and Legislative Counsel from the Ohio Bar Association. Attorney Lundregan discussed concerns over the lack of legal services provided in rural areas of Ohio. Attorney Lundregan stated that 81 out of 88 Ohio counties fail to meet the ABA representation standards. There are several ongoing projects that focus on providing funding for these inadequacies. Attorney Lundregan discussed several House Bills that attorneys should continue to monitor. One of these included HB172, which would allow the electronic execution of wills, general durable powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents. The estate planning community has highly criticized the idea of electronic wills due to concerns over fraud and the ability to make competency determinations and to ensure clients' understanding of the documents they are signing. Additionally, Attorney Lundregan discussed Senate Bill 331 which would require a memorandum of trust or other qualifying instruments concerning real property to be recorded. Senate Bill 35 is another bill that should be monitored and would affect the area of guardianship. If this bill passes, it will allow for supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianships for adults with developmental disabilities. If passed, this would allow for a less restrictive alternative to guardianships.
The fourth presentation from David M. Hopper, J.D., and Bradley A. Ruppert, CFA, at LCNB National Bank discussed fiduciary investments and the operation of the Uniform Prudent Investor Act (“UPIA”). The UPIA requires trustees to invest based on the risk and return objectives that are most suitable for
the trust, while ensuring that those decisions align with the purpose of the trust. The trustee has the duty to diversify and monitor assets to ensure that the beneficiary's best interests are served. The presenters discussed strategies when drafting documents which includes ensuring that practitioners are using clear drafting language and including exculpatory clauses that limits liability for ordinary negligence. They addressed the ability to delegate under Ohio Revised Code §5808.07 and stressed the importance of exercising reasonable care in selecting the agent. However, the trustee must periodically review performance and compliance with the trust. Retention clauses can be included while drafting to ensure that the trustee can retain certain assets which is most useful for closely held business shares and illiquid assets. They explained that nn effective retention clause should (1) specify the asset; (2) explain the special circumstances behind the direction to retain; and (3) expressly resolve the trustee of any liability for failing to diversity (National City Bank, Trustee of the Welker Smucker Trust v. David D. Noble). Mr. Ruppert stated that the components of an optimal portfolio include evaluating investment objectives, performing a market analysis, and making a selection based on security.
The fifth presenter, Attorney Jessica S. Forrest, from Reminger Law, provided an update on recent probate law cases. Possible changes in the law to keep an eye out for are community property trusts which are akin to a postnuptial agreement and the "Tit for Tat" law which would allow courts to appoint a non-resident administrator, so long as there is reciprocity with the state in which the administrator resides. Additionally, Attorney Forrest stated that attorneys can access updated probate forms on the Supreme Court of Ohio and that numerous forms have been recently updated. One of those forms includes the “Notice of Will Location”, which addresses the concern over missing estate planning documents and provides information about the attorney responsible for those client files. Attorney Forrest discussed the list of Ohio probate judges at the end of their terms and the numerous elections we will see in the
next several years.
The final presentation included a panel from the Montgomery County Probate Court (“MCPC”), hosted by Judge David Brannon, Chief Magistrate Lisa Wiseman, Magistrate Brandon Allen, and Court Administrator Lynn Cooper. The panel focused on updates from the bench, including the filing system and attorney fees. MCPC is currently implementing a new filing system with a projected launch date of February 2026. The Court intends to provide training to attorneys and paralegals to allow for a smoother transition between the two systems. Some of the goals mentioned for the new system include improved communication between agencies, increased efficiency, accessibility, data collection, and satisfaction for all of those involved. In addition, the Court touched on the concerns regarding attorney fees and provided some recommendations. Some of the recommendations included ensuring that fiduciary fees and attorney fees are clearly separated, attorneys are not charging for fee applications, or and attorneys are not billing for secretarial work. In the next couple of years, it is expected that time limitations will be implemented based on the type of case. In the area of adoption, the adoption modernization bill includes updated definitions, changes in time periods for objections, consent requirements, etc. Updated forms are currently in progress, and therefore, attorneys who practice in the area of adoption should continue to monitor for those updated forms.
Each year the Dayton Bar Probate Institute provides an opportunity for local attorneys to learn valuable information and I encourage you to join us in 2026.
Nathaniel M. Fouch
Sebaly Shillito + Dyer
If you were to visit Nathaniel Fouch’s home (and I highly recommend you do if ever given the chance), you’d notice a copy of a linocut print by Ade Bethune displayed on the mantel which reads “Ora et Labora” (“Pray and Work”). “I feel like I’m better at the ‘labora’ than the ‘ora’,” Nathaniel tells me with a laugh. I’m not so sure. Pope John Paul II said that “holiness does not consist in extraordinary actions but in performing ordinary actions extraordinarily well, that is, with love and attention to God.” I think the fruits of Nathaniel’s work bear witness to the holiness he strives for as he seeks to serve the Dayton bar and be a good counselor and a good man.
Nathaniel grew up in Berea, Kentucky, and graduated with a degree in political science from Berea College, a pioneering, tuition-free work-study institution dedicated to interracial education. It was also in Kentucky that he would meet his wife, Theresa, as they spent their summers in college volunteering at the Christian Appalachian Project —where Nathaniel’s parents also met. Service is one of several themes that have marked their lives together in the years since. They’d later spend a year in El Paso, Texas, working on behalf of migrant refugees, where Nathaniel taught citizenship and English. Teaching and mentoring have been another constant for Nathaniel, who, in addition to teaching political science at Sinclair Community College, has also taught CLEs and written on legal history, appellate law, and religious liberty and conscience rights.
After living in El Paso Nathaniel and Theresa moved to Dayton, where Theresa was born and raised. Nathaniel spent this year in Dayton working as both an assistant brewer at Carillon Brewing Company and a program assistant at the University of Dayton’s Upward Bound college preparatory program for would-be first-generation college students, while studying for the LSAT by night. The couple then moved to the Twin Cities, where Nathaniel obtained his J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, in Minneapolis. As anyone who has ever met Nathaniel will be unsurprised to learn, he earnestly loved law school and threw himself with characteristic vigor and joie de vivre into contributing to the community there by organizing events like the St. Thomas Law Journal’s Symposium on Restorative Justice and the Catholic Church. He was recognized by his law school with its “Living the Mission” Award, granted to the student who “best exemplifies” St. Thomas’s mission of “integrating faith and reason in the search for truth through a focus on morality and social justice.” This is the award of which he is proudest.
Nathaniel spent most of his first post-graduate year clerking, largely remotely, for a trial court judge in St. Paul. It was around this time that Theresa gave birth to a son, Oscar (4), who has since been joined by younger brother Elias (2). Oscar and Elias are happy, brilliant gentlemen in every sense of that word, no doubt owing largely to the love and attention their parents devote to them and their favorite pastimes: reading, exploring, and imagining, including, but not limited to, by pretending to be knights of the realm. Nathaniel and Theresa are expecting their third child later this year.
As nearly everyone reading Bar Briefs will know from Nathaniel’s frequent contributions, Dayton is very fortunate that the Fouches eventually left "The Land of 10,000 Lakes" and made their way back to the Miami Valley. Nathaniel accepted a job clerking at the Ohio Twelfth District Court of Appeals and would go on to clerk for Justice Pat DeWine at the Supreme Court of Ohio. In addition to teaching him the law, sharpening his skills, and instilling in him an appreciation of the essential nature of an impartial judiciary, clerking informed Nathaniel’s continued interest in and scholarship of state constitutional jurisprudence. He has authored multiple scholarly works, including an article, "A Document of Independent Force": Toward a Robust Ohio Constitutionalism, 49 U. Dayton L. Rev. 1 (2023), that was cited by the Supreme Court of Ohio.
