Login | November 15, 2024
Attorney L. Terrence Ufholz to receive Professionalism Award
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: November 15, 2024
In 2002 then-Akron Bar Association President Steve Fallis proposed an initiative to find a new headquarters for the organization.
At the time, the bar association was operating out of the Landmark Building in downtown Akron, and while the lease was not yet up, the sentiment was it was time for the bar association to look toward the future.
Fallis tapped attorney L. Terrence Ufholz and other bar leaders to explore leasing, owning, building, financing and many other issues related to relocating over the next couple of years.
Ufholz was part of the search process when he became president-elect of the association.
During his term as president he signed the agreement to purchase Akron Fire Station No.1 from the city of Akron.
Then, as immediate past president, Ufholz served as the owner’s representative for the renovation of the building.
“It was like having three jobs,” said Ufholz. “I had my law practice, was president of the bar association and became the owner’s representative for the renovation of the building.”
The result, he said, was more than worth it.
In December 2007, bar employees moved into their new headquarters, which features state-of-the-art technology, all while maintaining some historical aspects of the original architecture of the 1915 building.
More than 15 years later that project remains a major part of Ufholz’s legacy at the bar association, which also includes serving on the board, as secretary and on numerous committees.
His dedication to the bar association, together with his commitment to his clients and the community, were all factors leading to his selection as the 2024 recipient of the Bradford “Buck” M. Gearinger Professionalism Award.
Originally known as the Professionalism Award, the accolade was renamed in 2018 to commemorate the legacy of attorney Gearinger, a former bar president and influential leader. It pays tribute to those who exemplify the highest levels of professionalism and ethical behavior in the legal field.
In a press release, Akron Bar Association Chief Executive Officer C. Allen Nichols said the organization is “incredibly proud” to see Ufholz recognized with the Gearinger Award.
“His dedication to maintaining the integrity of the legal profession, while consistently showing compassion and a commitment to justice, is admirable.
“His role in saving Akron’s first fire station and redeveloping it into a permanent home for our association was an incredible act of leadership,” Nichols said in the press release. “This recognition is not only a reflection of his career but also sets an example for members of our local legal community.”
“I was very surprised,” said Ufholz, who will be presented with the accolade on Nov. 21 during an award ceremony at Our Lady of the Cedars. “I’ve been practicing a long time and it’s nice to be recognized as deserving of this prestigious award.
“Being honored for your professionalism is one of the most important achievements in an attorney’s career,” said Ufholz, of counsel at Roderick Linton Belfance.
It was Steve Fallis who nominated Ufholz for the award.
“I have known Terry for 50 years––as a fellow Akron Bar Association member and past president, as both opposing and as co-counsel, and most importantly, as my friend,” said Fallis, a retired city of Akron assistant law director. “I was pleased to nominate him for this award and with the committee for selecting him.
“I sincerely believe that the Professionalism Award is the most prestigious award we as a bar association can give to a practicing attorney.
“Professionalism is more than being a good or a successful attorney, it is more than following the rules of legal ethics. It encompasses civility, understanding, respect for the law and respect for our system of justice,” said Fallis.
“The recipient of our Professionalism Award must exhibit those traits. Terry Ufholz has exhibited those traits and been a true professional his entire career,” said Fallis, adding that Ufholz is “most deserving” of the accolade.
Former Summit County Probate Court Chief Magistrate Larry Poulos said Ufholz fits the criteria for the Professionalism Award to a ‘t.”
“I have a unique perspective on Terry,” said Poulos, now of counsel at Rischitelli & Poulos and Barry M. Ward Co. “We worked together at the bar association at the same time. He also appeared before me when I was chief magistrate and later we had cases together.
“As a lawyer advocating for his client he always acted in a professional manner and worked for the best interests of his client.
“I have often called on Terry to help me with many community activities and he has always been willing to help,” said Poulos. “He is well-deserving of the Professionalism Award.”
A native of Cleveland, Ufholz obtained his bachelor’s degree in industrial management and juris doctor from The University of Akron.
“I’ve heard some people talk about their careers and say they knew they wanted to be a lawyer since eighth grade,” said Ufholz. “I did not know.
“When I got my bachelor’s degree I was looking at either getting an MBA or law school. I took the entrance exam for graduate school and the LSAT and I did well on the LSAT, so I picked law school.”
While he was initially planning to practice in Cleveland, he received an offer to join Alpeter, Diefenbach, Davies, Koerber & Nostwich in Akron as an associate even before he passed the bar exam.
Then in 1976, Ufholz joined a few of the firm’s partners to form Koerber, Nostwich & Ufholz Co.
Four years later he became a partner at Calhoun, Waddell, Ufholz & Hunt.
Prior to joining Roderick Linton Belfance as of counsel in 2020, he served as a partner at Corzin, Sanislo & Ufholz for about 20 years.
Roderick Linton Belfance Managing Partner Bill Chris said Ufholz’s “influence and knowledge have been very beneficial to the firm,” adding that he has mentored a number of younger attorneys.
“Terry has done a lot for the bar association and the community,” said Chris. “I was not at all surprised to learn that he was chosen for the Professionalism Award.
“He is a tireless worker, has a big heart and a great sense of humor,” said Chris. “He and I are friends. It’s nice having him at our firm and I’m ecstatic that he got the award.”
A longtime member of the Akron and Ohio State bar associations, Ufholz was on the board of directors of The University of Akron School of Law Alumni Association for six years.
He has also served in various capacities at The Bath Church, United Church of Christ, where he continues to be a member. He is a former member and chair of the board of deacons, a past chair of the new member committee and was a member of the interim and minister replacement committees.
Throughout his lengthy career he has primarily focused on corporate, domestic relations, trust and estate and real estate matters.
“I really enjoy business-type work,” said Ufholz. “I have a background in working with closely-held corporations, including one first formed in the 1970s. I still represent the client.
“I also have an active domestic relations practice which is an area that is not always easy because of the issues one deals with.
“Roderick Linton Belfance has provided me with many more opportunities to assist my business clients,” he said. “It is a much larger firm and a very good fit for me.”
While he’s been practicing for 50 years he said retirement is not yet on his radar.
“I keep up with the latest technology and any changes to the law,” said Ufholz.
“I will say that life and practicing law were a lot less complicated when I graduated in 1974,” said Ufholz. “Back then it was possible for an attorney to do a little bit of everything but, as time has gone on, the laws have become more complex necessitating an attorney to be somewhat of a specialist.”
Ufholz said his goal is to scale back his working days to Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
“So far this has been only aspirational,” he said.
“I am spending more time with my wife and family,” he said. “I have two daughters and two grandchildren. I also love to sail so I’m doing more of that.
“I have been very blessed over the years,” said Ufholz. “There are a few small changes I might make if I could go back but nothing major.”
The Professionalism Award dinner gets underway at 5 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Our Lady of the Cedars in Fairlawn. Tickets cost $75 apiece. To register go to (https://www.akronbar.org/?pg=events&eid=291085&evAction=regV2)