Former Partner Karl S. Hay Remembered in Akron Legal News and Youngstown Daily Legal News Article

Former longtime Brouse McDowell Partner Karl Hay was remembered in a recent Akron Legal News and Youngstown Daily Legal News article titled “Attorney and Community Activist Karl S. Hay Remembered.”

The article highlights his innumerable community development initiatives and the impact his life had on those who knew him. After graduating from Buchtel High School, The Ohio State University, and what is now Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Karl began working at Brouse in 1955. Brouse attorney and former Managing Partner Jerry Whitmer—who first met Karl as an opponent before joining Brouse—said of Karl, “He was a formidable opponent, who later became a very good partner and a friend. He was the ultimate lawyer when it came to giving back to his community.” Adding, “In fact, he did more for community organizations than any other attorney I know of.”

It is clear how much he did for the community, with a list of projects that includes key roles in the creation of the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau and construction of the John S. Knight Center and serving on boards of organizations such as the Greater Akron Chamber, the United Way of Summit County, the Red Cross, Old Trail School, the Summit County Historical Society, Planned Parenthood and the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau. What is also clear is the impact he had on those around him, especially his colleagues at Brouse.

Partner Richard Harris III said, “When I started practicing at Brouse, he was a great mentor to me.” Partner John Fairweather said of his leadership, “Karl was a mentor to everyone at the firm by the example he set,” adding “Integrity was a given with Karl. He dealt with people in an honest, straightforward fashion and he expected everyone to deal with him in a similar manner.” Former Managing Partner of Brouse Jeff Heintz summed up Karl’s life noting, “Karl had an innate ability to draw people in. He would light up the room the moment he walked in. I saw that at the firm, the bar, [and] in the community.”

Brouse McDowell strives to this day to honor his legacy and to emulate Karl’s commitment to the community through the Karl S. Hay Community Service Award. This award was created by the firm in 2002 and honors a Brouse attorney, paralegal, or staff member who exemplifies the unwavering commitment to our community by making a donation to the recipient’s charity of choice.

To read the full article click here.