Thomas J. Scanlon

Thomas J. Scanlon: The Legend of Cleveland's Legal Community

Thomas J. Scanlon was one of the most respected and accomplished attorneys in Cleveland's legal community. With more than four decades of experience, he has served as a partner at several prominent law firms. His expertise in corporate law, commercial litigation, and real estate law has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a "Super Lawyer" by the Ohio Super Lawyers publication. But it's not just his legal acumen that sets him apart. Thomas was also known for his commitment to his clients, his ethical standards, and his leadership within the legal community. In short, he is a true legend of the Cleveland bar.

A lifelong resident of Cuyahoga County, Scanlon graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1956, received his bachelor's degree from John Carroll University in 1959, and his law degree from Cleveland State University in 1963. He worked himself through law school by working as a financial analyst during the day and attending classes at night. He began his legal career with Shapiro, Persky, & Marken. In 1979, along with Charles Donahue, Scanlon founded the law firm Donahue & Scanlon, which specialized in commercial and real estate law. Among his most well-known clients were University Hospitals' St. John West Shore campus and handling contracts for the first commercial office condominium building in Ohio. He also served as a Special Assistant to the Ohio Attorney General for a case in 1991. In 1999, the firm was renamed Collins & Scanlon when Tim Collins became his partner. Scanlon was a practicing member of the American Bar Association, where he served as co-chair of the real estate section. He was a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Cleveland Bar Association. He also served on the Ohio Supreme Court's Board of Bar Examiners. In 2014, Scanlon was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame for his involvement in the Cleveland Irish community.

His ties to the Irish community date back to the 1870s when his family immigrated from Ireland. He also founded the Irish American Law Society of Cleveland, which sponsored speaking events in both Cleveland and Ireland. He was a board member of the Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland. He was also involved in The Ohio Rose of Tralee Center. In addition, Scanlon helped to raise funds for a book entitled "The Day we Celebrate," which chronicled a history of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Cleveland. In fact, Ohio Supreme Justice Maureen O'Connor stated, "The name Tom Scanlon is synonymous with Cleveland Irish Legal Community". After having the event canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Scanlon finally got his chance to serve as the grand marshal of the Cleveland St. Patrick's Day parade in 2022. He hosted Cleveland's largest St. Patrick's Day party with his law firm for over 40 years and the holiday remained an important date in Scanlon's life. He was Cleveland’s first honoree of the Irish Legal 100, which is an annual compilation of the most distinguished legal professionals in the United States who share a common bond: pride in their Irish heritage. Tom Scanlon has been affiliated with organizations such as the Centers for Families and Children, Cleveland Marshall Law Alumni Association, Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America. Scanlon remained working part-time with Hawkins & Company LLC until his passing in 2022.

For fun, Scanlon enjoyed running and remained active until just weeks before his death. He competed in marathons in Cleveland, Dublin, New York, and London and won a gold medal in Australia.