2026 Fellows Class

Lawyers Making A Difference

This year, 17 attorneys and judges have joined the 2026 Fellows Class. The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) is proud to welcome the newest class of Fellows—including solo practitioners, partners at law firms, government attorneys, and community advocates—to the Foundation, who share a commitment to advancing justice across Ohio.

The OSBF welcomes a new class of Fellows each year of attorneys who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to community service. Since its inaugural Fellows Class in 1998, the OSBF has welcomed over 1,200 Fellows.

Each class contributes to a special project: This year, they will help develop a symposium, which is an educational and awareness initiative aimed at the legal profession and those directly impacted by the issue at hand. Previous classes have helped bring attention to important and timely topics such as trauma-informed lawyering, civility, and racial inequities in the justice system. These topics include those often under-recognized or under explored, making the work all the more meaningful. In addition to supporting the symposium, Fellows engage in service opportunities that advance the OSBF’s mission of promoting justice and improving the legal system for all Ohioans.

“It is a pleasure to welcome the 2026 Fellows Class to the Ohio State Bar Foundation,” said Executive Director Laurie Beth Sweeney. “ This class is full of leaders who are committed to our mission and their communities and who will create a more just and equitable Ohio, improving the legal system and expanding access to justice for all. We are proud to support this meaningful work and look forward to the impact they will make this year.”

Meet the 2026 Class of OSBF Fellows

Click on a Fellow to read their bio.

Delaney A. Barr-Brown

Managing Attorney

The Friedmann Firm

Columbus

Stephanie L Brockman

Associate

Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Cincinnati

Renee L Crist

Magistrate

Warren County

Lebanon

John Ferrell

Attorney

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC

Columbus

Leighann K. Fink

Attorney

Ninth District Court of Appeals

Akron

Randall D Fuller

Judge

Common Pleas Court, Delaware County, Ohio Domestic Relations

Delaware

Paula C. Giulitto

Judge

Portage County Domestic Relations Court

Ravenna

Jennifer N Heapy

CEO

Greater Dayton Premiere Management

Dayton

William E Huber

Attorney

Huber Law Office

St Marys

Kristopher O Justice

Attorney

Theisen Brock LPA

Marietta

Eric C Kawalec

Assistant Legal Council

Ohio Department of Transportation

Columbus

Connie Klayko

Attorney

Klayko Law

Kettering

Caitlyn E McDaniel

Senior Staff Attorney

Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio

Athena

Janna L Parker

Magistrate

Montgomery County Common Pleas Court

Dayton

Elizabeth J Schuller

Judge

Napoleon Municipal Court

Napoleon

Jillian B Von Gunten

Attorney

Allen & Baughman, Attorneys at Law, L.L.C.

Zanesville

Shawn P. Welch

Deputy Legislative Counsel

Ohio Judicial Conference

Columbus

Delaney Barr-Brown is a managing attorney at The Friedmann Firm, LLC. Delaney is licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio and earned her Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School, where she graduated with honors. Before attending law school, Delaney received her bachelor’s in international studies, with a focus on Spanish and Europe, from Butler University. Prior to joining the Friedmann Firm, LLC, Delaney advocated for marginalized communities while at Equality Ohio and the Ohio Justice Bus.

She zealously advocates for clients in a variety of employment disputes ranging from breach of contract claims to discrimination claims. Delaney approaches her cases with a healthy sense of urgency while being compassionate, thoughtful, present, and positive through her trauma-responsive lawyering approach.

Delaney is a member of the following organizations and bar associations: Columbus Bar Association, Ohio Employment Lawyers Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, Central Ohio Association for Justice (COAJ) and the Ohio State Bar Association Leadership Academy. In 2025, Delaney spearheaded a severe sexual harassment case which resulted in a $500,000 settlement at mediation.

Stephanie focuses her practice on labor and employment matters, helping employers navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of workplace law. Her approach to servicing clients is based on clear communication and finding practical, business-friendly solutions for employers.

