LASCO Newsletters

Community Connections Newsletter March 2026

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:00:41 GMT

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Community Connections Newsletter February 2026

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:58:38 GMT

Protecting Yourself from Tax Preparation Scams

Community Connections Newsletter January 2026

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:48:38 GMT

Expanded SNAP Work Requirements are Coming Soon

Pursuing Justice Newsletter April 2026

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:40:23 GMT

From Legal Deserts to Community Solutions: Addressing the Justice Gap in Rural Ohio

By Kristin Lewis, Rural Advocacy Director

Pursuing Justice Newsletter March 2026

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:20:09 GMT

LASCO Helps Clients Spring into Stability

By Kate McGarvey, Executive Director

Pursuing Justice Newsletter February 2026

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:11:05 GMT

IN THIS ISSUE: LASCO's Innovations

Pursuing Justice Newsletter January 2026

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:03:07 GMT

IN THIS ISSUE:
January is Poverty Awareness Month | Turn Awareness into Action During Poverty Awareness Month | Serving the Community: Inside Perry County’s Free Legal Clinic and Wills for Vets | Partnering for Good—Pro Bono Connections | Legal Aid in the News |

January is Poverty Awareness Month

By Kate McGarvey, Executive Director

Pursuing Justice Newsletter December 2025

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:20:13 GMT

Your Gift Helps Close the Justice Gap

By Kate McGarvey, Executive Director and Debi Willet, LASCO Board Member

Pursuing Justice Newsletter November 2025

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:54:46 GMT

IN THIS ISSUE:
Service to Support: Empowering Veterans Through Justice | Development Digest | LASCO Honors Veterans with Legal Help at Stand Down Events | Partnering for Good—Pro Bono Connections | Save the Date for Upcoming CLE Opportunities | Important End-of-Year Information: Pro Bono Hours & CLE Credit | Legal Aid in the News |

Service to Support: Empowering Veterans Through Justice

By Kate McGarvey, Executive Director and John Boyer, LASCO Board Member

Pursuing Justice Newsletter October 2025

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:10:35 GMT

Protecting Survivors, October and Beyond

By Kate McGarvey, Executive Director

Pursuing Justice Newsletter September 2025

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:56:57 GMT

Legal Aid's Role in Recovery

By Kate McGarvey, Executive Director

Pursuing Justice Newsletter August 2025

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:51:01 GMT

IN THIS ISSUE:
Legal Aid Matters: Making the Case for Justice in D.C. | Journey Toward Justice—Save the Date | Pro Bono Spotlight—Fred Benton and Sheldon Goodrum | Development Digest—Grants and Donations | Partnering for Good: Get Involved | Save the Date for Upcoming CLE Opportunities | Legal Aid in the News |

Legal Aid Matters: Making the Case for Justice in D.C.

By Kate McGarvey, Executive Director

Pursuing Justice Newsletter July 2025

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:24:48 GMT

IN THIS ISSUE:
P rotecting Justice: A Board Member's Perspective on Legal Aid Funding | Development Spotlight: Melonia Bennett | Partnering for Good: Get Involved | Fresh Start Friday Brings Critical Driver's License Help to Ross County | Former State Officials Urge Congress to Fund Legal Aid | Save the Date for Upcoming CLE Opportunities | Legal Aid in the News |

Protecting Justice: A Board Member’s Perspective on Legal Aid Funding

By Lisa Pierce Reisz, LASCO Board Chair

Pursuing Justice Newsletter June 2025

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:22:30 GMT

IN THIS ISSUE:

Working Together to Address the Need for More Legal Help in Rural Ohio | Development Spotlight | Partnering for Good: Get Involved | Save the Date for Upcoming CLE Opportunities | Legal Aid in the News

Working Together to Address the Need for Legal Help in Rural Ohio

By Kate McGarvey, Executive Director

Pursuing Justice Newsletter May 2025

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:21:14 GMT

Annual Report Now Available

By Kate McGarvey, Executive Director

Pursuing Justice Newsletter April 2025

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:03:21 GMT

IN THIS ISSUE:

Celebrating Justice, Community, and the Volunteers Who Make It Happen | 2025 Fresh Start Gala Coming Up This Week! | Donor Spotlight—Matt and Lisa Forsythe | Get Involved | Save the Date for Upcoming CLE Opportunities | At Columbus Clinic, Volunteers Help Hundreds Seal Past Records | Legal Aid in the News |

This National Volunteer Month, We Celebrate Justice, Community, and the Volunteers Who Make It Happen

By Dianna Parker, Director of Pro Bono and Community Engagement

Pursuing Justice Newsletter March 2025

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:03:16 GMT

Fresh Start, Lasting Impact: How You Can Help Us Help More Debt-Burdened Ohioans

By Kate McGarvey, Executive Director

Pursuing Justice Newsletter February 2025

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:04:11 GMT

IN THIS ISSUE:
Helping Low-Income Taxpayers Navigate the System | Opportunities to Help Out | CLE Opportunity | Tax Time Partnership Helps Clients Navigate Tax Issues, Gain Peace of Mind | A.J. Hensel on Why You Should Take the 25-in-'25 Pro Bono Challenge! | McGarvey to Columbus City Council: Investments in Access to Counsel Keep People Housed, Save Money | Summer Paid Clerkship for Law Students | Fresh Start Gala Set for April 17! | PILF Annual Auction Coming Up | Legal Aid in the News |

Legal Aid in Action: Helping Low-Income Taxpayers Navigate the System

By Kate McGarvey, Executive Director

Pursuing Justice Newsletter January 2025

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 15:25:19 GMT

IN THIS ISSUE:
New Year, New Opportunities: Amplifying Our Work Through New Partnerships | LASCO Poised to Expand Impact in 2025 Thanks to New Funding Partners | Opportunities to Help Out | Exciting Opportunities for Law Students to Work with Legal Aid | Pro Bono Initiatives Featured in Columbus Bar Lawyers Quarterly | Take the 25-in-’25 Pro Bono Challenge! | Legal Aid in the News

New Year, New Opportunities: Amplifying Our Work Through New Partnerships

By Kate McGarvey, Executive Director

November 2024 Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 19:57:23 GMT

IN THIS ISSUE:

Veterans Outreach: Serving Those Who Served

By Anna Lynch, LASCO Veteran Outreach Attorney

Introducing the 25-in-’25 Pro Bono Challenge!

“Journey Toward Justice” in the Books!

Pictured with their awards are [left to right] Humphrey Kweminyi (Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter), Larsa Ramsini (representing JPMorganChase), Barry Kiser (Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP), Anna Sanyal (Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease), Eric Henricks (Nationwide Insurance), and Barry Wolinetz (Wolinetz, Horvath and Brown). For more on each of this year's winners, visit lasco.org/ProBonoExcellence !

To see more photos from Journey Toward Justice—including our onsite photobooth—check out our Facebook photo album !

Development Digest

Supporter Spotlight—John Boyer

With Veterans Day just behind us, LASCO would like to recognize the contributions and support of John Boyer, LASCO Board Member, recurring Legal Aid contributor, and a veteran who served four years on active duty with the 101st Airborne Division.

Nationwide is one of many employers that have recurring donation options as well as generous match programs. If you are interested in learning more about yours, contact your HR department or reach out to Melissa at mlinville@lasco.org with questions.

Connecting with Pro Bono

Opportunities to Help Out

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page .

Scioto County “Fresh Start Friday” Clinic – November 22

Legal Aid staff are holding legal clinics throughout Southeast Ohio to help clients with record sealing and expungement applications. Register here if you’d like to volunteer to help out with our last 2024 expungement clinic, which will be in Scioto County!

When :

Friday, November 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where:

Scioto County Welcome Center

342 Second St., Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

Wills Clinic at Morgan County Senior Center – December 6

Volunteer lawyers and paralegals will be offering simple wills, powers of attorney, living wills, and transfer on death affidavits to seniors and low-income individuals. Legal Aid staff will be onsite to conduct intake, fill out client questionnaires for drop-in clients, proofread forms, and answer questions. Training and templates are available to all volunteers. LASCO will also supply laptops and forms templates for those who need them. Register to volunteer here.

When :

Friday, December 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where:

Morgan County Senior Center

10 W. Main St., McConnelsville, Ohio 43756

Visit Our New Website!

LASCO's Draft 2025 PAI Plan

Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO) is committed to engaging volunteers to help us in our mission to provide civil legal aid and advocacy to overcome unfairness and injustice to reduce poverty and increase opportunity. Each year, LASCO must assemble a “Private Attorney Involvement” (PAI) Plan, which summarizes its priorities and methods that focus on the engagement of volunteers. Read the draft plan to learn more about how LASCO will pursue justice and change lives in 2025. To leave feedback on the proposed draft, email probono@lasco.org .

Legal Aid's Kate McGarvey Will Participate in Forum on Rising Eviction Rates

On December 4 at the Columbus Metropolitan Club, LASCO Executive Director Kate McGarvey will be part of a forum discussing rising eviction rates in Franklin County. The panel—moderated by Columbus Dispatch reporter Danae King—will also feature Columbus City Council Member Shayla D. Favor and Director of Legal Research and Franklin County Municipal Court Magistrate Gene Edwards.

For more information, or to register to attend, click here .

Special CBJ Ticket Deal for Volunteers!

As a thank you to volunteers, the Columbus Blue Jackets are offering a buy one, get one deal for tickets to their November 23 game against the Carolina Hurricanes and their February 6 game against the Utah Hockey Club! For details, check out bluejackets.com/Volunteers .

Legal Aid in the News

ACRMC celebrates successful Aging Better Expo

People’s Defender (Oct. 18, 2024)

Heinrich promoted to Managing Attorney of Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio

The Athens Messenger (Oct. 29, 2024)

October 2024 Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 15:38:00 GMT

IN THIS ISSUE:

To Our Pro Bono Attorneys and Volunteers | "25-in-25" Pro Bono Challenge | Thank You to the Sponsors of Journey Toward Justice Reception! | Meet the 2024 Pro Bono Excellence Award Winners | CLE Opportunity | Opportunities to Help Out | Legal Aid in the News

To Our Pro Bono Attorneys and Volunteers: We Can’t Thank You Enough

By Dianna Parker, Pro Bono and Community Engagement Director

Be on the Lookout for the "25-in-25" Pro Bono Challenge!

To encourage pro bono participation in Central Ohio, next year we’re launching a friendly firm pro bono competition—the 25-in-25 Challenge! Stay tuned for additional details and check out this link to learn more. If you are with a Franklin County firm and want to hear more, please email Dianna Parker .

Thank You to the Sponsors of Journey Toward Justice Reception!

In just one week, on October 23 , LASCO is holding the Journey Toward Justice Reception , a celebration of pro bono service and an opportunity to recognize some of our pro bono champions!

LASCO would like to extend our sincere thanks to the sponsors of the reception, without whom this celebration would not be possible:

Bricker Graydon

Columbus Bar Foundation

JPMorganChase

Nationwide Insurance

Ohio Access to Justice Foundation

Porter Wright Morris & Arthur

Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease

Interested in joining us for Journey Toward Justice on October 23? Learn more about the event and reserve your free tickets here .

2024 Pro Bono Excellence Award Recipients

Outstanding Service by an Individual —Anna Sanyal, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP

Pro Bono Impact Award —Barry Kiser, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP

In the Trenches Award —Eric Henricks, Nationwide Insurance

Pro Bono Powerhouse Award —Barry Wolinetz, Wolinetz, Horvath and Brown

New Attorney Pro Bono Award —Humphrey Kweminyi, Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter

Exceptional Service by a Law Firm or Corporation —JPMorganChase

Connecting with Pro Bono

CLE Opportunity

Planning for the Future: What LASCO Pro Bono Attorneys Should Know

Virtual

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Opportunities to Help Out

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

“Fresh Start Fridays” Clinics – Marion, Coshocton, and Scioto Counties

Fresh Start Friday – Coshocton County

When: Friday, October 25 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Coshocton Community Room 637 Chestnut St. Coshocton, Ohio 43812

Fresh Start Friday – Scioto County

When: Friday, November 22 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Scioto County Welcome Center 342 Second St.

Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

Two Opportunities to Support Veterans Coming Up This Fall

On October 22, Legal Aid will be holding its annual clinic at the Central Ohio Stand Down, which offers wraparound services and donations to Veterans. Click here to sign up or learn more.

Our annual clinic at the Central Ohio Stand Down , which offers wraparound services and donations to Veterans.

When:

Tuesday, October 22

Shifts are from 9-11:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Where: Columbus Convention Center 400 N High St.

Columbus, Ohio 43215
We will also be partnering with the Federal Court for the Southern District of Ohio, the Supreme Court of Ohio, and the Ohio Justice Bus to offer a brief advice clinic at the Veterans Financial Wellness event in Columbus. Click here to sign up or learn more. When: Thursday, November 21 Shift is from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Where: VFW Post 9857 2330 Stelzer Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43219

Job Opportunities at LASCO

We have a number of open positions at LASCO! Check out our job postings for more information about the positions, the benefits we offer, and how to apply.

