The Toledo Way Series
"A Look Back at 40 Years of Practice"
Monday, Mar. 16, 2026 | 12 p.m.
Law Center, McQuade Law Auditorium
William Chris will be providing insight into his legal career over the last 40 years, practical practice tips, and the relevance and importance of bar association involvement.
A pizza lunch will be provided.
About the Speaker
William G. Chris, '85
William G. Chris is the managing partner of Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP, with extensive experience in insurance defense and coverage, fraud investigation, collections, and business litigation. He began practicing law in 1985, joined the firm in 2001, and currently serves as President of the Ohio State Bar Association.
William has held numerous leadership roles with the Akron Bar Association, including President (2018–2019), Bar Counsel, Trustee, and committee chair, and has argued cases before the Ohio Supreme Court. He is admitted to practice in Ohio, Florida, and federal courts, holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer multiple times. A native of Akron, he earned his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron.
DIRECTIONS & PARKING
McQuade Law Auditorium is on the main level of the Law Center — located at 1825 West Rocket Drive, immediately inside the UToledo West Entrance off of Secor Road and south of Bancroft Street.
You will need a guest permit, which can be obtained at parkutoledo.com/visitor-parking/. Alternatively, you can use the ParkMobile app in most areas on campus, which allows you to pay for short-term parking.
About the Series
The Toledo Way sums up the culture of the Toledo legal community. It stands for the proposition that attorneys are collegial and cordial to each other. We stand by our word, and we treat even opposing counsel with respect and integrity. In addition, the Toledo Way means that we nurture and instruct our new lawyers so that they will become competent attorneys in their own right. For a list of guest speakers from previous years, please visit our past speakers page.
Questions?
Kate Abu-Absi, Program Manager, Alumni and Student Engagement
katherine.abu-absi@utoledo.edu
419.530.5108