Prior to joining Dinsmore, Stephanie gained valuable experience at a boutique/regional/national law firm in several areas of law, including litigation, insurance defense and intellectual property. She also served as a staff attorney for Judge Kate Molloy in the Kenton County Circuit Court in Kentucky, where she developed a strong foundation in legal research and writing and courtroom procedure.

Stephanie credits her unconventional path to law as the foundation for her unique skillset, broad perspective and ability to adapt quickly to new challenges. Her background in theatre and experiences as a travel agent and a stockbroker have sharpened Stephanie's skills as a creative problem-solver and negotiator qualities that continue to serve her clients well.

Renee L. Crist received her Bachelors of Arts in History and Masters of Social Work with honors from the University of Kentucky. After working as a child therapist in Kentucky, as well as a family and victims' counselor in Alaska, she attended the University of Dayton School of Law. Following graduation from law school and completion of internships at the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court and the Ohio Attorney General's Office, Renee joined Rittgers & Rittgers in 2001, practicing family law, child custody, child support, juvenile, and probate.

Today, Renee is Chief Magistrate in the Warren County Domestic Relations Court. Renee is a member of Warren County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, the Supreme Court of Ohio Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness, social responsibility committee at the Countryside YMCA in Lebanon, and Kiwanis Club of Lebanon.

John Ferrell is an experienced and effective litigator who has successfully represented clients in complex litigation at both the trial and appellate levels. He has an eye for detail but always keeps the big picture in mind when advising clients and when advocating, looking to achieve the best possible long-term result.

John represents clients in various industries with a focus on oil and gas producers, midstream companies, and transmission companies in the Appalachian Basin. He has successfully represented energy companies in state and federal court and in regulatory proceedings before the ODNR Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management and the Ohio Oil and Gas Commission.

John received his B.A. from The Ohio State University and his J.D. from Capital University Law School. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association, and Federal Bar Association.

Leighann Fink has focused her 22-year practice of law on litigation, education law, public law, and appellate law. Leighann has represented school districts, chartered and non-public schools, non-profit organizations, and municipalities in Ohio on matters including general counseling, eminent domain, employment issues, harassment/bullying investigations, specialized training for teachers/administration, special education issues, such as the implementation of Individualized Education Programs, policy issues, and labor negotiations.

Throughout her years of practice, Leighann has successfully mediated and negotiated settlements in favor of her clients on a multitude of issues and has successfully litigated issues in state and federal court. In addition, Leighann has extensive experience in the areas of creditor’s rights and domestic relations. Leighann has many years of experience in appellate practice and has represented clients in appellate matters in both state and federal court. She is proud to have been inducted into the Bar for the Supreme Court of the United States.

Leighann currently is employed as a judicial attorney at the Ninth District Court of Appeals for the Honorable Betty Sutton. The Ninth District Court of Appeals governs all appeals in the counties of Summit, Lorain, Wayne, and Medina. Leighann resides in Kent, Ohio with her husband Eric, son Sammy, and their beloved cat. Go Bucks!

Judge Randall D. Fuller was elected to serve as Judge of the Common Pleas Court of Delaware County, Ohio, Domestic Relations Division in 2016 and took office January 1, 2017. He is the first Judge of the unified Domestic Relations Division. Judge Fuller has presented on behalf of the Ohio Judicial College to Ohio Domestic Relations Judges and Magistrates and assisted with training of new judges. He has testified before the Ohio House of Representatives, Civil Justice Committee, and the Ohio Senate, Judiciary Committee, on behalf of the Ohio Judicial Conference.

