Local Jurist and Wadsworth City Council President Thomas Palecek Retires from the Practice of Law

On September 30, 2015, Palecek, McIlvaine, Hoffmann & Co., L.P.A. recognized one of its founding partners, Thomas Palecek, for his remarkable and distinguished career as a jurist, elected official, community activist, and family man. A reception was held at the law firm that welcomed clients, past clients, local business leaders, elected officials, members of the bar, family, local clergy, and many local judges and magistrates.

It was a night to reflect on and appreciate a career that had spanned almost five decades. Tom and Jim McIlvaine were among the founding partners of this firm, originally known as Luck, Palecek, McIlvaine, & Foreman Co. Though the firm’s composition has changed over the years, one constant was the steadfast presence of Tom Palecek.

In speaking about his relationship with Tom, professionally and personally, Jim McIlvaine had this to say:

“[In the beginning] We used to work seven days a week, all hours of the day and night. The constant was it was a lot of work, we enjoyed what we did here, but more importantly we enjoyed the friendship with each other.”

Tom began practicing law in 1969 and eventually found his way to Wadsworth, Ohio to start what is now Palecek, McIlvaine, Hoffmann, & Morse Co., L.P.A. Tom, along with his wife Annette, made Wadsworth their home. Tom was not only an accomplished attorney, but at his retirement from the practice of law was serving as Wadsworth City Council President. Further, Tom has been an integral part of Sacred Heart Parish in Wadsworth and made his Catholic faith a cornerstone of his life.

Family, friends, and community were able to reflect on a career of service to the local legal community as well as the community as a whole. The night was a fitting celebration for a talented attorney and a wonderful family man that has shaped so many lives in and out of the courtroom.

Left to right: Karen Palecek, James Palecek, Tom Palecek, and Chelsie Palecek