Page 5 - MayJune25 Report

A New Time
for the CBA
Strengthening Connections
and Engagement
By Erica Monttinen
Photos by Catherine Viox,
catherinegracephoto.com
“When I look back at what I’ve really
accomplished, helping open our doors
wider to more promising candidates
is something I'm proud of.”
Alan Abes knew from a young age he wanted to be a
lawyer and never wavered in his pursuit. In junior high
he quickly recognized his academic strengths in History
and English. By the time he joined his high school debate team,
his calling became undeniable—Alan wanted to pursue a career
in law. He enjoyed presenting arguments, researching, and
persuading others, which led him to realize he wanted to become
a litigator. Recognizing these skills as his strengths, he pursued a
path that would allow him to do just that.
College took Alan from
his home in Northeast Ohio to
Columbus where he attended The
Ohio State University. During his
time there he kept busy by volun-
teering as a reader at the school’s
Disability Services office, serving
as community service chair of
Romophos Sophomore Honor
Society, Vice President of Mortarboard Senior Honor Society, and
President of Pi Sigma Alpha political science honor society. He
stayed active by playing intramural softball and flag football. The
summers brought him back home where he worked as a mover at
the store where his dad sold furniture, and as a playground super-
visor for the Canton Recreation Department.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, with
honors in the Liberal Arts and distinction in Political Science, in
1990. Law school was the next step on his list. Ready for a change,
but not wanting to leave the Midwest, Alan applied to a handful of
schools and decided upon Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
Alan said, “It appealed to me, and it would be a bit more acces-
sible than other places I might have applied to.”
During law school, Alan was involved in moot court, serving
on the moot court board, and contributing to one of the school’s
legal journals. Outside the classroom, he stayed active by playing
intramural softball and floor hockey. After his second year, he
spent the summer in Cincinnati as a summer associate for Dins-
more & Shohl, an experience that would later shape his career.
Reflecting on his time in law
school, he shared, “I loved law
school, had a great group of
friends, and a supportive class that
wasn’t needlessly competitive.”
Alan graduated cum laude in
1993 with his Juris Doctorate and
chose to return to Ohio to begin
his legal career. He interviewed
with firms in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati before ulti-
mately selecting Dinsmore—a decision made easier by his
experience as a summer associate there. Describing himself as a
“jack of all trades” litigator, Alan has built a long and successful
career at Dinsmore, remaining with the firm for 32 years.
Over the years, Alan has held various leadership roles at Dins-
more, including Commercial Litigation practice group co-chair,
Vice Chair of the Diversity Committee, and Firm Coordinator for
the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati’s Volunteer Lawyers
Project. He spoke fondly of his time as Chair of the Recruiting
THE REPORT | May/June 2025 | CincyBar.org 5