Bricker & Eckler Managing Partner announces intention to step down

Bricker & Eckler’s Managing Partner Kurtis A. Tunnell (Kurt) announced today his intention to step down from leadership of the firm at the end of his term on January 31, 2018. Additionally, he will be moving on from both the firm and the practice of law to pursue a “second half” of significance in service to others.

“For the past 30 years (with the exception of my tenure at the Governor’s office). Bricker has been my work home and, more importantly, its people have been like family to me,” Kurt said in a statement to his partners. “It has been my high honor and true privilege to have served for 12 years in firm leadership.”

He indicated that his transition decision has been contemplated for a long period of time and is motivated by his desire to explore a different path for the “second half” of his life and career. While Kurt is still formulating specifically what is next for him, service to others leads his personal and professional goals.

Kurt has been Managing Partner at Bricker & Eckler LLP since 2010 and served as the firm’s Administrative Partner for four years prior to that. Under his leadership, the firm has thrived, with growth in the number of offices from three to six, including a new office in Dayton, a move to downtown Cincinnati, and a strengthened presence in Southeast Ohio to support the development of the region and its involvement in the shale play. Kurt also spearheaded the implementation of the Bricker Leadership Program to grow the firm’s leadership capacity and provide opportunities for young partners and senior associates to make early contributions to the firm. Additional accomplishments include a commitment to health and wellness for attorneys and employees, a continuation of the firm’s diversity and inclusion efforts and national recognition for the firm through the National Law Journal’s Midsize Hot List in 2013. He has also been active in fostering diversity and inclusion among the legal profession locally and nationally.

A former Chief Legal Counsel to Ohio Governor George Voinovich, Kurt built a government relations law practice that centered on the intersection of public policy and politics. He has unique experience in developing and operating legislative coalitions to advocate major public policy goals through the Ohio General Assembly, the governor’s office, and the various departments and agencies of Ohio government. During his career, he has led legislative efforts that included virtually every business, trade, medical and political subdivision organization to change the Ohio civil justice system.

“The partnership of Bricker & Eckler has a strong succession plan in place to position the next leader to further advance our service to our clients and the community,” said Administrative Partner Jim Hughes. “We expect to elect and announce a successor within the next several months, in plenty of time for the transition.” Kurt will remain Managing Partner until January 31, 2018.