Ohio State Bar Foundation announces 2025 statewide award winners
The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) proudly recognized the exceptional contributions of attorneys and organizations at the 2025 All Rise Annual Awards Celebration, held on Oct. 24 at The Fives in Columbus. This annual event celebrates those who have made a significant impact in communities across Ohio, showcasing the vital role of the legal profession in fostering positive change.
The OSBF All Rise Annual Awards honor individuals and organizations that exemplify a commitment to service, justice, and the advancement of the legal profession. This year’s awardees have gone above and beyond in their dedication to giving back and supporting those in need, reinforcing the strength of our legal system.
"The All Rise Awards shine a light on what’s best about our legal community — compassion, integrity and a deep commitment to justice,” said Laurie Beth Sweeney, OSBF Executive Director. “Each honoree reminds us that when we use the law to serve others, we create lasting, positive change. Their work reflects the very heart of the Foundation’s mission — building a fairer, stronger Ohio for everyone.”
This year’s honorees are as follows:
The Ritter Award | The highest honor awarded by the Foundation; this award is given for a lifetime of service recognizing the accomplishments of the honoree in attaining and promoting the highest level of professionalism, integrity and ethics in the practice of law.
William K. Weisenberg is widely regarded as a national icon in legal advocacy and public service—a leader whose life’s work has been defined by integrity, vision, and a steadfast commitment to the public good. For more than four decades, he has advanced justice, strengthened the legal profession, and elevated civic education, leaving a legacy felt in courtrooms, classrooms, and communities nationwide.
A native of midtown Manhattan, Weisenberg earned his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and his law degree from New York Law School. His career began in service as a VISTA attorney in Columbus, where he embraced the belief that law is a powerful tool for equity and empowerment. He went on to hold leadership roles in Ohio state government before beginning a 35-year tenure with the Ohio State Bar Association, shaping state and national legal policy as chief lobbyist and later as Assistant Executive Director for Public Affairs, Government Relations, and Diversity Initiatives.
Weisenberg’s expertise positioned Ohio as a leader in dispute resolution, helping pilot mediation programs, advance the Uniform Mediation Act, and organize advocacy for civil legal services before Congress. His behind-the-scenes leadership also sparked enduring initiatives, including the creation of the Law and Leadership Institute (LLI) in 2008, which continues to open pathways to the profession for underserved students. More recently, he has been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the rule of law and democracy, convening national experts and inspiring bar associations across the country to act in defense of democratic principles.
His impact has been recognized with some of the profession’s highest honors, including the NABE Bolton Award for Outstanding Bar Leadership, the ABA Grassroots Advocacy Award, and the OCLRE Founders’ Award. In 2013, the Ohio State Bar Foundation established the William K. Weisenberg Fund for Civics Education to honor his dedication to civic engagement.
Though now “semi-retired,” Weisenberg remains deeply engaged — mentoring young leaders, contributing to national legal reform efforts, and continuing to shape the justice system he helped strengthen. His career is a testament to service given not for recognition, but for the lasting betterment of the public and the profession.
“I have worked with and watched Bill Weisenberg for more than 40 years as he has served both in his OSBA position and in his volunteer capacity. I am not the only one who considers Bill to be a distinguished attorney who operates in a thoughtful, kind, honest, personable, and totally dedicated manner,” said Nancy Rogers, professor and dean emerita at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in her nominating letter. “Bill is clearly among the best of us and so deserving of the Ritter Award.”
The Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service | Given annually to an Ohio attorney whose career has been exemplified by dedication of the goals and values sought to be furthered by the Foundation; a lifetime of service to the public and the community, all while working with integrity, honor, courtesy, and professionalism.
Patricia A. Shlonsky is a devoted attorney, mentor, and changemaker whose career embodies the belief that the law can strengthen communities and expand access to opportunity. A partner at UB Greensfelder with more than 30 years of experience in employee benefits law, Shlonsky is widely respected for her professional excellence, integrity, and mentorship within the firm and the broader legal community.
Beyond her legal practice, Shlonsky is deeply committed to civic engagement and community leadership. In Greater Cleveland, she has helped advance open dialogue, education, and equity through her service on the boards of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, The City Club of Cleveland, Bellefaire JCB, the Cleveland Jewish Community Federation, and Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. A graduate of Leadership Cleveland, she is known for leading with compassion, intellect, and resolve—bringing the same passion and integrity to her community work that she brings to her legal practice.
