For recent law school graduates passionate about public service, the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation’s Justice for All Fellowship offers an exciting opportunity to develop and implement civil legal service projects that can change lives. Since 1994, the Foundation has funded two-year fellowships for attorneys seeking to make a difference in Ohio’s civil justice system by addressing urgent legal problems facing Ohioans.
“Our Fellows are doing really innovative work, in many cases, on projects outside of a host organization’s typical service areas,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director Angie Lloyd. “It’s a compelling opportunity for a young attorney to get to lead a project while the host organization benefits from new and exciting ideas.”
To support the Fellows’ professional growth, the Foundation offers a multi-pronged approach that includes retreats, personalized mentorship, and training opportunities. At the Fellows’ most recent retreat, which coincided with the Foundation’s June board meeting, current Justice for All Fellows Sarah Kolick, Victoria Hamilton, and Stacy Purcell honed their presentation skills with a brief overview of their fellowships to Foundation board members.
Sarah Kolick, a first-year Justice for All Fellow hosted by The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, empowers older adult survivors of domestic violence and elder abuse through holistic legal services to advance physical safety and financial security. Kolick’s practice includes establishing power of attorney, guardianship, and public benefits.
Victoria Hamilton, a second-year Justice for All Fellow hosted by Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland, coordinates pro se clinics for unrepresented asylum seekers in removal proceedings through collaboration with volunteer attorneys and other nonprofits. Hamilton’s practice includes pro se assistance with asylum applications, changes of address and venue, and motions to consolidate.
Stacy Purcell, a second-year Justice for All Fellow hosted by the Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, uses direct legal services to help low-income homeowners preserve generational wealth and promote stability in three of Cincinnati’s historically Black neighborhoods. Purcell’s practice includes the prevention of foreclosure and predatory home-purchase schemes as well as resolving tangled titles.
For Hamilton, whose fellowship ends in September, the Justice for All Fellowship not only cemented her desire to continue practicing immigration law but enriched her understanding of the nonprofit civil legal services world.
“I really value the collaboration aspect of my fellowship, and I learned so much working with different attorneys and offices across the state,” Hamilton said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with all our amazing partner organizations and volunteers in the future.”
The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation funds law school graduates with a passion for public service to address urgent legal problems facing Ohioans. Click to access the 2024 Justice for All Fellowship Application.