2026 Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient
Each year, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association pauses to recognize those whose service reminds us of what it truly means to belong to a legal community. At the 2026 Annual Meeting, that recognition takes on special meaning as we honor Hugh E. McKay, a lawyer whose career has been defined not just by professional excellence but by a lifelong commitment to showing up for others.
A Volunteer Who Leads by Example
The CMBA Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by the Justice for All Committee, celebrates a selfless servant of the legal community. This honor recognizes someone who consistently goes above and beyond to share their time and talent in the service of others. Hugh McKay embodies that spirit in every sense.
For decades, Hugh has been a steady presence within the CMBA and Cleveland’s broader civic landscape. He has served as President of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and later as President of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation, roles that reflect the trust and respect he has earned from his peers. But titles alone do not explain his impact. What sets Hugh apart is his belief that the legal profession carries an obligation to engage, not just in courtrooms and conference rooms, but in classrooms, neighborhoods, and community spaces throughout Greater Cleveland.
The Power of Showing Up
Perhaps no example better illustrates Hugh’s philosophy than The 3Rs Program, a landmark educational initiative he helped create in partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District 20 years ago. Built around the principles of Rights, Responsibilities, and Realities, the program connects the legal community with Cleveland and East Cleveland high school students for ongoing, face-to-face conversations about the law and civic life.
What began as a focused effort to connect legal professionals with students has grown into a sustained program that continues to bring members of the Cleveland legal community into local classrooms, year after year.
A Career Shaped by Service
Hugh’s service has always been grounded in respect, for colleagues, for students, and for the profession itself. In conversations about his career, he often emphasizes that the most meaningful moments in law are not defined by dollars or accolades, but by people. That perspective has shaped how he practices, how he leads, and how he volunteers.
It is also why Hugh has remained deeply involved with the CMBA long after his time in formal leadership roles ended. Whether mentoring young lawyers, supporting bar programming, or helping strengthen the Foundation’s long-term impact, he has consistently answered the call to serve. His contributions have earned him numerous honors over the years, including the CMBA’s Living Legacy Award. That recognition reflects a career that has truly transformed the legal and civic community in Greater Cleveland.
Why This Recognition Matters
Volunteering is often quiet work. It happens in after-hours meetings, early mornings, and moments that never make headlines. Yet it is the foundation of a strong bar association and a healthy profession. By recognizing Hugh McKay as Volunteer of the Year, the CMBA is also affirming a larger truth: showing up consistently, thoughtfully, and with humility has the power to change lives.
As we gather for the Annual Meeting, we celebrate not only Hugh’s remarkable service but also the example he sets for all of us. His career is a reminder that the strength of our legal community is measured not only by professional success, but by how we show up for each other, whether it’s in moments that stand out and in the everyday work that often goes unseen.
