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Award History

Decorative photo of awards

Previous Award Video Presentations

Over the years, we've honored our awardees through video presentations. 

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2022 Award Recipients

  • The Ritter Award
    • Annalisa Williams - Akron, OH
  • The Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service
    • Inajo Davis Chappell - Solon, Ohio
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Luigi Dodieu - Dayton, OH
  • Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award
    • Carl Smallwood - Columbus, OH
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Valissa Turner Howard - South Euclid, Ohio
  • Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Cindy Cunningham - Mount Vernon, OH
    • Joseph Barton - Dayton, OH
    • Bailey Higgins - Bucyrus, OH
    • Hanne-Lore Gambrell - Akron, Ohio
    • Sarah Perez - Columbus, Ohio
    • Aaron Bruggeman - Barnesville, OH
    • Lydia Gross - Painesville, OH
    • Sam Berten - Cincinnati , Ohio
    • Rachel Triplett - Georgetown, OH
    • Amanda Lantz - Springfield, OH
    • Brandon Brown - Cleveland, Ohio

2021 Award Recipients

  • The Ritter Award
    • John S. Stith - Cincinnati
  • The Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service
    • Sanford Watson - Cleveland
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Peggy Zone Fisher - Cleveland
    • Peggy Zone Fisher, President and CEO - Cleveland, Ohio
    • Luigi Dodieu - Dayton, OH
  • Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • S. Andrew Sturgill - Portsmouth, Ohio
    • Lindsey Baker - Cincinnati, OH
    • Liliana Vasquez - Columbus, OH
    • Kyle Witucky - Zanesville, Ohio
    • Elizabeth Bux - Medina, oh
    • Molli Schleucher - Celina, Ohio
    • Marissa Fitzpatrick - Perrysburg, OH
    • Tonya Rogers - Canton, Ohio

2020 Award Recipients

  • The Ritter Award
    • Hon. Michael J. Newman - Dayton
  • The Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service
    • Jeffrey Pollock - Cleveland
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association/Rebecca McMahon - Cleveland
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Katrina Thompson - Columbus
  • Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Christopher Teodosio - Akron
    • Bryan Conaway - Cambridge
    • Jaclyn Vary - Cleveland
    • Judge Gerald Parker - Dayton
    • Katrina Thompson - Columbus
    • Lee Heckman - Newark
    • Matthew Wagner - Cincinnati

2019 Award Recipients

  • The Ritter Award
    • Richard F. Swope - Columbus
  • The Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service
    • Donald H. Messinger - Cleveland
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center - Columbus
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • James K. Stanley - Pomeroy

2018 Award Recipients

  • The Ritter Award
    • Marvin L. Karp - Cleveland
  • The Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service
    • Melinda G. Seeds - Pataskala
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio - Cincinnati
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Brandon Cox - Cleveland

2017 Award Recipients

  • The Ritter Award
    • Retired Honorable Evelyn Lundberg Stratton - Columbus
  • The Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service
    • Stephen F. Tilson - Galion
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Sisters In Law - Toledo
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Michael W. Kelley - Columbus

2016 Award Recipients

  • The Ritter Award
    • Sandra J. Anderson - Columbus
  • The Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service
    • Ronald L. Kahn - Cleveland
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Summit County Juvenile Court Crossroads Program - Akron
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Drew Odum - Cleveland

2015 Award Recipients

  • The Ritter Award
    • Fred J. Ball - Cleveland
  • The Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service
    • Steven W. Jemison - Cincinnati
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Ohio Innocence Project, University of Cincinnati College of Law - Cincinnati
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Sarah K. Skow - Toledo

2014 Award Recipients

  • The Ritter Award
    • Patrick J. Perotti - Painesville
  • The Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service
    • Carter E. Strang - Cleveland
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Ao: Advocating Opportunity and Louis Stokes Scholars Program - Toledo/Cleveland
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Angela A. Wu - Oberlin

2013 Award Recipients

  • The Ritter Award
    • Reginald S. Jackson, Jr. - Maumee
  • The Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service
    • Edward G. Marks - Cincinnati
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • START Program - Dayton
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Nicole I. Khoury - Toledo

2012 Award Recipients

  • Distinguished Community Service Award
    • Merle F. Wilberding - Dayton
  • The Ritter Award
    • Ronald W. Dougherty - Canton
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Perry County Free Legal Clinic - Lexington
    • Court Community Service - Cleveland
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Jason Given - Coshocton

2011 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellowship Award
    • Harold D. Spears - Ironton
  • Statewide Community Service for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Shawna L. L'Italien - Salem
  • The Ritter Award
    • Stephen E. Chappelear - Columbus
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Fugitive Safe Surrender Program of Cleveland - Cleveland

2010 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellowship Award
    • David C. Weiner - Cleveland
  • The Ritter Award
    • Hon. Richard K. Warren - Lima
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Advocates for Basic Legal Equality & Legal Aid of Western Ohio - Dayton/Toledo/Defiance
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Danyelle S. T. Wright - Dayton

