THE TOLEDO area legal community is active in the community.
THE Gridiron, an annual variety show presented by the Toledo Junior Bar Association for more than 80 years, was May 17 at the Valentine Theatre. It’s a private invitation-only party. No videos or photos are taken, and it is off limits to the working press. Also distributed at the event is the Bar Rag, a spoof on local happenings and people.
The pre-reception in the Valentine lobby was packed with legal eagles including judges, lawyers, clerks, paralegals, and more. Some were also privy to a pre-Gridiron reception in the One SeaGate Riverview Lobby, hosted by the Eastman & Smith.
Both events were places to see and be seen.
In the theater, before the show started, Toledo Junior Bar president Elizabeth Bostdorff welcomed everyone.
The Order of the Heel Award, presented to a senior bar member who has given his or her time, talent, and energies to assist young lawyers, is also presented prior to the show. But not before last year's honoree, Michelle Kranz, gave her speech.
Mrs. Kranz, a founding partner of the law firm Zoll & Kranz and the current president of the Ohio State Bar Association, said that the experience on stage "makes us all better people and lawyers."
The 2023 honoree, Sean McNulty, the chief public defender with Toledo Legal Aid Society, was announced. But he remained silent that night, per tradition; he’ll share his speech at next year’s Gridiron.
Then, it was on with the show filled with wit, music, dancing, and talent, showing that some should keep their day jobs but others might have a chance at another career.
Kudos to the Toledo Junior Bar Association’s Ms. Bostdorff and secretary Ryan Dolan, assisted by the executive committee: Sarah Stephens, Krys Beech, Samantha Meiers, Adam Motycka, Carasusana Wall, Kayla Henderson, Blanca Wheeler, Jared Lefevre, Craig Witherell, and Matthew Bryant.
NOW all jokes aside: Marvin Robon of Barkan and Robon Attorneys is among the attorneys who were recently sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court while it was in session in Washington, allowing them to argue cases before the court.
THE Toledo Estate Planning Council, a professional organization of attorneys, CPAs, financial planners, and trust professionals that’s been around since the 1960s, recently held its “Project 419” Day of Service. Members served the community at Ronald McDonald House, Helping Hands of St. Louis, Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, Cherry Street Mission Ministries, and Family House on a Friday afternoon.
That was followed by a “meeting” at Earnest Brew Works in West Toledo.
SHUMAKER, Loop, and Kendrick's Well Involved Committee recently held its 13th annual poker walk and cookout. The committee promotes wellness within the firm and awareness outside.
THE 2023 Access to Justice Awards, held at the Pinnacle in Maumee on May 25, raised more than $55,000. Those funds will support crucial legal aid services and programs in northwest Ohio provided by Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and the Toledo Bar Association.
The about 300 guests were inspired by keynote speaker Mónica Ramírez, who spoke about her fight to make a difference.
An attorney, author, and activist fighting for the rights of farmworkers, migrant women workers, and the Latinx community, she is the founder of Justice for Migrant Women and the co-founder of Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, the Latinx House, and Poderistas. She has received numerous awards and has been featured in Time, Forbes, and People en Español, which recognized her as one of the 100 Most Powerful Latinos in 2021.
Three local individuals were honored for their extraordinary service to people living in poverty in northwest Ohio.
The Public Interest Law Award was presented to Eugenio Mollo, Jr., for his dedication to advocating for immigrants. That includes his role as a clinical assistant professor of law at the University of Toledo College of Law, where he launched the Immigrant Justice Clinic.
The Community Advocacy Award was given to Ramón Pérez for his lifelong commitment to connecting and empowering members of the Latinx community to advocate for the resources and services they need and deserve.
The Distinguished Service Award was given to Judge Myron Duhart of the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals for his longstanding, often quiet, encouragement and support of the fight for equal justice.
THE Toledo Bar Association Auxiliary, a group of spouses of local attorneys, is still around. Members collect toiletries and donate funds to the transportation fund for legal aid clients.
Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor. Contact her at bhendel@theblade.com or call 419-724-6124.
First Published June 12, 2023, 12:30 a.m.