Legal Aid in the News

Legal Aid offers free Fresh Start Friday record sealing in Marion County

Marion Star (Sept. 18, 2024)

Weller promoted to managing attorney of Legal Aid office

Portsmouth Daily Times (Sept. 27, 2024)

Local Briefs: LASCO awarded grant for pro bono legal work

Portsmouth Daily Times (Oct. 1, 2024)

Getting legal help for Franklin County tenants facing eviction

NBC 4 Columbus (Oct. 3, 2024)

Ohio’s criminal record law offers new lease on life

NBC 4 Columbus (Oct. 15, 2024)

September 2024 Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 17:30:00 GMT

From the Executive Director—How Our Clinics Help Ohioans Unlock New Employment Options | Opportunities to Help Out | CLE Opportunity | Development Digest—Grant Funding for Reentry Services Giving Hope, Opportunity for Central Ohioans | Journey Toward Justice—Join Us! | Job Opportunities at LASCO | Legal Aid in the News

From the Executive Director—How Our Clinics Help Ohioans Unlock New Employment Options

By Kate McGarvey

Connecting with Pro Bono

Opportunities to Help Out

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

“Fresh Start Fridays” Clinics – Marion, Coshocton, and Scioto Counties

Fresh Start Friday – Marion County

When: Friday, September 27

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Marion County Building—Prospect Room 222 West Center St.

Marion, Ohio 43302

Fresh Start Friday – Coshocton County

When: Friday, October 25 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Coshocton Community Room 637 Chestnut St. Coshocton, Ohio 43812

Fresh Start Friday – Scioto County

When: Friday, November 22 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Scioto County Welcome Center 342 Second St.

Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

Ohio Means Jobs Expungement Clinic – Saturday, October 12

LASCO and partners are holding an Expungement Event that is scheduled from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, at Ohio Means Jobs, 1111 E. Broad Street in Columbus. Please register here if you are interested in volunteering.

Opportunities to Support Veterans Coming Up This Fall

Legal Aid has two upcoming opportunities to help out at clinics for veterans. The most common issues we see at these clinics include domestic, landlord-tenant, consumer debt, SSI and other disability benefits, record-sealing, probate, and veterans benefits issues. To sign up for either event, please use this form .

Our annual clinic at the Central Ohio Stand Down , which offers wraparound services and donations to Veterans.

When:

Tuesday, October 22

Where: Columbus Convention Center 400 N High St.

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Shifts:

9-11:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
We will also be partnering with the Federal Court for the Southern District of Ohio, the Supreme Court of Ohio, and the Ohio Justice Bus to offer a brief advice clinic at the Veterans Financial Wellness event. When: Thursday, November 21
Where: VFW Post 9857 2330 Stelzer Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43219
Shift: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

CLE Opportunity

Planning for the Future: What LASCO Pro Bono Attorneys Should Know

Virtual

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

LASCO offers two pro bono projects focused on estate planning for seniors and veterans. The Seniors Referral Project (SRP) connects clients with volunteer lawyers and paralegals who draft wills, advance directives, and transfer on death affidavits throughout our service area. Volunteers can participate remotely or in-person. At LASCO Wills Clinics, volunteer lawyers and paralegals draft and execute necessary documents at local senior centers and other community sites throughout our service area. SRP cases are available throughout the year, and volunteers can accept as many referrals as they wish. In 2025, LASCO will be offering wills clinics in five rural counties and five Columbus neighborhoods. The training will cover the basics of document drafting, frequently asked questions, and tips for volunteers. Register for the CLE here .

Development Digest—Grant Funding for Reentry Services Giving Hope, Opportunity for Central Ohioans

Journey Toward Justice—Join Us!

Reserve your free tickets and learn more about the event here!

Job Opportunities at LASCO

We have a number of open positions at LASCO! Check out our job postings for more information about the positions, the benefits we offer, and how to apply.

Legal Aid in the News

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther confirms personal information on dark web following cyberattack WOSU Public Media (Aug. 17, 2024)
Columbus city officials confirm personally identifiable information leaked to dark web after cyber attack Spectrum News 1 (Aug. 17, 2024)
Infant mortality in Ohio: How a local group is trying to reduce high rates NBC 4 Columbus (Aug. 19, 2024)
Second Athens County landlord faces federal sexual harassment suit Athens County Independent (Aug. 22, 2024)
Ohio’s eviction rates surged last year — and they’re not slowing down WOSU Public Media (Aug. 26, 2024)
What do I do if I get a three-day notice to leave and my landlord is threatening to lock me out? Athens County Independent (Aug. 28, 2024)
‘A phenomenal experience’: The Summer Law and Trial Institute Ohio University News (Aug. 29, 2024)
YSU to Mark Constitution Day with Moot Court Event The Business Journal (Sept. 10, 2024)

August 2024 Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 21:02:00 GMT

From the Executive Director—Supporting Homeless Youth | Development Digest—How Fellowships Help Amplify Legal Aid’s Impact | Volunteer Spotlight—LASCO Recognizes Teresa Scharf for Her Outstanding Commitment to Pro Bono | Opportunities to Help Out | CLE Opportunity | Journey Toward Justice—Save the Date! | Tickets Now Available—"Justice On Tap" at Seventh Son Brewery! | We're Hiring! | Legal Aid in the News

From the Executive Director—Supporting Homeless Youth

By Kate McGarvey

Development Digest—Fellowships Help Amplify Legal Aid’s Impact

Fellowships play a significant role in supporting and advancing the work of LASCO by providing dedicated resources, talent, and innovative approaches to complex social challenges. We are highlighting two outstanding LASCO Fellows, Michael Moon and Jesse Vogel.

Connecting with Pro Bono

Volunteer Spotlight—LASCO Recognizes Teresa Scharf for Her Outstanding Commitment to Pro Bono!

As a dedicated volunteer, Teresa Scharf didn’t just give time to Legal Aid. She gave peace of mind. During the 15 years that she led the Paralegal Association of Central Ohio (PACO) Pro Bono Wills Clinic program, Teresa ensured that countless low-income senior citizens were able to complete wills and other end of life documents at no charge.
Teresa, who recently retired and stepped down from her role as the chair of PACO’s Pro Bono Committee, has been a tremendous asset to Legal Aid and the Central Ohio legal community, said LASCO Director of Pro Bono & Community Engagement Dianna Parker. “Teresa was a steadfast supporter of Legal Aid and prioritized creating opportunities for herself and others to give back to their community. The Wills Clinic would not be what it is without Teresa.”
Prior to retirement she worked as a litigation and patent prosecution paralegal for UB Greensfelder and was also the firm’s primary Remote Online Notary (“RON”), serving clients in every practice area across the United States and around the world.
While Teresa has many poignant memories of her volunteer work, one Thursday evening wills clinic at a senior living facility stands out. As the clinic was ending, a resident approached the staff member of the facility who had coordinated the event and pleaded with her to add a slot to the full roster of clients. Teresa readily agreed and coordinated with another attorney and paralegal to make sure the client had the documents she needed.
The following Monday morning, Teresa received a phone call from the facility staff member letting her know that the woman who Teresa helped suffered a heart attack and died over the weekend. Her family was beyond grateful that the paperwork had been completed and their loved one’s wishes were known. Helping clients like this cemented Teresa’s belief that Legal Aid “makes the impossible possible for its clients.”
In retirement, Teresa plans on visiting Greece to connect with recently discovered family, specifically a sister, with whom she connected over the past year! When she isn’t in Europe, she intends to spend time with her loved ones and grandchildren, golf, read, and practice Greek. Teresa, we wish you the best on this new adventure!

Opportunities to Help Out

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

Exciting Volunteer Opportunity: Join Us at the Two-Day Columbus TPS Clinic for Haitians!

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti has been extended and re-designated until February 3, 2026. The deadline for re-registration is fast approaching on August 30! To support the many Haitians needing to apply for TPS, LASCO is hosting a two-day Haitian TPS clinic at the Central Community Worship Center in Columbus on Tuesday, August 20, and Wednesday, August 21 , from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We need your help! If you have a few hours to spare, please consider volunteering. We’ll provide all the training and support you need. Sign up to volunteer here .

Franklin County Driver's License Clinic – August 29

Volunteers from Legal Aid, the Franklin County Municipal Court and Self-Help Resource Center, as well as ODJFS and the Ohio BMV, among others, will come together on August 29 for an all-day Driver's License Reinstatement Clinic at The Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch Downtown. Both morning and/or afternoon shifts will be available. Please register here if you are interested in volunteering.

Fresh Start Clinics

Staff from Legal Aid are holding clinics throughout Southeast Ohio to assist clients with record sealing and expungement applications. If you would like to volunteer for one or more of the clinics coming up in Marion, Coshocton, or Scioto counties, please register here . If needed, Legal Aid can send additional resources and training videos ahead of the clinic to provide a review on substantive law.

Time and specific location TBD:

Marion County, September 27
Coshocton County, October 25
Scioto County, November 22

Two Opportunities to Support Veterans Coming Up This Fall!

Central Ohio Stand Down – Tuesday, October 22

Our annual clinic at the Central Ohio Stand Down—which offers wraparound services and donations to Veterans—is on Tuesday, October 22. Click here to sign up or learn more.

Location: Columbus Convention Center

Address: 400 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Shifts: 9-11:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Veterans Financial Wellness – Thursday, November 21

Second, we will also be partnering with the Federal Court for the Southern District of Ohio, the Supreme Court of Ohio, and the Ohio Justice Bus to offer an advice clinic at the Veterans Financial Wellness event on Thursday, November 21. While the first three hours will feature group presentations on consumer debt/bankruptcy, reentry, and family law, we will also have a brief advice clinic at the end of the event. Click here to sign up or learn more.

Location: VFW Post 9857

Address: 2330 Stelzer Rd, Columbus, OH 43219

Shift: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

At both events, volunteer lawyers will be providing advice to veterans with legal issues. The most common issues we see at these clinics include domestic, landlord-tenant, consumer debt, SSI and other disability benefits, record-sealing, probate, and veterans benefits issues.

CLE Opportunity

Driver License Reinstatement Clinic CLE

Virtual

Thursday, August 22, 12 p.m.

Attorneys planning to volunteer at the August 29 Driver License Reinstatement Clinic may join us for a free virtual training on Thursday, August 22 via Zoom. CLE credit is available to attorneys who attend the live training; those who cannot attend may review the recording at their convenience after the event (no CLE credit available for viewing recording). Attendees will learn the fundamentals of driver license reinstatement with the municipal court and BMV to provide brief advice to clients; and review the general process conducted at the clinic. Non-attorney volunteers are welcome to attend if interested in the substantive law, but attendance is not required for non-attorney volunteers. Register here for the CLE; if you have not yet registered as a volunteer for the clinic, both attorneys and non-attorneys can do so here .

Journey Toward Justice—Save the Date!

Tickets Now Available—"Justice On Tap" at Seventh Son Brewery!

Legal Aid in the News

'We have A.I. landlords,' housing attorney warns of automated evictions in Columbus ABC 6 Columbus (July 17, 2024)
Columbus changes city code to hold landlords accountable NBC 4 Columbus (July 17, 2024)
Tenant advocates publish properties owned by sexual harassment co-defendants Athens County Independent (July 18, 2024)
The pros and cons of privatizing Section 8 housing WOSU Public Media, All Sides with Anna Staver (July 29, 2024)
A Mortgage Alternative for Lower-Priced Homes Comes With Risks The New York Times (Aug. 2, 2024)
Community news from around the area: Legal Aid to hold record sealing clinic Herald-Star , Steubenville (Aug. 5, 2024)
Franklin County treasurer suspends liens as property tax delinquencies spike The Columbus Dispatch (Aug. 6, 2024)

July 2024 Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 19:31:00 GMT

From the Board Chair—Curious About Our LASCO Board of Trustees? | Pro Bono Spotlight—Melissa McFadden | Opportunities to Help Out | CLE Opportunity | New Board Member Spotlight—Erin Fawley | LASCO 2023 Annual Report Now Available! | Follow Our New Facebook and LinkedIn Pages! | Job Opportunities at LASCO! | Legal Aid in the News

From the Board Chair—Curious About Our LASCO Board of Trustees?

By Sandra J. Anderson

Connecting with Pro Bono

Pro Bono Spotlight—Melissa McFadden

To read more about Melissa's reentry work, the people we help, and and our efforts in 2023, check our 2023 LASCO Annual Report !

Fresh Start Clinics

Staff from Legal Aid are holding clinics throughout Southeast Ohio to assist clients with record sealing and expungement applications and driver license reinstatement. If you would like to volunteer for one or more of the clinics coming up in Licking, Fayette, Coshocton, and Scioto counties, please register here . If needed, Legal Aid can send additional resources and training videos ahead of the clinic to provide a review on substantive law.

Record sealing and expungement in Licking County: THIS Thursday, July 18 at Licking County Aging Partners, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Driver License Reinstatement in Fayette County: Friday, July 26 at the Washington Court House Municipal Court, from 1-4 p.m.

Opportunities to Help Out

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

Brief Advice Clinics at Columbus-area Shelters

We still need additional volunteer attorneys to assist us at our adult and family shelters to provide brief advice to shelter clients. If you are interested in this outreach, attorneys can register here for the adult shelters and register here for the YWCA family clinic.

Wills Clinic at Adams County Senior Citizens Council – July 31st, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Columbus Asylum Clinics – August 1st and 14th

LASCO offers two clinics each quarter where volunteer law students and lawyers assist clients with their asylum applications. Legal Aid prescreens clients, and applications are filed pro se. Please register for upcoming clinics here .

Franklin County Driver's License Clinic – August 29

Volunteers from Legal Aid, the Franklin County Municipal Court and Self-Help Resource Center, as well as ODJFS and the Ohio BMV, among others, will come together on August 29 for an all-day Driver's License Reinstatement Clinic at The Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch Downtown, 96 S. Grant St. Both morning and/or afternoon shifts will be available. Please register here if you are interested in volunteering.