Whether she’s advancing civic dialogue, strengthening access to learning, or guiding the next generation of legal professionals, Shlonsky’s work exemplifies the values of public service and the belief that true leadership uplifts others.
“Throughout her career, Patty has served in leadership roles in no less than a dozen impactful community service and nonprofit organizations, in each instance contributing to the organization's mission in very meaningful ways,” said Ron Kahn, OSBF Board Trustee in his nominating letter. “I have witnessed the dedication and passion she brings to her community service and law practice. Patty sets a bright example of what our profession is capable of contributing to the community.”
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award | The OSBF Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Award is a new award this year which celebrates an attorney who has envisioned and cultivated diversity, equality, and inclusion in the legal system.
Walter Reynolds has built a distinguished legal career while dedicating himself to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Dayton legal community and beyond. A respected commercial attorney, he is recognized not only for his legal acumen but also for his decades of uncompensated service, leadership, and advocacy that embody the OSBF’s Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Award.
In 1996, Reynolds became the first African American president of the Dayton Bar Association, where he established the Diversity Issues Committee—ensuring it would be co-chaired by both an African American and a Caucasian attorney. This initiative led to the creation of the Bar’s annual Diversity Day, a tradition he has steadfastly defended and expanded. As administrator and trustee of the Estabrook Trust, he has been instrumental in funding diversity programs and creating opportunities for underrepresented attorneys.
Reynolds’s leadership extends well beyond formal roles. He has served on the Ohio Supreme Court Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline, the Montgomery County Public Defender Commission, and numerous nonprofit boards, including the Dayton Area Dialogue on Race Relations. Known as the “conscience of the Bar,” he is a trusted voice who has successfully rallied colleagues to defend diversity initiatives and the rule of law during times of challenge. Reynolds continues to mentor young lawyers, advocate for systemic fairness, and foster inclusive leadership in the profession.
“With an extraordinarily full plate, Reynolds nonetheless finds the time to speak out, create, and become involved in advocating for inclusion, equity and diversity constantly,” said Gary Leppla, Of Counsel, Leppla Associates, Ltd., in his nominating letter. “I know of no one who serves as a better role model. I know of no one who facilitates opportunities for engagement on these issues in a more effective manner. I can think of no one more fearless in taking a critical stand on issues related to inclusion, equity and diversity.”
Outstanding Program or Organization Award | Given annually to a program or organization that promotes the dissemination of information about, increases access to, and/or generates improvements in the Ohio justice system.
Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO) is a leading legal services organization dedicated to expanding access to justice for vulnerable Ohioans across 36 counties. Serving nearly 15,000 clients annually, LASCO combines direct legal representation, public education, community engagement, and systemic advocacy to address the complex legal needs of low-income and underserved communities.
LASCO addresses a broad range of critical issues, including housing stability, veterans’ legal support, family law, consumer protection, and financial security. Their work includes specialized services for veterans, programs to relieve tax debt, and initiatives like the Rural Housing Hotline, which provides timely legal guidance to tenants at risk of eviction. LASCO’s Guardian ad Litem program ensures children in custody disputes have representation regardless of family income, and their “Plain Language” initiatives make legal information clear and accessible to all.
The organization also contributes to statewide policy advocacy, providing data and expertise to support programs like the Right to Counsel, demonstrating the social and economic benefits of legal representation. Under Executive Director Kathleen McGarvey and a dedicated Board of Directors, LASCO fosters collaboration through partnerships with volunteer attorneys, law students, and community organizations.
“With a reach that spans 36 counties, LASCO exemplifies the highest standards of legal service, leadership, and systemic advocacy,” said Larry Hayman, OSBF Board Trustee and Director of Legal Engagement & Pre-Law Program at the Center for Law, Justice & Culture and Career Services at Ohio University in his nominating letter. “They increase access to justice, inform and empower the public, and work relentlessly to improve the systems and structures that affect everyday Ohioans. Their programs are not only effective—they are transformative.”
About the Ohio State Bar Foundation: The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) is a 501(c)(3) grantmaking organization and the largest bar foundation in the U.S. Through its grants and programs, the OSBF works to educate the public about the rule of law and help build a better justice system. Since 1992, the Ohio State Bar Foundation has awarded over $18 million in grants statewide. The OSBF also hosts an annual statewide awards program to recognize attorneys who give back to their communities through service, as well as a Fellows program, featuring a select group of attorneys who give their time, talent, and treasure to advance the OSBF’s mission.
For more information about the Ohio State Bar Foundation, please visit www.OSBF.org.