Firm News and Updates

December 2011:  Leon Bass/CWS to merges with Taft Stettinius & Hollister

Big News!  We will now be affiliated with the law firm of  Taft Stettinius and Hollister, LLP, which is one of the world's largest law firms.  This is because, as of January 2, 2012, Chester Willcox and Saxbe, LLP will merge with Taft.  I will fully integrate my law practice with Taft, assuming an "Of Counsel" position.  This allow us to better utilize the resources of the Taft firm--which in turn will benefit all of our clients!

Taft has a storied history dating back to 1885.  We will have over 360 attorneys worldwide, and in addition to the Columbus office, the firm has offices in Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Indiana and Phoenix.   The Columbus office will merge with Taft's existing Columbus office,  expanding by about 12 attorneys from the current 33 at Chester Willcox and Saxbe,  and we will all remain in Chester Willcox & Saxbe's existing office  on Capitol Square at 65 E. State Street, Ste 1000, Columbus Ohio, 43215. Therefore, my office will be exactly where it is right now.

What this means to our clients:  We will continue to represent you as we always have, but now we will be fully integrated into Taft and you will have access  to the full resources of one of the worlds top law firms.   My phone number and fax will remain the same but my email will eventually change to a Taft email.  You will, however, still be able to use my current Leon@leonbass.com email account for the immediate future.  In addition, my website, and all of its resources, will remain active. 

Also, instead of getting billed by  me, clients will receive my bills directly from Taft through their billing system; however they will each be reviewed by me and reflect the same fee structure that I currently have unless we agree to something different with you up front.  Therefore, if we will continue to provide services to you after January 2, 2012, you will receive future invoices from Taft directly and you will pay them to Taft directly per the instructions on the invoice.   However, if you have balances unpaid for items billed prior to January 2, 2012, you will still pay them to me directly, even if you pay them after January 2, 2012.

To learn more about the merger, please go here: http://www.taftlaw.com/news/press_room/story/787-chester-willcox-saxbe-to-merge-with-taft-taft-continues-strategic-regional-expansion

To learn more about Taft, please go here:  http://www.taftlaw.com/recognition/history

December 2011:  Bass named 'SUPER LAWYER" Rising Star for second straight year

Leon D. Bass visit superlawyers.com

Leon Bass was named “Ohio Rising Star 2012” in intellectual property by Super Lawyers, the leading attorney ratings system for consumers.  Only 5 percent of the total lawyers in the state are selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers as “Super Lawyers” and no more than 2.5 percent are named “Rising Stars.” Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.   Super Lawyers magazine features the list and profiles of selected attorneys and is distributed to attorneys in the state or region and the ABA-approved law school libraries. Super Lawyers is also published as a special section in leading city and regional magazines across the country. http://www.superlawyers.com

Many of Leon's co-counsel at the law firm of Chester Willcox & Saxbe, LLP (CWS) were also selected, as well as from the firm of Taft Stettinius & Hollister, our new namesake as of Jan 2nd.

August 2011:  Bass to continue as Adjunct Otterbein University Professor

Leon Bass will  continue at Otterbein University as an adjunct Professor this Winter quarter of 2012, teaching Music Law.

August 15th, 2011:  Bass Explains Concert Photographer's Rights to National Publication

Combining areas of expertise and passion, Bass was interviewed by National Examiner reporter Karen Van Hoff regarding the rights of a concert photographer.  Published, today, the article, entitled "Reality check: When music photographers should stand up for their rights," does a great job of hitting the key issues and concerns for all photographers, especially those shooting live concerts.

