An exciting new program is increasing access to justice for rural Ohioans by helping newly licensed attorneys choose underserved counties for their practice. The Rural Practice Incentive Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and supported by the Supreme Court of Ohio and the Ohio State Bar Association, offers loan repayment assistance to [...]
February is National Black History Month, a time to acknowledge and celebrate the political, social, and cultural contributions of African Americans. The Foundation is proud to recognize the many Black justice leaders, attorneys, and advocates who have dedicated their careers to bettering their communities and building a more just and equitable Ohio for all. Here’s [...]
Anthony McCoy* was desperately trying to do the right thing. Like so many parents of children suffering from substance use disorder, Anthony and his wife, Brenda, were doing everything in their power to help their son. Although the McCoys had limited financial resources, they were willing to put every penny they had toward trying to [...]
Attorney Kathi Schear has had a long and storied career at Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, formerly The Legal Aid Society of Columbus, working in nearly every practice area since she joined the organization in 1980. Schear has coordinated legal aid's pro bono efforts and worked in housing, family law, unemployment compensation, reentry, [...]
For Ohioans and their families struggling with substance use disorders (SUD), a civil legal problem is often one more roadblock on the path to recovery. Ohio’s legal organizations are experts in removing these roadblocks, helping low-income Ohio families impacted by SUD secure housing and health care services, ensure children are cared for, escape domestic violence, [...]
After last year’s successful launch of the We Care program for professionals in civil legal services, the Foundation is returning the popular program for 2024. We Care is a professional development opportunity designed to help attorneys and staff navigate the stressors of work demands, process common experiences, discuss mental health concerns, and access further care [...]
The Foundation is pleased to introduce our newest team member, Tash Yeager, who joins us as the Grants Assistant for our Ukrainian Legal Services Grant program. Beyond her role at the Foundation, Tash heads her own tax business, Yeager's Tax Pro, which she established in 2021. Boasting an MBA from Fisher College of Business and [...]
In 2023, the Foundation continued its work to increase access and services in Ohio’s civil justice system, grew funding and support for civil legal service providers, and increased collaboration with our partners. Here are a few highlights from the stories we brought you in 2023. The year kicked off with the Foundation and CareSource teaming [...]
Wayne Sarna, attorney at Community Legal Aid, is the 2023 recipient of the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Denis J. Murphy Award. The Foundation presents the Murphy Award annually to an Ohio legal aid staff member to recognize outstanding leadership and advocacy. At a reception in early December, Foundation board member Bill Dowling presented the [...]
When Foundation Board Member Vallie Bowman-English was the assistant prosecutor for Lucas County, she thought she had found her dream job. She had always been a natural public servant, and the role suited her. As time went on, however, Bowman-English couldn’t help but suggest improvements to the Court’s record-keeping process. "I kept saying that we [...]
