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 …
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 …
Please Join Us for a Complimentary Cybersecurity Briefing presented by FBI Specialist
Please join us for a complimentary threat briefing on cyber crime. The presentation will include the FBI’s perspective on cyber crime, impact and losses due to cyber crime, the cyber threat landscape as observed by the FBI, common attack vectors/scams and mitigation tips to help prevent you from becoming a victim. Thursday, May 14, 2026 Click here to RSVP Location: Sinclair Community College 12 W. Fourth Street Dayton, OH 45402 Room 12-131 (Board Room) Validated parking is available in Lot C, located under the building-please park at the South entrance Schedule: 3:30-4:00pm: Registration 4:00-4:45pm: Presentation 4:45-5:00pm: Questions
Please Join Us for Coolidge Wall’s Annual Complimentary Labor and Employment Seminar on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at the Dayton Art Institute
Please join us for Coolidge Wall’s annual, complimentary Labor and Employment Law Seminar where valuable insights into labor law developments and other impactful information to help your organization will be presented by our attorneys and other community leaders. Click here to RSVP Breakfast will be provided. Time: 8 am to noon Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026 Location: The Dayton Art Institute – The Gothic Cloister Parking is free onsite Click here to RSVP 8:00 am: Registration/Networking and Breakfast 8:30-9:15 am: Outlining Significant Changes and Developments in Employment Law Presented by Samantha Shemavonian, Coolidge Wall attorney Key federal labor and employment …
Eight Coolidge Wall Attorneys Named 2026 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Coolidge Wall is pleased to announce that eight of its attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion as 2026 Ohio Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars®. Super Lawyers: Patricia J. Friesinger: Creditor Debtor Rights Daniel J. Gentry: Business Litigation Joshua R. Lounsbury: Workers’ Compensation David P. Pierce: Business Litigation Richard A. Talda: Business Litigation Rising Stars: Robert D. Ballinger: Real Estate Kara T. Ruffolo: Business/Corporate Ashley E. Warwar: Estate Planning and Probate In addition, David Pierce was recognized as a Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyer. Dayton attorneys are included in the Cincinnati listing. Every year, Super Lawyers evaluates lawyers …
Sixteen Coolidge Wall Attorneys Selected for The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 Edition
Costello and Pierce Named “Lawyer of the Year” for Dayton and Three Named “Ones to Watch” Dayton, Ohio – Coolidge Wall Co., L.P.A. is pleased to announce that 16 of its attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 edition, and two attorneys, Shannon L. Costello and David P. Pierce, have been named “Lawyer of the Year” for Dayton in their practice areas. In addition, three Coolidge lawyers were named “Ones to Watch.” Best Lawyers is regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Its process is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey …
Coolidge Wall Announces Election Of Two Shareholders
Dayton, Ohio – The law firm of Coolidge Wall Co., L.P.A. is pleased to announce that Elliott V. Haller and Ashley E. Warwar have been elected as new shareholders of the firm. “We are proud to welcome Elliott and Ashley as new shareholders,” said Daniel J. Gentry, President, and CEO of Coolidge Wall. “They bring incredible skills and capabilities to our clients and are ready to move forward in their new roles within the firm. They are both actively engaged in the Dayton community and embody the character and caliber of the attorneys who have practiced at our firm over …
Martha “Marty” Welch, Senior Corporate Paralegal at Coolidge Wall, to Retire After More than 48 Years
We announce bittersweet news today. Marty Welch, a beloved member of the Coolidge Wall team, and a senior paralegal in our Corporate/Business Department, plans to retire at the end of June. We are grateful for Marty’s 48+ years of service and her countless contributions to clients and the Firm. No one wants to say goodbye, but we are truly excited for Marty to start her life’s next chapter and enjoy her retirement. During Marty’s almost 50 years at Coolidge, she helped manage and complete hundreds of transactions. Marty has been there from start to finish – establishing and managing data rooms, …