Sept. 1, 2026, Columbus, OH — Nicholas R. Barnes, Esq., a partner at Williams & Strohm, LLC, Attorneys at Law, has been granted fellowship in the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL). The highly selective CCAL, established by the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and with membership exceeding 51,000 members worldwide, serves more than 4,000 attorneys practicing community association law in the United States. Barnes is now one of fewer than 185 practicing attorneys nationwide who have been granted membership in CCAL.. 

CCAL Fellows are recognized for distinguished professional achievement, leadership, and contributions to the advancement of community association law. Fellows demonstrate high standards of ethics, substantial experience, strong analytical and writing skills, and a commitment to educating and advancing the profession through practice of community association law and addressing emerging legal issues affecting community associations.

“This is a prestigious and coveted appointment in our practice area of law, and it is one that Nick has earned through his relentless work on behalf of our community association clients,” said Robin Strohm, partner, Williams & Strohm.

He becomes the fourth attorney of Williams & Strohm’s senior legal team to be granted fellowship into CCAL – a remarkable achievement given the firm’s small size and CCAL’s exclusivity. This extraordinary depth offers community associations and other clients peace of mind as they entrust Williams & Strohm with their legal and compliance issues.

Barnes, who earned his Doctor of Law (JD) from the University of Toledo College of Law, has practiced law that affects community associations for nearly two decades. He is an active member of the CAI and frequent contributor to its regional and national programming. Prior to becoming a Fellow, Barnes presented a manuscript at CAI’s Law Seminar titled 50 Shades of Ethical Gray, which was awarded its prestigious Best Manuscript Award.

A ceremonial induction into the College for newly appointed Fellows will occur during the Community Association Law Seminar, January 2027, in Washington, D.C.

About Williams & Strohm, LLC

Williams & Strohm, LLC is a law firm built on transparent legal counsel and reasonable fees and  focuses on the specific challenges faced by community associations, landlords and tenants, as well as property owners, builders, and lenders regarding common interest developments in Ohio and Indiana.

  About Community Associations Institute and CCAL Since 1973, Community Associations Institute (CAI) has been the leading provider of resources and information for homeowners, volunteer board leaders, professional managers, and business professionals, representing 78.1million people living and working in America's 373,000 community associations (homeowners associations, condominiums, and housing cooperatives). CCAL serves more than 4,000 attorneys practicing community association law in the U.S. with fewer than 185 practicing attorneys who have earned the title of CCAL fellow based on their contributions and service.