CLE Opportunity

Driver License Reinstatement Clinic CLE

Virtual

Thursday, August 22, 12 p.m.

Attorneys planning to volunteer at the August 29 Driver License Reinstatement Clinic may join us for a free virtual training on Thursday, August 22 at noon via Zoom. CLE credit is available to attorneys who attend the live training; those who cannot attend may review the recording at their convenience after the event (no CLE credit available for viewing recording). Attendees will learn the fundamentals of driver license reinstatement with the municipal court and BMV to provide brief advice to clients; and review the general process conducted at the clinic. Non-attorney volunteers are welcome to attend if interested in the substantive law, but attendance is not required for non-attorney volunteers. Register here for the CLE; if you have not yet registered as a volunteer for the clinic, both attorneys and non-attorneys can do so here .

New Board Member Spotlight—Erin Fawley

Erin Fawley is a LASCO board member who truly believes in advocating and advancing the work of Legal Aid. This drive stems from her own experiences. Legal Aid represented Fawley in a housing case before the 10th District Court of Appeals that resulted in a dramatic change in eviction proceedings.

Inspired by the work of her attorneys, Fawley decided to give her time as a member of the board: “I am so excited to participate and give back after what Legal Aid has done for me.”

LASCO 2023 Annual Report Now Available!

Follow Our New Facebook and LinkedIn Pages!

Legal Aid in the News

Clinic provides free legal aid to people looking to clear their criminal records

WOUB Public Media (June 18, 2024)

Ohio bill would make it easier to seal non-violent criminal records, but advocates want it expanded

Ohio Capital Journal (June 24, 2024)

Problem properties: Columbus' top code-violating landlords

The Columbus Dispatch (July 8, 2024)

Ohio spends billions to rehabilitate the incarcerated. Current state laws make it difficult for employers to then hire them.

Matter News (July 9, 2024)

June 2024 Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 19:31:51 GMT

From the Executive Director—Meeting the Legal Needs of Ohioans Impacted by the Opioid Epidemic | Development Digest—Ensuring Resources for Vulnerable Populations Through Grant Funding | Opportunities to Help Out | LASCO Holds Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic | Legal Aid Celebrates Pride Across Southeast and Central Ohio! | Legal Aid in the News

From the Executive Director—Meeting the Legal Needs of Ohioans Impacted by the Opioid Epidemic

By Kate McGarvey

Development Digest—Ensuring Resources for Vulnerable Populations Through Grant Funding

Our Development Team is dedicated to securing resources for vulnerable populations, addressing substance abuse, and promoting community stability and well-being. LASCO has over $2.4 million in pending funding requests to expand services for communities affected by substance abuse over the next three years.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has recently renewed funding for LASCO to provide legal services to veterans experiencing housing instability.

Additionally, we are excited to share that the United Way of Central Ohio has recently awarded LASCO funding to assist families with young children access safe housing, public benefits, and educational accommodations.

Connecting with Pro Bono

Opportunities to Help Out

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

Save the Date! Columbus Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic and Record Sealing Clinic Coming Up!

LASCO will be holding a Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic on August 29 and a Record Sealing Clinic on October 12 , and we need your help for both events! Stay tuned for more details.

Fresh Start Friday Clinics

Staff from Legal Aid are holding clinics throughout Southeast Ohio to assist clients with record-sealing and expungement applications. If you would like to volunteer for one or more of the clinics coming up in Licking, Fayette, Coshocton, and Scioto counties, please register here . If needed, Legal Aid can send additional resources and training videos ahead of the clinic to provide a review or a refresher on substantive law.

Thanks to our volunteers and staff who attended our Fresh Start Friday in Marietta on June 14th!

Rural Wills Clinics

LASCO is sponsoring rural wills clinics throughout our service area, with our next clinic taking place in Adams County on Wednesday, July 31st from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lawyers and paralegals are welcome! We will be offering simple wills, powers of attorney, living wills, and transfer on death affidavits. Legal Aid staff will be onsite to conduct intake, client questionnaires for drop-in clients, proofread forms, and answer questions. We will also supply laptops and forms templates for those who need them. To sign up, please use this form . As with all pro bono programming, Legal Aid provides free training recordings, volunteer toolkits, malpractice coverage, and CLE credit for your hours.

LASCO Holds Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic

On June 12, LASCO hosted a Name and Gender Change Clinic in the Athens Public Library! Coinciding with the library’s Pride showcase, staff and volunteers representing several Legal Aid offices provided much needed services to Southeastern Ohioans who needed help with the legal aspects of name and gender changes.

A pair of clients assisted by Legal Aid attorneys learned about the clinic online. The two described it as “vital and indispensable,” also adding that having access to gender-affirming care in the legal sphere is “extremely valuable given the difficulties of being part of the LGBTQ+ community in Ohio.”

Manal Vakil, an Intake Specialist at the Columbus office, volunteered their time and services because they know that the legal procedures of gender-affirming care can be “the last thing on a person’s mind.” Even more, many people are not even aware of how to go about changing their legal gender or name, they added, so it is an essential service for Legal Aid to provide.

After a successful first clinic in Athens, LASCO hopes to provide more Name and Gender Change Clinics across our service area.

Legal Aid Celebrates Pride Across Southeast and Central Ohio!

Be sure to look for us at your local Pride event throughout June!

Legal Aid in the News

Housing Bill Proponents Highlight Written Agreements, Evictions

Gongwer (May 22, 2024)

Colonial Village apartment plight reveals holes in asylum seeker safety nets

WOSU Public Media (June 4, 2024)

Pregnant moms can get help quitting smoking from Columbus, state

The Columbus Dispatch (June 11, 2024)

Displaced Colonial Village residents getting $156,000 package from Columbus City Council

NBC4 Columbus (June 13, 2024)

Central Ohio advocates say kids can be listed on evictions, are at risk for long-term consequences

WOSU Public Media (June 14, 2024)

May 2024 Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Tue, 21 May 2024 14:59:40 GMT

From the Executive Director—Empowering Neighbors to Revitalize Communities | Development Digest—Grant Funding Helps Residents Improve Underserved Neighborhoods | Opportunities to Help Out | You’re Invited: LASCO Newark Office Open House! | Legal Aid in the News

From the Executive Director—Empowering Neighbors to Revitalize Communities

By Kate McGarvey

Development Digest—Grant Funding Supports Neighborhood Development

Connecting with Pro Bono

Opportunities to Help Out

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

Meigs County Wills Clinic – May 31

LASCO is sponsoring rural wills clinics across our service area in the coming months. Our next clinic is in Meigs County on Friday, May 31st from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lawyers and paralegals are welcome! For details and to sign up, please use this form .

Washington County Fresh Start Friday Record Sealing Clinic – June 14

Staff from Legal Aid will be traveling to Washington County on Friday, June 14, 2024 from 10:00am to 2:00pm to assist clients with record-sealing and expungement applications. If you would like to volunteer for this clinic (both attorneys and/or non-attorneys), as well as to see other upcoming dates in this series, please register here . Additional resources and training videos can be sent ahead of time for review or a refresher on substantive law.

Columbus Advice Clinics – Ongoing

We always need additional volunteers for our brief advice clinics ! We are especially looking to bolster numbers for:

VA Ambulatory Care Center Clinic that exclusively serves veterans (second Thursday of the month from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.). Sign up to volunteer .
Van Buren Shelter Clinic (second Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m.). Sign up to volunteer .
Faith Mission Shelter Clinic (second Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m.). Sign up to volunteer .
Faith Mission/Nancy’s Place Downtown Clinic (fourth Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m.). Sign up to volunteer .

Please email probono@lasco.org for additional details on signing up and to receive training materials, if needed.

You’re Invited: LASCO Newark Office Open House!

Legal Aid in the News

Proposal could crack down on squatters

Spectrum News 1 (April 20, 2024)

Eviction filings at 20-year high in Columbus, Franklin County and set to worsen. See why

The Columbus Dispatch (April 24, 2024)

Dozens facing housing worries after Riverview eviction notices

NBC 4 Columbus (April 24, 2024)

New Riverview Drive apartment owner booting hundreds of immigrant tenants

The Columbus Dispatch (April 29, 2024)

Legal Aid comes to county courthouse

Monroe County Beacon (May 1, 2024)

Bozian receives Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Presidential Award

The Marietta Times (May 9, 2024)

April 2024 Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:42:04 GMT

Fair Housing Month and Combatting Housing Discrimination | Development Digest—Fair Housing Grants | Pro Bono Volunteer Spotlight—Dennis Muchnicki | Legal Aid Helps Fair Housing Client Stay Housed | Opportunities to Help Out | CLE Opportunities | Legal Aid in the News

Fair Housing Month and Combatting Housing Discrimination

By Kristen Lewis, Fair Housing Advocacy Director

Development Digest—Fair Housing Grants

Our Fair Housing work is supported by multiple grants from the following:

US Department of Housing and Urban Development – $500,000
City of Columbus – Community Development Block Grant - $200,000
City of Newark – $20,000

2023 was the first year for our City of Columbus funding. With this funding, we have been scaling up our fair housing testing and enforcement program to affirmatively address the fair housing needs in the Columbus area. We are excited to grow this important work and appreciate the ongoing financial support from our partners.

Pro Bono Volunteer Spotlight—Dennis Muchnicki

New Paragraph

Connecting with Pro Bono

Opportunities to Help Out

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

Tenant Advocacy Project – Ongoing

The Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) provides legal screenings, counseling, negotiation, and representation for low-income tenants facing eviction in Franklin, Athens, Fairfield, and Washington counties . LASCO staffs each clinic with intake specialists and staff attorneys, who are joined by local lawyers who donate their time and talent for a few hours. Attorneys handle eviction hearings or negotiate resolutions, including drafting agreed entries. To volunteer with TAP, sign up here .

Columbus Advice Clinics – Ongoing

Legal Aid is seeking help at a number of in-person advice clinics this year. Please consider lending your time and talent to one of the clinics listed here . Landlord-tenant issues are the second most common questions we receive at our brief advice clinics. Lawyers willing to receive training in this area and share their knowledge are a huge help!

April Is a Busy Month!

April is also Second Chance Month, so we wanted to take this opportunity to thank our many volunteers who helped make our first expungement clinic at Ohio Means Jobs a success! Because of their support and our fantastic partners—Franklin County Self Help Resource Center, Municipal Court Judges, Municipal Court Clerk’s office, Franklin County Common Pleas Court and Clerk’s office, and Ohio Justice Bus—we were able to serve more than 100 individuals with their record sealing needs. Extra thanks to Barnes & Thornburg and JP Morgan Chase for spending their Days of Service with us!

If you are in the Monroe County area, we are also seeking help for our first 2024 “Fresh Start Friday” Expungement Clinic at the Monroe County Courthouse on Friday, April 26th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Training and support will be provided. You can sign up here .

CLE Opportunity

Asylum Clinic CLE – Preparing an Asylum Application and Other Clinic Tips

Live Interactive Webinar

Monday, April 29; 12-1:30 p.m.

LASCO holds two pro se asylum clinics each quarter where pro bono attorneys and law students assist low-income individuals with their asylum applications. LASCO immigration team staff prescreen all clients and serve as mentors and quality control for all clinics. This training will prepare attorneys and law students to volunteer at those clinics. The presentation will cover eligibility for asylum and basic instructions for completing an asylum application. No prior immigration law experience required! Register here .

Legal Aid in the News

Legal Aid works to serve low-income residents
Columbus Jewish News (March 24, 2024)

Latitude Five25 tenant payments to begin April 1st
FOX28 Columbus (March 25, 2024)

Former Latitude Five25 residents to receive settlement payments in April
10TV Columbus (March 25, 2024)

Latitude Five25 tenants to receive $10,000, more than a year after housing disaster
The Columbus Dispatch (March 25, 2024)

Readers encouraged to look at Ohio Senate Bill 37
The Athens Messenger (March 28, 2024)

Be informed about SB 37 and driver’s license suspension practices
Athens County Independent (March 28, 2024)

Tenants in Athens County live in squalor as markets and regulations fail to meet the need
WOUB Public Media (March 28, 2024)

The Eviction Experts
Harper’s Magazine (April 1, 2024)

Why JPMorgan Chase believes “second chances” are good for business
Columbus Business First (April 1, 2024)

Displaced Latitude 525 residents grateful for $10,000 settlement checks
WOSU Public Media (April 1, 2024)

January 2024 Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 19:30:00 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director; Development Digest: A Look Ahead; Opportunities to Help Out; CLE Opportunities; Legal Aid in the News

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Development Digest

Year in Review and a Look Ahead at 2024

As a nonprofit law firm with the largest service area in the state, we rely not only on volunteers and community partners, but also financial support from philanthropic organizations and the generosity of Legal Aid allies like you.

In 2023, our organization raised over $359,000 from donations . Thank you! We hosted our first-ever Partners in Justice Luncheon inviting law firm partners and corporations to learn more about our work and saw the long-awaited return of the Fresh Start Gala which raised over $48,000 to support our bankruptcy program. We sent more than 14,000 letters to lawyers across our 36 counties asking for their support. Our organization had 77 active grants in 2023 and submitted successful grant applications for seven new grants .

