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September 28, 2026
For Sandra Anderson (Sandy), 50 years since becoming a lawyer is about much more than a career milestone. It is about a lifetime of service, friendship, advocacy, and — above all — gratitude.
As one of the attorneys from the class of 1976 being recognized for 50 years of service to the Bar, Sandy looks back on a career filled with meaningful opportunities, lasting relationships, and moments that helped shape the legal community.
“I haven’t practiced law for several years now,” Sandy says, “so I will celebrate this as ‘50 years of enthusiastically living life’ since my first day as a lawyer.”
That enthusiasm has carried Sandy well beyond the practice of law. Among her fondest professional memories are her service as CBA President, teaching trial practice as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University, and serving on boards for organizations including Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, the Columbus Bar Foundation, Planned Parenthood, Equality Ohio, Ohio University, and the Ohio University Foundation.
But for Sandy, some of the most meaningful memories are not tied to a particular title or position. They are the people she encountered along the way — colleagues, friends, fellow board members, judges, public servants, and even opposing counsel.
“I have been blessed to encounter” so many of them, she reflects.
Breaking Barriers Along the Way
Sandy's career also unfolded during a period of significant change in the legal and civic communities.
As a young lawyer, she recalls that the Athletic Club and Columbus Club did not allow women or people of color to become members. At the Columbus Club, women and people of color could enter only through a side door as guests of a member.
One day, Sandy and fellow young lawyer Carl Smallwood decided to challenge that tradition.
“As young whippersnapper lawyers, Carl Smallwood and I locked arms and boldly walked up and in the front door,” Sandy recalls.
The moment was part of a larger story of change. Sandy would later become the first woman elected president of the Columbus Bar Association, while Smallwood would become the first person of color to hold the position.
Sandy also became the first woman member of the Lawyers Club, an organization that had previously been limited to men. She remembers that transition came “after some drama and controversy,” but ultimately reflected the changing legal community around her.
Her advice to her younger self reflects the perspective gained through those experiences: use your legal training not only in your work, but also in service to your community and throughout life.
And, she says, “lawyers (even trial lawyers) can be kind and still successful. Choose kindness when you can.”
“We Get Another Day”
Today, Sandy describes herself as a happy and busy retiree. Each morning begins with a greeting from her dog, Scout, who is ready for food, affection, and another day together.
Sandy's response captures the spirit she brings to this milestone:
“Hey, Scoutie! We get another day!”
For Sandy, that gratitude extends to the entire 50-year class.
“We in this 50 year class are lucky to still be here,” she says. “Hey! We get another day! And, with continued luck, we’ll have many more days to celebrate, serve, enjoy, and share.”
The Columbus Bar Foundation will celebrate that spirit at the Columbus Bar Foundation Annual Meeting & 50 Year Breakfast on Tuesday, October 6, bringing together the 1976 honorees, CBA members, friends, and colleagues to recognize five decades of service to the Bar.
Join Us to Celebrate 50 Years of Service
The Annual Meeting is an opportunity to honor Sandy and the entire class of 1976 — and to celebrate the many ways attorneys have contributed to the profession and the community throughout their careers.
Registration closes Monday, October 5. Tickets are $65, while guests of honorees are $50. Attorneys who received their law degree in 1976 receive a complimentary ticket and should contact Leah Dotson to claim their ticket.
The event will take place from 8:30–10 a.m. at Strongwater, 401 W. Town St., Columbus, and includes a plated breakfast and free parking. Honorees will also receive a 50 years in practice lapel pin.
Whether you are celebrating 50 years yourself, honoring a colleague, or simply want to show your support for the attorneys who have helped shape our legal community, register today and join us in celebrating Sandy and the entire 1976 class.
Register for the Columbus Bar Foundation Annual Meeting & 50 Year Breakfast
-Columbus Bar Foundation
