Wright & Moore honors the extraordinary life of Paul Wright, a pioneer in agricultural law whose legacy continues to inspire. Paul dedicated decades to advancing the legal needs of farmers and agribusinesses, founding Wright Law in 1991 and playing a pivotal role in the creation of the American Agricultural Law Association (AALA), where he served as president in 1998.
An esteemed inductee of the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2006, Paul’s contributions to the agricultural industry have profoundly impacted countless colleagues, clients, and communities. His distinguished career included 29 years with The Ohio State University Extension, where he served as a County 4-H Agent, Area Farm Management Agent, and State Specialist in Agricultural Law. Retiring in 1988 as Associate Professor Emeritus, Paul left an indelible mark through his teaching, publications, and thought leadership in agricultural law and economics.
Paul earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education (1960) and a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics (1970) from The Ohio State University, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo in 1978. His accolades include the AALA Distinguished Service Award in 1994 and The Ohio State University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003, reflecting his tireless commitment to excellence.
A man of deep faith and family values, Paul was a devoted member of Northwest United Methodist Church, where he actively contributed to the church’s initiatives. He was a loving husband to his late wife, Bev, and to Sue, his current wife, and a proud father to his children. His community involvement extended beyond his professional work, as he served in leadership roles for Methodist ElderCare Services and Wesley Glen, leaving a lasting impact on elder care initiatives in central Ohio.
Paul’s humility, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the agricultural community earned him the admiration and respect of those fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed but remembered fondly for his faith, kindness, and remarkable contributions to the field of agricultural law.
Rest in peace, Paul.