It has been our pleasure to share our work with you in this redesigned newsletter, and we look forward to learning more about you in 2024. Our team is working on more small-scale events to share our work more broadly, and we hope to visit more law firms and increase engagement from lawyers in our communities.

We step into 2024 as Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio , excited for our future and the opportunities the new year brings.

Connecting with Pro Bono

Opportunities to Help Out

Jackson County Driver’s License Clinic – February 2

We are partnering with Jackson Municipal Court and Clerk to offer a Driver’s License Reinstatement Event on Friday, February 2 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to have their BMV record reviewed and receive advice and assistance on steps to get reinstated. Court and clerk representatives will be on hand to waive costs, fines, and fees, remove blocks, and grant driving privileges. Volunteer attorneys will receive training on license suspensions, and other professionals and students will help with Legal Aid intake and pulling BMV information. No prior experience is necessary! To express interest, please complete this short form.

Asylum Clinics – February 5 and 7

We are sponsoring two asylum clinics in February on the 5th and the 27th. No prior experience necessary! To sign-up and to receive additional details on training, please click here.

Seniors Referral Project – Ongoing

We are looking for pro bono attorneys, paralegals, and law students to assist seniors with basic estate planning. Volunteers speak with clients either in person or virtually and help by drafting simple wills and advanced directives. Training and a Volunteer Toolkit are provided. If you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out our volunteer interest form.

Columbus Advice Clinics – Ongoing

We are seeking help at a number of in-person advice clinics this year. Please consider lending your time and talent to one of the clinics listed below:

Jewish Family Services

1st Monday of each month, 5:30-8 p.m.

1070 College Avenue

Van Buren Shelter

2nd Monday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

575 Van Buren Drive

YWCA Family Center

2nd Tuesday of each month, 6-8 p.m.

900 Harvey Court

Faith Mission on 8th Avenue

2nd Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

599 East 8th Avenue

VA Ambulatory Care Center

2nd Thursday of each month, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

420 N. James Road

Mt. Olivet Church

3rd Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

425 E. Main Street

Faith Mission/Nancy’s Place Downtown

4th Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

217 N. Grant Ave

Save the Date: Columbus Expungement Clinic – March 23

We are excited to be partnering with Ohio Means Jobs, Franklin County Municipal Court Self Help Center, Court, and Clerk’s offices, Franklin County Common Pleas, and volunteers to host this Expungement Clinic on Saturday, March 23. To sign up, please click here .

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

CLE Opportunities

Save the Date for 2024 Clinic Curriculum Series

Legal Aid’s “2024 Clinic Curriculum” Series will kick off in January with a Weekly 1-Hour Training Series created specifically for lawyers who volunteer at our brief advice clinics. Attendees will receive CLE credit, practical tips, and digestible substantive legal knowledge in the areas we encounter most frequently at our advice clinics.

This 5-Part Series will take place on zoom on Thursdays from 12-1:00 on the following dates:

Thursday January 18th - Probate
Thursday January 25th - Consumer Debt
Thursday February 1st - Divorce and Dissolution
Thursday February 8th - Custody and Support
Thursday February 15th - Landlord-Tenant

LASC and SEOLS in the News

Chauncey council considers tenants’ rights proposals

Athens County Independent (Dec. 21, 2023)

No-cost clinic for seniors on estate planning and wills scheduled

The Logan Daily News (Jan. 4, 2024)

March 2024 Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 16:59:00 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director; Development Digest; Pro Bono Volunteer Spotlight; Opportunities to Help Out; Trainings for Volunteers

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Development Digest

Legal Aid’s Consumer work has been generously supported through a $100,000 grant from the City of Columbus and a $15,000 pro bono focused grant from the American College of Bankruptcy. Columbus’ Elevate 2.0 grant, through the City's Department of Development, supports the work of Legal Aid’s economic justice team to help people deal with debt and avoid consumer traps. This grant aligns with one of Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther’s 21 priorities to specifically focus on Financial Security.

Pro Bono Volunteer Spotlight

Connecting with Pro Bono

Opportunities to Help Out

Columbus Expungement Clinic – March 23

Franklin County Home Value Challenge Clinics – Multiple Dates Through March

LASCO and the Franklin County Board of Revision (BOR) will be holding in-person events to help homeowners who believe their home values are incorrect file complaints with the BOR. The clinics are educational events that walk homeowners through the process of filing complaints and answer questions that may arise throughout the filing process. The conversations with program participants will address the homeowner’s opinion of value, whether the homeowner should file a BOR complaint, and how great of a change in value should be requested. Volunteers can register for a one, two, or three-hour volunteer shift. There are both in-person and remote options to volunteer.

To register, complete the online registration form OR call 614-525-HOME.

Family Law Virtual Clinics

Do you practice family law and have limited time to commit but want to help? LASCO coordinates weekly Family Law pro bono phone consultations for pro se litigants we are otherwise unable to serve. Virtual clinics are scheduled on alternating Wednesday and Thursday evenings, clients are pre-screened by Legal Aid, and you can sign up for a clinic here .

Columbus Advice Clinics – Ongoing

We are seeking help at a number of in-person advice clinics this year. Please consider lending your time and talent to one of the clinics listed below:

Jewish Family Services

1st Monday of each month, 5:30-8 p.m.

1070 College Avenue

Van Buren Shelter

2nd Monday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

575 Van Buren Drive

YWCA Family Center

2nd Tuesday of each month, 6-8 p.m.

900 Harvey Court

Faith Mission on 8th Avenue

2nd Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

599 East 8th Avenue

VA Ambulatory Care Center

2nd Thursday of each month, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

420 N. James Road

Mt. Olivet Church

3rd Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

425 E. Main Street

Faith Mission/Nancy’s Place Downtown

4th Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

217 N. Grant Ave

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

Trainings for Volunteers

2024 Clinic Curriculum Series

Legal Aid’s “2024 Clinic Curriculum” Series wrapped up last month, and all materials are now available in an easy-to-use Volunteer Attorney Toolkit! If you are interested in helping at our clinics and would like to review the materials, please contact probono@lasco.org .

February 2024 Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 20:00:22 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director; Opportunities to Help Out; CLE Opportunities; Legal Aid in the News

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Connecting with Pro Bono

Opportunities to Help Out

Franklin County Home Value Challenge Clinics – Multiple Dates Through March

To register, complete the online registration form OR call 614-525-HOME.

Asylum Clinics – February 27

Our next asylum clinic is February 27th. No prior experience necessary! To sign up and to receive additional details on training, please click here.

Columbus Expungement Clinic – March 23

Columbus Advice Clinics – Ongoing

We are seeking help at a number of in-person advice clinics this year. Please consider lending your time and talent to one of the clinics listed below:

Jewish Family Services

1st Monday of each month, 5:30-8 p.m.

1070 College Avenue

Van Buren Shelter

2nd Monday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

575 Van Buren Drive

YWCA Family Center

2nd Tuesday of each month, 6-8 p.m.

900 Harvey Court

Faith Mission on 8th Avenue

2nd Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

599 East 8th Avenue

VA Ambulatory Care Center

2nd Thursday of each month, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

420 N. James Road

Mt. Olivet Church

3rd Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

425 E. Main Street

Faith Mission/Nancy’s Place Downtown

4th Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

217 N. Grant Ave

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

CLE Opportunities

2024 Clinic Curriculum Series

Legal Aid’s “2024 Clinic Curriculum” Series is wrapping up its Weekly 1-Hour Training Series created specifically for lawyers who volunteer at our brief advice clinics. Attendees at the live virtual sessions will receive CLE credit, practical tips, and digestible substantive legal knowledge in the areas we encounter most frequently at our advice clinics.

This 5-Part Series has taken place on zoom on Thursdays from 12-1:00; please see remaining dates for live virtual meetings with CLE credit:

Thursday February 15th - Landlord-Tenant

The following 2024 Curriculum Series sessions are now available for review; replay does not qualify for CLE credit:

Probate
Consumer Debt
Divorce and Dissolution
Custody and Support

Please email probono@lasco.org to access recordings.

Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement for Clinic Volunteers

Virtual

March 7, 2 - 4 p.m.

This live, interactive webinar will prepare attorneys to volunteer at re-entry clinics for eligible low-income clients who would like to have their criminal records sealed or expunged. The presentation will cover eligibility for expungement and record sealing, timelines, forms, and court procedures. The presenter will also discuss changes in Ohio laws, over the last year, that have impacted eligibility and procedures for sealing and expunging criminal records. Sign up to attend here .

LASC and SEOLS in the News

Latitude Five25 tenants to receive $1.5 million after judge signs settlement

The Columbus Dispatch (Jan. 17, 2024)

$1.5 million settlement reached to benefit displaced Latitude Five25 residents

WSYX (Jan. 17, 2024)

Former Latitude Five25 tenants to split $1.5 million in settlement

NBC 4 Columbus

Ohio city targets pastor who helped homeless stay warm in freezing weather. What's the crime?

The Columbus Dispatch (Jan. 20, 2024)

Homeless Headcount Underway – Here’s How You Can Help

Scioto County Daily News (Jan. 22, 2024)

Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio working on driver's license suspension cases

Lancaster Eagle-Gazette (Jan. 25, 2024)

Why preparing a last will is better to do sooner rather than later

NBC 4 Columbus (Jan. 29, 2024)

Eviction filings creep back up to pre-pandemic levels

Spectrum News 1 (Feb. 1, 2024)

December 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 16:43:52 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director; Development Digest: Support Legal Aid! Pro Bono Spotlight: Breanna Tolbert; Opportunities to Help Out; CLE Opportunities; Important: Pro Bono Hours and CLE Credit; Big News for LASC and SEOLS!; LASC and SEOLS in the News

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Development Digest

We're grateful for the opportunity to make transformative, life-changing impacts on the lives of thousands of Ohioans in need each year. Your support this holiday season allows us to advocate for more people who need help navigating a complicated legal system. Please consider making a donation at www.oslsa.org/Donate .

Connecting with Pro Bono

Pro Bono Spotlight—Breanna Tolbert

Opportunities to Help Out

Central Community House Clinic – Sponsorship and Attorney Volunteers Needed

Legal Aid is launching a general brief advice clinic at Central Community House on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:30 PM. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with First English Lutheran Church, where our clinic was previously located, and are looking forward to our new location just a few blocks down at 1150 E. Main Street! We are still seeking a firm or corporate group willing to sponsor this clinic, which involves committing to send at least two pro bono attorneys to each monthly clinic, so if you are willing to support this clinic, please email probono@oslsa.org .

If you are interested in helping but cannot commit to a firm sponsorship, we can still use your help! Please sign up here.

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

CLE Opportunities

Save the Date for 2024 Clinic Curriculum Series

Divorce and Dissolution
Custody and Support
Landlord-Tenant (general rights and duties, escrow, conditions)
Consumer Debt
Probate (guardianship and other post-death paperwork for probate court pro se litigants)

This 5-Part Series will take place on zoom on Thursdays from 12-1:00 on the following dates:

Thursday January 18th
Thursday January 25th
Thursday February 1st
Thursday February 8th
Thursday February 15th

Save the dates now and stay tuned for future information on CLE registration! Trainings will be recorded and made available after the events.

Important End of Year Information: Pro Bono Hours & CLE Credit

Attorneys can receive up to six hours of general pro bono CLE each reporting period. Every six hours of volunteering equates to one hour of general pro bono CLE. Please note that hours must be submitted annually , even if it is your non-reporting year, and no CLE credit will be awarded if we do not receive the required Form 23 by December 31. You should have received an email from our pro bono team last week, but you can find all of the details here .

Big News for LASC and SEOLS!

LASC and SEOLS in the News

Staff Attorney Madison Hill quoted about ruling in Legal Aid's favor:

Court rules that certain Franklin County landlords must give 30 days’ notice for eviction

The Columbus Dispatch (Nov. 9, 2023)

Legal Aid identified as a community organization providing resources and legal help to housing scam victims:

After 850 Haitians fell victim to housing scam, city attorney files legal case

The Columbus Dispatch (Nov. 14, 2023)

Here's how to help the Haitian housing scam victims in Columbus

The Columbus Dispatch (Nov. 17, 2023)

Mailings, court and police documents offer clues in Colonial Village housing scam

The Columbus Dispatch (Nov. 21, 2023)

Managing Attorney Michael Gibbons-Camp quoted:

Local veteran able to stay in home thanks to legal help

Chillicothe Gazette (Nov. 16, 2023)

Legal Aid identified as organizer of the Perry County Legal Clinic:

Court Provides Free Legal Help for 15 Years

Ohio Court News (Nov. 21, 2023)

Managing Attorney William Canterberry and Staff Attorney Ann Roche quoted:

Housing, addiction crises beset Licking County; advocates say current approach isn't enough

Newark Advocate (Dec. 3, 2023)

Testimony to Senate Select Committee on Housing by Senior Attorney Ryan Maxwell cited; testimony by Senior Staff Attorney Peggy Lee quoted:

Housing Panel Focuses On Appalachian Challenges

Gongwer (Dec. 5, 2023)

Managing Attorney Jyoshu Tsushima quoted:

Columbus offers update on city’s housing initiatives

NBC 4 Columbus (Dec. 11, 2023)

Guest column by Equal Justice Works Fellow Jesse Vogel:

'No heat and a roof are better than nothing.' What Colonial Village crisis says about Columbus

The Columbus Dispatch (Dec. 13, 2023)

November 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 21:21:46 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director; Pro Bono Spotlight—Jasmin Hurley; Opportunities to Help Out; CLE Opportunities; Development Digest: Veteran Grants; Thanks to Our Volunteers!; OSLSA's Draft 2024 PAI Plan; LASC and SEOLS in the News

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Connecting with Pro Bono

Pro Bono Spotlight—Jasmin Hurley

Opportunities to Help Out

YWCA Family Center Clinic – Attorney Volunteers Needed

LASC has resumed our legal clinic at the YWCA Family Center in Columbus. Clinics will take place monthly on the second Tuesday of each month from 6-8:00 p.m. Attorneys will provide advice and information regarding landlord-tenant, domestic, probate, expungement, benefits, and property issues. Legal Aid lawyers will attend each clinic to supervise intake and answer volunteer questions, and lawyers can receive CLE credit and malpractice coverage for their service. Attorneys can volunteer for specific clinic dates here .

