Next Generation

The next generation of Vorys partners, which included Webb I. Vorys, James O. Seymour, Byron E. Ford, and Richard F. Sater, built upon the strong foundation established by the founders.  Webb I. Vorys became the presiding partner of the firm in 1935, after the death of Lowry Sater, the final surviving founder.  Mr. Vorys then led the firm for more than three decades.  Under his leadership, our firm pursued a philosophy geared toward instilling and retaining harmony and respect among the firm’s partners, employing only the best and most talented young lawyers, and ennobling all of our lawyers with a deep and abiding sense of grace, unselfishness, personal responsibility, and commitment to the highest quality client service. 

The new generation continued and deepened our traditions of public service and community activity, and also began to form some of the strong ties to entities that became long-time clients.  For example, for 39 years Webb Vorys served as legal counsel and trustee to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, which remains a client of the firm to this day.  John Vorys left the firm to serve as a Member of Congress.  Jim Seymour, a unique figure who was an inveterate traveler, created the Seymour Plan, which continues to pay the air fare for firm associates to travel to Europe.