2026 Cubbon & Associates Legal Writing Competition – Finalists Announced
The Toledo Bar Association is proud to announce the finalists of the 2026 Cubbon & Associates Legal Writing Competition, recognizing outstanding legal writing by new lawyers in our community.
This annual competition showcases excellence in written advocacy and highlights the talent, creativity, and analytical skill of attorneys within their first ten years of practice. Participants submitted motions or briefs filed in Ohio or Federal courts or before administrative agencies, demonstrating persuasive writing and sound legal reasoning.
Criminal Track Finalists
Daniel Guarracino, The Law Office of Norman A. Abood
Noah Woods, The Fair Housing Center
Maria Spasovska, Dixon Hayes Witherell & Rentner, ltd.
Brendan Mohan, Dinsmore & Shohl
Nicole Cote, Abdnour Weiker, LLP
Civil Track Finalists
Morgan Murphy, Wood County Prosecutor's Office
Christine Grajek, Toledo Legal Aid Society
Matthew Scheneman, Toledo Legal Aid Society
Ryan McConnell, Toledo Legal Aid Society
Robert Worthington, Lucas County Prosecutor's Office
Entries were reviewed by panels of distinguished judges and practitioners who evaluated novelty, complexity, persuasiveness, research depth, and writing quality. Winners will be announced and honored at the 2026 Toledo Bar Association Bench Bar Conference on October 30, 2025, where their work will also be featured in the Toledo Bar Association Monthly Newsletter and on the TBA website.