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

Development Digest

Veterans Grants

Thanks to our funders who help us serve veterans throughout our service area.

State of Ohio: This past year, our Ohio General Assembly increased funding in the state budget to support legal services to veterans. The funding is distributed through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation to all the legal aids in the state. OSLSA’s projected 2024 portion of funding from the legislature is $100,000.

VA Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness Grant: New this year, the VA is funding legal services entities to help the most vulnerable veterans with their civil legal needs. OSLSA was thrilled to be a recipient of this competitive grant at the amount of $150,000.

Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF): OSLSA has partnerships with the following community organizations:

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio, Inc.
Licking County Coalition for Housing
Washington Morgan Community Action Agency
Lutheran Social Services Faith Mission, Inc.
Volunteers of America

These organizations refer eligible veterans to Legal Aid for assistance and Legal Aid receives SSVF dollars from the organizations. If your organization is looking for an SSVF Legal Services partnership, reach out to Melissa Linville at mlinville@oslsa.org.

Thanks to Our Volunteers!

At our annual Pro Bono Reception, we were excited to present 2023 Pro Bono Awards to [left to right] Susan Grom (Pro Bono Impact Award), Chris Lardiere (Pro Bono Powerhouse Award), Dennis Muchnicki (In the Trenches Award), Sandra Carrillo (Outstanding New Lawyer Award). Jim Burnes (not pictured) was also recognized with the Outstanding Service by an Individual Award. Congratulations to all!

Volunteers at our October 31 drop-in legal advice clinic at Central Ohio Veterans Stand Down.

Volunteers at the October 24 Franklin County Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic.

OSLSA's Draft 2024 PAI Plan

Ohio State Legal Services Association (OSLSA) is committed to engaging volunteers to help us in our mission to provide civil legal aid and advocacy to combat unfairness and injustice and to help people rise out of poverty. Each year, OSLSA must assemble a “ Private Attorney Involvement ” (PAI) Plan, which summarizes its priorities and methods that focus on the engagement of volunteers. Read the draft plan to learn more about how OSLSA will pursue justice and change lives in 2024. To leave feedback on the proposed draft, click here .

LASC and SEOLS in the News

Letter to the editor by SEOLS Athens office Managing Attorney Lucy Schwallie:

Southeastern Ohio Legal Services can help tenant with fair housing violations

Athens Messenger (Sept. 9, 2023)

Housing Managing Attorney Melissa Benson’s testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Housing quoted:

ABC6 On Your Side's extensive housing coverage submitted into testimony at Ohio Statehouse

WSYX Columbus (Sept. 13, 2023)

SEOLS volunteers recognized during Pro Bono Month:

Local Attorney Volunteers Acknowledged During Pro Bono Month

Union County Daily Digital (Oct. 20, 2023)

Attorneys recognized for volunteer work during Pro Bono month

Portsmouth Daily Times (Oct. 20, 2023)

LASC mentioned as organization that will have a presence at new community center:

Crittenton Community Center overcomes odds, celebrates grand opening

The Columbus Dispatch (Oct. 25, 2023)

SEOLS Steubenville Managing Attorney Pam Bolton cited as SEOLS representative to Coalition on Housing and Homelessness:

Coalition collaborates to address homelessness

Steubenville Herald-Star (Nov. 3, 2023)

SEOLS Managing Attorney Baylee Butler quoted:

For youth experiencing homelessness in southeast Ohio, a helping hand changes lives

WOUB Public Media (Nov. 6, 2023)

October 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 21:08:36 GMT

October marks Pro Bono Month, and we're thrilled for the opportunity to recognize the outstanding pro bono attorneys, paralegals, students, and community members who donate their time, talent, and expertise to make a difference in the lives of low-income Ohioans. So much of our work depends on the generosity and hard work of our fantastic pro bono attorneys, and we can't thank you enough for your dedication to our clients!

In this issue: Thanks to our rural pro bono clinic attorneys!; Meet the 2023 Columbus Pro Bono Award winners; Supporter Spotlight—John Gilligan; Attend the 2023 Columbus Pro Bono Reception; Opportunities to help out; CLE opportunity

Thanks to Our Rural Clinic Pro Bono Attorneys!

2023 Pro Bono Award Winners

Chris Lardiere—Pro Bono Powerhouse Award

Sandra Carrillo—Outstanding New Lawyer Award

Dennis Muchnicki—In the Trenches Award

Susan Grom—Pro Bono Impact Award

Jim Burnes—Outstanding Service by an Individual Award

Columbus Pro Bono Reception: October 25

Connecting with Pro Bono

Opportunities to Help Out

Mauritanian Community Events

Friday, October 20 and Monday, November 13

LASC is partnering with Catholic Charities, the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, and Vineyard to offer legal support for Mauritanians living in Central Ohio. We will have an informational event and client screening on Friday, October 20, where we will need non-attorney volunteers to help with client screening and triage, and on Monday, November 13, we will need both attorney and non-attorney volunteers for an asylum clinic for the first set of clients. Both events will take place at Vineyard in Westerville. You can sign up for either or both here.

We are having one additional Asylum Clinic on Friday, November 3 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Vineyard. If you are available to help, you can sign up via the link above.

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

CLE Opportunities

Relief from IRS Collections and COVID Hardships

Thursday, October 26, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Live interactive webinar

Learn the basics on how to help taxpayers deal with IRS debts and seek collection alternatives. This program can be a valuable addition to your practice, but also an easy way to provide pro bono assistance. Pro bono tax representation lends itself well to remote work; no existing tax expertise is necessary. Register now.

September 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:43:20 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director; Development Digest: Immigration Grants; Opportunities to Help Out; CLE Opportunities; Columbus Pro Bono Reception: Oct. 25; We're Hiring!; OSLSA Board Member on Why She Serves; Special CBJ Ticket Deal for Volunteers!; LASC and SEOLS in the News

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Development Digest

Immigration Grants

LASC has been fortunate to host a Jones Day/Procter & Gamble Equal Justice Works-funded fellow, specifically focused on immigrant housing outreach. Building on the work of our Immigration and Housing teams, Fellow Jesse Vogel has identified many underserved communities who were unaware of their rights as tenants. Because of Jesse’s initial work, Nationwide Foundation supported the community-focused housing outreach with a $25,000 grant in 2023.

We have also continued to grow our programming with financial support from the following partners over the last two years:

The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation ’s A fghan-focused grant provided $265,000 to our partnership with the Community Refugee & Immigration Services.
The Columbus Foundation provided one-time funding of $130,000 to support refugees in the Columbus community helped Legal Aid set up a direct referral system with our community partners.
The Ohio State Bar Foundation provided a $25,000 grant for translating materials.
The Harry C. Moores Foundation pro vided a $10,000 grant to support immigration work.

Connecting with Pro Bono

Opportunities to Help Out

Milo-Grogan Record Sealing and Expungement Clinic – Saturday, 9/23

LASC is again partnering with the Franklin County Self Help Resource Center, Municipal and Common Pleas Court and Clerks, Ohio Justice Bus, and the Milo-Grogan Area Commission to offer this annual record sealing and expungement clinic. This is a fantastic event, featuring a large pro bono clinic helping hundreds of individuals and a job and resource fair. We are seeking more attorney volunteers but registration for non-attorney volunteers is now closed. To register to volunteer, please use this form . A Lunch & Learn/Legal Refresher will take place on Zoom on Friday 9/22 at noon (recording will be circulated afterwards).

Driver’s License Clinic – Tuesday, 10/24

We’re also partnering for our next Franklin County Driver’s License Event, which will bring together the BMV, resource providers, court/clerk representatives, and volunteers to help individuals with suspended driver’s licenses. This is a great opportunity for lawyers and others who want to help! A training will be offered on Zoom on Monday 10/16 at noon (recording will be circulated afterwards). You can sign up here .

Mauritanian Community Events – Friday, 10/20 and Monday, 11/13

LASC is partnering with Catholic Charities, the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, and Vineyard to offer legal support for Mauritanians living in Central Ohio. We will have an informational event and client screening on Friday October 20, where we will need volunteers to help with client screening and triage, and on Monday, November 13, we will offer an asylum clinic for the first set of clients. Both events will take place at Vineyard in Westerville. You can sign up for either or both here .

Central Ohio Stand Down Clinic – Tuesday, 10/31

LASC will have a drop-in general advice clinic again at this annual Columbus event, which brings together service providers and resources for veterans who are unhoused or low-income. Pro Bono attorneys and intake volunteers are welcome! You can sign up to volunteer here .

Family Law Virtual Clinics – Attorney Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers for our weekly Family Law virtual clinic for September and October. You can sign up for specific slots here . Email probono@oslsa.org with questions!

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

CLE Opportunities

EmPOWER: Providing Assistance to Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking

Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

In-person, Ohio Statehouse Atrium

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio presents a free, POWER Act CLE event featuring keynote speaker Elizabeth C. Brown, President and CEO of YWCA Columbus. This POWER Act event is an opportunity to connect with lawyers throughout the Southern District of Ohio and to listen to a panel of experts identify the challenges faced by domestic violence survivors, the legal resources available throughout the district, and the pro bono opportunities focused on assisting survivors. Register now .

Planning for the Future: Preparing Simple Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advanced Directives

Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

In-person, 1108 City Park Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43206

This program will assist volunteer attorneys and paralegals who are participating in the PACO/LASC Pro Bono Wills Clinics which are held at different sites throughout Central Ohio. At these clinics, attorneys talk with the clients after the paralegals prepare the documents. Clients are provided with completed simple wills, health care powers of attorney, living wills, organ donor registry, declaration of funeral arrangements, financial powers of attorney, and affidavits. Register now .

Relief from IRS Collections and COVID Hardships

Thursday, October 26, 2023, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Live interactive webinar

Learn the basics on how to help taxpayers deal with IRS debts and seek collection alternatives. This program can be a valuable addition to your practice, but also an easy way to provide pro bono assistance. Tax representation lends itself well to remote work; no existing tax expertise is necessary. Register now .

Columbus Pro Bono Reception: October 25

We’re Hiring!

We have a number of open positions at LASC and SEOLS/OSLSA. Check out OSLSA's Employment Opportunities page for more information about the positions, the benefits we offer, and how to apply!

OSLSA Board Member on Why She Serves

Natalie Kochte (Tuscarawas County) discusses how Legal Aid helped her avoid losing her house, what civil legal aid means to people when they have nowhere else to turn, and why she serves as a Community Representative to the OSLSA Board.

Special Deal for Volunteers!

As a thank you to volunteers, the Columbus Blue Jackets are offering a buy one, get one deal for tickets to their October 24 game against the Anaheim Ducks and their November 2 game against the Tampa Bay Lightning! For details, check out their Volunteer Appreciation Offer flyer or check out bluejackets.com/Volunteers .

LASC and SEOLS in the News

OSLSA, SEOLS, and LASC mentioned as grant recipients, Development Director Melissa Linville quoted:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affair awards grant to Ohio State Legal Services Association

Chillicothe Gazette (Aug. 28, 2023)

SEOLS Chillicothe office Managing Attorney Michael Gibbons-Camp featured:

Sunrise Rotary learns about SEOLS

Circleville Herald (Aug. 20, 2023)

LASC Housing Managing Attorney Melissa Benson quoted:

Court dismisses Paxe Latitude bankruptcy claim; tenants to share $1.5 million settlement

The Columbus Dispatch (Aug. 30, 2023)

SEOLS Advocacy Director Kristen Lewis quoted:

Roads to Justice for Rural Ohio

Court News Ohio (Aug. 30, 2023)

Letter to the editor by SEOLS Athens office Managing Attorney Lucy Schwallie:

Southeastern Ohio Legal Services can help tenant with fair housing violations

Athens Messenger (Sept. 9, 2023)

LASC Housing Managing Attorney Melissa Benson’s testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Housing quoted:

ABC6 On Your Side's extensive housing coverage submitted into testimony at Ohio Statehouse

WSYX Columbus (Sept. 13, 2023)

LASC listed as an organization holding record sealing and expungement clinic:

Franklin County Municipal Court holding record sealing, expungement event next weekend

FOX 28 Columbus (Sept. 15, 2023)

August 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 20:37:26 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director; Donor Spotlight—Sandra Anderson; Opportunities to Help Out; Columbus Pro Bono Reception: Oct. 25; We're Hiring!; OSLSA Board Member on Why She Serves; LASC and SEOLS in the News

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Development Digest

Donor Spotlight—Sandra Anderson

Sandy Anderson is a retired partner from Vorys and a longtime Legal Aid financial supporter, including a recurring monthly donation. Join Sandy in a monthly commitment to our programs here . In her own words, here’s why Sandy says she supports Legal Aid:

Connecting with Pro Bono

Opportunities to Help Out

Family Law Virtual Clinics – Attorney Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers for our weekly Family Law virtual clinic for September. You can sign up for specific slots here . Email probono@oslsa.org with questions!