After completing his third judicial clerkship, Nathaniel accepted a position last year in the litigation department at Sebaly Shillito + Dyer, where he’s found the transition to private practice to be an exciting challenge. In what is surely a credit to both him and SS+D, Nathaniel adjusted commendably to life tracked in six-minute increments and even found himself traveling for depositions within weeks of starting the job! He is humbled to be mentored by some of the best litigators he has had the pleasure of knowing.
Nathaniel is quick to describe what a gift the Dayton Bar Association has been in his life, not just in terms of the professional opportunities it has afforded, but also for the friendships it has facilitated (including the one between the author of this piece and its subject). Nathaniel is an active member of the DBA's Appellate Practice Section, Barrister in the Carl D. Kessler Inn of Court (where he has presented on the History of the Ohio Constitution), a frequent contributor of CLEs, and Chairman of the Dayton Bar Association Editorial Board. He is also forever grateful to the DBA for having awarded him a low-interest loan from the Herbert M. Eikenbary Trust in a time of financial need. Nathaniel’s passion for participation and commitment to community means you will be hard pressed to find a member of the bar who has not encountered Nathaniel and his kindhearted, personable, and sincere nature. We are lucky to have him.
In addition to his work as a litigator and adjunct professor, his leadership in the DBA, and his regular clashes with the forces of evil alongside his boys, Nathaniel serves as the Founder and President of the Dayton Catholic Lawyers Guild. The Guild (which is profiled on page 26 of this issue by Judge Kate Huffman) is a registered nonprofit association composed of attorneys and judges of all ages and practice areas and dedicated to “fellowship in faith, professional development, mutual encouragement, and service to the community.” Nathaniel conceived of the need for an organization of Catholic lawyers in Dayton following his involvement with the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Guild of Greater Cincinnati and participation in the Napa Legal Institute’s Good Counselor Fellowship. He is impressed with how quickly it has taken on a life of its own and become an authentic community.
Nathaniel and his boys at the 2024 Cincinnati Red Mass, of which he served as co-chair. They have never missed a Red Mass.
Nathaniel is a passionate community-builder, a dedicated servant leader, an earnest teacher, a prolific scholar, a zealous advocate for his clients, and a devoted father and husband. If the sum of a life spent engaged in this ordinary work really is holiness—and it’s hard to quibble with a pope when it comes to such matters—then let no one say the Dayton bar doesn’t count at least one holy man as a member
By Joe Barton, Esq. EssilorLuxottica jbarton2@luxotticaretail.com
Nathaniel and Theresa exploring Minnesota's North Shore.
Gettingtoknow...
Judge Elizabeth A. Ellis has dedicated her career to upholding justice, ensuring fairness, and serving her community. With a diverse background that spans legal aid, prosecution, and appellate law, Judge Ellis brings a well-rounded perspective to the bench. In this exclusive interview, she shares insights into her career journey, judicial philosophy, and the causes closest to her heart.
From Legal Aid to the Prosecutor’s Office: A Journey of Advocacy
Judge Ellis began her legal career at Legal Aid of Western Ohio, where she worked to provide legal representation to those in need. While she originally envisioned focusing on cases that directly supported victims of domestic violence, her caseload largely consisted of domestic relations matters.
“There’s a saying that in domestic relations court, you see people at their worst, and that rang true,” Judge Ellis recalls. “I saw individuals who didn’t have much to begin with, yet they were still engaged in contentious legal battles.”
While she valued her time at Legal Aid, she found her true calling at the prosecutor’s office, where she could more effectively advocate for justice. Her transition was influenced by her experience clerking for Judge Rose, a former Common Pleas Court judge and current U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio, as well as by the relationships she built with the county prosecutor’s team.
The Honorable Judge Elizabeth A. Ellis
Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division
“In terms of access to justice, we accepted as many clients as we could based on income eligibility and subject matter jurisdiction,” she explains. “However, I did encounter frustrating situations, such as when an abusive spouse would apply for Legal Aid first, creating a conflict that prevented the other spouse from receiving representation.”
Her experience at Legal Aid solidified her commitment to ensuring fairness in the legal system, a commitment she carried with her into her prosecutorial career.
A Broad Range of Legal Experience
Judge Ellis’s tenure as a prosecutor was marked by a wide variety of cases in the Juvenile, Appellate, Criminal, and Civil Divisions of the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the Appellate Division of the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. She worked on everything from death penalty cases to Board of Elections litigation, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law in both criminal and civil contexts.
“My role as a prosecutor was always about doing the right thing,” she says. “Whether in a criminal or civil context, I worked for the people, and that guiding principle shaped my decisions.”
Her appellate work became a defining feature of her career. Arguing before appellate judges gave her an in-depth understanding of how trial-level decisions are reviewed and the broader implications of legal interpretations.
“Seeing the law applied at both the trial and appellate levels gave me a well-rounded
perspective, which I carry with me as a judge today.”
Becoming a Judge: Inspired
by Mentorship
and Experience
Judge Ellis was inspired to join the judiciary by her early experience clerking for Judge Rose. His even-tempered approach and commitment to fairness set a model for her own judicial philosophy.
“If you’ve ever met him, you know he is incredibly even-tempered, focused on fairness, and committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect,” she reflects. “He modeled the kind of judge I aspired to be.”
Initially, she wasn’t sure that becoming a judge would be feasible since she practiced law in Greene County but lived in Montgomery County. However, after joining the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office, her career trajectory shifted. One pivotal moment was witnessing the chaos of a shooting incident at the Schuster Center during a children’s Christmas parade on November 25, 2022. The shooting occurred during the 50th anniversary of the Dayton Holiday Festival and Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights, leading to panic as crowds fled Courthouse Square. Although no injuries were reported, the incident reinforced her commitment to public safety and justice.
“That moment stuck with me—I felt strongly that everyone
Associate Editorial Board Member Adin Feliz, sat down with newly elected common pleas judge. The following has been edited for clarity.
in our community deserved to feel safe. That experience motivated me to take action sooner rather than later.”
Advice for Attorneys Appearing in Her Courtroom
Judge Ellis has high expectations for attorneys appearing before her, particularly when it comes to professionalism and case management. One of her biggest pet peeves is attorneys failing to manage their calendars properly.
“If you have a conflict, let the court know in advance,” she advises. “It’s especially frustrating when a defendant is in custody and has to wait because their attorney didn’t show up or communicate properly. If you can’t commit to being present for your client, don’t take the case. It’s a disservice to them and to the court.”
Her straightforward approach ensures efficiency and fairness in her courtroom.
Commitment to Community Service
Beyond the bench, Judge Ellis is an active member of the Dayton and Oakwood communities, engaging in numerous service initiatives. One organization particularly close to her heart is Rotary.
“Rotary is probably the nearest to my heart because it allows me to support a wide range of community organizations,” she shares. “Whether it’s building beds for children, supporting hospice care, or funding scholarships, Rotary provides opportunities to give back in many ways.”
