McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA is pleased to announce that Principal Colin R. Ray was sworn in on June 3rd, 2026, as President of the Cleveland Academy of Trial Attorneys (CATA) by Honorable Justice Jennifer Brunner of The Supreme Court of Ohio. Colin will serve a one-year term, where his focus will be modernizing CATA’s Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs, and continuing to provide high-quality social programming for membership while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Colin is a Principal attorney in the firm’s Personal Injury & Wrongful Death and Litigation groups. He devotes the vast majority of his practice to personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death matters. Colin’s role as CATA President follows years of dedicated leadership and service within the organization. Prior to assuming the presidency, he served as Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. His contributions have also been recognized through two of the organization’s highest honors, Outstanding Service Award and the President’s Award. Colin’s progression through these leadership demonstrates his longstanding commitment to CATA’s mission, his fellow trial attorneys, and the advancement of the legal profession.
The Cleveland Academy of Trial Attorneys is a professional organization comprised of attorneys who advocate for individuals injured in a wide range of personal injury matters, including medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, and product liability claims. Founded in 1959 by a distinguished group of Cleveland trial lawyers, the organization remains committed to advancing the practice of plaintiff advocacy through high-quality educational programming and professional development opportunities that help attorneys better serve their clients.
“Colin, among his peers, has worked hard to develop into one of Ohio’s premier trial and appellate injury lawyers,” said Christian Patno, McCarthy Lebit Principal and head of the firm’s Personal Injury & Wrongful Death group. “It has been a true pleasure working alongside Colin, relying on him and his invaluable help and support, as well as watching his development. As President of CATA, Colin has been clearly recognized by his peers for his experience and true leadership skills. Heartfelt congratulations for this recognition of my partner.”
Additionally, Colin has received recognition from Ohio Super Lawyers® and Best Lawyers®, both peer-reviewed honors, for his distinguished work in personal injury law, reflecting his reputation for excellence in the field.
If you are interested in learning more about Colin, click here to view his professional bio.