A Tiffin attorney is to be recognized today for his 50 years of service in the profession.
Michael B. Lange, who was admitted to the bar in 1961 and has practiced law in Tiffin since 1963, will be recognized this afternoon at a luncheon hosted by the Ohio State Bar Association at Mohawk Golf Club.
Lange, a graduate of Calvert High School, graduated from the University of Detroit Law School in 1961 and then earned a Master of Law degree in taxation from New York University.
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Lange
Lange said he passed the bar in Ohio and Michigan and was sworn in by a Supreme Court justice
"I practiced in Detroit after I graduated with a masters in tax law for about six to eight months," he said. "I then decided to come back to Tiffin."
In April 1963, Lange started a law firm that still operates today.
Fact Box
Lange's career
1961 Admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Ohio
1962 Admitted to practice before the Michigan Supreme Court
1967 Admitted to practice before the Tax Court of the United States
1976 Admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States
2009 Recognized for 30 consecutive years rated AV (highest possible rating) by Martindale Hubbell for legal ability and ethical standards
Although he is retired, Lange said he still is a 1-percent stakeholder in the firm, which is partnered by his daughter, Anne Lange DeVine, and David Claus.
"My 1 percent is enough to flatter my ego," he said.
Lange said he has built up quite a client list over the years and still enjoys going into the office about once a week to help out.
Lange-DeVine handles most of the tax, state planning and probate cases, Lange said, and Claus is the firm's litigating partner. Lange often acts as a consultant for tax cases and corporate matters, he said.
"It's a real symbiotic relationship," he said.
Lange's wife of more than 51 years, Susanne, also continues to help at the law firm.
"When I retired, they said 'don't let her go,'" he said. "She does a fantastic job. She kind of fills in the gaps."
Lange said he has thoroughly enjoyed his career in law and said recognition by the OSBA is just him "living long enough."
"I've enjoyed it immensely since the day I started," he said.
