Alvin J. McKenna

mckenna

Education

  • J.D., Notre Dame Law School, ‘66
  • A.B., Canisius College, Political Science, ‘63

Extracurricular Activities While at NDLS

  • Law Review
  • Moot Court
  • Gray’s Inn

Employment

Partner in the law firm of Porter, Wright, Morris and Arthur, LLP
Columbus, Ohio

Volunteer/Pro Bono Work

  • Board of Trustees of Catholic Social Services, 1995-present
  • Board of Trustees of Gahanna Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, 1986-present (President, 1986-2001)
  • Board of Directors of Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, 1993-1997
  • United Way of Franklin County, 1995 Legal Division Co-Chair
  • Chairperson of Gahanna Charter Review Commission, 1981
  • Chairperson of Mayor’s Advisory Council on Capital Improvements, City of Gahanna, 1980-1982
  • Executive Committe, Gahanna Community Action Program
  • Executive Committee, Gahanna Jefferson City School District Planning Committee
  • Member of various Gahanna Jefferson City School District Parent Teacher Associations since 1969 and President of the Goshen Lane Parent Teacher Association for two years
  • Big Brother for the Big Brother/Big Sister Program
  • Judge in Ohio Mock Trial Program for high school students
  • Judge for regional law school Moot Court competition
  • Present semi-annual seminar and bar review course sponsored by the Columbus Bar Association on Federal Practice and Procedure
  • Committee for Revision of the Rules of Practice for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, 1980-1981; 1973-1974 (Chairperson)
  • Bar Examination and Attorney Admission Committee for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, 1973-1976; 1981-2003
  • Court-designated mediator for semi-annual Settlement Week program in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
  • Gahanna City Council, 1972-1980 (elected for two four-year terms and did not seek re-election); 1982-1984 (appointed to fill a vacancy); President of Council (1973); Chairperson of each Committee of Council, Council Representative to Gahanna Jefferson School Board, and Trustee of Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation during tenure on Council
  • Contributing topic author to supplemental updates (1985-1987 and 1985-1989 editions) of Elkouri, How Arbitration Works

Honors

  • I have been included in Best Lawyers in America since the second edition was published in 1987
  • I have been included in Ohio’s Super Lawyers since its first publication.

On How NDLS Has Influenced Me:

“Both in class and out of class discussions, then Dean Joseph O’Meara and faculty members of NDLS confirmed the various ways an attorney’s work and legal training can impact the lives and actions of individuals and a community and contribute to the formulation of the thinking and actions of individuals and the community. And, they instilled in us a strong conviction of the obligation to take advantage of that responsibility and to do so in a positive fashion.”

How NDLS Has Enhanced My Professional Opportunities:

“Being a member of the Notre Dame family expanded my professional opportunities from the very start of my professional career immediately on graduation from NDLS since it led to my first post-graduation employment as a law clerk for a federal District Court Judge, who also happened to be a member of the Notre Dame family as an alumnus of Notre Dame.”

On Relationships and Community:

“In addition to the get togethers of a relatively high percentage of members of our class at our periodic reunions on campus, I continue to have regular and close contact (enhanced by the Internet and e-mail) with a number of my classmates. Those contacts have provided excellent opportunities for the exchange of ideas and thoughts on issues in legal matters in which we are involved, as well as on non-work related matters. Those ongoing relationships also have led to the referrals of work back and forth which can be done with confidence in knowing the clients and their matters will get the appropriate attention.”