View the article here: http://www.examiner.com/concert-photography-in-national/reality-check-when-music-photographers-should-stand-up-for-their-rights

August 12 Bass To help light up WaterFire on Saturday August 20th, 2011, 7:30pm

Bass will perform at the Columbus Ohio Waterfire event on Saturday August 20th, 2011 with Grassinine.   The event will start at 6pm, with Grassinine playing at 7:30 and 9pm with the lighting of the fire in the middle.  The event takes place on the river just behind COSI.   More information:  http://www.waterfirecolumbus.com/;  www.grassinine.com; or https://www.facebook.com/leonbass#!/event.php?eid=240791115952925

August 16th, 2011:  Bass To Open for Legend Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon

Bass will perform at the Woodlands Tavern with the Apple Bottom Gang at Woodlands Tavern on Tuesday August 16th, 2011 opening for Great American Taxi, with front man Vince Herman from Leftover Salmon.  Apple Bottom Gang starts at 8pm.   For more information go to: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=180316145366894

May 21, 2011:  Bass Underwater Photography to be Exhibited in Agora 8

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Three of Leon Bass':  favorite underwater photography images will be on display at the Agora at in Grandview, Ohio on May 20th.  The following works from Bass's "Tideeyephoto.com" project have been selected (click to view large images):

May 5th, 2011:  Bass To Play Spring Jubilee with Railroad Earth, Lukas Nelson

Bass will perform at the annual Spring Jubilee festival in Columbus with Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk the Weekend of May 20th, 2011.  Also on the bill are Michael Glabicki Trio of RUSTED ROOT, Railroad Earth, Lukas Nelson and Promise Of The Real , The Recipe, Boogie Matrix Mechanism, The Rumpke Mountain Boys, and Oakhurst.  complete lineup is here:

May 4th, 2011: Bass Interview and Article in Alternative Revolt! Magazine

Bass was a feature interview in Alternative Revolt! Magazine, issue 13 released May 1st, 2011.  Hear about his view on metal music, how arguments with his parents plus a bad singing voice got him into law, the state on the music business today, and why labels don't really want to screw artists. You can find the story here on p74: http://www.altrevolt.com/ISSUE-13/FreeVersion/Default.html.  (Just put in p74 in the go to page box at the bottom)

April 26, 2011:  Bass appears in Film "Indie," by Pete Vogal. 

Indie is a film about the Columbus, Ohio music scene and about local bands and the music industry in general.  Bass appears playing mandolin with several acts.  The next viewing is Sat May 7th at the Grandview Theater.  There is also an article in the Other Paper.  There will be yet another viewing 2 p.m. May 15 at the Gateway Film Center.

April 22, 2011:  Musician Inc. was a Success!

Thank you to Matt Crumpton, Ohio State MEISA, Jeff Blue and everyone else that helped put on this great event!  We enjoyed speaking and being a part of it.

March 22, 2011: Happy Birthday Sophie Bass! (my mom)

What can we say...at the Law offices of Leon Bass, we love our mom!

March 22, 2011: Bass to speak at Musician, Inc. Conference April 22 at Ohio State

Another Can't-Miss event for musicians and those in the music biz courtesy of our friend attorney Matt Crumpton.  For tickets go to:  http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1288252197/efblike

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March 12, 2011:  Music in the Round Sponsor Was a Again a Sold-Out Success!:  We are Proud to again be a Music in the Round 2011 Sponsor!

Leon Bass, who is an event founder and member of the planning team, teamed up with Chester Willcox & Saxbe to ponsor for the 2011 Music in the Round at the Via Vecchia Winery in the brewery District!  Learn more at www.musicintheround.com. 

The event is produced by the Capitol Square Rotary Club, Columbus Ohio

January 24th, 2011: Bass nets 2010 “Law Firm of the Year" Awards:

“Law Firm of the Year"

SIX TIME WINNER

After earning the prestigious Super Lawyers "Rising Star" award last month (see article below), the  Law Office of Leon Bass has learned that it earned six  2010 “Law Firm of the Year" awards  in Ohio and  US Virgin Islands as by Corporate Intl Magazine.  The awards are: 

• “Entertainment Law Firm of the Year in Ohio”

• “Food & Beverage Law Firm of the Year in the US Virgin Islands”

• “Food & Beverage Law Firm of the Year in Ohio”

• “Entertainment Law Firm of the Year in the US Virgin Islands”

• “Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year in the US Virgin Islands”

• “IP Law Firm of the Year in Ohio”

We are proud to recognized for our efforts. "Corporate intl is firmly established as one of the leading monthly titles for business leaders, professional advisers and providers of finance throughout the world," according to their website.

