Ohio Bar Sells OBLIC to ALPS in Landmark Insurance Deal

COLUMBUS, OH – May 08, 2026 – The Ohio State Bar Association (Ohio Bar) has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its pioneering insurance provider, the Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company (OBLIC), to ALPS Insurance, a national leader in legal malpractice coverage. The landmark deal marks a strategic shift for the Ohio Bar and aims to secure the long-term stability and enhancement of professional liability insurance for thousands of attorneys across the state.

The acquisition unites OBLIC, a trusted institution for Ohio lawyers since 1979, with the national scale, infrastructure, and specialized expertise of ALPS. While financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the move is being framed by all parties as a forward-looking strategy to adapt to an evolving insurance marketplace.

“This is a strategic, forward-looking decision rooted in what is best for the legal profession, Ohio Bar members and OBLIC policyholders over the long term,” said Mary Amos Augsburger, CEO of the Ohio State Bar Association. “The insurance marketplace continues to evolve, and scale and specialization are increasingly important. ALPS brings both.”

A Strategic Refocus for the Ohio Bar

The sale represents a significant evolution in the Ohio Bar’s half-century relationship with the insurance business. The association founded OBLIC in 1978 during a crisis when commercial carriers were abandoning the legal malpractice market, leaving Ohio attorneys vulnerable. By creating its own insurer, the Bar ensured its members had access to stable, reliable coverage.

Now, nearly 50 years later, the leadership believes the best way to uphold that original mission is to place OBLIC under the stewardship of a larger, specialized entity. This divestiture allows the Ohio Bar to streamline its operations and rededicate its resources to its core mission: serving its members through advocacy, continuing legal education, and professional services.

OBLIC enters the deal from a position of strength, holding an “A (Excellent)” financial strength rating from A.M. Best and generating an estimated $25.3 million in annual revenue. The sale is not a course correction but a proactive measure to ensure OBLIC can continue to thrive amidst industry consolidation and increasing complexity. By partnering with ALPS, OBLIC gains access to a deeper well of capital for investment in underwriting, technology, and risk management tools.

Continuity and Enhancement for Ohio Attorneys

For the thousands of Ohio lawyers who rely on OBLIC for their professional liability coverage, the message from both ALPS and the Ohio Bar is one of seamless continuity. The agreement stipulates that OBLIC will continue to operate under its existing brand and from its Columbus headquarters. Policyholders are assured that there will be no immediate changes to their coverage, terms, or service contacts.

“OBLIC has built an exceptional reputation for serving Ohio lawyers with integrity and focus, and we are honored to have the chance to be the new stewards of that legacy,” said David Bell, President and CEO of ALPS. He emphasized that the partnership aims to build upon OBLIC's foundation, not replace it.

The acquisition promises more than just the status quo. ALPS intends to leverage its national platform to bring enhanced resources to Ohio policyholders. This includes greater investment in claims support, sophisticated risk management programs, and modern technology—areas where scale provides a distinct advantage. This could include access to ALPS's wider range of products, such as cyber liability policies and business owner's policies, which are increasingly critical for modern law firms.

This move is particularly timely given a recent regulatory change in the state. Effective January 1, 2025, Ohio began requiring attorneys in private practice to either carry a minimum of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate in professional liability insurance or formally disclose their lack of coverage to clients. This new rule has increased demand and placed a greater spotlight on the stability and offerings of providers in the market.

ALPS's Midwest Expansion and a Consolidating Market

The acquisition of OBLIC is a key move in ALPS's broader strategy to expand its footprint in the Midwest. Founded in 1988 by several state bars facing an insurance crisis similar to the one that birthed OBLIC, ALPS has grown into the endorsed provider for more state bars than any other insurer, specializing in serving small to mid-sized law firms.

This deal is consistent with ALPS's history of strategic acquisitions to expand its specialized focus, including a previous purchase of a small-firm legal malpractice division from ProAssurance. By acquiring OBLIC, ALPS gains a strong, established base in Ohio, which it plans to use as a hub for further growth in the region.

The Ohio market for legal malpractice insurance includes major national carriers like CNA, The Hartford, and Travelers. However, the new structure is designed to prevent internal competition. ALPS has stated that its existing policies in Ohio will be transitioned to OBLIC, consolidating its direct-to-consumer business in the state under the trusted local brand. Meanwhile, LawyerCare, an ALPS-owned company that works through brokers, will continue to operate in Ohio without directly competing with OBLIC's model.

The transaction is currently subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals from the Ohio Department of Insurance. JRW Esquire LTD is serving as legal advisor to the Ohio Bar, with McDermott Will & Schulte advising ALPS. Once the deal is finalized, the Ohio Bar will continue its exclusive endorsement of OBLIC, cementing a new kind of partnership designed to benefit its members. For Ohio's legal community, the transaction represents a pivotal moment, blending a trusted, local legacy with the resources of a national leader to navigate an increasingly complex professional landscape.