For Judge Ellis, the ethical principles of Rotary closely align with those of the judiciary, making it a natural fit for her community involvement.
Life Outside the Courtroom
In her free time, Judge Ellis enjoys spending time with her family and indulging her love of literature.
“I have a background in literature, so I enjoy reading, particularly in my book club, which challenges me to read things outside of my usual interests,” she says.
She also has a fascination with foreign-language crime dramas on Netflix, which provide insight into justice systems around the world. Additionally, she has supported Dayton’s arts community, previously decorating pointe shoes for Dayton Ballet’s fundraising efforts.
“Dayton has an incredibly strong arts community for a city of its size, and I love supporting it.”
A Judge with a Passion for Justice and Service
Judge Elizabeth A. Ellis embodies the qualities of a dedicated public servant—fairness, integrity, and a deep commitment to justice. Her journey from Legal Aid to the prosecutor’s office and ultimately to the bench reflects her unwavering belief in the law as a tool for justice. Through her work on the bench and in the community, she continues to make a meaningful impact on Montgomery County and beyond.
CLE, MEETINGS & EVENTS: MAY - JUNE 2025
MAY
Appellate Practice |
Final Appealable Order Update 2025
Tue 5/13 Noon-1pm @ Conference Room
Workers' Comp & Social Security | How to Use Your Paralegal Effectively in Your Law Practice
Tue 5/13 Noon - 1pm *Optional 1.0 hr @ Seminar Room
2025 Celebration of Life Memorial Luncheon
Wed 5/14 11:30am - 1:30pm @ Sinclair CC
2025 Volunteer Day in the Urban Garden
Tue 5/15 9am - Noon @ The Foodbank Dayton
2025 Annual Meeting
Wed 5/21 5:30pm - 7:30pm @ Sinclair CC
JUNE
Presented by Leadership Development Class BINGO Night! Fundraiser
Tue 6/3 6:30pm - 8:30pm @ Yellow Cab Dayton
free member benefit trainings
*includes1.0 gen cle hr
Introduction to vLex Fastcase
Tue 5/6 2pm - 3pm | Zoom
Discover Vincent AI: Elevate Your vLex Fastcase
Tue 5/13 3pm - 4pm | Zoom
Unlocking New Search Strategies and Best Practices with vLex Fastcase
Wed 5/28 2pm - 3pm | Zoom
Introduction to vLex Fastcase
Wed 6/11 2pm - 3pm | Zoom
Unlocking New Search Strategies and Best Practices with vLex Fastcase
Tue 6/24 2:30pm - 3pm | Zoom
Verjine Adanalian
Second Chance Project of Ohio
Magistrate Brandon Allen
Montgomery County Probate Ct
Candace Anderson
Montgomery County Common Pleas Ct
Cassandra Andres-Rice Foos & Lentz
Brad Andringa
Horenstein, Nicholson & Blumenthal
Adam Armstrong
Bruns, Connell, Vollmar & Armstrong
Amy Armstrong
LISW, Conflict Resolution Specialist, Center for Family Resolution
Jocelyn Armstrong
OSBA Dir of Inclusion
Dale Arnold
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation
Mary Amos Augsburger
OSBA Chief Exec Ofcr
Robert Ballinger
Coolidge Wall
Suzanne Beck
Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio
Harry Beyoglides Jr.
DBLHCK Law Ofc
Judge David Brannon
Montgomery County Probate Ct
Jennifer Brogan
Bieser Greer & Landis
Katie Brower
Probation Dept Mgr
Daniel Brown Brown Law Ofc
Jennifer Brumby
Taft Stettinius & Hollister
Judge Julie Bruns
Montgomery County Juvenile Ct
Todd Bryant
The Bryant Firm
Julie Buschur
CPA, Tax & Accounting Dir, Riegel Financial
Jennie Cole
Children Services Deputy Assistant Dir
Kristine Comunale
Montgomery County Public Defender's Ofc
Christopher Conard
Coolidge Wall
Jeffrey T. Cox Faruki PLL
Michelle Daniel
The Lifestyle Technique
Judge Steven Dankof
Montgomery County Common Pleas Ct
Catherine Dempsey
Legal Aid of Western Ohio
Diane DePascale
DePascale Law Ofcs
Richard Dove
Ohio Board of Professional Conduct
Justin Elkin
Thompson Hine
Judge Elizabeth Ellis
Montgomery County Common Pleas Ct
Beverly Endslow
OLAP
Mark Engling
Freund, Freeze & Arnold
Judge Christopher Epley
Second Dist Ct of Appeals
Lauren Epperley
Subashi, Wildermuth & Justice
Emily Feaver
Montgomery County Common Pleas Ct
Chief Magistrate Gina A. Feller
Montgomery County Juvenile Ct
Magistrate Gina Feller
Montgomery County Juvenile Ct
Amy Ferguson
Michael's House
Paul Fleischman
City of Dayton
Anny Fletcher
Legal Services Division Mgr, Montgomery County
Job & Family Services
Benjamin Flowers
Ashbrook Byrne Kresege
Martin Foos
Foos & Lentz
Jessica Forrest
Reminger Co.
Nathaniel Fouch
Sebaly, Shillito + Dyer
Andy French
Montgomery County Prosecutor's Ofc
Daniel Gentry
Coolidge Wall
Judge Caroline Gentry
U.S. Dist Ct, Southern Dist of Ohio
Alysia Goss
Montgomery County Public Defender's Ofc
Susan Gottschalk
Artemis Center
Nick Gounaris
Gounaris Abboud, LPA
Tony Graber
Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur
Thomas Green
Green & Green Lawyers
Jessica Greene
Assistant City Mgr, Oxford
Jamie Greer
Bieser Greer & Landis
Michelle Grodner
Montgomery County Prosecutor's Ofc
Brady Grove
Horenstein, Nicholson & Blumenthal
John Haggerty
Warped Wing Brewing Company
Fredrick B. Hatton
Taft
Stettinius & Hollister
Summer Hawks
GDVLP
Jeff Hazlett Mediator/Arbitrator
Zachary Heck
Taft
Stettinius & Hollister
Samuel Hemmeter CPA/PFS, MT
Sarah Hippensteel Hall, Ph.D.