 January 26, 2011: Why to use a REAL Law Firm & avoid the less expensive "Zoom" sites

January 20, 2011:  Music in the Round Sponsor:  We are Proud to be a Music in the Round 2011 Sponsor!

Leon Bass, who is an event founder and member of the planning team, is pleased to again team up with Chester Willcox & Saxbe to become a Sponsor for the Music in the Round event to take place on March 12th 2011 at the Via Vecchia Winery in the brewery District!  Learn more at www.musicintheround.com. 

The event is produced by the Capitol Square Rotary Club, Columbus Ohio

January 6, 2011: Grassinine Heats Up Grandview: Leon's band Grassinine gets props in The Columbus Dispatch:

Impromptu bluegrass session inspires launch of band Thursday, January 6, 2011  05:02 AM By KEVIN JOY The Columbus Dispatch A pontoon boat navigating the Scioto River is the last place one might expect to find an assemblage of jovial bluegrass musicians. It might be less expected that their "mountain rock" repertoire includes modern-day fare by Queen, Dave Matthews and Ozzy Osbourne. Even more surprising, perhaps, is that the musicians - whose talents include banjo, washboard, the spoons and a stringed "gut-bucket" that, for all intents and purposes, serves as a bass - are also major players in central Ohio commerce, law and health fields. Click Here to read full article>   Right:  The members of Grassinine, clockwise from left: Lee Bass, > Jamie Davis, Kirk Horn, Ron Ross, Christina Grote, Tom Krouse and Terry Davis.  Photo by BROOKE LaVALLEY | DISPATCH

Leon Bass with the members of Grassinine

December 2010:  Bass Appointed Adjunct Professor at Otterbein University

 

Leon Bass accepted a position at Otterbein University as an adjunct Professor starting Winter quarter of 2011.  He will teach Music Law

December 2010:  Bass Named Super Lawyer "Rising Star"

Leon Bass was named “Ohio Rising Star 2011” in intellectual property by Super Lawyers, the leading attorney ratings system for consumers.  Only 5 percent of the total lawyers in the state are selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers as “Super Lawyers” and no more than 2.5 percent are named “Rising Stars.” Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.   Super Lawyers magazine features the list and profiles of selected attorneys and is distributed to attorneys in the state or region and the ABA-approved law school libraries. Super Lawyers is also published as a special section in leading city and regional magazines across the country. http://www.superlawyers.com

Many of Leon's co-counsel at the law firm of Chester Willcox & Saxbe, LLP (CWS) were also selected.  CWS had 11 of the firm’s attorneys  named “Ohio Super Lawyers 2011” and five CWS attorneys were named "Ohio Rising Stars" 2011. The attorneys and their primary practice areas are listed below.  Of note, Frank Ray was named as a top 10 overall. 

Ohio Super Lawyers 2011:
John W. Bentine -- Utilities
Donald C. Brey – Political Law
Scott M. Doran -- Environmental
Stephen C. Fitch – Business Litigation ***also listed as “Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers” and “Top 50 Columbus”
J. Anthony Kington – Business/Corporate
Pamela S. Krivda – Employment & Labor
Eugene B. Lewis – Family Law
Craig B. Paynter – Construction/Surety
Frank A. Ray – Business Litigation *** also listed as “Top 10 and Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers” and “Top 50 Columbus”
Charles R. Saxbe – General Litigation  *** also listed as “Top 50 Columbus”
Elizabeth M. Stanton – Employment & Labor  ***also listed as “Top 25 Women Columbus”

Ohio Rising Stars 2011:
James D. Abrams – General Litigation
Leon D. Bass – Intellectual Property
David J. Butler – Business Litigation
Jessica A. Mager – Family Law
Janica Pierce Tucker – Business Litigation

December 2010:  Kathryn Haertel Joins Staff

Ms. Haertel, who has been an extern at our office for the past semester while completing her LLM in Intellectual property law at the university of Dayton has accepted a law clerk position with Leon Bass.  Ms. Haertel is a licensed attorney in New York and New Jersey and will sit for the Ohio Bar in February 2011.  Good Luck Kathryn!