2009 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellowship
    • The Hon. Charles F. Kurfess - Perrysburg
  • The Ritter Award
    • Robert M. Clyde - Hubbard
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Interfaith Legal Services Clinic at Andrews House - Delaware
    • Legal Aid Society of Cleveland - Community Advocacy Program - Cleveland
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Jeffrey A. Brauer - Cleveland
    • Chad A. Readler - Columbus

2008 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellowship
    • Michael R. Merz - Dayton
  • The Ritter Award
    • Joseph W. Shea III - Cincinnati
  • Outstanding Program or Organization Award
    • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association 3 Rs Program - Cleveland
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Robert W. Edmund - Tampa, FL

2007 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellowship
    • Charles C. Warner - Columbus
  • The Ritter Award
    • Sally W. Bloomfield - Columbus
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Amy L. Demlow - Medina

2006 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellowship
    • John J. Chester - Columbus
  • Outstanding Research Award
    • Douglas A. Berman - Columbus
  • Outstanding Public or Government Service Award
    • Terre L. Vandervoort - Lancaster
    • R. Edward Marks - Alberquerque, NM
  • Outstanding Program or Organization
    • Summer Legal Academy of Cleveland - Cleveland
  • The Ritter Award
    • William J. Bingle - Toledo
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Paul Scott Lorenzo - Powell

2005 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Program or Organization
    • Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project - Dayton
  • Outstanding Public or Government Service Award
    • Thomas W. Weeks - Columbus
  • Outstanding Research Award
    • Election Law @ Moritz - Columbus
  • Honorary Life Fellowship
    • Lyonel C. Jones - Cleveland
  • The Ritter Award
    • Michael E. Flowers - Columbus
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Matthew L. Reger - Bowling Green

2004 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Research Award
    • Donald F. Melhorn Jr. - Toledo
    • Robert J. Nordstrom - Columbus
  • Outstanding Public or Government Service Award
    • Justice Evelyn L. Stratton - Worthington
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Earnest Karam - Cincinnati
  • Outstanding Program or Organization
    • Law Tuesday of the Toledo Bar Association's Pro Bono Services - Toledo
  • The Ritter Award
    • F.M. (Mike) Apicella - Russell Township
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Joanne S. Peters - Columbus

2003 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Research Award
    • Prof. Susan R. Martyn - Toledo
  • Outstanding Public or Government Service Award
    • Michael Orlando - Lancaster
    • Jean E. Atkin - Newbury
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Eddie M. Cole - Detroit, MI
  • Outstanding Program or Organization
    • Toledo Bar Association Law-Related School Education Committee - Toledo
  • The Ritter Award
    • Samuel H. Porter - Columbus
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Mark K. McCown - Ironton

2002 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Public or Government Service Award
    • Hon. Kathleen L. Giesler - Port Clinton
  • Outstanding Research Award
    • Howard M. Friedman - Toledo
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • John S. Stith - Cincinnati
    • Josiah Hillerman Blackmore III - Blacklick
  • The Ritter Award
    • Ralph Kennedy Frasier - Jackson, FL
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Grant B. Garverick - Galion

2001 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Research Award
    • Glen Weissenberger - River Forest, IL
  • Outstanding Public or Government Service Award
    • Hon. Denise Herman McColley - Napoleon
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Howard H. Harcha Jr. - Portsmouth
  • Outstanding Program or Organization
    • The Ohio State University Pro Bono Research Program - Columbus
  • The Ritter Award
    • Robert G. Morris - Toledo
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Linda R. Warner - Pomeroy

2000 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Hon. Gerald E. Radcliffe - Chillicothe
    • Lloyd Fisher Jr. - Columbus
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Hon. John D. Holschuh - Cincinnati
    • Toledo Bar Association AIDS Assistance Committee - Toledo
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • John F. Hayward - Toledo
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • William K. Weisenberg - Columbus
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Kent Wellington - Cincinnati

1999 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Walter M. Lawson Jr. - Lima
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Jack G. Day - Cleveland
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • William C. Becker - Akron
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Thomas L. Blust - Batavia
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • David A. Martin - Columbus

1998 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Arthur I. Vorys - Gahanna
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Nancy H. Rogers - Columbus
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Hon. Robert V. Franklin Jr. - Toledo
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Hon. Harold F. White - Akron
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Robert J. Reynolds - Wooster

1997 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Hon. Ronald B. Adrine - Cleveland
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Hon. James G. Carr - Toledo
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Edward S. Noble - St. Marys
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Leslie W. Jacobs - Gates Mills
    • P.E.A.C.E Program - Marion
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • John J. Williams - Cincinnati

1996 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Albert L. Bell - Westerville
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Hon. Walter A. Porter - Dayton
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Robert B. Gosline - Toledo
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer - Columbus
    • The Cleveland Bar Association Juvenile Justice Initiative - Cleveland
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Stephen F. Hubbard - Defiance