Miami Conservancy Dist
Jeff Hoagland
Dayton Development Coalition
David Hopper
LCNB National Bank
Judge Angelina Jackson
Montgomery County Common Pleas Ct
JP Jarecki
Taft Stettinius & Hollister
Matthew Jenkins
Jacox, Meckstroth & Jenkins
Deztany Johnson
Pickrel, Schaeffer, and Ebeling
Myla Cardona-Jones
Brunner Literacy Center
Anne Keeton
Bruns, Connell, Vollmar, and Armstrong
Jane Keiffer
Artemis Center
Lori Kershner
LMK Advocacy
Otto Larson
Wallace & Turner
Magistrate Kathleen Lenski
Montgomery County Juvenile Ct
Gary Leppla
Leppla Associates
Judge Ronald Lewis
Second Dist Ct of Appeals
John Lintz
Second Dist Ct of Appeals
Judge James F. Long
Kettering Municipal Ct
Scott Lundregan
Ohio State Bar Association
Meg Maloney
City of Dayton
Kystle Marko
Krystle Marko Law
Bruce Martino
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston
Magistrate Brandon McClain
Dayton Municipal Ct
Morgan McConnell
Flanagan, Lieberman & Rambo
Sean McCormick
Thompson Hine
Kaitlyn Cooper Meeks
Sebaly Shillito + Dyer
Andrew Meier
Smith, Meier & Webb
Judge Kimberly Melnick
Montgomery County Common Pleas Ct
Judge Michael Merz
U.S. Dist Ct, Southern Dist of Ohio
Michelle Miller
Montgomery County Juvenile Ct
Wayne Miller
Legal Investigation Services
Kelsey Mincheff
Thompson Hine
Erin Moore
Green & Green Lawyers
Kalisa Mora
Philips Edison & Company
Kristen Morgan
Safelite AutoGlass
Edwin Morrow
Keller + Holland
Gretchen Mote
Dir of Loss Prevention, OBLIC
Ricky Murray
Montgomery County Prosecutor's Ofc
Magistrate Moira Murty
Montgomery County Juvenile Ct
Judge Michael Newman
U.S. Dist Ct, Southern Dist of Ohio
Sarvani Nicolosi
Legal Aid of Western Ohio
Judge Timothy O'Connell
Montgomery County Common Pleas Ct
Judge Gerald Parker
Montgomery County Common Pleas Ct
Judge Jennifer Petrella
Montgomery County Domestic Relations Ct
David Pierce
Coolidge Wall
John Pinard
Pinard and Bryan Law Ofc
Terry Posey
Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur
William Price
Elk & Elk
Zachary Pyers
Reminger, Co., LPA
Jordan Rader
LexisNexis Legal & Professional
Dan Rafferty
Reminger Co.
Mike Rake
Horenstein, Nicholson & Blumenthal
Amanda Resler
OHIORise
Judge Walter Rice
U.S. Dist Ct, Southern Dist of Ohio
Paul Roderer
Roderer Law Ofc
Alessandra Rose
U.S. EEOC
Timothy Rudd
Braum Rudd
John Ruffolo
Ruffolo Stone & Stone
Kara Ruffolo
Coolidge Wall
Bradley Ruppert
LCNB National Bank
Adrina Ryhlick
Community Impact Dir
Kelly Schroeder
KMS Law
Jennifer Sheriff
Family Ombudsman, Ohio Dept of Job & Family Services
Judge Peter Silvain
U.S. Dist Ct, Southern Dist of Ohio
Jill Sink
Beavercreek Township
Louis Sitler
Wood, Herron & Evans
Edward Smith
Nolan Sprowl & Smith
Judge Susan Solle
Montgomery County Common Pleas Ct
Aaron Sorrell
Assistant City Mgr, Huber Heights
Jenny Stotts
Youth Ombudsman, Ohio Dept of Job & Family Services
Judge Jeffrey Sutton
Chief Judge, U.S. Ct of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
Judge Michael L. Tucker
Second Dist Ct of Appeals
Mark Tuss
Popp & Tuss
Karl Ulrich
Sebaly, Shillito + Dyer
Anthony VanNoy
The VanNoy Fim
Katrina Wahl
Pickrel, Schaeffer, and Ebeling
Judge Helen Wallace
Montgomery County Juvenile Ct
Milena Walwer
Go Sustainable
Madeline Weiler
UD Center for Leadership
Judge Jeffrey Welbaum
Second Dist Ct of Appeals
Beth Whelley
Exec Vice President, Falgren Mortine
Magistrate Autumn White
Montgomery County Juvenile Ct
Chief Magistrate Lisa Wiseman
Montgomery County Probate Ct
Judge Mary Wiseman
Montgomery County Common Pleas Ct
Magistrate Lisa Wiseman
Montgomery County Probate Ct
Judge Timothy D. Wood
Montgomery County Domestic Relations Ct
Sarah Worley
Dungan & LeFevre
Magistrate Ebony Wreh
Dayton Municipal Ct
Nikole Xarhoulacos
Montgomery County Public Defender's Ofc
Fred Young
Green & Green Lawyers
Eileen Zell
EZ QDRO LAW
"When he talked, people listened"
By Caterina McNamara ’24
This story is reprinted from University of Dayton Magazine, March 14, 2025, with permission.
Barbara Stewart Bostick, a pillar in the Dayton community, will help educate the next generation of Flyer lawyers in memory of her husband, a former adjunct professor at University of Dayton School of Law.
She is a legacy leader and lifetime member of the National Black Master of Business Administration Association and co-founder and first president of the Dayton chapter. Since 2017, the organization has partnered with the University of Dayton School of Business Administration to host programs and engagement events for students and community members.
When Barbara reached out to the University of Dayton’s School of Law last spring, she had something else in mind: She intended to honor her late husband’s legacy and voice.
“When he talked, people listened,” said Barbara of her husband of 47 years. “There’s only one Bob Bostick.”
Robert “Bob” Bostick Sr. was a Dayton native who began practicing law after graduating in the 1950s from Case Western University School of Law as an honors student and a member of the Law Review during a time when there were few Black lawyers. He focused on real estate and civil law, criminal trial practice and litigation.
A beloved member of the Dayton community, Bob was involved with the Dayton Bar Foundation, an honorary member of the Dayton Bar Association and was co-founder and president of Dayton’s Thurgood Marshall Law Society. In 1982 he was honored by the Bar Association as barrister of the month.
Bob had a talent in the courtroom for synthesizing case information and delivering it to the jury in a compelling way. Area attorneys would sit in on his trials to glean skills they could use in their own cases, but Bob’s gift could not be replicated.
“Bob was not afraid to challenge the system in his journey to justice,” wrote Taylor Jones, an attorney and friend of Bob’s.
Successful in his life and career, Bob remained humble about his accomplishments in law. The scope of his professional influence on the community and his peers became clear at his funeral in April 2024; more than 200 attended. Barbara heard new stories about how her husband influenced the lives of many.
One account came from attorney Walter Reynolds, who told how Bob successfully co-defended the Dayton Regional Transit Authority and a construction company owned by then-NBA player Oscar Robertson from a lawsuit related to a new bus facility. Bob displayed legal acumen and a big heart when he stepped in to defend Robertson from embarrassing and racially charged questioning. After the trial, “the Big O” shook Bob’s hand first — an acknowledgment that he was the best in court.
Bob was known for wielding his intelligence with kindness and imparting wisdom, especially to his students at the University of Dayton.
Bob served as an adjunct faculty member of the University of Dayton School of Law for several decades and administered courses in evidence, criminal and civil trial practice. He also held a position on the school’s advisory board and helped the search committee that hired Dean Lisa Kloppenberg. According to Barbara, he taught students and professionals alike, sharing his knowledge of the courtroom with those who needed help.
“I’d like to have people realize that they could be like [Bob] – have the intelligence and how he perfected his work,” said Barbara.
His time at UD inspired her to create a scholarship in his honor, to pass along her investment donated in his memory to the next generation of legal professionals. The memorial scholarship is set to be awarded in the fall of 2025, open to all students’ special consideration for members of the Black Law Students Association.
She said she hopes the Robert A. Bostick Sr. Memorial Law Scholarship will allow students who might be deterred by financial burdens to thrive at the UD School of Law.
Barbara wants the scholarship to not only inspire the leaders of tomorrow but also let the community know about the work UD is doing to uplift students in financial need and expand access to education. Bob’s memory will live within them and the courtrooms they will practice in.