November 2010:  Bass helps raise $3000 for WCBE Radio

Bass and his band Grassinine performed at Woodland's Tavern in support of local non-profit, listener supported NPR station WCBE 90.5 FM.  The house was packed, the club had a record day day of bar sales and word is that the $3000+ raised by was a record for a band fund raiser for WCBE.  Special thanks to Donato's Pizza for their substantial contribution to that effort.

November 2010:  Bass Opens for Legend Larry Keel

Bass and his band Apple Bottom Gang had the distinct pleasure of opening for picking legend Larry Keel and Natural Bridge. 

May 21, 2010:  Direct In Music Conference and Festival Teaser Video

DI has launched a short teaser informational video.  The video was unexpectedly shown to a full house of local music fans last month just before local nationally rising stars Sixth Gallery.  Local Music guru and DI board member Mark Fisher took the stage to an energetic crowd and gave an epic, fiery speech that proclaimed "its all about the music!"  The video was received well by the crowd.

May 20, 2010: Client IBG Not Relaxing on Trademark Rights

A Press Release was issued today today to the National News Wire by East Cost PR Firm Beckerman regarding client Innovative Beverage Group, Inc's recent judgment in its case against a competitor and their efforts to combat trademark infringement in the market regarding their products, including their hit relaxation beverage product called drank®.  We, of course, have been happy to spearhead the effort!  Click here to view the press release>

May 20, 2010:  Welcome Law Clerk Jenny Masser

Ms. Masser is a second year law student at Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio and is a graduate of University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin with Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Prior to joining our team Ms. Masser worked as a Paralegal at law firms in Chicago, at Smith Barney/CitiGroup in Columbus and in the Ohio Senate as a legislative intern for Senator David Goodman. We are thrilled to have her on board.

May 14, 2010:  Branding Article Published in Business Journal: 

A shorter version of Bass' article Victor's Secret: How Early Branding Due Diligence Can Save You Millions  was published today:  Click here to see >       The full article is located here>

May 12th, 2010:  Bass Re-appears as Guest American Idol Judge

Leon appeared again today on Fox News' "Good Day Columbus" as a guest judge:

Click here to watch>

May 12th, 2010: New Article: Branding Due Diligence

Victor's Secret: How Early Branding Due Diligence Can Save You Millions >

May 8th, 2010:  Bass Performs at Famous Legend Valley Concert Venue

Leon Bass appeared with Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk on Mandolin at the Cabin Fever festival at legendary Legend Valley, formerly known as Buckeye Lake Music Center, opening for the Spikedrivers  playing the same venue as the likes of the Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, and Arlo Guthrie, to name a few.   Bass will return Memorial Day Weekend with CHHF to play another show at Hookahvile with Ekoostik Hookah, Gov't Mule, Michael Franti, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge, Zach Deputy, Donna the Buffalo,  Rumke Mt. Boys, Oakhurst, and others.

April 14th, 2010:  Bass is Guest American Idol Judge

Leon Bass's appeared on Fox News's "Good Day Columbus" as a guest judge:

Click here to watch>

April 2010:  Underwater Photo Exhibit Extended at Brioso

Leon Bass's exhibit "Tide Eye"  (www.tideeyephoto.com) has been extended and is still up at at Cafe Brioso on Gay and High in downtown Columbus.   A portion of the proceeds will benefit Coral Reef conservation efforts in the US Virgin Islands.

March 2010:  Bass to Head Board of Major Music Conference and Festival

Leon Bass has been named President and Chairman of the Board of the Direct In Music Festival and Conference, a major music industry convention that will take place in Columbus Ohio in  2011.  The festival will feature a large stage downtown hosting national acts, showcases by local and regional unsigned bands, a music industry conference featuring top music industry executives and artists, a tradeshow, and an innovative mobile web and Smartphone application.

