New Law Partner Conference Brings Together Alums for Learning

The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law is excited to launch a New Law Partner Conference. This conference is an exciting opportunity for all Ohio State Law alums who have made partner or shareholder in the last five years. This one-day event equips attendees with practical strategies for leadership, career growth, and client relationship management. Participants will leave the day feeling prepared to navigate the evolving legal landscape and contribute to firm success.  

“Our goal at the College is to prepare the next generation of outstanding lawyers and leaders,” said Kent Barnett, dean and J. Gilbert Reese Chair in Contract Law at Moritz College of Law. “Legal education and our commitment to our students does not end at graduation. We are excited to offer this conference to alumni, furthering our commitment to equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s legal profession.” 

The conference will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at The Ohio State University Fawcett Center, 2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio. The program will include an optional breakfast and luncheon, along with ample networking opportunities. Attendees can earn up to 5 CLE hours. If you are located outside Ohio and seeking CLE credit, a Certificate of Completion can be provided for attendees to submit to their state. 

Key sessions include: 

• Transitioning from Practitioner to Leader: Explore the shift from associate to partner, focusing on leadership mindset, responsibilities, and strategic thinking. 

• Talent Management and Mentorship: Learn approaches for developing talent, fostering mentorship, and creating an inclusive culture, guided by senior leaders, and business professionals. 

• Developing and Managing Client Relationships: Gain practical techniques for rainmaking, client engagement, and long-term relationship building through strategic communication and trust by learning from current general and associate general counsel. 

• AI and the Legal Industry: Examine emerging trends in artificial intelligence and its impact on law firm management, legal practice, and decision-making. 

• Special Session: The Future of Higher and Legal Education: Dean Barnett will lead a discussion on how legal education is evolving and its implications for the profession.  

Each session is designed to address the specific needs of a new partner in a firm. The content and topics were selected with the guidance of a generous committee of alumni, which includes: 

• Yaz Ashrawi ’12, Partner-in-Charge, FBT Gibbons 

• Chad Eggspuehler ’08, Partner, Tucker Ellis 

• Kaela King ’20, Managing Partner, Cooper Elliott 

• Marcie Lape ’04, Partner, Skadden 

• Ryan L. Waggoner ’10, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright 

Thank you to our Trial Supporter level sponsors, FBT Gibbons and Squire Patton Boggs, for their generosity and support of the conference. 

An invitation to the conference with registration details will be sent soon. Please contact Kathy Zets at zets.4@osu.edu with any questions.