On Thursday, May 26, 2016, the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association will continue its long-standing tradition of honoring two alumni at the association’s signature event, the Annual Recognition Luncheon. This year’s luncheon, will proudly recognize St. Vincent Charity Board Member Anthony J. Coyne '87, President, Mansour Gavin for his service, leadership and career achievements.

St. Vincent Charity congratulates Anthony J. Coyne, a civic treasure, for his inspiring leadership, generous spirit and committed advocacy for all in Northeast Ohio.

Over the past 25 years, the City of Cleveland has seen a complete revitalization from the deteriorating remnants of the industrial heyday to a thriving urban destination. Among the people chiefly responsible for the city’s economic development during that time is Mansour Gavin President Anthony J. Coyne.

Coyne served on the Planning Commission for the City of Cleveland from 1990-2015, and was chairman for his final 15 years on the Commission. In addition, he was appointed by Mayor Frank Jackson ’83 to serve as chairman of the Group Plan Commission of the City of Cleveland. During his time with the commissions, Coyne played a crucial role in the planning and development of a wide assortment of projects including the Connecting Cleveland Waterfront Plan, the Gordon Square Arts District, the Flats East Bank, the Cleveland Convention Center Hotel, the Global Center for Health Innovation, and the ongoing Public Square renovation. Today, he serves on the Board of Directors at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center.

“I'm most proud of the amount of new housing we supported and encouraged throughout our city for all different income levels,” said Coyne about his time on the Planning Commission. “As a long-time resident of the Ohio City community, I feel that I have contributed to the positive growth of the community’s economic invigoration, while at the same time being sensitive to those least among us.”   

Coyne has long been interested in civic affairs and during his time at Cleveland State University also obtained a master's degree from Levin College of Urban Affairs in addition to his Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland-Marshall. During his studies, he had the opportunity to gain experience in both fields, as a graduate assistant to Professor Dennis Keating at the College of Urban Affairs, as an extern with the Honorable Alice Batchelder and as a law clerk with the City of Cleveland Law Department.

“My parents instilled in me a sense of being active in the community. My father was very active in civic matters as was my grandfather in his own way as an immigrant,” Coyne said. “I believe it is our obligation to leave our community better off than how we found it.”

Coyne’s interest in practicing law stemmed from his ancestors who dedicated their careers to law enforcement. His father, uncle and grandfather all served as police officers for the City of Cleveland. 

Coyne has spent the past 30 years at Mansour Gavin, and his practice is focused on business law, municipal law, zoning and planning, eminent domain, real property and litigation. During that time, he has incorporated his immense pride in community and family within the practice with clients and fellow attorneys.

“I am passionate, to a fault on occasion, in representing my clients to ensure they achieve success both personally and professionally,” Coyne said. “I try to be sensitive about the needs of the lawyers and staff at Mansour Gavin. I believe that many would say that I'm approachable for advice beyond just legal advice and that I care a great deal about the lawyers and members of my firm.”

What does receiving this honor from the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association mean to you?

I have two degrees from Cleveland State University and have found that some of the graduates of the law school in particular are some of the finest lawyers I have met in my 25-plus years of practicing law.  I say that having practiced in several jurisdictions in the State of Ohio and having been admitted pro hac vice in dozens of districts throughout the United States, and can state some of the finest lawyers I have ever come across were Cleveland Marshall graduates.  As a consequence, getting this recognition from the Alumni Association means a lot to me to be recognized for my years of practice as a lawyer, and my continued civic engagement that was instilled in me growing up and from a law school that encourages its students to be well rounded as they go into the practice of law.