Login | August 02, 2025
Local attorneys graduate from 2025 OSBA Leadership Academy
Published: July 25, 2025
COLUMBUS – On Friday, June 20, 2025, four Akron-area attorneys were among 24 Ohio lawyers to graduate from the Ohio State Bar Association’s 2025 Leadership Academy.
The Ohio Bar Leadership Academy is designed to nurture and prepare lawyers for effective leadership in the association, the legal profession and their communities. The interactive training program takes place across a five-month period in six sessions during which participants interact with a diverse group of bar leaders and other professionals, learning about topics such as civility, ethics and professionalism.
“Congratulations to the Ohio Bar’s 2025 Leadership Academy class,” said Ohio Bar 2025-2026 President William Chris. “These lawyers are driven and passionate individuals who, by committing themselves to professional excellence, will be even stronger advocates for their clients and communities. Their futures are bright and I look forward to seeing them take their rightful places as leaders in the organized bar.”
The Leadership Academy is limited to lawyers who have practiced law between one and 10 years. Attorneys are selected based on their stated commitment to the goals of the academy, a demonstrated history of interaction with the legal and their own communities and diversity of experience, background and demographics.
Meet the Graduates:
Katherine Calla is a judicial attorney at the Summit County Juvenile Court where she has worked for the past three years under past Ohio Bar president Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio. Along with the Ohio State Bar Association, Calla is an active member of the Akron Bar Association, where she currently serves as chair of the New Lawyers Section, as a member of the Membership Committee and as an ex officio member of the board of directors. In 2024, Calla received the Akron Bar Association’s Section Chair of the Year Award for her work in revitalizing the section and promoting membership. She earned her undergraduate degrees from the Pennsylvania State University and her law degree from the University of Akron School of Law. *Download photo
Dorothy McGee is a two-year, term law clerk for Judge Michael J. Newman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. During law school, McGee served as senior articles editor of the North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology and was a competing member on the Holderness Moot Court Appellate Advocacy Team. McGee earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law.
Lori McGrady has extensive experience in legal compliance and regulatory standards for correctional and rehabilitation facilities. In her role as the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and Wellness Administrator at Oriana House, she oversees compliance with the PREA and leads wellness initiatives aimed at supporting both staff and clients. As a Department of Justice-certified PREA auditor, McGrady conducts nationwide audits to ensure facilities meet the highest standards of safety, respect, sexual safety and client rights. In addition to her professional role, Lori serves on the board of Hope and Healing Inc., supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking. She earned her law degree from the University of Akron School of Law.
Renee Royal-Spencer is an associate attorney with The Law Firm of Lynda Harvey Williams and Associates LLC located in Akron where she practices family law, probate law and civil law and aspires to be an advocate for juvenile defendants. She enjoys serving children in her community, including at her church of Saint Ashworth Temple COGIC where she is a leader of Youth Bible Club and through her membership in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Royal-Spencer also serves as a member of the board for Imagine Leadership Academy. She earned her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and her law degree from the University of Akron School of Law.