March 2010:  USVI Office in the Works

We have made preliminary arrangements to open up our US Virgin Islands office on the Island of St. Thomas in Charlotte Amalie at the Law Offices of Marjorie Rawls Roberts, P.C at:  One Hibiscus Alley,   36A2-37A Dronningens Gade,  St. Thomas, VI 00802.

February, 2010:  Music in the Round Sponsor:  We are Proud to be a Music in the Round 2010Sponsor!

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We are pleased to team up with Chester Willcox & Saxbe to again become a Sponsor for the Music in the Round event to take place on April 24th at the Mannechor in German Village!  Learn more at www.musicintheround.com. 

The event is produced by the Capitol Square Rotary Club, Columbus Ohio

January 2010:  Bass to Play Legend Valley (former Buckeye Lake Music Center)

Leon Bass who has been a member of the local band Grassinine (www.grassinine.com) as a mandolin player, has been regularly performing with regional favorites, Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk (www.cowboyhillbillyhippyfolk.com), who has an extensive schedule through 2010; one that includes two stops at the famous Legend Valley for their bi-annual  Hookahville Festival and annual Cabin Fever festival.

October 30th, 2009:  Bass to Exhibit Underwater Photography

Leon Bass will host an opening reception for his new photo exhibit featuring his underwater works on Nov. 19th, 2009 at Cafe Brioso on Gay and High in downtown Columbus from 5:30-7:30.  A portion of the proceeds from print sales will benefit coral reef conservation efforts.

October 30th, 2009:  Rebecca Morrisey Passes the Ohio Bar Exam!

Congratulations to Rebecca, our long-time law clerk who will be sworn in as an Ohio Attorney on November 9th.  Rebecca took the Ohio Bar Exam for the first time in July, 2009, and passed on her first try while working full time.  This is an extraordinary accomplishment and we extend our deepest congrats.   Great Job Rebecca! 

October 21st, 2009:  Leon Bass receives Virgin Islands Attorney License

At a beautiful ceremony conducted by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands, Leon Bass was presented his license to practice law as an attorney in the US Virgin Islands.  The US Virgin Islands is a united states territory in the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico and consists of the main islands of St Thomas, St. Croix, St. John  in addition to numerous smaller islands.  Leon plans to practice part time in the USVI while continuing his full time practice in Columbus, Ohio.

October 13th, 2009:  WaterBand named top-3 finalist in YouTube Contest

Congrats to client Waterband (www.waterband.com) for reaching top-three vote getting status in YouTube's Peace One Day video contest.  The voting continues at http://www.youtube.com/peaceoneday.  Waterband has generously donated thousands of dollars to water causes, including Capitol Square Rotary's Honduras project.  You can catch them live in Columbus at Vic's on October 23rd.

October 9th, 2009:  Leon Bass to Join Saving Jane front person Marti Dodson to Speak at Ohio State at the "Musician Inc", The Working Artist's Music Conference

Leon Bass will speak at a new music conference to be held on October 9th at the RPAC Center on the  OSU campus.  Also speaking will be Marti Dodson from the national act Saving Jane.  The conference will include panelist speaking on the areas of recording, publicity, booking and music law and business.  The conference is free and takes place from 1pm-5pm.

October 2, 2009:  Leon Bass to Join US Virgin Islands Bar

Leon Bass will soon be entered on the roll of attorneys and will become licensed to practice law in the very near future as he has passed the Virgin Islands Bar exam.

October 1st, 2009:  $12k raised at Wine into Water

The firm has received word that about $12,000 was raised at the Capitol Square Rotary's annual "Turning Wine into Water" charity wine tasting and auction. The event benefited Thirst Relief International, the Rafiki AIDS Orphanage and The Village of El Macote, Honduras. More info is available at: http://www.capsquarerotary.org/wine/

September, 2009:  Leon Bass helps turn Wine into Water, 6pm, Due Amici

The firm has agreed to sponsor the Capitol Square Rotary's annual "Turning Wine into Water" charity wine tasting and auction.  The event will include  wines from various regions of the world,  appetizers from a variety of Columbus restaurants to complement the wine,  silent and live auctions featuring many one-of-a-kind experiences and gifts, and live music.  The event benefits:

More info and tickets are available at: http://www.capsquarerotary.org/wine/

September 18-21 2009:  Congratulations to John Kadlecik!