Licking County In-Person Clinic – Attorney Volunteers Needed

SEOLS is excited to reopen our Licking County In-Person Clinic to attorney volunteers. The Licking County Clinic is held at The Licking County Public Library Community Center (101 W. Main St., Newark, OH 43055) on the third Wednesday of every even month from 5-7 p.m. Remaining 2023 Dates include: October 18 and December 20. Attorneys will provide advice and information regarding landlord-tenant, domestic, probate, expungement, benefits, and property issues. Legal Aid lawyers will attend each clinic to supervise intake and answer volunteer questions, and lawyers can receive CLE credit and malpractice coverage for their service. You can sign up for specific slots here . Email probono@oslsa.org with questions!

VA Clinic Resuming – Attorney Volunteers Needed

LASC is resuming our legal advice clinic at the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center in Columbus on Thursday, September 14! Clinics will take place monthly on the second Thursday of each month from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Attorneys will provide advice and information regarding landlord-tenant, domestic, probate, expungement, benefits, and property issues. Legal Aid lawyers will attend each clinic to supervise intake and answer volunteer questions, and lawyers can receive CLE credit and malpractice coverage for their service. Attorneys can volunteer for specific clinic dates here . Legal Aid will also be scheduling a virtual Lunch & Learn in September, and the invitation will be shared with attorneys who sign up to volunteer.

YWCA Family Center Clinic Resuming – Attorney Volunteers Needed

LASC is also also restarting our legal clinic at the YWCA Family Center in Columbus. Clinics will take place monthly on the third Tuesday of each month from 6-8:00 p.m. Attorneys will provide advice and information regarding landlord-tenant, domestic, probate, expungement, benefits, and property issues. Legal Aid lawyers will attend each clinic to supervise intake and answer volunteer questions, and lawyers can receive CLE credit and malpractice coverage for their service. Attorneys can volunteer for specific clinic dates here .

Milo-Grogan Record Sealing and Expungement Clinic – Saturday, September 23

LASC is excited to once again partner with the Franklin County Self-Help Resource Center, Municipal and Common Pleas Court and Clerks, and the Milo-Grogan Area Commission to offer this annual record sealing and expungement clinic. This is a fantastic event, featuring a large pro bono clinic helping hundreds of individuals and a job and resource fair. To register to volunteer, please use this form . More details will be provided as the clinic date approaches.

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

Columbus Pro Bono Reception: October 25

We’re Hiring!

We have a number of open positions at LASC and SEOLS/OSLSA, including the Columbus-based Attorney Pro Bono Coordinator position . Check out OSLSA's Employment Opportunities page for more information about the positions, the benefits we offer, and how to apply!

OSLSA Board Member on Why He Serves

Tanya Long (Franklin County) explains what Legal Aid means to our clients, the life-changing impact Legal Aid had on her in a time of need, and why she serves as a Community Representative to the OSLSA Board.

LASC and SEOLS in the News

SEOLS Steubenville office mentioned:

Downtown Steubenville's Towers Building nears full occupancy with new tenant

WTOV9 (July 20, 2023)

LASC Supervising Attorney Jyoshu Tsushima quoted:

Columbus City Council proposals aim to keep people in homes, stop evictions

The Columbus Dispatch (July 30, 2023)

LASC mentioned as recipient of grant for eviction prevention:

Council commits nearly $9 million to address housing issues

The Columbus Dispatch (July 31, 2023)

LASC Managing Attorney Melissa Benson quoted:

Legal aid helps Columbus tenants face evictions

Axios Columbus (Aug. 2, 2023)

LASC Supervising Attorney Jyoshu Tsushima quoted:

‘We can only do so much:’ Columbus eviction filings continue to rise

NBC4 Columbus (Aug. 3, 2023)

SEOLS Administrative Secretary Sherry Barker recognized as helping to establish and run legal clinic:

Free legal clinic celebrates 15 years

Perry County Tribune (Aug. 9, 2023)

July 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 16:34:32 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director; Callie Query on the Impact of Medical-Legal Partnerships; Opportunities to Help Out; We're Hiring a Pro Bono Coordinator; OSLSA Board Member on Why He Serves; LASC and SEOLS in the News

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Development Digest

Callie Query on the Profound Impact of Medical-Legal Partnerships

Connecting with Pro Bono

Opportunities to Help Out

LASC Relaunching Clinic at VA Ambulatory Care Center

LASC will be resuming our brief advice clinic at the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center this fall, and we need your help! Clinics will take place monthly on a Thursday morning. Attorneys will provide advice and information regarding landlord-tenant, domestic, probate, expungement, benefits, and property issues. If you are interested in helping, email probono@oslsa.org for more information on how to sign up.

Family Law Virtual Clinics Restarting

We are resuming our Virtual Clinics and will launch a weekly Family Law virtual clinic starting this week. You can sign up for specific slots here . Email probono@oslsa.org with questions!

Attorney Volunteers Needed–Shelter Clinics

We need pro bono attorneys to assist clients at our monthly brief advice Columbus shelter clinics. These clinics are well attended and much needed for shelter residents. Pro bono attorneys can assist clients by offering advice on a variety of legal issues including housing, consumer, probate, record sealing, and family law. If you’re interested, you can sign up to volunteer here . Please email probono@oslsa.org if you have any questions.

Attorneys Needed for Pro Bono Adoption Work

We are seeking lawyers who can provide pro bono representation for adoptions. If you or your firm are interested, please email probono@oslsa.org .

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

We’re Hiring a Pro Bono Coordinator!

We're looking for a dedicated, creative attorney to join our team and coordinate the LASC-SEOLS Pro Bono programs! Learn more about the position, the benefits we offer, and how to apply!

OSLSA Board Member on Why He Serves

Allan Kisner (Athens County) explains the life-changing impact of Legal Aid and why he chooses to serve as a Community Representative on the OSLSA Board.

LASC and SEOLS in the News

Four stories and articles mentioned LASC as recipient of funds for eviction prevention:

Nearly $34 million in federal rental assistance windfall to flow from Franklin County

The Columbus Dispatch (June 19, 2023)

Franklin County to spend $34 million in federal funds on rental and utility assistance

WOSU (June 19, 2023)

Franklin County approves $33 million for rental assistance

NBC4 Columbus (June 20, 2023)

Franklin County allocates $34M in rental assistance from the federal government

Columbus Business First (June 22, 2023)

LASC Managing Attorney Meagan Van Brocklin quoted on the impact of criminal record sealing:

Recreational marijuana approval could expunge some low-level possession offenses

FOX28 Columbus (June 26, 2023)

SEOLS Steubenville office mentioned:

Improvements continue at Tower building

Steubenville Herald-Star (July 15, 2023)

June 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 15:56:54 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director; Meet Our Newest Development Team Member; Thanks to Our 2022 Donors and Funders; Volunteer Spotlight: Brian Henderson; Opportunities to Help Out; LASC and SEOLS in the News

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Development Digest

Meet Our Newest Team Member

Thanks to Our 2022 Donors and Funders

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the donors and funders who supported the work of LASC and SEOLS in 2022.

2022 LASC Donors and Funders

2022 SEOLS Donors and Funders

Connecting with Pro Bono

Volunteer Spotlight—Brian Henderson

Firm: Panico Law Group

Practice areas: Custody and Domestic Law

Education: Ohio Northern University (Bachelor’s in Math, 2008); University of Dayton (J.D., 2011)

Hometown: Moundsville, West Virginia

Current city: Columbus, Ohio

Opportunities to Help Out

Family Law Attorneys – Our Virtual Clinics are resuming!

We will be resuming our virtual clinics shortly, and we’re going to start by offering regular domestic-only virtual clinics each week. We’d like to set it up so that our volunteers can sign up for specific dates into the future based on availability, but we’d love your input on which days/times of day work best for you before we set up the clinic slot times. Please email probono@oslsa.org if you can help and if you have any specific times/days that work well for you.

Save the Date(s) – Reentry Clinics

We have a number of in-person and virtual record sealing and driver’s license clinics coming up this summer and fall and will be in need of attorney volunteers to assist clients. Please mark your calendars for the following:

August 25th – Adams County Record Sealing Clinic (virtual)
September 23rd – Milo-Grogan Record Sealing Clinic (in-person)
October 24th & 25th – Franklin County Driver’s License Clinic (in-person)

If you are interested in volunteering at any of these, please email probono@oslsa.org and keep an eye out for more information coming soon!

Attorney Volunteers Needed – Shelter Clinics

We are in need of pro bono attorneys to assist clients at our monthly brief advice Columbus shelter clinics. These clinics are well attended and much needed for shelter residents. Pro bono attorneys can assist clients by offering advice on a variety of legal issues including housing, consumer, probate, record sealing, and family law. If you’re interested, you can sign up to volunteer here . Please email probono@oslsa.org if you have any questions.

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

LASC and SEOLS in the News

SEOLS Staff Attorney Caitlyn McDaniel quoted:

Mobile home residents protest rent hikes at Colonial Estates

Lancaster Eagle Gazette (May 26, 2023)

SEOLS Managing Attorney Lucy Schwallie quoted:

Southeastern Ohio Legal Services receives funds from Sisters Health Foundation

The Athens Messenger (June 11, 2023)

LASC Staff Attorney Graham Bowman quoted:

Why are some Latitude Five25 residents still in motels nearly 6 months after evacuation?

The Columbus Dispatch (June 12, 2023)

May 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Tue, 23 May 2023 14:02:09 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director; Grant Funding Supports Legal Aid's Work with Seniors; The Return of the Fresh Start Gala; Danniell Coleman Steps into Pro Bono Role; Opportunity to Help Out; LASC and SEOLS in the News

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Development Digest

Grant Funding Supports Legal Aid's Work with Seniors

The Return of the Fresh Start Gala!

Thank you to all the attendees, donors, auction participants, and our generous sponsors who supported the 2023 Fresh Start Gala! If you missed the event, but would still like to donate, click here .

To see more from the 2023 Fresh Start Gala , check out our Facebook photo album !

Connecting with Pro Bono

Danniell Coleman Steps into Pro Bono Role

After five years working at the Chillicothe office of SEOLS, Danniell Coleman has moved into the role of pro bono support for LASC and SEOLS. In her new position, Danniell provides the support that is essential to OSLSA’s pro bono work, including scheduling interviews with potential pro bono attorneys, interviewing senior clients who need wills and advanced directives, sending out referral letters to clients and private attorneys willing to work with them, and doing the onsite administrative and support work necessary for successful legal clinics.

“We are thrilled to have Danniell join our team,” said Dianna Parker. “Her commitment to Legal Aid and her knowledge of our service area will be incredibly hopeful to the role.”

Danniell says she truly enjoys the work she does on behalf of Ohioans in need of civil legal aid. “We give hope and a voice to low-income individuals,” she says. “Legal aid helps make sure that everyone is treated fairly in the justice system, no matter how much money they have or what their background is.”

Originally from Chillicothe and raised in South Webster, Ohio, Danniell graduated from Ohio University. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking and hiking with her husband and two daughters.

LASC and SEOLS in the News

LASC Managing Attorney Josh Goodwin’s testimony before the Public Benefits Assistance Accountability Task Force quoted:

Advocates Say Public Benefits Programs Weighed Down by ‘Bureaucracy,’ ‘Red Tape’

Hannah (April 18, 2023)

SEOLS Administrative Secretary Sherry Barker mentioned as a coordinator of a free legal clinic:

Perry County Probate/Juvenile Court Update

Perry County Tribune (April 26, 2023)

LASC Staff Attorney Graham Bowman quoted:

Attorney 'cautiously optimistic' settlement can be reached for Latitude Five25 residents

The Columbus Dispatch (April 26, 2023)

SEOLS Staff Attorney Caitlyn McDaniel mentioned as a presenter:

Athens Messenger (May 4, 2023)

SEOLS Staff Attorney Caitlyn McDaniel mentioned as a presenter:

Women in business conference happening Friday

Athens News (May 16, 2023)

SEOLS mentioned as a grant recipient:

Sisters Health Foundation announces grants

The Marietta Times (May 20, 2023)

LASC mentioned as a provider of record sealing and expungement services:

New Ohio law makes hiding criminal records easier, quicker, cheaper

The Columbus Dispatch (May 21, 2023)

April 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 17:36:45 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director; Fresh Start Gala Returns May 18; Second Chance Month Is Here; Perry County Driver's License Clinic; CLE Opportunities; Summer Clerkships for Law Students; LASC and SEOLS in the News

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Development Digest

The Fresh Start Gala Returns May 18!

Legal Aid’s Bankruptcy Program helps people deal with insurmountable debt. Filing a bankruptcy can be a daunting and expensive process. Without free representation from our in-house and pro bono attorneys, many people cannot access this valuable tool to rebuild their lives. Access to much-needed bankruptcy relief can help someone reinstate their driver's license, maintain stable housing, and stop overwhelming wage garnishments.

We are thrilled to announce the return of our Fresh Start Gala on May 18 at 5:30 pm on the rooftop of the Huntington Center. The money raised at the event will directly benefit the Bankruptcy Program. Get your tickets today! The Silent Auction will go live on May 11, so watch for your chance to bid on Buckeye Football tickets, rounds of golf, a COSI membership, and much, much more.

