Judges, elected officials, area attorneys and clients joined attorneys and staff of Spengler Nathanson recently to celebrate the law firm’s 75th anniversary.
More than 100 people attended the event held at the downtown Toledo office. The celebration featured the unveiling of a 75th anniversary banner on the side of the building, a video on the firm’s history and refreshments.
Managing partner David Smigelski accepted a proclamation commemorating the anniversary from State House Representative Paula Hicks Hudson.
Spengler Nathanson began in 1947 following the Great Depression and World War II. Four attorneys fulfilled a dream that would help lead the way. They were Otto Spengler, Joe Nathanson, Bert Hebenstreit and Joe Heyman. These partners could scarcely imagine what lay ahead and the footprint they were about to create in Toledo.
On February 1 of that year, they officially opened. Each partner brought his own set of skills and areas of expertise to create a wellrounded practice. Together, they established a foundation for a law firm that remains an integral part of the community.
In addition to their legal abilities, the men also were active in the community, in organizations such as the YMCA, Humane Society, the Child Welfare Board and Toledo Kiwanis Club.
Over the years, the law firm grew as did Toledo. In the 1950s, Spengler Nathanson helped create the driving economic development force in the region–the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. The firm also provided counsel to the City of Toledo, Metroparks Toledo, area universities, school districts and local communities, as well as religious and non-profit organizations.
Lawyers at the firm counseled countless small, medium and large businesses and individuals, and responded to legal needs inside and outside the courtroom.
“While our firm initially focused on business and public law, our founders were ever mindful of the changing needs of the community and those the firm was committed to serve,” said Mr. Smigelski. “As a result, the firm grew from our four founders to more than 25 attorneys today, adding practice areas of civil and criminal litigation, labor and employment, education, real estate, wealth and estate planning, and family law.”
Today, they continue to follow the example set by the founders and remain focused on community and businesses and individuals who need assistance.
Spengler Nathanson encourages its members to engage in professional and civic service. Seven attorneys have served as president of the Toledo Bar Association. Others served with the Ohio State Bar Association and the Ohio General Assembly. Still others became judges in the federal district court and the state appellate and common pleas courts.
The firm’s lawyers also have contributed countless hours of pro bono legal work, and provided leadership in service, religious and nonprofit organizations.
Spengler Nathanson remains the trusted source of legal counsel for businesses, individuals and governmental entities. Its prominent trial practice has earned it the right to work on cases with farreaching and lasting impact.
“Our 75-year history gives clients peace of mind in our expertise. They can trust our commitment to bettering our community, and they have our pledge to continually serve their legal interests with the highest professional and ethical standards,” said Mr. Smigelski.
