Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO) attorney Lanese Layne began her legal career knowing she wanted to make a difference. When applying for law school, she picked the University of Dayton School of Law in part for its emphasis on service. “Those were values instilled in me by my parents, and so I was really [...]
It’s time again to report your pro bono hours and financial contributions to charitable legal organizations. This week, Ohio attorneys will receive an email with a link to complete the annual Supreme Court of Ohio and Ohio Access to Justice Foundation 2024 Pro Bono Survey. Reporting your hours is critical to understanding pro bono needs. [...]
The Foundation mourns the loss of former Ohio State Senator and Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Board Member Ben Espy. Espy joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2010 and became an emeritus member in 2019. Espy served boldly throughout his tenure on the board and provided thoughtful expertise and a demonstrable commitment to access [...]
This month, a third round of We Care, the Foundation’s immensely successful professional development opportunity for civil legal services professionals, kicks off with new topics. We Care helps civil legal services professionals navigate the stressors of work demands, process common experiences, talk about mental health concerns, and access further care if needed. Thanks to the [...]
Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Board Member Susan DiMickele believes everything happens for a reason. Eight years ago, she was at the height of her career in private practice, thriving as a partner at Squire Patton Boggs and leading a practice group. As a board member of National Church Residences, she appreciated the nonprofit’s mission, [...]
When Janice Murphy* became pregnant in high school, she dropped out of school to care for her baby. Without stable employment or child support, Ms. Murphy struggled to put food on the table. As her family grew, Ms. Murphy became desperate and committed a crime to pay for food to feed her children. For many [...]
For nearly 20 years, Colleen Cotter has led The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland through tremendous transformation and growth. Under her leadership, Cleveland Legal Aid has championed a collaborative, relationship-building approach that’s netted fruitful partnerships with groups as varied as the Cleveland Clinic, The MetroHealth System, University Hospitals, Cleveland Public Library, other nonprofits and local [...]
By funding civil legal services, fostering innovative programs and partnerships, and convening access to justice partners, the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation is building brighter, financially stable futures for Ohioans. Here is a look back at some of our biggest stories of the year. The Foundation kicked the year off with the launch of the [...]
The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, the largest funder of civil legal services in Ohio, has announced funding awards to nonprofit civil legal service providers across the state totaling $6.055 million. “We are thrilled to be able to support the transformative work of Ohio civil legal service providers to uplift low-income Ohioans and strengthen their [...]
Although Jasmine McBride* worked hard to provide for her four kids by taking on various jobs, including food delivery and braiding hair, she still struggled to make ends meet. Ms. McBride was ready to take the next step in her career, but employers hesitated to hire her because of her past criminal records. Ready to [...]
