Dick Ambrose

 

Prior to his service as Judge, Dick Ambrose was a trial attorney for seventeen years, practicing with the law firms of Nicola Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC, Chriszt McGarry Co., LPA, and McDonald Hopkins Co., LPA. He focused on business litigation and employment law, including discrimination claims and compliance with federal and state regulations.  Judge Ambrose is a June 1987 graduate of Cleveland Marshall School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, from the University of Virginia.  He is a native of New Rochelle, New York, and has been a resident of Cleveland's West Side ever since coming to the area in 1975.

 

For ten years (1975 1985) Dick Ambrose was middle linebacker and defensive signal caller for the Cleveland Browns.  His hard hitting style of play earned him the nickname "Bam Bam."  He led the team in tackles for five years from 1977 to 1981.  He was the team's most valuable defensive player in 1977 and was honored by his teammates in 1981 with the "Captain's Award,” given by the players each year to that team member who is:  "A worker, a team player, and an inspiration."  He was co captain in 1982 and was the Browns’ union representative in 1983 and 1984.

Dick began studying law in 1982 during the 57-day NFL players’ strike that same year. Dick started sixty four consecutive games before a broken leg in the sixth game of the 1983 season and subsequent complications from surgery effectively ended his playing career.  Dick tried to make a comeback in 1985, but his prior injury forced him to retire from professional football and he then focused on finishing his law degree. In 2006, Dick was inducted into the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame.

Dick and his wife, Mary Beth, live in Westlake, Ohio. Their three children - Rachel, Karen and Kristy are all graduates of The Ohio State University. Dick is active in many community and professional groups.  He has served as legal counsel to the National Steering Committee for retired players of the National Football League Players Association. He is a Past-President and Alumni of the Year of the Cleveland Marshall Law Alumni Association and is a member of the Board of Trustees of S.A.W., Inc. - a division of the Cuyahoga County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.  Dick also participates in charitable and fund raising activities for organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Boys and Girls Clubs, Special Olympics, and the March of Dimes. Dick has coached youth basketball and softball and has volunteered time as an assistant high school football coach.