Thomas G. Heron predicts that marijuana in Ohio will become a billion dollar industry in the next year. He should know. He’s Ohio’s leading cannabis law attorney, and Partner in Frantz Ward’s Cannabis Law Practice Group. In this latest edition of CMBA’s Law and The Land podcast, Tom sat down with CMBA CEO Chris Schmitt and provides fascinating insights into how weed became legal in Ohio, why he has such a personal passion for this cause, and what the future of cannabis business means for our state. Tom has also served as the chair of the CMBA’s Thought Leadership Committee, and the explains why defending the Rule of Law is so critical for attorneys of all political persuasions.

"If we're not going to stand up for lawyers and law firms who are our members, what are we even doing here? And if we're not going to speak up and protect the integrity and independence of the courts, what are we even doing here?"

That's CMBA Immediate Past President Matthew D. Besser talking about why we are hosting powerful discussions about the Rule of Law and the role of our courts in protecting the Constitution. He's talking with CMBA CEO Chris Schmitt about an upcoming visit to the CMBA by the American Bar Association on Tuesday July 8, 2025. Matt will be hosting a forum for the legal community with ABA President Bill Bay. Free tickets are still available! Visit clemetrobar.org to learn more.

Blind Injustice is a musically diverse opera telling the inspiring stories of six people who spent decades in Ohio prisons, only to finally be exonerated and granted the freedom they always deserved.

The CMBA is a proud sponsor of Blind Injustice at Playhouse Square July 11-13, 2025. Tickets are on sale now at playhousesquare.org. Produced in Cleveland by Chagrin Arts, Blind Injustice opened to sold out crowds in Cincinnati, and more recently played at Lincoln Center in New York City to outstanding reviews. CityBeat calls Blind Injustice "a masterpiece."

In this special edition of MyBarStory, CMBA CEO Chris Schmitt is joined by Cleveland attorney and wrongful conviction activist Terry Gilbert. Also on the panel is Laurice Glover, who spent 20 years in prison and whose story is brilliantly portrayed in Blind Injustice, and Brian K. Johnson, a world-renowned opera singer who plays the part of Cleveland exonoree Rickey Jackson.

It's an important discussion about justice, and how art can shine a light on the dangerous gaps in our system.

Did you know that women are more than 50% of law school graduates, but have only 20% of senior management positions in U.S. law firms? That's just one of the compelling issues facing women in law. In this episode of My BarStory, we look forward from International Women's Day with a powerful discussion including new data from an Ohio state-wide survey of attorneys. These four accomplished women share their own stories of microaggressions and disrespect in the courtroom and the boardroom. Most importantly, they give us strategies for dealing with it.

Speakers:

Bethany Studenic
Of Counsel, Sobel, Wade & Mapley

Kami D. Brauer
Employment Law Partners, LLC

Ann-Marie Ahern
Co-Managing Principal, McCarthy Lebit

Kelley Barnett,
Senior Vice President, Senior Managing Counsel
AmTrust Financial

In 2025, the CMBA has issued a number of statements regarding the Rule of Law and why defending it is the very foundation of this organization. So why do we do it? Why do we take public opinions on issues that might be controversial? Let’s hear it straight from the CMBA’s leadership. In this edition of My BarStory, CMBA President Matt Besser, President-Elect Nick DiCello, and Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity Gabrielle Kelly as they talk with CMBA CEO Chris Schmitt about how we make the tough calls.

Last year, we introduced you to the first cohort of Cleveland Legal Collaborative Fellows. These new lawyers were filled with passion for serving those who can’t afford market-rate legal services. Now, it’s time for the new class! Freshly arrived in 2025, Aireus Johnson, Ange Mastandrea, and Josh Selby are already working to help the Cleveland Legal Collaborative to reach even more people in need of legal assistance. Interviewed by first-generation Collaborative Fellow Abby O’Leary, you’ll hear their determination to make a positive difference in this week’s My BarStory podcast.

Just how much has the practice of law changed in the last 50 years? We're going to learn how much from two men who have practiced here in Cleveland for more than half a century.

Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Charles L. Patton, Jr. and Richard S. Koblentz have seen it all, from dictation machines and ashtrays, to Zoom meetings and AI. Has it been a change for the better? Listen as two old friends share a history of downtown and of Cleveland's legal community.

Today we are launching the third season of our My BarStory podcast by returning to our roots. My BarStory began as a living history of our Bar over 150 years.  In this season three opener, we hear the amazing story of 50-year Cleveland Bar veteran Ken Lusnia, who practiced law in Cuyahoga County starting in 1970, with the support of his wife and a growing family of nine children. He grew to teach and influence prosecutors throughout Cuyahoga County, and improved our juvenile justice system. More importantly, his family continues to grow in love. Here’s Ken talking with his friend Judge Timothy Dobeck.

Fr. Raymond Guiao has always been a teacher. His impact as President of St. Ignatius and the Welsh Academy has been tremendously beneficial to Northeast Ohio families, especially those of more modest means.

In this week's My BarStory podcast, St. Ignatius Alumnus and Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation President Eric Levasseur shares an emotional reunion with a long-time mentor.

The CMBF will grant its highest honor, the Richard W. Pogue Award for Excellence in Community Leadership and Engagement, to Saint Ignatius High School’s President and Chief Mission Officer Father Raymond P. Guiao. The award will be presented at Rock the Foundation 19, on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Music Box Supper Club.  

For more details, including sponsorship opportunities and ticket information, please contact Events Coordinator Karli Smith at [email protected] or (216) 539-3711. 

“I was actually thinking, I don’t think it matters if I’m alive.” Those were the thoughts that led CMBA member Stacey Ganor to finally face her mental health challenges and get real help. Along the way, she inspired her friend and CMBA member Heather Zirke on her own quest for a happier life. This week’s My BarStory podcast episode features these two lawyers and friends sharing their personal stories in the hope that listeners will understand that they are not alone. As our Bar theme this year illustrates, we are truly In It Together!