“Bob was not afraid to challenge the system in his journey to justice.”
social justice
TThis article is one of a series from the DBA’s Social Justice Initiative to inform our membership about, and encourage their participation in, many of the non-profits in our community that address issues of social justice.
If you would like to suggest a non-profit for us to highlight, please contact Chris Albrektson at the DBA.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: The Foodbank, Inc. of Dayton
he Foodbank, Inc. believes that fighting hunger is a cornerstone commitment of our community. Truly, our local populace believes wholeheartedly that children, senior citizens, and families should not go hungry nor face difficult choices to avoid hunger. Hunger and food insecurity doesn’t just mean empty stomachs—it’s a systemic issue intertwined with poverty, housing instability, access to healthcare, the growing expense of prescriptions and medications, and more. By ensuring that everyone in Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties has access to ample, nutritious food, Dayton’s Foodbank works to build a stronger and healthier community. That accomplishment greatly benefits all of society, because well fed children learn and grow better; senior citizens thrive; and families have the energy and resources to fully engage in opportunities.
The Foodbank acquires food through a large number of methods. Many of us have participated in food drives benefitting The Foodbank. In addition to those donations, for which The Foodbank is always grateful, The Foodbank also acquires food through large-scale purchases; governmentally funded agricultural and health programs; and daily donations of food from many retail groceries, such as Walmart, Kroger, Meijer and others. For example, items at the grocery store that may be nearing a “best if used by” date, after being thoroughly checked for wholesomeness and safety, are collected and then almost instantaneously provided by The Foodbank to food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters serving hungry people, for use or consumption. This model not only feeds hungry people, it drastically reduces the food waste that otherwise would occupy landfills. Once The Foodbank has acquired food through its myriad of sources, it then quickly gets that food onto the shelves or into the ovens of 106 partner agencies, comprised of food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters serving those in need. These pantries, kitchens and shelters are operated by churches, non-profit agencies, schools, governmental agencies (such as the Veteran’s Administration), and others, located throughout Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties. This is no small operation ---in 2024, The Foodbank collected and distributed
By Hon.Mary L. Wiseman and Amber Wright, Marketing Lead
18 million pounds of food. Its 44,000 square foot warehouse is ongoingly filled and emptied, turning its inventory over every two to three weeks.
Helping The Foodbank provides a tangible and immensely fulfilling way to uplift our neighbors in need. Whether you’re looking for hands-on service, leadership opportunities, or ways to engage your firm in community outreach, The Foodbank has a variety of ways for you to get involved.
Ways to Lend A Hand
• Warehouse Volunteer Opportunities
The warehouse is the heart of The Foodbank’s operations. Every day, truckloads of fresh produce, pantry staples, and perishable goods arrive at the warehouse, ready to be sorted and distributed. Volunteers play a crucial role in making this happen efficiently.
• Donate
The Foodbank faces substantial reductions in federal funds and programs over the next several years. The elimination or reduction in federal programs that provide food or funding to The Foodbank means that food must now be purchased on the open market, at a time of inflation for many foodstuffs. Your monetary donation, which is greatly appreciated by The Foodbank, will help steady the ship during this time of greatly reduced governmental spending on community hunger. Every donation helps.
• Food Sorting & Packing
Help sort fresh produce, pack emergency food boxes, and prepare items for distribution to partner agencies. These shifts are great for individuals and small groups who want to make an immediate impact.
• Good-to-Go Backpack Program
For children experiencing food insecurity, weekends can be a time of harsh hunger. The Foodbank’s Backpack Program provides students with easy-to-prepare, nutritious food to take home on Fridays. Volunteers help assemble 1400 backpacks per week that are distributed to schools in Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties, ensuring that children return to school on Monday ready to learn.
• CSFP “Senior Box” Program
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), commonly called "the senior food box," provides low-income seniors with a monthly box of shelf-stable food. Volunteers help assemble these boxes, ensuring that seniors have the nutrition essential for healthy living.
• Drive-Thru Food Distributions
The Foodbank hosts a weekly drive-thru food distribution for participants of its CSFP “Senior Box” Program. Enrollees can pick up their monthly box of shelf-stable food and additional groceries directly from The Foodbank. Volunteers help load these supplies into vehicles.
Additional “Pop Up” Drive-Thrus are open to the public and held periodically throughout the year. These events are ideal for those who enjoy high-energy, community-centered work.
• Mobile Pantries
Food insecurity isn’t limited to one neighborhood. The Foodbank’s mobile pantry program brings food directly to underserved communities across The Foodbank’s service area. Volunteers help set up tables, bag produce, load food into vehicles, and interact with community members in a meaningful way.
• Urban Garden & Sustainability Initiatives
For those interested in gardening and sustainability, The Foodbank’s urban garden is a wonderful place to volunteer. The Foodbank grows fresh produce to supplement food distributions, and volunteers assist with planting, harvesting, and maintaining the garden. The Foodbank also has a hydroponic greenhouse where it grows fresh lettuce year-round. No experience is necessary to volunteer. It’s a great opportunity to learn new things while addressing food insecurity in a hands-on way. Activities include seed starting and transplanting; greenhouse cleaning; and harvesting.
Get Involved
If your law firm is seeking a meaningful team-building activity, consider scheduling a group volunteer day. The Foodbank offers customized experiences that allow firms to engage their employees in community service while fostering teamwork and collegiality. Many firms also choose to sponsor food distributions or fundraising events, amplifying their impact in the fight against hunger.
Every hour you spend volunteering directly contributes to providing meals for families in need. In 2024 alone, volunteers helped distribute over 18 million pounds of food, ensuring that thousands of people in our community didn’t go hungry.
But beyond the numbers, volunteering with The Foodbank is about connection. It’s about looking a neighbor in the eye and letting them know they’re not alone. It’s about using our collective skills to build a community where no one has to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table.
Dayton Bar Association members are uniquely positioned to make a difference—not just in the legal system, but in the lives of the people served by The Foodbank. Whether you can give a few hours or make a long-term commitment, your time, skills, and compassion are invaluable to the mission of The Foodbank.
Ready to take action? The DBA is hosting their annual Volunteer Day on May 15th. Sign up for a volunteer shift or schedule a firm-wide service day, or explore ways to use your legal (or gardening) expertise to support The Foodbank’s mission. Visit www.thefoodbankdayton.org/volunteer to learn more and get started. Together, we can fight hunger and work toward a more just and equitable future for all.
Gettingtoknow...
The Honorable Judge
Robert G. Hanseman
Second District Court of Appeals
1. You began your legal career as a JAG officer in the Air Force. How did your military service shape your approach to practicing law?
I was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, which is a training base. Every few months, a new group of trainees arrived, and with them came a fresh batch of cases. As a result, we had one of the busiest criminal dockets in the Air Force. I was in court every week, primarily handling criminal matters. This experience gave me confidence in the courtroom, something many lawyers don’t get early in their careers. At some point, I was put in charge of the docket, assigning prosecutors, monitoring case progress, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. That experience shaped my ability to manage a heavy caseload and make quick decisions.
2. After leaving the Air Force, you resettled in Dayton and built a successful career in business litigation and government contract disputes. What drew you home, and what fostered your interest in these areas of law?
After Sheppard, I was given a choice for my next assignment, one of which was the contract office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Since I grew up in this area and went to Fairborn High School, it was an easy choice. I started at Wright-Patt’s Air Force Materiel Command Legal Office, reviewing contracts for the Air Force Research Labs. That was fas-
cinating because I saw cutting-edge technology in development. Eventually, I transitioned to the Air Force Trial Team, defending the Air Force against contractor claims.
