Columbus, OH (November 2024). The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) proudly recognized the exceptional contributions of attorneys and organizations at the 2024 All Rise Annual Awards Celebration, held on October 25 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 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 celebration featured inspiring videos highlighting each award recipient, with friends and colleagues sharing their remarkable contributions to both the community and the legal profession. These heartfelt tributes underscored the profound impact these individuals have made.
“The Ohio State Bar Foundation is proud to recognize the outstanding attorneys and organizations who exemplify the spirit of service in our communities These individuals don’t just practice law; they actively give back, support those in need, and strengthen our legal system,” said Belinda Barnes, OSBF Board President. “We celebrate their dedication and the positive impact they have on the lives around them.”
For more information about the Ohio State Bar Foundation and the 2024 award recipients, click here.
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.
Judge Jeffery Hopkins, Cincinnati, is a distinguished United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio, a position he has held since December 2022. Before his current appointment, he served as a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Southern District of Ohio for 26 years, where his leadership as Chief Judge from 2014 to 2021 was highly regarded. His tenure on the bench was marked by numerous contributions to the development of bankruptcy law, and he was known for his fair and thoughtful judgments.
Judge Hopkins’ public service career includes significant roles in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, where he served as Chief of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney. His early legal career began as an associate at Squire, Patton & Boggs, one of the nation’s leading law firms. He also served as a law clerk to Hon. Alan E. Norris on both the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the Ohio Court of Appeals, where he honed his legal skills and developed a deep understanding of appellate law.
In addition to his judicial responsibilities, Judge Hopkins has been a strong advocate for legal education. He has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where he taught courses on ethics, professionalism, and bankruptcy law. Judge Hopkins is also an active contributor to the legal community, delivering lectures, publishing opinions, and serving as an editorial board member for Bloomberg Law.
Beyond the courtroom, Judge Hopkins is dedicated to community service. He has served on the boards of several cultural and educational institutions, including the Cincinnati Museum Center, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He is also a member of esteemed professional organizations such as the American College of Bankruptcy and the American Law Institute. Judge Hopkins earned his undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College and his law degree from The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law.
"Judge Hopkins has provided dedicated service to every community he has been a part of—whether it be his high school, law school, place of worship, city, state, or nation—all while managing a busy and demanding career," said Nancy Rogers, Professor Emeritus and Director of the Law and Leadership Program at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, in her nominating letter. "Those of us who have worked with him appreciate his wise judgment, kind encouragement, insistence on excellence, and devotion to his work. He is changing lives regularly and has made significant contributions to the rule of law and to a more diverse legal profession."
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.
Scott P. Sandrock, Akron, is a highly respected attorney and lifelong resident of Stark County, Ohio, with a distinguished career that spans law, community service, and local government. As of counsel with the law firm Brennan, Manna & Diamond, Sandrock specializes in representing businesses and healthcare providers in complex business and regulatory matters, estate planning, and litigation. His legal acumen is widely recognized, with his writings cited by state supreme courts and the Federal Court of Appeals for the 11th District.
Sandrock’s contributions to the legal field extend beyond his practice. He is an active author and thought leader, providing insights into regulatory and business law that have influenced legal practices across the state. His commitment to service is evident through his extensive involvement in community organizations. Sandrock has served as president of seven nonprofit organizations, including leadership roles in the Stark County Dental Society Charitable Foundation, the Austin Bailey Foundation, and the Rocco Foundation. His dedication to the Boy Scouts of America spans over 40 years, where he has held positions as a unit leader, board member, and council president. His service has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award and the Paul Harris Fellow recognition from Rotary International.
In addition to his legal and community work, Sandrock has a notable history of public service in local government. He has served as a Councilman in the Village of Navarre and as a member of the Jackson Township Zoning Commission and the Stark County Regional Planning Commission. Sandrock's leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on his community. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and his law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
"I have been blessed to work with many incredible lawyers throughout my career, but Scott P. Sandrock stands out for his unwavering commitment to serving his community and his dedication to mentoring others, including myself. Whether advising clients on complex legal issues, teaching me to be a better lawyer, or leading community initiatives, he consistently strives to do it all with the highest level of integrity, honor, courtesy, and professionalism," said Jeana Singleton, member of Brennan Manna Diamond.
