In April 2020, Matthew Vansuch, a partner at Brouse McDowell, was the first attorney to argue before the Ohio Supreme Court via Zoom. The 100-year-old business law firm expects courts to continue to use virtual technologies, even after the pandemic has subsided, says Daniel Glessner, managing partner.
“How we practice law has changed forever, particularly for our litigators,” Glessner says. “Brouse continues to invest in its technology and cyber-security to give our attorneys and staff the ability to work and to be accessible anywhere in a secure environment.”
Brouse maintained operations and staff throughout the pandemic, using technology to offer legal services and counsel, and extending its events and offerings to new audiences during the stay-at-home order, Glessner says. The firm employs 142 attorneys and staff across offices in Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, Youngstown and Naples, Fla.
The firm provided regular alerts and video briefings on the Paycheck Protection Program, the Main Street Lending program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and other programs.
“Everyone worked hard to support our clients and to help them through these difficult times,” Glessner says.
In 2020, Brouse McDowell added two attorneys to its Canfield office. Vito Abruzzino, Columbiana County prosecutor and the director of the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission, joined the firm’s trusts and estates practice group.
Also joining the firm is Catherine Stone, who brings more than 16 years of experience in counseling clients on estate plans, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate law.
“We will continue to grow strategically where it makes sense for our firm and our clients,” Glessner says.
A community service committee coordinates the firm’s volunteer efforts. These include the Keep Akron Beautiful project, a Greater Cleveland Food Bank volunteer day, and United Way fundraising campaigns.