When I left the military, I wanted to continue litigating. My focus in private practice—government contracts, commercial litigation, and business disputes—was a natural extension of my military work.
3. You first served as a judge on the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas before being elected to the Second District Court of Appeals. What motivated you to seek a position on the appellate court, and how has that transition been?
The appellate court presents a different challenge. Unlike trial courts, where decisions happen quickly under pressure, appellate work is more scholarly. You analyze legal arguments, trace common law principles, and apply precedent. I was drawn to the intellectual depth of the work. Having served as a trial judge, I also understand how difficult that job can be. It’s easy to second-guess decisions with the benefit of hindsight, but our role is to evaluate whether the law was correctly applied while giving appropriate deference.
4. With experience as both a trial and appellate judge, how has your perspective on the legal system evolved? What are the biggest challenges and rewards of serving on the Court of Appeals?
My perspective continues to evolve, but I
have always believed in the importance of the common law, which seems often underappreciated. Even cutting-edge legal issues—for example, the regulation of drones and their impact on airspace—can be addressed using existing common law principles, rather than constantly creating new statutes.
The biggest challenge of appellate work is the breadth of legal areas the court's jurisdiction extends to. No single lawyer has deep expertise in every field, so I have to continuously study areas, such as probate or juvenile law, in which I didn’t practice extensively. The reward is the ability to engage deeply with the law and shape legal interpretation in a meaningful way.
5. You’ve been actively involved in the Dayton legal community, including the Dayton Bar Association and the Carl D. Kessler Inn of Court. What role do professional organizations play in shaping the legal profession?
I’ve been involved with the Dayton Bar since becoming an Ohio lawyer in 2000. These organizations play a critical role in maintaining the culture and professionalism of the legal community. Before technology dominated communication, lawyers interacted face-to-face more often, which fostered professionalism. Now, with email and remote communication, it’s easier to be impersonal or even unprofessional. Organizations like the Dayton Bar and the
Associate Editorial Board Member Adin Feliz, sat down with newly elected appeals judge. The following has been edited for clarity.
Inn of Court help preserve collegiality and mentorship among attorneys.
6. Many law students and new lawyers seem hesitant to attend bar association events. What advice would you give them?
Young lawyers should make it a point to attend these events. It’s easier to send an email than to introduce yourself in person, but real connections happen face-to-face.
I’ll give you an example—New York City’s largest investment banks have a policy forbidding young bankers from eating lunch at their desks. They must go out and network because career advancement happens through personal relationships. The same principle applies to law. Meeting people in person will always be more valuable than digital interactions.
7. You’ve also dedicated time to community service, including serving as a trustee and board president of the Centerville Library and a trustee of the Centerville-Washington Foundation. What drives your commitment to these organizations, and how do you see their impact on the Dayton community?
I live in Washington Township, and our local library is outstanding. Libraries are one of the greatest community resources, providing access to books, technology, and education. I believe in the importance of reading—both as a fundamental skill and as a tool for intellectual development.
The Centerville-Washington Foundation is part of the Dayton Foundation, and it raises and distributes funds to support local charities. Some may assume that because Centerville and Washington Township are relatively affluent areas, there is no poverty and no need for charity, but in reality, there are many people in need.
8. When you’re not on the bench or involved in the community, how do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy bicycling; this area has one of the largest interconnected trail systems in the country and I take full advantage of it. Just yesterday evening I rode 26 miles. You can bike from Dayton to Cincinnati or Columbus almost entirely on trails, without riding in traffic. The Little Miami Trail, for example, was built on an old rail line, so even though it parallels the Little Miami River's path heading downhill toward the Ohio River, the grade is very gradual, making for a smooth ride. I also read a lot, mostly biographies and other nonfiction.
Don’t Hire Just Any Mediator. Hire an Experienced Litigator.
Vorys’ mediation team includes a number of former judges whose sole goal is to guide parties to a fair and equitable resolution, defraying the costs of a potential trial.
The late Herbert M. Eikenbary granted the bulk of his estate to fund Grants and Loans to lawyers underthe age of 35 who practice/reside in Montgomery County. These Grants and Loans are to aid young, deserving lawyers who are in need of financial assistance. Individual loans, are available up to $6,000 at 4% interest, while grants up to $4,000 are also available
Elizabeth “Libby” Callan, former Common Pleas Judge and Of Counsel at Vorys vorys.com
HERBERT M. EIKENBARY Trust
Worthan and Beyond Redefining Search Warrant Authority for Electronic Data in Ohio FROM THE JUDGES DESK
By The Honorable Elizabeth A. Ellis
Montgomery County Common Pleas Court - Gen Div
elizabeth.ellis@montcourt.oh.gov
In January 2024, Common Pleas Court General Division judges throughout Ohio experienced a significant increase in their workload related to applications for search warrant. This surge followed the release of an opinion from the Second District Court of Appeals in State v. Worthan, 2024-Ohio-21 (2d Dist.), holding that municipal court judges lack the authority to issue search warrants for electronic records stored outside the territorial jurisdiction of the court under state and federal law.
In Worthan, the Second District Court of Appeals considered the State’s appeal of the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court decision suppressing evidence obtained from AT&T’s Legal Compliance Office, located in North Palm Beach, Florida. This evidence had been obtained pursuant to a search warrant issued by a municipal court judge in Montgomery County, Ohio.
The trial court relied on State v. Jacob, 2009-Ohio-7048 (2d Dist.), which held that a judge of a court of record in Ohio cannot issue a search warrant beyond the court’s territorial jurisdiction. The Jacob case involved a search warrant to search property located in California that was issued by an Ohio municipal court judge. Id. at ¶ 4. On review, the Court of Appeals found that the warrant was not only issued without probable cause, but that the municipal court also lacked jurisdiction
over the property being searched. Id. at ¶ 24. In finding that the violation in Jacob was a fundamental constitutional violation requiring suppression of evidence, the Court reasoned that, “[c]rossing state lines by allowing an Ohio court to determine when California citizens and property are subject to search and seizure crosses this constitutional line.” Id. at ¶ 25.
Based upon the holding in Jacob, the trial court in Worthan reasoned that because the AT&T compliance office was located outside of the municipal court’s territorial jurisdiction, this constituted a fundamental violation of Crim.R. 41(A) and required automatic suppression of the evidence. (Montgomery County Common Pleas Case No. 2023 CR 0425, Order 10/5/23)
Notably, the State did not appeal the trial court’s determination that this constituted a fundamental violation of Crim.R. 41, nor did it advance a good-faith analysis. Instead, the State argued that the municipal court had authority to issue the warrant because the cell phone and its data were in located in the municipal court’s jurisdiction. Worthan, at ¶¶ 13, 14, 25. The State maintained that Jacob should be distinguished because it involved searching physical locations in California as opposed to electronic data that was accessible within the municipal court’s jurisdiction, but the Court of Appeals found this argument unpersuasive.
