ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

MICHAEL RING

Michael Ring (pictured on the right with his wife, Anne Marie, and two sons) is a 1994 graduate of The University of Akron School of Law. In 2015, the Ring's generously established The Michael and Anne Marie Ring Scholarship for Veterans.

What did you take away from your time at Akron Law?

"[I learned that] some great decisions are researched and thoughtfully planned, while others are made by chance. I was serving in the military (Air Force) when I decided to go to law school. I am the first lawyer in my family and I knew no lawyers and had no notions of where I should go. Being a poor enlisted person (“working for a living”), I narrowed my search to my home state of Ohio, because I could obtain in-state residence. Fortunately, this was one of my best decisions of my life and the practical approach Akron takes about the teaching of law and the skill of being a lawyer, has [been beneficial] for me.

20 years later, I can still remember the great experiences I had with professors, faculty, and friends at Akron, both in and out of class. What Akron did, and I still believe does well today, is understand who they are as a brand. They are not trying to be the “Harvard of NE Ohio.” Instead, they are a school where students are taught to be great lawyers by applying hard work, disciplined strategies, and great attitudes. Having worked in many environments, including being a partner at one of the biggest law firms in the world (Greenberg Traurig), I see the most success among colleagues who went to middle-America schools and had to work extra-hard to get where they are."

What motivated you to establish the Ring Scholarship at Akron Law?

"Recently, my wife and I shifted our charitable giving from large, institutional causes, to local causes, such as our kids’ elementary school. We saw how much difference a charitable dollar can make in a small cause, that has natural oversight by active donors.

Most importantly, this is a gift that keeps on giving. If we can improve and change the life of 1 or 2 students, the velocity effect from their impact on the world is not accountable. Who knows - one of our award recipients may one day serve on the Supreme Court, be CEO of a tech company, run a charity, or be a stay-at-home parent. Any of these results can improve the world around us."

What are some fun facts about yourself?

• My wife and I started our own law firm many years ago
• During the summer/school breaks for the past 6 years, we have traveled as a family in an RV
• I enjoy flying planes and playing golf

Do you have any advice for prospective/current students?

"One of the most important bits of advice I like to impress upon young lawyers is the analogy of how we should judge ourselves. Folks used to say that “you judge a person by the friends he/she keeps.” If you think about that rule, it really is true. Good people have good friends. Well, the same rule can apply to lawyers, and you can judge a lawyer “by the clients he/she keeps.” Think long-term when selecting a client. Short-money never rewards. I’m proud to say that my clients (big and small) over the past 20 years are as much my friends, as they are my business colleagues. When your clients are your friends, it goes a long way to have happiness at work and grow your book of business; plus it’s easier to get your bills paid!"