October is Pro Bono Month, a time to highlight the need for pro bono service and to celebrate the attorneys who dedicate their time and talent to helping low-income Ohioans resolve civil legal challenges.

Attorneys ready to volunteer can visit Pro Bono Ohio, a new online platform from the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation that helps attorneys find volunteer opportunities that match their interests, location, skill sets, and availability.

“We’ve heard a lot of positive feedback about Pro Bono Ohio from attorneys who have tried it,” said Sophia Chang, the Foundation’s pro bono director. “I’d encourage every attorney to check it out, as there are so many fantastic providers and opportunities ready to match with volunteers.”

This Pro Bono Month, the Foundation is pleased to recognize outstanding recent law graduates throughout the state for their pro bono service. “These new attorneys were identified by their law schools as demonstrating a commitment to pro bono service throughout law school that they plan to carry forward throughout their careers,” Chang said.

  • Tyler Benson, a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Law, completed more than 100 hours of pro bono at the Hamilton County Self-Help Center, where he helped to launch the eviction limited representation project. For his efforts, he was recognized as a William S. Richardson Champion for Public Service and received the Dean’s Public Service Award.
  • Macie Mancuso, a recent graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Law, volunteered for The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s Brief Advice Clinics and the Right to Counsel program. She found the Right to Counsel experience so compelling and satisfying that she describes herself as fully committed to service now and in the future.
  • Tatyana Norman-Webler, a recent graduate of The University of Akron School of Law, completed a remarkable 815 hours of pro bono and community service during law school. Her service included volunteering at Akron Law’s Reentry Clinic, which helps Ohioans seal and expunge criminal records to access jobs and housing.
  • Ana Scherschel, a recent graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law, is a frequent volunteer with the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project. From assisting clients with initial intake packets to helping them with letters to the governor, Ana helped two Ohioans obtain pardons and logged nearly 500 hours of pro bono service.

Join the Foundation in celebrating Pro Bono Month. Visit Pro Bono Ohio to learn more about volunteer opportunities near you.