Gary Gottschlich & Buzz Portune
Partner Mary Lentz describes the history of our founders:
Gary Gottschlich and Robert “Buzz” Portune are both native Daytonians whose paths crossed early in life. Their families were dear friends and longtime parishioners of Immaculate Conception parish in Dayton. Gary’s mom was the den mother of Cub Scout Troop 232 and Buzz’s mom was assistant den mother to the troop. Their adventures in Cub Scouts and as childhood friends prepared them for the adventures of being long time law partners! Buzz is a 1973 graduate with honors from Duke University School of Law and Gary a 1971 law graduate from the University of Notre Dame. Both had successful legal careers and found themselves in the Dayton office of a national law firm in the 1980s.
In 1997, Buzz and Gary formed the law firm of Gottschlich & Portune, LLP, the predecessor of Foos & Lentz, LLP. It was their goal to provide quality and individualized legal services to a diverse group of clients. Both lovers of history and all things Dayton, they embarked on another adventure in 1999 when they purchased Dayton’s historic Armory Building located at the edge of the Oregon District. The Armory Building was constructed in 1893 by John Schenk to house the drilling exercises of the Dayton Ohio National Guard and has held a prominent place in Dayton’s history as an architectural landmark since. Painstaking efforts were taken to maintain the historical integrity of the Armory, and photographs taken of the Armory through the years adorned the walls. The project to renovate the building involved the revitalization of the exterior with a new color scheme that closely resembled the original brick and trim. The interior design of the offices was not only an effort to highlight the open warehouse floor plan but also promoted congeniality and communication among the lawyers and staff who worked there. Investing in the Armory was a testament to the investment that our founders have in the Dayton community.
Buzz practiced in the areas of general business, labor and employment, construction, public sector law and First Amendment issues. He provided legal representation to national business operations headquartered in Dayton as well as to general contractors and various media organizations. Gary’s practice focused on litigation where he represented businesses and individuals in commercial and business disputes. He also represented those who were injured through accidents or medical malpractice as well as those who were victimized by trustees, executors and others abusing powers of attorney. Both are still very active in various aspects of the practice of law, philanthropic efforts and enjoying time with their grandchildren. They established the foundation of the practice that the lawyers and staff at Foos & Lentz carry forward today.
