Dear COAJ Members,

I’m incredibly grateful—and honestly a little humbled—to be stepping in as your COAJ President for 2025. It’s exciting and a bit surreal to follow in the footsteps of so many people who’ve built this organization into something truly special. Thank you to the leaders before me—you’ve laid the groundwork, and we’re all better for it.

My first COAJ meeting was years ago, thanks to my wife, who was a member and chaired the bankruptcy committee. I remember walking into that room and realizing this group wasn’t just about one type of law—it was a community. That moment stuck with me, and it’s a big reason why I’m so passionate about COAJ today.

Our mission remains unchanged: to fight for fair trials, support open access to the courts, defend the Constitution, and work together to improve the legal system for everyone. In 2025, we’ll continue to move forward—connecting with judges and court staff, welcoming new members, and maintaining the events and programs that define us. I’m talking about things like Beer and Baseball, the Holiday Luncheon, and our CLEs like the Professional Conduct Seminar and Trial Skills Institute.

We’re also rolling up our sleeves on a three-year strategic plan. With help from your feedback and guidance from Eleana Drakatos’ audit, our executive committee is hard at work turning that vision into action. It’s not about overnight change—it’s about thoughtful progress and keeping COAJ strong for the long haul.

To everyone who’s helped shape this organization—thank you. Your energy, time, and heart have brought us to this point, and I’m honored to carry that forward. I’m excited to work with all of you, grow our network, and keep pushing for justice in Central Ohio.

If you have ideas, questions, or just want to talk about where COAJ is headed, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make 2025 a great year.

Please complete and return the enclosed dues renewal form. As you will notice, our membership dues categories and amounts have changed as a result of the three-year strategic plan. All membership categories will now include the email link and website link on the “Find a Lawyer” page of the COAJ website, so these options are no longer an additional cost. If at all possible, please consider joining me as a Sustaining Member of this great organization. Our dues are what make the high caliber of our events possible.

With appreciation and excitement,
Will Nesbitt, President