Firm Client John Kadlecik of client Dark Star Orchestra joined new band  Furthur featuring the Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, along with  Joe Russo,
 and Ratdog's  Jeff Chimenti, and Jay Lane.  Leon Bass witnessed John play 6 flawless sets of Grateful Dead favorites over three days in San Francisco. John is rejoining DSO for the fall tour and will play more concerts with Furthur on the East Coast later this year. Congrats to John!

September 4th:  Grassinine Concert for Transit Arts

Leon Bass's modern bluegrass/classic rock/country band "Grassinine" performed a concert on September 4th at Vic's Midnight Cafe and raised $300 for the kids at Transit Arts.  Grassinine is classic rock bluegrass with Lee on Mandolin; Jamie Davis on vocals/guitar; Ron Ross on Banjo; Tom Krouse on Guitar/Vocals; Christina Grote on Vocals/percussion; Kirk Horn on Vocals/Percussion; and the world famous Dr. Terry Davis, on the Gut bucket.

August 2009: Leon Bass named to Columbus Bar Association Ethics Board

Attorney Leon Bass was appointed by CBA president Elizabeth Watters as a board member to the CBA's Professional Ethics and Grievance Committee.  The committee's purpose is to protect the public from lawyers and judges whose professional conduct falls below the standard prescribed by Ohio law.  The committee members investigate complaints against attorneys and judges and file and prosecute complaints with the Ohio Supreme Court's Grievance committee.

July 2009: Capitol Square Rotary

Leon completed a successful term as president of the Capitol Square Rotary Club

May 2009:  Lee Joins Ohio Governor Ted Strickland for Tunes

March 1st. 2009:  Music in the Round Was a Success!

Thanks to the generous support of our Sponsors and everyone that attended Capitol Square Rotary was able to raise $5000 for the kids at Transit Arts.  On behalf of CSRC, I thank everyone for your support!.   Click here for pictures and more information.

February, 2009:  Music in the Round Sponsor We are Proud to be a Music in the Round 2009 Sponsor!

We are pleased to team up with Chester Willcox & Saxbe to become a "Bob Dylan" Sponsor for the 2009 Music in the Round event to take place on February 28th at Spice Bar!  Learn more at www.musicintheround.com.  The event is produced by the Capitol Square Rotary Club, Columbus Ohio.    <Click to Enlarge image

February, 2009:  New Office at CWS

Beginning February 23rd we will be located on Capitol Square, 65 East State St. Ste 1000, Cols, OH 43215.  Our email, telephone, fax and website will not change.  The office is within the CWS offices on the tenth floor of the Capitol Square Office building (adjacent to the Hyatt and the Ohio theater). Parking is available in the underground garage.   Click here for more information >

January, 2009:  Leon Bass Joins Chester Willcox & Saxbe, LLP

Leon Bass has become of Counsel to this very honored and storied 38 attorney law firm.  Click here to learn how clients will benefit from this new affiliation or to learn about CWS, its "Super Lawyers", its stellar reputation as a business and litigation firm,  its practice areas, and its history of attorneys that have held offices such as US and Ohio Attorney General, US and Ohio Senator and Representative, the Ohio Supreme Court and Ohio Lieutenant Governor.    Click here for more information

January, 2009:  Celebrating a Decade of Service!

                We are ecstatic to announce our ten year anniversary as of November 2008.  The firm was established in 1998 with the goal of providing the same first-class legal services that can be obtained at large firms but with better, more attentive and personal customer service and at reasonable fees.

We have been able to achieve these goals by keeping overhead and expenses at a minimum, using technology, efficient business processes, utilizing experienced and highly trained staff and co-counsel, and by establishing strategic and "of counsel" alliances with other top-notch and experienced law firms.

We look forward to continued service and protection your interests for years to come.