Press Releases - March 7, 2005

RAY DREW HONORED BY OHIO STATE BAR ASSOCIATION FOR 65 YEARS OF SERVICE

Ray Drew, one of the founding partners of the Drew & Ward law firm, was honored for his 65 years of service as an attorney at the OSBA's District One annual meeting on March 7th.

Mr. Drew is one of four attorneys who was recognized for 65 years of service at the meeting, which also celebrated the bar association's 125th anniversary. This year, only 17 OSBA members in Ohio have achieved this milestone.

"Think of all that has changed over the legal career of Ray Drew, and then think of what has remained constant: that being a lawyer is a learned profession to be conducted with dignity, integrity and honor as a high calling dedicated to the service of clients and the public good," said Heather G. Sowald, president of the Ohio State Bar Association. "We commend Ray Drew as he celebrates 65 years of commitment to these ideals."

Born and raised in Boston, Mr. Drew practiced law there for 10 years. After serving as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force from 1941 to 1945, he moved to Cincinnati and started the firm with Richard Ward in 1958. Mr. Drew was admitted to the bar in Massachusetts in 1940 and in Ohio in 1950. He attended Columbia University and Suffolk University (LL.B., with honors, 1939).

"My focus as an attorney has always been to serve other people," Mr. Drew said. "I enjoy helping others and working to better our community."

Along with his legal career, Mr. Drew has been involved in a variety of community-oriented projects. He has served as Chairman of the Hamilton County Hospital Commission and Chairman of the Deaconess Hospital.

Now semi-retired, Mr. Drew practices primarily in probate and estate planning.

Drew & Ward Co., LPA celebrates its 47th anniversary this year, enjoying a history of more than four decades of service: service to clients, service to the law, and service to the community. Mr. Drew and Mr. Ward opened their office in the Central Trust Tower (now the Fourth & Vine Tower) in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1958. Both were pilots during World War II and returned to pursue legal careers after admiring attorneys in their own families. The two founded the firm based on the ideals of serving clients with good counsel, cost effective solutions and hard work.

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