A graduate of Buckeye Valley High School, he received his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Economics from The Ohio State University and his law degree from the University of Toledo, College of Law. Judge Fuller maintained a successful law practice in downtown Delaware for over 20 years. He is a lifelong resident of Delaware County. Judge Fuller has served on the Board of Directors for numerous non-profit organizations including Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Vice President), Delaware County Court Appointed Special Advocates (President), Delaware County Red Cross, Del-Mor Dwellings (President) and People in Need. He is a member of the Delaware County Farm Bureau and Delaware Rotary Club and is involved in the following associations:

· Ohio Association of Domestic Relations Judges

· Ohio Judicial Conference

· Ohio Judicial College

· Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

· Ohio Chapter of the AFCC

· National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

· American Judges Association

· Ohio State Bar Association

· Delaware County Bar Association

Jennifer N. Heapy has almost 25 years of commitment to public service. After graduating from The Ohio State University College of Law, she spent 10 years prosecuting adult felony cases with the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office. Her career at Greater Dayton Premier Management began in 2012 as the Compliance Officer and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2014.

Ms. Heapy is committed to enhancing lives and improving quality of life in our community as evidenced by her recent accolades: recipient of "Marie Kindrick Fair Housing Award for Outstanding Commitment to Fair Housing" by the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center, INC. Ms. Heapy was honored as the "Executive of the Year" by the Dayton Business Journal while the agency won "Customer Services Business of the Year." The Dayton Better Business Bureau named GDPM "Best Places to Work" and Ms. Heapy was chosen as the "25 Top Women to Watch 2017."

Ms. Heapy has served as Board Chair of the YWCA Dayton, as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and on the Legislative Committee for PHADA, a national organization representing over 3,000 public housing authorities.

Growing up, William Huber was a fan of the TV show “Perry Mason.” Sucked into the exciting cases and storylines of the master of criminal defense, he was inspired to pursue a career in the legal field. With his career influenced by this show as well as mentors and supporters, Huber has been able to help clients in any way that is possible throughout his career. For him, law is about the community and doing work that benefits people. Huber has now been practicing law for more than 50 years and has consistently worked at his own practice located in St. Marys, OH since 1968.

Huber set out on his career path by first earning a Bachelor of Science in education from Ohio Northern University in 1965. He continued at the institution to receive a J.D. in 1968, and he was admitted to practice in Ohio, as well as the Supreme Court of Ohio and The Ohio Judicial System the same year. In 1972, he was admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1990, Huber was admitted to the United States Tax Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In addition to working at his private practice, Huber has been an assistant prosecuting attorney for Auglaize County, an assistant law director for the City of St. Marys, an acting judge for the Municipal Court of Auglaize County, and a lecturer for the Lifelong Learning Institute with the Ohio State University at Lima.

Huber has published two volumes of the “Huber/Jenkins Collections” and has been a contributing author of “St. Marys Anthology.”

Kristopher Justice is an attorney who focuses his practice in the areas of corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, international law, and oil and gas law. Raised in Strongsville, Ohio, he has practiced law in Marietta since 2010. He is admitted to practice in the State of Ohio, the State of West Virginia, and the District of Columbia and has been with Theisen Brock since 2012.

Kristopher earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hiram College in 2004, graduating magna cum laude. He received his Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School in 2007 and later earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Transnational Law from Temple University Beasley School of Law in 2009.

From 2008 through 2009, Kristopher practiced and studied transnational law in Tokyo, Japan. In addition to his legal practice, he is active in his community: He serves as Chair of the Economic Roundtable of the Ohio Valley, serves on the Board of Governors for the Ohio State Bar Association, and is a member of the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce and Marietta Morning Rotary.

Eric Kawalec is an accomplished attorney with more than a decade of legal experience that includes the drafting and review of numerous federal grants and state or state-let projects, Right of Way certification, procurement, and real property transactions review, title closings, property appraisals, land use controls and zoning analysis, utility plan review, due diligence review, regulatory and compliance analysis, internal policy program development, and risk assessment.

Eric began his legal career as a law clerk at the Law Offices of Steven W. Dault & Associates and spent several years as a managing member and owner of Standard Title Solutions, LLC. Today, Eric is Assistant Legal Counsel at the Ohio Department of Transportation, providing counsel for procurement, contract, real property, and other legal matters.

Eric received his B.A. at The Ohio State University and his J.D. from Capital University Law School in 2011. He has been involved in his community through the Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association, Ohio Center for Law-Related Education, and International Right of Way Association.

