TOLEDO, OH — Shumaker has officially closed its centennial year with the sealing of a time capsule commemorating the firm's first 100 years of service, growth, innovation, and community impact. The capsule marks both a celebration of the past and a commitment to the future.
Founded in 1925 in Toledo, Shumaker began as a local firm grounded in a simple but enduring principle: the law is a profession of trust. For a century, that principle has guided the firm's client relationships, advocacy, and deep commitment to the communities it serves. Through economic upheaval, social change, technological revolution, and global uncertainty, Shumaker has adapted—not by abandoning its values but by applying them in new and innovative ways.
"As we close this time capsule marking our first 100 years, we do so with pride in what has been built and humility in knowing we are only temporary stewards of a much larger legacy—one that now belongs to the future," said Shumaker Managing Partner Jennifer Compton.
Over the course of its first century, Shumaker grew from a small Toledo practice into a national law firm with 13 offices across the country. The firm expanded its geographic footprint, deepened its capabilities to meet an evolving legal landscape, and launched Shumaker Advisors, a team of public policy and legislative professionals. Its growth reflects both resilience and strategic vision.
In 2023, Shumaker entered a historic new chapter when Jennie Compton was named the firm's first Managing Partner and the first female leader of a national law firm—an important milestone reflecting both the firm's progress and its commitment to leadership that evolves with the times.
That same year, in September 2023, Shumaker launched its Make a Difference through Literacy Initiative, dedicated to transforming lives through the power of words. As part of the firm's centennial celebration, Shumaker set an ambitious goal of impacting 1,000,000 individuals by the end of 2025. Through strategic community partnerships and extraordinary employee engagement, the firm exceeded that goal and has committed to continuing the Initiative as an ongoing program, reinforcing its dedication to meaningful community impact well beyond its centennial year.
Inside the capsule are artifacts representing the firm's first century—items that may seem ordinary to future generations but today symbolize commitment to excellence, collaboration, innovation, and service. The time capsule also includes a formal Resolution from the Ohio Senate honoring Shumaker for its 100th Anniversary. Senate Resolutions commemorate special events and recognize organizations and individuals for their contributions. These Resolutions are brought before the full Senate for a vote and are signed by the Senate President and the sponsoring Senator—an enduring symbol of the firm's impact and reputation across the state.
The Resolution was signed by Rob McColley, President of the Senate; Thomas F. Patton, Senatorial District No. 24; Paula Hicks-Hudson, Senatorial District No. 11; and Vincent L. Keeran, Clerk of the Senate.
The capsule will remain sealed for the next 100 years, with the goal of being opened in 2125—offering future generations a glimpse into the firm's origins, its centennial milestones, and the enduring principles that shaped its first century.
As Shumaker embarks on its second century, it does so with gratitude for the past, confidence in the future, and an unwavering belief that the profession of law remains, above all, a profession of trust.