Id. at ¶ 26. The Court also rejected the State’s argument that the search warrant in Jacob was executed in California, and the search warrant in Worthan was executed in Montgomery County, finding that e-mailing the search warrant to Florida was essentially the same as faxing the warrant to San Francisco in Jacob. Id. The Court concluded that based on the testimony presented, AT&T retrieved the data from its computers in Florida and sent the information to law enforcement in Ohio. While the trial court did not consider the effect of the constitutional violation in light of the federal legislation entitled the Stored Communications Act (SCA), 18 USC 2701 et. seq. (presumably because it was not raised for the trial court’s consideration), the Court of Appeals recognized that the General Assembly could enact legislation to permit Ohio courts to issue extra-territorial warrants for cell phone data, and then noted that Congress had done just that by enacting the SCA. Worthan, ¶ 18. Traditionally, the United States Supreme Court has held that a person has no legitimate expectation of privacy in information he voluntarily turns over to third parties. See Smith v. Maryland, 442 U.S. 735, 743-744 (1979); United States v. Miller, 425 U.S. 435, 442-444 (1976). As technology advances, and more personal information is stored electronically on third-party servers, courts and legislatures alike have found a need to
address privacy concerns and jurisdictional complexities of digital evidence. The United States Congress enacted the SCA to provide statutory privacy protections for electronic communications.
The SCA explicitly authorizes both federal and state courts of “competent jurisdiction” to issue extra-territorial warrants for data that is in electronic storage in an electronic communications system. 18 USC 2703(a). The SCA further defines the term “court of competent jurisdiction” to include any district court or appellate court of the United States, as well as “a court of general criminal jurisdiction of a State authorized by the law of that State to issue search warrants.” 18 USC 2711(3)(A) and (B).
Upon review in Worthan, the Second District considered the SCA and held that although an Ohio municipal court is authorized by Ohio law to issue search warrants, it is a court of limited criminal jurisdiction, not general criminal jurisdiction. Worthan, ¶ 20. The Court concluded that therefore, under the SCA and under Ohio law, the Montgomery County Municipal Court lacked jurisdiction to issue a search warrant for the contents of Defendant’s cell phone, which were stored on an AT&T data server located in Palm Beach, Florida. Worthan, at ¶¶ 14, 19-20. The Court further noted that an Ohio common pleas court is a court of general criminal jurisdiction authorized by Ohio law to issue search warrant and therefore, qualifies as a court of competent jurisdiction under 18 USC 2703 to issue an SCA warrant. Id. at ¶ 20. The
Court noted that the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio has also adopted this view. Id., citing Kolle v. Kyle, S.D. Ohio No. 2:21-cv-984, 2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 148629, 2021 WL 3485868 (Aug. 9, 2021).
The Worthan decision has established clear legal guidance on the authority to issue to issue search warrants for electronically stored data both in and outside of Ohio. As judges across the General Divisions of the Common Pleas Courts absorb the increase in warrant review stemming from this decision, they also face the challenge of navigation the tensions between the established precedent in Jacob and Worthan, and the evolving interpretations on application of the exclusionary rule after Herring v. United States, 555 U.S. 135 (2009). What remains for courts to determine for warrants obtained prior to the Worthan decision is whether a warrant obtained in violation of the SCA is a fundamental constitutional violation requiring automatic suppression; whether the good faith exception, if raised, would prevent the application of the exclusionary rule to the evidence; and whether the inevitable discovery doctrine would apply to prevent suppression. Regardless of how those questions are ultimately resolved, it is clear that the Worthan decision has laid the groundwork for significant developments in this area of the law.
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The Dayton Catholic Lawyers Guild
Faith and Justice: The Founding of the Dayton Catholic Lawyers Guild
In 2024 a group of Roman Catholic lawyers and judges from the Greater Dayton bench and bar came together to search for a means to link their faith and their profession – resulting in the formation of the Dayton Catholic Lawyers Guild. These attorneys organized into a nonprofit association with a mission “dedicated to fellowship in faith, professional development, mutual encouragement, and service to the community,” providing members with a network of spiritual support, a framework for deepening knowledge, and “championing justice and the common good.” Its members range from newly admitted attorneys to seasoned partners to retired judges and everywhere in between; they practice in firms large and small, in government, and in-house. They desire to grow in knowledge and commitment to their profession and their faith and so to better serve our community.
The Guild plans two signature events annually, a St. Ives Day Dinner and a Red Mass. St. Ives was a lawyer and priest canonized in 1347, who has long been venerated as the patron saint of lawyers, having earned a reputation in his lifetime for his charity and legal defense of the poor. The First Annual St. Ives Day Dinner is the Guild’s inaugural public event, and will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at The Overlook at Bar Granada, located at Monument and Main in Dayton. The St. Ives Day Dinner includes a CLE opportunity featuring the Napa Legal Institute’s Frank DeVito, who will present on “St. Thomas
More: Excellence and the Ethical Attorney,” which has been approved for one hour of Professional Conduct credit by the Ohio Supreme Court.
The Guild has also scheduled the Dayton Red Mass for Friday, September 26, 2025, to be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Josephs’s Church located at 411 E. Second Street, Dayton, with a ticketed luncheon to follow. Cincinnati’s Archbishop Robert G. Casey will preside. An ancient Catholic ceremony, a Red Mass takes place each fall to bless the members of the legal profession and sanctify their work for the coming year. With deep roots in our English Common Law history, the Red Mass—named for the color of the presiding bishop’s vestments—has become a cherished tradition for attorneys and judges of all faiths across the United States. The practice of holding the mass in early autumn coincides with the traditional beginning of the English legal year, as well as the beginning of the U.S. Supreme Court’s annual term. Those of all faiths are invited to attend as the Guild and its members seek to sanctify our bench and bar and bless our city.
In addition to its flagship events, the Dayton Catholic Lawyers Guild also hosts regular member meetings over lunch every 6–8 weeks, which feature speakers on topics of interest to Catholic attorneys. Past presentations and discussions have explored “The Role of the Laity in the American Church” and “Liturgical Reform in the Twentieth Century.” Upcoming sessions will explore “Canon Law for Civil Lawyers,” “Basics of the Natural
By Hon. Mary Katherine Huffman Board Member
Law,” and “The American Catholic Church and Slavery.” The Guild is also planning service opportunities, cultural programming, additional continuing education opportunities in the coming months. The schedule for all of these events can be found on the Guild’s website, www.daytoncatholiclawyers.org.
The Dayton Catholic Lawyers Guild remains open for membership to all Catholic judges and lawyers, from anywhere in the Miami Valley, with annual dues set at $50. Auxiliary membership is available for interested paralegals and law students, for $15. Membership is not meant to supplant membership in the Dayton Bar Association, but complement it, as all Guild members are members of the DBA. To learn more about membership and upcoming events please visit www.daytoncatholiclawyers.org. If you have additional questions, please contact the Guild’s president, Nathaniel Fouch at nathaniel.fouch1@gmail.com, or its treasurer, Diane DePascale at diane@depascalelaw.com.
Dayton Catholic Lawyers Guild
6 mental health myths that need to be squashed
By Scott R. Mote, Esq., Executive Director of the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program
Amental illness is a treatable medical condition that involves changes in thinking, emotion or behavior that can affect people of all ages, races, religions, and income levels. Some examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. When a person has a mental illness, he or she finds it difficult to cope with the ordinary demands of life.
Mental health issues affect everyone, even judges and lawyers. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to mental illness. Sometimes, people define others by their illnesses rather than who they are as individuals. This happens often, which leads the person living with mental illness to refuse to get help because of feelings of shame, isolation and hopeless-
Myth: People with mental health disorders can just snap out of it.
