Buckingham Law Taps New Leader, Announces Landmark Downtown Akron Return

AKRON, Ohio – January 26, 2026 – Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC, one of Northeast Ohio's most established law firms, is charting a bold new course marked by a significant leadership transition and a historic return to its roots. The firm has announced that Dustin J. Vrabel, a homegrown talent and nationally recognized mergers and acquisitions attorney, will become its new Managing Partner and President, effective February 1, 2026.

The change at the helm coincides with the firm’s monumental decision to relocate its Akron headquarters from the suburbs of Fairlawn back to downtown Akron by the fall of 2026, re-establishing its presence in the city where it was founded over a century ago. These dual announcements signal a pivotal moment for the firm, blending a forward-looking vision for growth and innovation with a deep, renewed commitment to the revitalization of its home city.

A Homecoming and a New Headquarters

Buckingham's return to downtown Akron is more than a simple change of address; it represents a strategic investment in the city's future. The firm will occupy 35,000 square feet on the fifth floor of the modern AES Building at 333 S. Main St., a move that brings at least 70 jobs to the city's core. The relocation reverses a 2006 move to Fairlawn and aligns the firm with the ongoing revitalization efforts championed by city leaders.

Renovations for the new, centrally located space are estimated to cost between $1.7 million and $2 million. The design reflects a modern work environment, featuring an outdoor deck for its break room and an increased number of shared desks to accommodate attorneys visiting from the firm's Canton and Cleveland offices. This move is supported by local development initiatives, including a $50,000 relocation grant from the City of Akron and a development grant of $40,000 annually for five years, contingent upon the firm maintaining a minimum payroll of $8 million. The Downtown Akron Development Corp. is also expected to provide a $50,000 business development grant, underscoring the move's significance to the local economy.

This physical return to its founding city is a powerful symbol of Buckingham's long-term vision. The firm, ranked as the 12th largest in Northeast Ohio, is positioning itself at the heart of the region's economic and cultural resurgence, reinforcing its identity as a community-focused institution with deep local ties.

The Vision of a Homegrown Leader

At the forefront of this new chapter is Dustin J. Vrabel, whose career embodies the firm's commitment to cultivating talent from within. Vrabel has spent his entire professional life at Buckingham, joining as a first-year associate in 2007 and steadily rising through the ranks. For the past nine years, he has served on the firm's Executive Committee, led its Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group, and was Partner-in-Charge of the Canton office.

Vrabel's expertise lies in complex corporate transactions, where he has successfully guided deals ranging from several million dollars to over $700 million across a wide array of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and private equity. His work has earned him a Chambers rating and recognition in Super Lawyers for his M&A practice. He also serves as outside general counsel to several middle-market companies, advising them on critical governance and strategic matters.

In his new role, Vrabel plans to build on the firm's stable foundation by embracing innovation. "The legal world is changing faster than ever, and we will continue to adapt to serve our clients in new and meaningful ways through our investments in talent, technology and processes that hit the mark with clients," Vrabel stated. "What will never change is our commitment to being trusted partners, delivering real value for our clients, and upholding a culture where hard work, collaboration and community service are recognized. I am deeply honored to lead the Firm into its next chapter."

His vision emphasizes a strategy of smart growth, focusing on expanding the firm's impact within Ohio while creating new opportunities for both attorneys and clients.

Building on a Legacy of Stability

Vrabel takes the reins from Steve Dimengo, whose seven-year tenure as Managing Partner is credited with strengthening the firm's financial health, culture, and strategic direction. Under Dimengo's leadership, Buckingham became debt-free in 2021 and successfully recruited 89 individuals by prioritizing cultural fit and long-term potential. His focus on attorney growth led to the creation of key initiatives like the Development and Advancement Plan for Associates.

This commitment to a positive work environment earned the firm the Plain Dealer's 'Top Workplaces Award' for four consecutive years. Dimengo will now transition back to his full-time, nationally recognized State and Local Tax (SALT) practice. A leading authority in the field, his Chambers-rated practice has secured major victories for clients, including a landmark Ohio Supreme Court decision for the Cincinnati Reds.

"Serving as Managing Partner for the last seven years has been an incredible honor," Dimengo shared. "Together, we've built a strong foundation that will support Buckingham's next era of growth. Dustin's leadership, vision, and commitment to innovation will ensure the firm continues to thrive and lead in our region."

In recognition of his contributions and continued role as an ambassador for the firm, Buckingham's Executive Committee has conferred upon Dimengo the title of Chairman Emeritus.

Strategic Continuity and a Focus on the Future

To ensure a smooth handover, Vrabel and Dimengo worked closely throughout the latter half of 2025, meeting with every attorney across the firm's three offices to reinforce a culture of transparency and shared purpose. This collaborative approach is designed to provide clients and staff with confidence and continuity.

Looking ahead, Vrabel plans to maintain his active role in the firm's M&A practice, a move that underscores a commitment to hands-on client service even from the highest level of leadership. The firm will continue to invest strategically in its core practice areas, including Tax, Business, Litigation, Employment and Labor, Health and Medicine, Real Estate, and Trusts and Estates.

"Our focus will be on driving innovation, expanding our regional impact, and creating new opportunities for our attorneys and clients," Vrabel commented. By building on Dimengo's legacy of disciplined management and embracing forward-thinking strategies, Buckingham aims to cement its status as an industry leader. This dual focus on maintaining client service excellence while advancing strategic initiatives is intended to solidify Buckingham’s leadership position throughout Ohio for years to come.