Connie Klayko concentrates her practice to the area of Child Welfare Law. Child welfare law governs how the state of Ohio protects children from abuse and neglect, provides support for families to remain together, and ensures permanent placements when necessary. The core goals are child safety, family preservation, and promoting the wellbeing of children and their families through a combination of prevention, intervention, and out-of-home care, like foster care.

Connie represents parents and children who are involved in the legal system. Her firm is dedicated to helping her clients maneuver through difficult family situations with compassionate legal guidance.

Connie received her law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law and earned her MBA from Capital University. When she is not practicing law, Connie guides meditations at the local center. She is also a Tae Kwon Do Master.

Janna L. Parker is a Magistrate for the Montgomery County Domestic Relations Court, where she presides over domestic relations cases and domestic violence civil protection orders. Janna earned her Juris Doctor With Honors in Law from The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law, in Columbus, Ohio in 2002 and her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Science, summa cum laude, from Denison University in Granville, Ohio in 1999.

She is licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Janna previously served as a Domestic Relations Court Magistrate in Miami County for several years. Prior to her appointments as Magistrate, she worked almost two decades as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Miami County and Montgomery County where she prosecuted thousands of felony criminal cases for the State of Ohio. Magistrate Parker is a member of the Ohio Association of Magistrates, the Miami County Bar Association, the Dayton Bar Association, and the Ohio State Bar Association.

Elizabeth Schuller has practiced law for more than 30 years. She has worked as an attorney and contract mediator out of Napoleon and Defiance, Ohio, and today, serves as a judge on the Napoleon Municipal Court, as appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in 2022 and then elected to the position in 2024.

Her areas of practice have included general civil, domestic relations, real estate, litigation, and more. Elizabeth received her BA from the University of Toledo and her JD from the University of Toledo College of Law. She is a member of Henry County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, JoAnn Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute, and St. Paul Lutheran Church of Napoleon, Ohio. She also served as a member of the Holgate School Board from 2006-2022, and was previously a member and president of the Holgate Library Board.

Jillian B. Von Gunten is a lifelong resident of Zanesville, Ohio, committed to helping the residents of her community by using her education and experiences. Licensed to practice law and act as a Title Insurance Agent since 2012, she is an experienced attorney with a broad practice area encompassing estate planning, wills and trusts, probate matters and adoptions, business law, real estate and property law, banking and commercial law, collections, municipal law, and misdemeanor prosecution.

Jillian graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Muskingum University in 2009. In 2023, Muskingum University honored Jillian by naming her as an Emerging Alumni Award recipient. Jillian earned a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Capital University Law School in 2012, where she was a named a member of the Order of the Curia.

Jillian is committed to giving back to and growing the legal profession; as such she serves as the current President of the Perry County Bar Association, as well as incoming Secretary of the Muskingum County Bar Association. She was honored to be a recipient of the Ohio State Bar Foundation’s Community Service Award for Newer Attorneys for both District 9 and the Southeast Region of Ohio. She remains committed to access to justice by providing pro bono legal services through Legal Aid Clinics in both Muskingum and Perry Counties since 2012.

Jillian’s commitment to service within her community extends beyond the legal field through leadership roles on numerous nonprofit boards.

Shawn Patrick Welch is a Deputy Legislative Counsel for the Ohio Judicial Conference and staffs the OJC’s Domestic Relations, Juvenile and Probate Law & Procedure Committees and Ohio Jury Instruction Committee. Shawn started working for the Judicial Conference in 2016. He is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, where he majored in English and History, and earned his law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

His prior legal experience includes five years of appellate practice with the Office of the Ohio Public Defender and four years with the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission. Shawn has argued before the Supreme Court of Ohio and Ohio Courts of Appeals and has filed a Petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus. In addition to his legal experience, Shawn co-founded Sustainable Upper Arlington, a community environmental-focused non-profit, and has served as a foster parent.