The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) honored Sanford E. Watson with its Ramey Award for Distinguished Community Service at the OSBF’s 2021 All Rise Virtual Annual Awards Celebration on October 1. The Ramey Award is given annually to an Ohio attorney whose career has been underscored by dedication to the OSBF’s goals and values, a lifetime of service to the public and community, and advancing change in the legal system for historically marginalized communities of color in Ohio – all while working with integrity, honor, courtesy, and professionalism. 

As Tucker Ellis Equity & Inclusion Committee Chair, Sanford devotes a significant portion of his time to shaping equity and inclusion policy both within the firm and throughout the Northeast Ohio community, including considerable time spent mentoring young lawyers. Under his leadership, Tucker Ellis has received awards and recognition for diversity and best practices. Sanford is a past recipient of the Norman S. Minor Bar Association (NSMBA) Trailblazer Award and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s Inclusion Innovation Award, and he was selected as Cleveland-Marshall College of Law’s 2018 Black Law Students Association (BLSA) Honoree.

Watch the 2021 OSBF Ramey Award video tribute to Sanford here.