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.
Raphael Davis-Williams, Columbus, has dedicated his life to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, advocating for marginalized and underrepresented communities. His journey began in high school, where he co-founded the Student Alliance Club at his predominantly white Houston, Texas school, fostering engagement among minority students and promoting cultural understanding.
As a television news reporter, Davis-Williams challenged racial and economic stereotypes in media, advocating for more accurate, inclusive storytelling. His passion for social justice deepened as a civil rights attorney, where he has represented clients facing racial discrimination, sexual harassment, police misconduct, and housing inequities.
Davis-Williams has also held key leadership roles, including Associate General Counsel for the ACLU of Ohio and founding Board Member of the Central Ohio Fair Housing Association, and served as Board President of Kaleidoscope Youth Center, supporting LGBTQ+ youth. He earned his undergraduate degree from Sam Houston State University and his law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
"Raphael has been a leader throughout his career as an attorney and in his volunteer work on equity and inclusion," said Sarah Biehl, Policy Director of the Ohio Mayors Alliance. "Whether advocating for clients, giving talks, or leading community initiatives, Raphael consistently works toward a more just world. He speaks passionately about oppression and inequality, but always in a way that inspires action and engagement. Many, including myself, view Raphael as a role model, and I can think of no one more deserving of the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award."
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.
The Summer Work Experience in Law (SWEL) program has been a vital part of legal education and professional development in Greater Cincinnati since 1988. Founded as a pilot initiative by the Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Bar Association Round Table, SWEL was created by Jim Johnson with the leadership of appellate judges Robert L. Black Jr. and Nathanial Jones to address the underrepresentation of African American attorneys in the local legal community. Initially offering internships to just seven high school students in public sector law offices, the program quickly expanded to include private sector opportunities and college students. Over the years, SWEL has provided more than 300 students with invaluable exposure to the legal profession.
SWEL is designed to foster academic, personal, and professional growth. The program offers students real-world legal experience, community service opportunities, internship placements, and networking with legal professionals and law students. Through legal internships, weekly forums, and seminars, participants gain insight into the law preparation process, law school, and various legal career options.
"The Summer Work Experience in Law (SWEL) program has been a cornerstone of legal education and professional development in Greater Cincinnati since its founding in 1988," said Judge Nicole Sanders of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas. "SWEL has played an essential role in addressing the underrepresentation of African American attorneys in our legal community, providing over 300 students with invaluable hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Its continued dedication to fostering diversity and supporting the next generation of legal professionals is truly deserving of the 2024 Outstanding Organization Award."
Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and under | This award is presented to attorneys around 40 years of age or younger who contribute substantial time and effort in service to a local social service, or a local civic, artistic, or cultural organization.
Caitlyn Johnson, Columbus, has demonstrated extensive leadership and commitment to community service throughout her legal career and beyond. She joined the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 2011 and in 2022, moved to the Health & Human Services Section, bringing her expertise in areas such as criminal justice and health care fraud. Beyond her professional work, Johnson is a passionate advocate for civic engagement. She has co-coordinated the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE) High School Mock Trial Program in Franklin County since 2015 and serves on the Competition Committee. She is also an active member of the Columbus Bar Foundation and the Columbus Bar Association, where she has taken on leadership roles.
Johnson serves on the Ohio State Bar Association’s Council of Delegates and chaired its Young Lawyers Section Council. Outside the legal field, her community involvement includes serving as a trustee for the Kiwanis Club of Columbus and singing in the Chancel Choir at King Avenue United Methodist Church. Her dedication to service has earned her numerous honors, including the Columbus Bar Association’s President’s Award and being named to Delta Zeta Sorority’s 35 Under 35. She earned her undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and her law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
"I can't think of anyone more deserving of the OSBF's Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and under than Caitlyn Nestleroth Johnson," said Belinda Barnes, OSBF President and partner at Gallagher, Gams, Tallan, Barnes & Littrell, L.L.P. "Caitlyn devotes a tremendous amount of time to volunteering for multiple organizations, driven by a strong belief in giving back to her community and profession. Despite her busy life as an attorney, wife, and mother, she still finds the energy to make a meaningful impact. Her community is truly fortunate to benefit from her commitment to service."
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