1960-1996 Ascent to National Stature


In 1973, the Ohio State Bar Association saw a significant change in the frustrating history of merit selection when the governor, by executive order, established judicial nominating councils for the Ohio Supreme Court and each of the state’s appellate court districts. The impetus for this action came about through the efforts of the Association’s Modern Courts Committee led by Earl Morris.

Harry Wright III
 		In the mid-1970s, the attorney general of Ohio brought an action challenging the manner in which Battelle Memorial Institute, then the largest private research organization in the United States, distributed its “profits” as mandated in Gordon Battelle’s will. Wright Harlor had represented Battelle since its founding in 1929. The case was considered the most complex lawsuit in Ohio’s history. Earl Morris and Harry Wright III, who joined the firm in 1951, were the lead counsel on behalf of Battelle. The resolution led to Battelle’s funding of the Ohio Center, a landmark shopping, dining and convention complex in downtown Columbus.

TIME CAPSULE
THE LEGAL PROFESSION
1961
 		There were 15,470 attorneys practicing throughout Ohio, making it the fourth largest in the United States in attorney population.
1965
 		The state’s legal practice began acknowledging service to humanity, the community, and the profession with the Ohio Bar Medal.
1967
 		Thurgood Marshall was the first African-American to be appointed to the United States Supreme Court.
1970
 		Under the Modern Courts Amendment, the Ohio Supreme Court authorized the use of recording devices in lieu of shorthand reporting of court proceedings.
1973
 		The 110th Ohio General Assembly adopted a constitutional amendment which removed the prohibition against raises in salary during a judge’s term and authorized the General Assembly to adopt legislation to create a district court system.
1976 The United States Supreme Court abolished the prohibition against advertising by attorneys.
1981 Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman to be appointed to the United States Supreme Court.
1984 The United States Supreme Court ruled that law firms are covered by federal laws against discrimination and may not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, or national origin in promoting associates to partnership.
1993 ABA House adopts ethics rules specifying that lawyers should aspire to perform 50 hours of pro bono work a year.
1995 Roberta Cooper Ramo was the first woman to be elected president of the ABA.