CMBA Law and The Land

The Inside Story on Ohio's Marijuana Industry - Thomas G. Haren and Chris Schmitt

Thomas G. Heron predicts that marijuana in Ohio will become a billion dollar industry in the next year. He should know. He’s Ohio’s leading cannabis law attorney, and Partner in Frantz Ward’s Cannabis Law Practice Group. In this latest edition of CMBA’s Law and The Land podcast, Tom sat down with CMBA CEO Chris Schmitt and provides fascinating insights into how weed became legal in Ohio, why he has such a personal passion for this cause, and what the future of cannabis business means for our state. Tom has also served as the chair of the CMBA’s Thought Leadership Committee, and the explains why defending the Rule of Law is so critical for attorneys of all political persuasions.

Fighting for The Rule of Law - Previewing the ABA's Visit to Cleveland

"If we're not going to stand up for lawyers and law firms who are our members, what are we even doing here? And if we're not going to speak up and protect the integrity and independence of the courts, what are we even doing here?" That's CMBA Immediate Past President Matthew D. Besser talking about why we are hosting powerful discussions about the Rule of Law and the role of our courts in protecting the Constitution. He's talking with CMBA CEO Chris Schmitt about an upcoming visit to the CMBA by the American Bar Association on Tuesday July 8, 2025. Matt will be hosting a forum for the legal community with ABA President Bill Bay. Free tickets are still available! Visit clemetrobar.org [https://clemetrobar.org] to learn more.

My BarStory S03E07 - Blind Injustice featuring Terry Gilbert, Laurice Glover, Brian K. Johnson, and Chris Schmitt

Blind Injustice is a musically diverse opera telling the inspiring stories of six people who spent decades in Ohio prisons, only to finally be exonerated and granted the freedom they always deserved. The CMBA is a proud sponsor of Blind Injustice at Playhouse Square July 11-13, 2025. Tickets are on sale now at playhousesquare.org [https://playhousesquare.org]. Produced in Cleveland by Chagrin Arts, Blind Injustice opened to sold out crowds in Cincinnati, and more recently played at Lincoln Center in New York City to outstanding reviews. CityBeat calls Blind Injustice "a masterpiece." In this special edition of MyBarStory, CMBA CEO Chris Schmitt is joined by Cleveland attorney and wrongful conviction activist Terry Gilbert. Also on the panel is Laurice Glover, who spent 20 years in prison and whose story is brilliantly portrayed in Blind Injustice, and Brian K. Johnson, a world-renowned opera singer who plays the part of Cleveland exonoree Rickey Jackson. It's an important discussion about justice, and how art can shine a light on the dangerous gaps in our system.

My BarStory S03E05 - Raising the Bar for Women in Law

Did you know that women are more than 50% of law school graduates, but have only 20% of senior management positions in U.S. law firms? That's just one of the compelling issues facing women in law. In this episode of My BarStory, we look forward from International Women's Day with a powerful discussion including new data from an Ohio state-wide survey of attorneys. These four accomplished women share their own stories of microaggressions and disrespect in the courtroom and the boardroom. Most importantly, they give us strategies for dealing with it. Speakers: Bethany Studenic Of Counsel, Sobel, Wade & Mapley Kami D. Brauer Employment Law Partners, LLC Ann-Marie Ahern Co-Managing Principal, McCarthy Lebit Kelley Barnett, Senior Vice President, Senior Managing Counsel AmTrust Financial

My BarStory S03E04 - Matt Besser, Nick DiCello, Gabrielle Kelly and Chris Schmitt

In 2025, the CMBA has issued a number of statements regarding the Rule of Law and why defending it is the very foundation of this organization. So why do we do it? Why do we take public opinions on issues that might be controversial? Let’s hear it straight from the CMBA’s leadership. In this edition of My BarStory, CMBA President Matt Besser, President-Elect Nick DiCello, and Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity Gabrielle Kelly as they talk with CMBA CEO Chris Schmitt about how we make the tough calls.