Meet Some of Our Bankruptcy Clients:

Connecting with Pro Bono

Second Chance Month Is Here

April is Second Chance Month, a time when we recognize the importance of supporting people with past criminal records. These records create barriers to employment and housing long after they have completed their sentence. Second Chance Month is especially important this year because of far-reaching changes to Ohio law that greatly expand record sealing and expungement. These changes may allow people who were not previously eligible for criminal record relief to file for sealing or expungement.

Now more than ever, we need volunteers to assist clients with sealing and expungement and filing for Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQEs). This can be done virtually through Opportunity Port or at one of our in-person clinics. If you’re interested in volunteering with Opportunity Port, please email Megan O’Dell!

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

Dozens Served at Perry County Driver's License Reinstatement Clinic

On Friday, April 14, SEOLS and LASC staff joined with the Ohio Justice Bus and volunteer attorneys and law students from Perry and Franklin counties to help folks take steps towards reinstating their driver’s licenses. Thanks to our staff, volunteers, partners, and the Perry County Municipal Court, we were able to serve more than 40 people!

CLE Opportunities

Representing Low-Income Tenants in Franklin County

Friday, April 21, 2023, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Live Interactive Webinar

The Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) is an innovative collaboration between LASC staff and Columbus law firms that provides legal screenings, counseling, negotiation, and representation for low-income tenants. LASC staffs each clinic with intake specialists and staff attorneys, who are joined by local lawyers who donate their time and talent for a few hours. This training is free for Ohio legal aid staff and volunteer attorneys currently participating in (or committed to participate in) an Ohio Legal Aid Pro Bono Project. Register now .

An application has been submitted to the Supreme Court of Ohio for 2 hours of CLE credit for this training.

Probate for Low-Income Clients: The Basics All Advocates Should Know

Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Live Interactive Webinar

Join the Alliance of Ohio Legal Aids for this important webinar on the basics of probate for low-income families. The training will provide advocates with the foundation needed to ask the right questions and identify ways to help your clients plan for their families’ future. This training is free for Ohio legal aid staff and volunteer attorneys currently participating in (or committed to participate in) an Ohio Legal Aid Pro Bono Project. Register now .

An application has been submitted to the Supreme Court of Ohio for 2 hours of CLE credit for this training.

Law Students – Summer Opportunities Still Available!

We still have a need for full and part-time summer law clerks. Working with LASC/SEOLS is an excellent way to gain real-worl d experience in a safe and supportive environment. If you wish to apply, please do so by Friday April 21st! Apply here.

LASC and SEOLS in the News

LASC cited as a recipient of city funding to support tenants facing eviction:

Evictions climb in Franklin County

Axios Columbus (March 16, 2023)

LASC managing attorney Melissa Benson cited:

Nationwide Children's program builds homes to buy, rent in Linden, but are they affordable?

The Columbus Dispatch (March 24, 2023)

LASC mentioned:

Up to $10,000 per evacuated unit, Latitude Five25 owner proposes tenant settlement

ABC 6/FOX 28 Columbus (March 29, 2023)

LASC staff attorney Graham Bowman quoted:

'There was no playbook.' How one evacuation exposed fractures in Columbus' housing

The Columbus Dispatch (April 11, 2023)

SEOLS staff attorney Anne Roche quoted:

Don’t Hesitate To Reinstate—Perry County Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic

WHIZ News (April 14, 2023)

LASC managing attorney Melissa Benson quoted:

Ohio bill grants sexual, domestic violence victims’ a right to end lease unscathed

NBC 4 Columbus (April 17, 2023)

March 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 19:49:57 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director; How Is Legal Aid Funded?; Volunteer Spotlight: Chris Lardiere; Opportunities to Help Out; CLE Opportunity; LASC and SEOLS in the News

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Development Digest

How Is Legal Aid Funded?

Contrary to popular belief, legal aid is not affiliated with the government. SEOLS and LASC are separate nonprofit entities that are supported by a number of funding sources. Going into 2023, SEOLS and LASC have a combined 78 grants totaling over $14.5 million. Our largest funders are:

Legal Services Corporation – Roughly one-third of LASC and SEOLS funding comes from LSC, which has been built into the federal government’s annual budget since 1974 and is distributed based on individuals living in poverty
Ohio Access to Justice Foundation – Roughly one-third of LASC's and SEOLS' budgets is distributed through OAJF, which is primarily comprised of the interest on lawyer’s trust accounts (IOLTA) and funding is distributed across the state based on individuals living in poverty in the service area.in the service area.
City of Columbus – Over $2 million has been awarded to LASC with the largest amount going towards eviction defense in Franklin County Municipal Court.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development – A HUD Fair Housing Grant of $400,000 has been awarded to support both SEOLS and LASC.
Columbus Foundation – Two grant awards from the Columbus Foundation support both the Tenant Advocacy Project and LASC's immigration work.
Local United Ways – Four local United Way chapters support Legal Aid's work: United Way of Central Ohio , United Way of North Central Ohio , United Way of Delaware County , and United Way of Union County .

Connecting with Pro Bono

Volunteer Spotlight—Chris Lardiere

Position: Partner, Lardiere McNair DiNicola & Stonebrook, Ltd.

Practice areas: General In-House, Counsel Commercial Litigation, Litigation/Arbitration/Mediation, Employment Matters, Landlord/Tenant Disputes

Education:

University of Dayton (B.A., 1978)

Capital University Law School (J.D., 1983)

Opportunities to Help Out

Perry County Driver’s License Clinic

April 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Perry County Municipal Court

Attorney volunteers needed for Perry County Driver’s License Clinic. We are offering a morning shift from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and an afternoon shift from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.—but you are welcome to volunteer the entire day! Lunch will be provided at the clinic, and we will host a virtual Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, April 12 to review common reinstatement issues. If you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out this registration form . Please email Megan O’Dell if you have questions.

For a complete listing of ways to get involved, check out our Volunteer Resources page.

CLE Opportunity

Free Record Sealing & Expungement CLE

March 21, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Virtual

Ohio’s record sealing and expungement law has been greatly expanded with the changes taking effect on April 3. To get folks up to speed on the new law, we are hosting a free CLE for our pro bono attorneys. If you are unable to join, this will be recorded for your review (attorneys watching the recording are not eligible for CLE credit). Register here . Please email Megan O’Dell if you have questions.

LASC and SEOLS in the News

LASC staff attorney Graham Bowman quoted:

Affordable housing crunch hits displaced Latitude Five25 residents

Matter News (Feb. 15, 2023)

LASC attorneys Donna Mayer, Nathan Crowell, and Melissa Benson quoted:

'I feel more insecure now': Columbus housing voucher privatization failing many tenants

The Columbus Dispatch (Feb. 17, 2023)

LASC supervising attorney Jyoshu Tsushima quoted:

Out-of-state landlords giving Ohio tenants issues

Spectrum News 1 (Feb. 22, 2023)

SEOLS presentation listed:

Coshocton County Library events for March

Coshocton Tribune (Feb. 27, 2023)

SEOLS clinic featured:

Clinic on license reinstatement scheduled

Perry County Tribune (March 1, 2023)

SEOLS managing attorney Michael Gibbons-Camp quoted:

Renters facing eviction given help through additional funding

Lancaster Eagle Gazette (March 2, 2023)

LASC staff attorney Donna Mayer quoted:

Income-discrimination test case rocks Northeast Side complex

The Columbus Dispatch (March 9, 2023)

LASC staff attorney Donna Mayer quoted and managing attorney Melissa Benson cited:

Landlord backpedals after income-discrimination issue raised at Columbus apartments

The Columbus Dispatch (March 11, 2023)

The LASC Fresh Start Gala Returns!

Because everyone deserves a chance at a fresh start when they fall behind.

$50 per ticket

Ticket sales and auction to benefit Legal Aid's Bankruptcy Program

Ticket sales and auction information coming soon

February 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 17:11:10 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director | Melissa Linville Steps into Development Director Position | Thanks to our 2022 Donors! | LASC Helps Healthcare Professionals Form Nonprofit to Improve Maternal Health | Opportunities to Help Out | LASC and SEOLS in the News

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Development Digest

Melissa Linville Steps into Development Director Position

Thanks to our 2022 Donors!

2022 donations at a glance:

$52,000+ given by 136 new donors
$248,000+ given by individuals and companies
$275,000 in Cy Pres Award money directed to us by Ron Frederick

We also received two bequests of individuals who left us money in their estates. This is a truly meaningful show of support, and our hearts go out to the loved ones of these incredible donors:

$2,000 left to SEOLS by Lynn Woods
$10,000 left to LASC by Richard Loveland

Finally, thanks to our 61 recurring donors who give th rough our websites, the United Way, and employers like Nationwide and Chase who make recurring donations easy for their employees. We also received matching employer donations from at least four different Central Ohio employers. Inquire today about setting up a recurring donation .

Connecting with Pro Bono

LASC Helps Healthcare Professionals Form Nonprofit to Improve Maternal Health, Tackle Infant Mortality

Opportunities to Help Out

LASC and SEOLS in the News

LASC staff attorney Graham Bowman quoted:

First of Latitude Five25 residents displaced on Christmas Day find new homes

The Columbus Dispatch (Jan. 30, 2023)

SEOLS-sponsored clinics featured, administrative secretary Sherry Barker photographed:

Free legal clinics start again for 2023

Perry County Tribune (Feb. 1, 2023)

SEOLS staff attorney Ryan Maxwell quoted:

Opportunity Port launches in Tuscarawas County

The Bargain Hunter (Feb. 4, 2023)

LASC’s request for contempt and contempt sanction featured, managing attorney Melissa Benson pictured in story:

Lawyers request $3 million from Latitude Five25 over tenants' lost belongings

ABC 6 Columbus

January 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 21:20:00 GMT

In this issue: Inside Look from the Executive Director | Baylee Butler Steps into New Pro Bono Role | Opportunities to Help Out | Development Digest | Save the Date: 2023 Fresh Start Gala | OSLSA in the News

Inside Look from the Executive Director

Connecting with Pro Bono

Baylee Butler Steps into New Pro Bono Role

Opportunities to Help Out

Development Digest

Thanks to our funders who helped Ohioans stay housed in 2022

Save the Date!

If you or your company is interested in sponsoring the Fresh Start Gala, click the button below or reach out to interim development director Melissa Linville with questions.

OSLSA in the News

LASC staff attorney Graham Bowman has been featured extensively on housing conditions at Latitude Five25 apartments in Columbus:

Columbus lawyers demand compensation for Latitude 525 tenants as dozens remain in shelter

FOX 28/ABC 6 Columbus (Dec. 26, 2022)

Columbus files contempt action against owner of flooded Near East Side apartments

The Columbus Dispatch (Dec. 27, 2022)

City and owner strike a deal, displaced Latitude Five25 tenants to take further legal action

WBNS 10TV (Jan. 4, 2023)

Owner of troubled Latitude Five25 apartment towers on Near East Side agrees to sell

The Columbus Dispatch (Jan. 4, 2023)

December 2022 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 20:10:00 GMT

In This Issue: Thanks to Our 2022 Volunteers! | Important End of Year Information—Pro Bono Hours & CLE Credit | Keep an Eye Out for Our New LASC-SEOLS eNewsletter | Volunteer Opportunities | January Happy Hour | OSLSA in the News | We're Hiring!

Thanks to Our 2022 Volunteers!

Important End of Year Information—Pro Bono Hours & CLE Credit

If you have already submitted any necessary Form 23s to our program, feel free to disregard this message.

Each year, we are required to collect volunteer hours and information from our pro bono attorneys, paralegals, students, and other volunteers.

This information is relevant to you if—in 2022—you (a) attended a pro bono clinic; (b) worked on a pro bono case; or (c) otherwise volunteered for LASC or SEOLS.

ATTORNEYS: Please note that no CLE credit will be awarded if we do not receive the required Form 23 by December 31. All pro bono CLE hours will be submitted to the Supreme Court of Ohio in January.

CASE REFERRALS –If you are an attorney currently working on a pro bono case referred by LASC or SEOLS OR you have recently completed a referred case, please do the following:

Regardless of whether you are seeking CLE, please complete an interim report (still working on the case) or final report (completed the case) by December 31. You can find the report form here .
If you are seeking CLE credit, make sure you have uploaded a Form 23 to the report. Feel free to use “/s/” for your electronic signature or to sign and scan your form before emailing.
If you have already completed a case report and Form 23, your hours will be submitted in January.
For those of you working on multi-year cases, please note that we are not able to give CLE credit for any hours spent in 2021 if you did not submit your Form 23 last year.

CLINIC VOLUNTEERS/CASE CONSULTS –If you are an attorney or an OSBA-certified paralegal who volunteered at a pro bono clinic in 2022 or consulted with clients and/or staff attorneys:

If you have not completed your clinic reports, it's not too late!

Advice Clinic volunteering
TAP Clinic volunteering
Consultation on a project or case
Also, if you wish to receive CLE credit for your pro bono time at clinics, please email probono@oslsa.org . We will send you your total volunteer hours and then you will just need to complete the top half of Form 23 and email it to probono@oslsa.org by December 31. Our office will be closed that day, so if your email is sent that day, it will be deemed timely even if you do not receive a response until the following week.

