By Philip Kim
Ohio State Bar Foundation
Columbus, OH—The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) recognized the exceptional contributions of attorneys and organizations at the 2024 All Rise Annual Awards Celebration, held Oct. 25 at The Fives in Columbus, with Judge Jeffery Hopkins, of Cincinnati, receiving the Ohio State Bar Foundation’s highest award. 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.”
This year’s honorees are as follows:
The Ritter Award. The highest honor awarded by the Foundation; this award was given to Judge Jeffery Hopkins, Cincinnati, 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 Hopkins 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.”
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. Summer Work Experience in Law (SWEL) 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.”
Other awards included the Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service, which was awarded Scott P. Sandrock, of Akron. The award is 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.
Sandrock 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 health care 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.
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award was given to C. Raphael Davis-Williams, Columbus, who has dedicated his life to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, advocating for marginalized and underrepresented communities.| 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.
His journey began in high school, where he cofounded 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.
Sarah Biehl, Policy Director of the Ohio Mayors Alliance, said, “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.”
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.
The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) is a nonprofit, grant-making organization and the largest bar foundation in the U.S. Through our grants and programs, the OSBF works to educate the public about the rule of law and help build a better justice system.
For more information about the Ohio State Bar Foundation, visit www.OSBF.org.