While Supreme Court justices hear dozens of oral arguments each year, there are  numerous events and engagements outside their courtroom where they can be heard.

“Wherever I look, there is innovation and progress in areas we all care about,” said Justice Judith L. French of the Ohio Supreme Court.

At the annual Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) convention, Justice French addressed her peers.

“Everywhere I go in the state of Ohio, I am reminded that the Ohio bar is full of honorable, talented, and generous individuals. I am very proud to be one of you,” she said during her state of the courts speech.

Fellow Justices Terrence O’Donnell and Patrick F. Fischer also attended the annual two-day event at the Hilton Columbus at Easton. All were there as part of the OSBA’s initiative to connect them with other members of the bar and to grow their legal expertise.

“[You can’t beat] the opportunity to learn from others, quite frankly, and get different opinions from across the state from different practice areas. When it all comes together, it’s a beautiful mosaic,” said OSBA president Robin Weaver.

The two days contained several continuing legal education sessions to help practicing attorneys meet their annual requirements, including breaks to network with exhibitors. During its annual luncheon, the association honored a select few of its members during an awards ceremony.