Cary Rodman Cooper, a founding partner of the law firm of Cooper & Walinski received the 2006 Distinguished Toledo Lawyer Award on April 28, 2006.  Presented by The University of Toledo Law Alumni Association, this award recognizes a practicing lawyer who is a role model for others in the profession, with a distinguished reputation that combines professional achievement and a record of community involvement.

Mr. Cooper was presented with the award at the annual Law Day Luncheon by his partner of 37 years, Richard Walinski.  Mr. Walinski said three attributes have been hallmarks of the reputation Mr. Cooper has earned among the bar:  dedication to the profession, an exceptional competence, and depth of character.  During his acceptance speech, Mr. Cooper acknowledged the lawyers, past and present, within his firm and the Toledo legal community who have supported him over the years.  He also thanked friends and family, especially his wife Mary Ann, for their part in his successful career.

Mr. Cooper has been a role model and mentor to young attorneys at his firm and a champion of diversity.  He developed and taught a class on “Race and Law” at the University of Toledo College of Law.  His commitment to the next generation lead him to serve on school boards, on drug prevention boards and years as a baseball coach.

Cary Cooper is a 1969 graduate summa cum laude of the University of Toledo College of Law, J.D.  He clerked for United States District Court Judge Nicholas J. Walinski.  By building both his reputation and that of his firm, Mr. Cooper built a wide-ranging clientele.

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