1995 Award Recipients

  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • The Toledo Bar Association Pro Bono Legal Services Program - Toledo
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Hon. William W. Badger - Millersburg
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Hon. John W. Potter - Toledo
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • George E. Schroeder - Ottawa
  • Statewide Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under
    • Thomas E. Szykowny - Columbus
    • Paul E. Croy - Waterville

1994 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Thomas E. Cavendish - Columbus
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Hon. John M. Meagher - San Rafael, CA
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Lloyd H. O'Hara - Dayton
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Edward C. Redmond - Painesville

1993 Award Recipients

  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Toledo Citizen Dispute Settlement Program - Toledo
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Ivan L. Miller - Cleveland
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • C. Terry Johnson - Dayton
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Theodore M. Berry - Cincinnati

1992 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Thomas J. Harrington - Fort Meyers, FL
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Robert M. Duncan - Columbus
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Hon. William Ammer - Circleville
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Gordon B. Gray - Athens

1991 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Wayne E. Shaffer - Bryan
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • William E. Knepper - Columbus
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Hon. Charlton M. Myers - Moral
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Supreme Court of Ohio's Off-Site Court Program - Columbus

1990 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Zolman Cavitch - Tarpon Springs, FL
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Hon. J. Craig Wright - Columbus
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • The Ohio Center for Law-Related Education Ohio Mock Trial Program - Columbus
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Leonard A. Weakley - Cincinnati

1989 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Robert L. Moulton
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • John T. Brown - Mansfield
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • William K. Thomas - Cleveland
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Florence E. Allen - Mentor

1988 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • John E. Bauknecht
    • Charles P. Baker Jr. - Painesville
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Jack F. Pickrel - Montgomery
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Francis X. Beytagh - Jacksonville, FL
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Abraham Gertner - Columbus

1987 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Kenneth M. Petri - Galion
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Bradley J. Schaeffer
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Richard M. Markus - Fairview Park
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • John A. Carnahan - Columbus
    • Frank A. Bazler - Troy

1986 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Bruce I. Petrie - Cincinnati
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • William W. Falsgraf - Cleveland
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Ohio Northern University Law Review - Ada
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Karl H. Weaner - Defiance

1985 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Joseph B. Miller - Columbus
    • William R. Van Aken - Shaker Heights
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Robert L. Hausser - Marietta
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • J. Paul McNamara
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Ralph S. Locher - Beachwood

1984 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • James L. Young
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • John W. McCormac - Worthington
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Earl F. Morris - Columbus
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Robert L. McBride - Dayton

1983 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Robert E. Leach - Columbus
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Carl B. Felger - Piqua
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Columbus Night Prosecutors Program - Columbus
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Robert Lynn - Upper Arlington

1982 Award Recipients

  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • James L. McCrystal - Cleveland
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Stanley E. Harper Jr. - Fort Mitchell, KY
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • Sam D. Bartlo - Hudson
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Harry P. Jeffrey - Dayton
    • George J. McMonagle - Rocky River

1981 Award Recipients

  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • William L. Howland - Portsmouth
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • James Slater Gibson - Ottawa Hills
  • The Ritter Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Administration of Justice
    • Licking County Municipal Court - Newark
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Oliver Schroeder Jr. - Chardon

1980 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Lisle M. Buckingham - Akron
  • Honorary Life Fellows
    • John A. Eckler - Columbus
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • William R. Van Aken - Shaker Heights

1979 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Earl F. Morris - Columbus
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Leonard J. Stern - Columbus

1978 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Lester L. Cecil Sr. - Dayton
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Hon. William B. Saxbe - Columbus

1977 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Arthur W. Doyle - Akron
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • J.J.P. Corrigan - Columbus

1976 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • W. Bitner Browne - Springfield
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Samuel T. Gains

1975 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Jamille G. Jamra - Toledo
    • Girard E. Kalbfleisch - Mansfield
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Craig Spangenberg - Cleveland

1974 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Henry S. Brainard
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • James L. Young

1973 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • John M. Newman - Youngstown
    • Robert P. Goldman - Cincinnati
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • C. William O'Neill - Dublin

1972 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Murray Seasongood - Cincinnati
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • John W. Bricker - Columbus

1971 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Leo H. Faust - Urbana
    • John Baker Hollister - Cincinnati
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Charles M. Zelkowitz - Mount Vernon

1970 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Joseph Thomas
    • Grace Fern Heck Faust - Troy
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Hiram L. Connett - Columbus

1969 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Hon. John V. Corrigan - Cleveland
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • H.R. Loomis - Ravenna

1968 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Andrew S. Iddings - Dayton
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Oscar A. Hunsicker - Akron

1967 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Russell H. Kear - Upper Sandusky
  • The Ritter Award
    • C. Blake McDowell - Akron

1966 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Aronhold C. Schapiro - Portsmouth
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Charles B. Zimmerman - Columbus

1965 Award Recipients

  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • Gillum H. Doolittle - Akron
  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Paul C. Weick - Stow

1964 Award Recipients

  • Outstanding Research or Service in Law or Government
    • Frank R. Strong - Columbus/Chapel Hill, NC
  • Service to the Public for 50 Years
    • George W. Ritter - Toledo