With the Nov. 1 deadline to report unclaimed funds quickly approaching, now is a great time to begin the reporting process. Attorneys can create and file reports directly from the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds website to report and direct unclaimed client funds to life-changing housing and legal services for low-income Ohioans. If [...]
On Oct. 2, legal leaders gathered at the Ohio Statehouse for Perspectives from the Federal Bench: Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence. The Foundation was honored to be the beneficiary of the CLE program, which provided updates on the state of the federal judiciary. Attendees enjoyed panel discussions on AI, changes to the rules of [...]
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. The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation proudly supports pro bono initiatives, including the Pro Bono Survey, an annual collaboration between the [...]
Position Overview: Job title: Foundation Operations Associate Status: Non-Exempt Starting salary: $55,000 About Us The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation (Foundation) is a leading statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that Ohioans who are low-income or who lack access can fully and fairly participate in civil systems that produce just outcomes. Founded in 1994, the [...]
Position Overview: Job title: Accounting Associate Reports to: Controller Status: Full-Time FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Salary: $60,000 About Us: The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation (Foundation) is a leading statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing fairness and meaningful access to justice for Ohioans. Founded in 1994, the Foundation has funded and supported civil legal aid organizations, [...]
Susan Donofrio, the 2026 Denis J. Murphy Award recipient for outstanding leadership and advocacy at Ohio’s legal aids, didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a lawyer. Initially on the path to a Ph.D. in English, Donofrio pivoted to law when life circumstances brought her to Washington, D.C. She attended Georgetown Law School, where she first [...]
The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation’s Rising Star Award honors an attorney in civil legal services whose career reflects exceptional growth. Intended for an attorney with seven years or less of professional experience in nonprofit civil legal services, the Rising Star Award recognizes performance that demonstrates leadership, innovation, and professionalism. Now in its third year, [...]
Sophia Chang, director of the Ohio Justice Bus, has been recognized by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) with its 2026 Public Sector Leadership Award. The Award honors a NAPABA member in the public sector for outstanding achievements and impact in their legal practice. After seven years of serving as the Bus’ managing [...]
Legal Aid of Western Ohio’s (LAWO) new Executive Director Brent Thompson arrived at the nonprofit this summer with experience leading a rural legal aid program in South Dakota and an urban program in Florida. His wide-ranging background proved ideal to lead LAWO, a legal aid that serves 32 Ohio counties spanning major cities and small [...]
Earlier this summer, the Department of Children and Youth awarded the Foundation a contract to lead a new collaboration to improve Ohio’s child welfare system by enhancing the quality and quantity of attorneys practicing child welfare law in Ohio. The project calls for collaboration with multiple partners, including the Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio CASA, [...]
