Twenty-six years ago, Patricia J. Friesinger came to Dayton to begin a career, what she didn’t realize was that she was choosing her home. But somewhere between building a law practice, raising a family, developing relationships that would span decades and helping businesses through some of their most difficult days, that is exactly what Dayton became. “Dayton gave me a home, a career, and a future,” she told the audience as she accepted a 2026 Dayton Business Journal Woman Who Means Business award. For those who know Pat and the career she has built as a partner at Coolidge Wall, …
Coolidge Wall Attorney Lu Ann Stanley Named Ohio’s 2026 Local Library Champion
Coolidge Wall is proud to congratulate attorney Lu Ann Stanley, who has been selected by the Ohio Library Council to receive its 2026 Local Library Champion Award, one of the organization’s major statewide honors, for her service to Wright Memorial Public Library in Oakwood According to Wright Library’s Director, Kristi Hale, “Lu Ann Stanley has guided Wright Library’s success for nearly twenty years, serving on both the Wright Library Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board. Her vision and commitment resulting in a strong culture of philanthropy, highly effective leadership, responsive strategic planning, and a transformative renovation.” For Stanley, the …
New Attorney Lucas Strakowski Joins Coolidge Wall
Every business reaches moments where experienced legal counsel can make all the difference. Whether launching a new company, negotiating a significant acquisition, drafting key agreements or addressing day-to-day operational challenges, businesses benefit from attorneys who understand both the legal and practical sides of running an organization. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Lucas Strakowski to the Coolidge Wall Business Law team. Lucas focuses his practice on serving small and medium-sized businesses throughout Dayton and Southwest Ohio. Since becoming an attorney in 2022, he has represented businesses in transactions ranging from straightforward asset purchases to complex equity sales valued in the …
Coolidge Wall’s Natasha Mumford Named a 2026 Dayton Business Journal CFO of the Year Honoree
The best financial leaders do far more than manage budgets and balance spreadsheets. They help shape strategy, inspire innovation, strengthen organizations and create the foundation for long-term success. That is why Coolidge Wall is proud to announce that Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Natasha Mumford has been named a 2026 Dayton Business Journal CFO of the Year honoree. The Dayton Business Journal’s annual CFO of the Year Awards recognizes financial visionaries who are driving business growth and helping shape the economic future of the Dayton region. Honorees are selected through an independent editorial review based on their professional …
Coolidge Wall Attorney Merle Wilberding Awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Some honors recognize professional achievement. Others recognize a life dedicated to making a difference. Coolidge Wall is proud to congratulate attorney Merle F. Wilberding on being awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.), honoris causa by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, one of the University’s highest distinctions. The honor was announced during Wilberding’s 60th class reunion, where Father James P. Burns, IVD, shared that the University’s Board of Trustees was recognizing Merle for his distinguished legal career and his lifelong service and leadership to his community. For Wilberding, a 1966 graduate of Saint Mary’s, the recognition carries special meaning. It …
Coolidge Wall Announces David P. Pierce as New Firm President
DAYTON, Ohio — Coolidge Wall Co., L.P.A. has announced that David P. Pierce will serve as the firm’s next president, effective July 1, 2026. Pierce succeeds Daniel J. Gentry, who is stepping down from the firm’s presidency after more than two decades of service to the firm. Gentry will continue serving clients and supporting the firm as a shareholder and advisor. Pierce is a shareholder at Coolidge Wall and chairs the firm’s Litigation and Labor & Employment Departments. He also serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. During more than 30 years as an attorney, Pierce has represented clients in complex …
Manufacturing in Motion: Why the Best Business Strategy Includes Legal Strategy
Manufacturing has always been an important part of the Miami Valley’s identity. Today, it remains one of the region’s greatest strengths. Approximately 16% of the local workforce is employed in manufacturing, making it one of the most significant drivers of our economy. From aerospace and defense to precision machining, food production, advanced materials and industrial technologies, manufacturers continue to shape the future of the Dayton region. That future of was the focus of discussion at Sinclair Community College’s Manufacturing Forum on June 11, a dynamic gathering designed to inform, connect and inspire the region’s manufacturing community. The event brought together …
Patricia Friesinger Named a 2026 Dayton Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Honoree
Some of the most important victories in business never make the headlines. They happen when a company avoids closure. When jobs are saved. When a business owner finds a path forward through financial uncertainty. When creditors, lenders and stakeholders come together to preserve value and protect what has been built over years or even generations. For more than two decades, Patricia Friesinger has helped make those victories possible. Coolidge Wall is proud to congratulate Pat on being named a 2026 Dayton Business Journal Women Who Mean Business honoree, a recognition that celebrates accomplished women leaders who are making a meaningful …
Kara Ruffolo Appointed to Dayton Bar Association Board of Directors
Coolidge Wall is proud to announce that attorney Kara Ruffolo has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Dayton Bar Association. Kara’s appointment reflects her dedication to the legal profession, the Dayton community, and the clients she serves every day. As a member of the Board of Directors, she will help guide one of the region’s most influential legal organizations and contribute to the advancement of the profession throughout the Miami Valley. An attorney in Coolidge Wall’s Estate Planning and Tax Department, Kara counsels individuals, families, business owners and fiduciaries on a wide range of matters including estate …
Coolidge Wall Attorney Briana Breault Featured Speaker at National VALCON 2026 Conference
Coolidge Wall attorney Briana “Bri” Breault was a featured speaker at the American Bankruptcy Institute’s VALCON 2026 conference in New Orleans, where she presented on one of the most rapidly evolving issues in bankruptcy and restructuring: how artificial intelligence is changing the way companies are valued, investigated and administered in insolvency proceedings. Breault, an associate attorney in the firm’s Litigation and Bankruptcy Departments, participated in the panel “Risks and Benefits of AI and Impact on Valuing Companies.” Her presentation, “The Convergence of Artificial Intelligence and Insolvency: Navigating New Precedents,” explored a series of recent cases that are beginning to shape how courts and …