2026 New Law Partner Conference

• 8:30 AM – Registration 

• 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Breakfast with Dean Barnett - “The Future of Higher and Legal Education” (optional) 

• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Workshop #1 - Transitioning from Practitioner to Leader 

This session explores the pivotal shift from associate to partner, focusing on the mindset, responsibilities, and strategic thinking required to lead within a law firm. New partners will gain insights into leadership expectations and how to navigate their evolving roles. 

Speakers:  

• Kaela King ’20, Managing Partner, Cooper Elliott, Moderator 
• Luke Fedlam ‘13, Partner, Amundsen Davis 
• Abby Chin ‘18, Managing Partner, Cooper Elliott
• Michael Hunter, Partner, Flannery Georgalis/Columbus 

• 11:00 AM – 11:10 AM: Break 

• 11:10 AM – 12:10 PM: Workshop #2 - Talent Management and Mentorship  

Description: Led by managing partners, senior leaders, and business professionals, this workshop examines effective strategies for developing talent, fostering mentorship, and building a culture of growth and inclusion within the firm. 

Speakers: 

• Chad Eggspuehler ‘08, Partner, Tucker Ellis, Moderator
• Janica Pierce Tucker ’02, Partner-in-Charge, Taft/Columbus 
• Marcy Hingst ‘99, Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated and The Huntington National Bank 
• Lawrence Inks, Clinical Professor, Management & Human Resources, The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business 
• Joseph Morford, Past Managing Partner, Tucker Ellis, Cleveland 

• 12:10 PM – 12:30 PM: Break  

• 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch Panel/Workshops #3 – Developing & Managing Client Relationships  

Description: Focused on rainmaking and client engagement, this workshop provides practical guidance on building, sustaining, and enhancing client relationships. Participants will learn techniques for strategic communication, trust-building, and long-term client development. 

Speakers: 

• Yaz Ashrawi ‘12, Partner-in-Charge, FBT Gibbons, Co-Moderator 
• Nathan Colvin '10, Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Fifth Third Bank, Co-Moderator
• Juli Faris Bruce ‘89, General Counsel and Principal/NBBJ 
• Molly Lampe ’00, General Counsel at Wright-Patt Credit Union 
• Matt Navarre ‘15, VP and Associate General Counsel, M&A and Legal Operations, Cardinal Health  
• Melissa Zujkowski ’04, VP of Litigation & Disputes, Flex 

• 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Break 

• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Workshop #4: AI & the Legal Industry  

Description: This forward-looking session will address emerging trends surrounding artificial intelligence in law firm management and legal practice. Participants will discuss how AI is reshaping the profession and what it means for leadership and decision-making. 

Speakers: 

• Ric Simmons, Associate Dean for Faculty and Intellectual Life and Chair of AI Committee, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Moderator  
• Ryan L. Waggoner ‘10, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright  
• Kyle Poe, Vice President of Legal Innovation & Strategy, Legora
• Miguel Villalobos ‘11, Sr. Director & AI & eDiscovery, Integreon 

• 3:00 PM: Closing Remarks by Dean Kent Barnett