The 1972 Charter Member Profile series celebrates the Athens Area Chamber’s 50th anniversary by spotlighting our original charter members. This month features excerpts from an interview with Frank Lavelle, J.D., ESQ., owner and general counsel of Lavelle Law Offices.
Lavelle Law Offices
8 North Court Street, 2nd Floor
740-593-3347
LtR: Sheena Bauer, Legal Assistant; Tessa Skinner, Legal Assistant Intern; Frank A. Lavelle J.D., ESQ; Lori Mitchell, Outgoing Legal Secretary. Not Pictured: Jean Ann Lavelle, Legal Assistant.
Business Overview
Lavelle Law Offices is a busy, small law firm, providing a variety of legal services, concentrating on Real Estate, Probate work, Public Sector (County, Municipal & Water/Sewer District representation), Family Law, Juvenile Law, Divorce, Dissolution & Custody matters, Estate Planning, as well as Small Business Formation.
The entrance to Lavelle Law Offices, on the 2nd Floor of 8 North Court Street.
A Storied History
Attorney William A. Lavelle, now deceased, began his law practice in 1952. Within a year or so, he was joined by his brother-in-law – who was also the uncle of current Athens attorneys Frank A. Lavelle and John P. Lavelle (of Lavelle & Associates) – and the firm Lavelle & Yanity was formed. It thrived for approximately 25 years or so thereafter.
Various attorneys in the firm over the years included L. Alan Goldsberry, who went on to become Judge of the Court of Common Pleas; Thomas S. Hodson, Municipal & Common Pleas Judge; Herman Carson; Steve Thompson (now deceased); and Michael Likovic.
Attorney Frank Lavelle now practices at and runs the same firm under the name Lavelle Law Offices, LPA. Frank’s brother, Attorney John P. Lavelle, currently practices in Athens with attorneys Robert Rittenhouse and Sky Pettey under the name Lavelle & Associates.
Secrets of Success
Excellent client representation, good communication skills, and consistent hard work have kept the Lavelle Law Offices very busy.
Too many [good] things to mention about Athens – great people, college atmosphere, beautiful scenery, great restaurants, and abundant family & friends in the area.
Chamber Membership
In 1972, when the articles of incorporation for the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce were drawn up, the firm was know as Lavelle & Yanity. The senior partners at that time were William A. Lavelle & Joseph B. Yanity, Jr., who joined the Chamber as charter members because they wanted to promote business and commercial enterprises in the Athens Community.
Favorite Thing About Athens
Too many things to mention about Athens – great people, college atmosphere, beautiful scenery, great restaurants, and abundant family & friends in the area.
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- Inside their conference room and extensive law library.
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- Another view of the law library.