Fact: Mental illnesses are medical conditions that need treatment, just like pneumonia or diabetes. They aren't caused by weakness or character flaws. Biological, genetic, and environmental factors all play a role.
Myth: People with mental health problems have no hope.
Fact: Mental illnesses are treatable. Therapy, medication, and support can significantly reduce symptoms. In fact, 70–90% of those who seek help report substantial improvement.
Myth: I can’t help a person with a mental health problem.
Fact: You can make a difference. Support your colleagues by expressing concern, encouraging treatment, and sharing your own experiences if applicable. Educate yourself, use respectful language, and refer people to resources like OLAP and JAG.
Myth: Mental health problems don’t affect me.
Fact: Mental health issues are common in the legal profession. Up to 70% of malpractice and disciplinary cases involve depression or substance use. Warning signs include withdrawal, frequent absences, declining work performance, and isolation.
Myth: Substance use disorder is not associated with mental health issues.
Fact: Many people with mental health conditions also struggle with substance use. Effective treatment addresses both issues together through integrated care.
Myth: I can get better on my own.
Fact: While healthy habits can help, professional treatment is crucial when mental health struggles interfere with daily life and professional responsibilities.
Fact: You can help
ness. As judges and lawyers, we help people on a daily basis. Let’s start helping those with mental illness by educating ourselves and others.
The following are myths about mental illness that need to be squashed. The more that people understand about mental health and decrease its stigma, the more likely people will be willing to seek help.
As a judge or lawyer, you help people, and you are a leader in your community. Help end the stigma of mental health. Learn the facts about mental health, be cognizant of them, and help yourself or someone you think is struggling. Be quick to dispel something that is not true. Avoid labeling people with negative words, such as “crazy,” “wacko,” “loony,” or by their diagnosis. Instead of saying someone is a “schizophrenic” say “a person living with schizophrenia.” Treat people with mental illnesses with respect and dignity, as you would anybody else.
It's important to acknowledge that the pressures of your role as a legal professional may lead you to seek solace in alcohol or other substances to manage overwhelming thoughts and emotions. If you find yourself confronting such challenges, consider reaching out to the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program (ohiolap.org / (800) 348-4343) or the Judicial Advisory Group (JAG) (ohiolap.org/judges / (800) 348-4343), a peer-based, confidential assistance program dedicated to supporting judges and magistrates with both personal and professional issues
Dayton Bar Foundation (DBF)
Help Fund Impactful Legal Initiatives Through the DBF
The Dayton Bar Foundation (DBF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and serves as the giving arm of the Greater Dayton Legal Community. Your contribution will enable the DBF to continue to fulfill its mission of funding innovative local organizations in their quest to improve our community by promoting equal access to justice and respect for the law. In the past few years your contributions helped to fund grants to:
•adVocaTes for Basic leGal equaliTy (aBle)
•GreaTer dayTon VolunTeer lawyers proJecT (GdVlp)
•law & leadersHip insTiTuTe
•leGal aid of wesTern oHio (lawo)
•wills for Heroes
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Contributions may also be submitted online: daybar.org/dbfdonate Make a donation now and help us make a difference through our programs!
Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project (GDVLP)
The Power of Pro Bono: Defending Justice Through Compassion
The legal profession is built upon the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Yet, for too many individuals, access to justice remains out of reach due to financial hardship. This is where pro bono work steps in—not just as a professional responsibility, but as a moral imperative that strengthens communities and upholds the very foundation of our legal system.
At its core, pro bono work is an act of compassion. It is the willingness of legal professionals to lend their expertise to those who cannot afford representation, ensuring that justice is not a privilege reserved for the wealthy but a right accessible to all. Whether assisting a domestic violence survivor in securing protection, helping a veteran obtain long-overdue benefits, or guiding a family through housing disputes, pro bono attorneys provide hope where it is often in short supply.
Beyond individual cases, pro bono work has a profound ripple effect on communities. When individuals receive the legal assistance they need, they gain stability—families remain in their homes, workers retain their jobs, and vulnerable populations find safety. This, in turn, fosters stronger, more resilient communities where fairness and justice are not abstract ideals but lived realities.
By Summer Hawks Esq. Executive Director, GDVLP
Pro Bono: A Defense of the Rule of Law
Rising economic inequality, political polarization, and systemic barriers have created a justice gap, where those with financial means can navigate the legal system while marginalized communities are left behind. When individuals cannot access legal representation, their rights can be trampled, and trust in the legal system erodes. Pro bono service is a powerful counterforce to this trend, ensuring that justice is not just for the privileged but remains a fundamental right for all. By stepping up to represent those who cannot afford legal help, pro bono attorneys safeguard due process, protect the vulnerable, and reinforce public confidence in the legal system. In times of crisis, when legal protections are threatened and the most at-risk members of society face injustice alone, pro bono lawyers serve as the last line of defense for democracy and the rule of law itself.
A Call to Action
Every attorney, paralegal, law student, and legal professional has a role to play in advancing access to justice. Pro bono service should not be seen as an extra or an afterthought but as a core commitment of our profession. It is through this work that we uphold the highest ideals of the law—compassion, fairness, and the pursuit of justice for all.
If you work in the legal field, consider how you can contribute. Whether by taking on cases, mentoring new attorneys, or volunteering at a clinic, your involvement makes a difference. Justice should never be a luxury, and with your help, it doesn’t have to be.
To learn more about pro bono opportunities with GDVLP, visit www. gdvlp.org, contact Summer Hawks at summer@gdvlp.org or call 937-4613857, or stop in our office when you visit the Bar Association. Your commitment to justice can change lives—and strengthen our entire community.
Intili Group, a Legal Professional Association, is pleased to welcome James T. Ambrose as of counsel to the firm. Mr. Ambrose’s lengthy and distinguished law practice in the fields of personal injury, medical malpractice, and criminal defense, augment Intili Group’s award-winning trial practice.
Kirkland & Sommers Co. LPA is proud to announce that Erin Dingle has joined the firm as an associate. Erin has spent her career focusing on domestic relations and family law in the Dayton area. She earned a double major in Political Science and History at the University of Dayton where she graduated with honors in 2016, and achieved her J.D. at Penn State University while working in the Family Law Clinic. Erin serves as Treasurer for the Greene County Bar Association and is a member of both the Dayton and Ohio Bar Associations as well. She is also a member of the Stanley Z. Greenberg Family Law Forum and the Montgomery County Pro Se Workshop. Erin specializes in divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, and domestic violence/civil protection orders.
Gantt & Blaine Co., LPA is pleased to announce that Blake W.S. Evans has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Blake, a native of Bainbridge, Ohio, is a 2024 graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law. Before graduating with honors, Blake served as a Staff Writer and Publications Editor of the UDSL Law Review. In addition to being engaged in his local community, he is an active member of the DBA, FBA, and OSBA. Blake joins Gantt & Blaine to focus his talents on representing clients in civil litigation and criminal defense matters.
Smith, Meier & Webb, LPA announces that Andrew P. Meier will be leaving Smith, Meier & Webb, LPA, and the practice of law in Ohio, effective July 1, 2025. Andrew and his family will be exploring new and exciting opportunities out West. Andrew is grateful for the 18 years and vast amount of experience he developed while practicing law in all the surrounding counties here in Ohio.
Members on the Move
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