STUDENTS, PARALEGALS, AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS

If you have not already done so, we ask that you submit reports to reflect the time you spent volunteering at clinics or with LASC/SEOLS. If you did not already report your time, please complete your reports here:

Questions? Email us at probono@oslsa.org .

Volunteer Opportunities

Looking to get your firm or group re-engaged? Interested in a Pro Bono Lunch & Learn? Reach out to Dianna Parker to schedule a visit!

Opportunity Port

Remote

Opportunity Port is an exciting new platform that allows us to connect applicants for criminal record sealing in Franklin County Municipal Court with volunteers who can screen them for eligibility and prepare their applications. This online portal also will enable volunteer attorneys to schedule appointments and allow clients to file their applications with the court electronically. Training will be provided for anyone who joins. Sign up now!

Family Law Attorneys Needed for Virtual Brief Advice Clinics

Remote

Phone consultations take 15-30 minutes on average, and attorneys can volunteer as little or as much as they wish. Current volunteers can simply email Dianna Parker if they wish to reengage and do not have preferences for specific clinic dates.

Attorneys Needed for Seniors Referral Project

Remote

We are asking for help from lawyers willing to draft and execute wills and advance directives for low-income seniors. Services for rural seniors are provided remotely. Sign up to volunteer today .

Fairfield County and Franklin County Tenant Advocacy Project

In Person

Fairfield County Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP): The TAP clinic provides free legal information, advice, and representation to tenants who are being evicted. Clinics take place on Tuesday afternoons. Sign up now if you’d like to volunteer .

Franklin County Tenant Advocacy Project: LASC offers a daily clinic for tenants with eviction hearings each morning in Franklin County. Attorneys handle eviction hearings or negotiate resolutions, including drafting agreed entries. Sign up now if you’d like to volunteer .

Legal Aid Reduced Fee Referral Project (LARP)

In Person/Remote Hybrid

The Legal Aid Reduced Fee Referral Project (LARP) at LASC is a panel of attorneys who accept reduced-fee referrals for uncontested divorces and Chapter 7 bankruptcies. LARP clients are low-income and generally unable to pay the market rate, and these referrals let them access much needed services. Clients agree to pay a reduced rate and Legal Aid matches the clients with interested attorneys. If you would like to be added to either the divorce or Chapter 7 bankruptcy referral list, please fill out an attorney application , or email Dianna Parker . We generally ask LARP attorneys to take two pro bono cases a year but there is no limit on the number of reduced-fee referrals.

Chapter 7 Pro Bono Attorneys Needed!

LASC works with qualifying clients to collect all the paperwork necessary to file a bankruptcy and once the client is ready to file, we refer the case to you. LASC prioritizes clients who are very low-income with an emergency need to file such as a wage garnishment or utility shut-off for representation. If you have not taken a bankruptcy case in the past, but are interested in learning, we can also match you with a mentor pro bono volunteer. Apply to volunteer .

January OSLSA Happy Hour

Kicking off 2023, our January OSLSA Happy Hour will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11 at Antiques on High , 714 S. High St., Columbus, 43206.

We hope to see you there!

OSLSA in the News

Here’s a roundup of recent media coverage of our work:

OPLC Ohio ARPA Tracker was cited on legislative priorities for remaining ARPA funds in this Lima News article, “ Ohio legislature’s lame-duck plans: What to expect and not expect by the end of 2022 ” (November 13, 2022), and the Times Leader Editorial Board praised the Ohio ARPA Tracker in this editorial, “ Tracking spending ” (November 23, 2022).

LASC Staff Attorney Graham Bowman was quoted on how the sale of a rental property would affect clients and residents in this Columbus Dispatch article, “ Owner of troubled Latitude Five25 apartment towers agrees to sell or face receivership ” (November 16, 2022).

LASC Managing Attorney Megan Sullivan and a joint letter from LASC and SEOLS were cited on the impact proposed changes to the IRS Appeals Offices could have on lower-income taxpayers’ ability to resolve tax controversies in this Bloomberg article, “ IRS Pitch on Appeals Office Sparks Fears of More Litigation ” (November 25, 2022).

OPLC was mentioned as a proponent of Senate Bill 288, which would reform major sections of Ohio’s criminal code, in this Gongwer article, “ Omnibus Criminal Justice Bill Headed For Senate Floor ” (November 29, 2022).

OPLC Policy Advocate Zack Eckles was quoted on ways to improve safety, code compliance, and enforcement in this WOUB Public Media article, “ Ceiling collapse at Athens rental reveals a gap in code enforcement inspections ” (December 7, 2022).

OPLC Policy Advocate Zack Eckles was quoted on how “work-to-own” rental agreements are bad for tenants in this WOUB Public Media article, “ Precarious rental agreements pop up where no one is looking in rural Athens County ” (December 14, 2022).

OPLC Senior Policy Advocate Tim Johnson was quoted on the historic investment in lead poisoning prevention passed as part of Am. Sub. House Bill 45 in this Springfield News-Sun article, “ Massive spending bill, election reforms pass after legislative all-nighter ” (December 15, 2022).

OPLC Senior Policy Advocate Tim Johnson and Policy Advocate Zack Eckles were quoted about lead poisoning prevention funding and criminal justice reform bills in this Gongwer article, “ Lame Duck Reaction Includes Groups Seeking Veto Of Elections Bill ” (December 15, 2022).

LASC Housing Managing Attorney Melissa Benson was quoted about surging evictions in Franklin County and the end of emergency rental assistance funds in this WOSU Public Media story, “ Franklin County eviction filings surpassing pre-pandemic levels ” (December 19, 2022).

We have a number of open positions at LASC and SEOLS/OSLSA. Check out our Employment Opportunities page for more information and to apply!

May/June 2022 - Pro Bono Newsletter

mdutton@columbuslegalaid.org (Melissa Dutton) — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 14:31:33 GMT

In This Issue: Dedicated Attorney Gives Back through Post-Retirement Pro Bono Work | CLE & Volunteer Opportunities | June OSLSA Happy Hour | OSLSA in the News | We're Hiring!

Dedicated Attorney Gives Back through Post-Retirement Pro Bono Work

Upcoming CLEs and Trainings

Understanding Domestic Violence Trauma & Practice Tips

Tuesday, June 21st from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Please join the Ohio Family Law Task for this free CLE webinar. While all Ohio legal aid staff are welcome to attend, this training is intended to provide new advocates (under three years of experience) with guidance on the unique practice tools needed to represent clients who are survivors of domestic violence. This training is also open to Ohio legal aid volunteer attorneys.

Rachel Ramirez and Bernadette Rieger, from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, will first present on understanding the trauma experienced by domestic violence survivors. This presentation will be followed by a panel of experienced legal aid family law practitioners, including Alexandria Ruden of the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland and Lauren Weller of SEOLS, who will share practice tips for working with survivors of domestic violence. Register now .

An application has been submitted to the Supreme Court of Ohio for 2 hours of general CLE credit.

Volunteers Needed

Looking to get your firm or group re-engaged? Interested in a Pro Bono Lunch & Learn? Reach out to Patricia Vargas Vegas to schedule a visit!

Fairfield County Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic

In Person

SEOLS is excited to be offering another Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic on the morning of Friday, June 24th and we need your help! The event will take place at Fairfield County Municipal Court and is designed to assist low-income individuals who are facing barriers to reinstatement and may benefit from help with Child Support Enforcement, the new BMV amnesty program, or other court remedies. No prior experience is required, and SEOLS will provide you with all the resources and onsite support you need in order to help! To volunteer, sign up now .

For those who need a refresher, we will be offering a virtual Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, June 21st at noon , which you can register for using the link above.

Please share this opportunity with other lawyers or advocates who may be interested in helping. Questions? Email Pro Bono Coordinator Megan O’Dell at modell@oslsa.org .

Opportunity Port

Remote

Opportunity Port is an exciting new platform that will help us connect applicants for criminal record sealing in Franklin County Municipal Court with volunteers who can screen them for eligibility and prepare their record sealing applications through the platform. This online portal will also enable clients and volunteer attorneys to schedule appointments and for clients to file their applications with the court electronically. Training will be provided for anyone who joins. Sign up now!

Remote Clean Slate

Remote

In addition to serving the reentry needs of Franklin County litigants, we also continue to need volunteer attorneys for our remote Clean Slate Clinic, which helps rural clients with remote record sealing and/or those seeking help with Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQEs). Sign up to help out with our remote Clean Slate Clinic.

Family Law Attorneys Needed for Virtual Brief Advice Clinics

Remote

LASC and SEOLS continue to see a need for attorneys with family law knowledge for our virtual advice clinics. Phone consultations take between 15-30 minutes on average, and attorneys can volunteer as little or as much as they wish. Sign up now for a virtual clinic shift . Current volunteers can simply email Patricia Vargas Vegas if they wish to reengage and do not have preferences for specific clinic dates.

Attorneys Needed for Seniors Referral Project

Remote

We have a backlog of seniors and veterans seeking wills and advance directives. Knowing that some volunteers wish to help but can't meet clients in person, we are asking for help from “attorney mentors” for this project, who provide feedback to non-attorneys who interview and draft the documents for the clients. The non-attorney drafters are law school students who would like to practice this area of law and would be grateful for an attorney mentor. Your mentorship would be very helpful for these up-and-coming legal professionals. Sign up to volunteer today .

Fairfield County and Franklin County Tenant Advocacy Project

In Person

Fairfield County Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP): The TAP clinic provides free legal information, advice, and representation to tenants who are being evicted. SEOLS staff and pro bono attorneys meet with tenants prior to their eviction hearings and provide representation in negotiating settlements and attending court hearings (with support from staff). Clinics take place on Tuesday afternoons. Sign up now if you’d like to volunteer . We also offer TAP clinics in Washington and Athens counties, so if you would like to learn more, email our TAP Fellow Caitlyn McDaniel .

Franklin County Tenant Advocacy Project: Legal Aid offers a daily clinic for tenants with eviction hearings each morning in Franklin County. Attorneys handle eviction hearings or negotiate resolutions, including drafting agreed entries. Sign up now if you’d like to volunteer.

Legal Aid Reduced Fee Referral Project (LARP)

In Person/Remote Hybrid

The Legal Aid Reduced Fee Referral Project (LARP) at LASC is comprised of a panel of attorneys who accept reduced-fee referrals for uncontested divorces and Chapter 7 bankruptcies. LARP clients are low-income and generally unable to pay the market rate, and these referrals allow them to access much needed services. Clients agree to pay a reduced rate and Legal Aid matches the clients with interested attorneys. If you would like to be added to either the divorce or Chapter 7 bankruptcy referral list, please fill out an attorney application , or email Dianna Parker . We generally ask LARP attorneys to take two pro bono cases a year but there is no limit on the number of reduced-fee referrals.

Intake Help Needed at Columbus In-Person Clinics

In Person

This is a great opportunity for non-attorney volunteers including, but not limited to, law students, undergrads, and high school students. Volunteers are needed to help with intake, onsite research, and attorney support duties. We have three planned in-person clinics in June:

Faith Mission on 8th – 599 E. 8th Ave: June 8, 5-7:30 p.m.
Van Buren – 595 Van Buren Dr: June 13, 5-7:30 p.m.
Faith Mission Downtown – 217 N. Grant Ave: June 22, 5-7:30 p.m.

Fill out the form to volunteer!

Chapter 7 Pro Bono Attorneys Needed!

The need for bankruptcy filing has been picking up among our clients and several of our long-term volunteers have been leaving the practice, so if you are interested in joining the referral panel, let us know. LASC works with the qualifying clients to collect all the paperwork necessary to file a bankruptcy and once the client is ready to file, we refer the case to you. LASC prioritizes clients who are very low-income with an emergency need to file such as a wage garnishment or utility shut off for representation. If you have not taken a bankruptcy case in the past, but are interested in learning, we can also match you with a mentor pro bono volunteer. Apply to volunteer .

Ideal for: Transactional and Government Attorneys; Estate Planning Attorneys

COVID Protocols: Ohio Justice Bus handling in-person document execution; Ability to serve by drafting or reviewing documents remotely.

June OSLSA Happy Hour

OSLSA in the News

Here’s a roundup of recent media coverage of our work:

LASC Social Worker Chris Kelly was quoted on the effect of rising rents on Central Ohioans in this NBC 4 Columbus story, “ Columbus coalition wants rent control on the ballot ” (April 29, 2022).

OSLSA Pro Bono Coordinator Megan O’Dell and LASC Managing Attorney Meagan Van Brocklin authored an article in the Columbus Bar Lawyers Quarterly on the importance of LASC’s reentry work, titled “ Record Sealing, Expungements and CQEs ” (Spring, 2022)

LASC is referenced as a partner in a program to provide employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records in this Op-Ed published in the Columbus Dispatch by JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, “ Bank CEO: People with criminal records should be hired. Columbus program proof it works. ” (May 4, 2022).

LASC Staff Attorney James Mackey was quoted on the effect an eviction record can have on renters looking for safe, affordable housing in this NBC 4 Columbus story, “ Even with evictions dismissed, renters still have hard time finding housing ” (May 16, 2022).

LASC was referenced as a partner of JPMorgan Chase Columbus office’s program to provide employment opportunities for justice-involved Central Ohioans in this Columbus Business First article, “ JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon urges focus on raising wages in Columbus appearance ” (May 18, 2022).

OPLC Director Susan Jagers authored a letter to the editor of The Columbus Dispatch about the urgent need for state funding to bolster Ohio’s food banks, titled “ Food banks need help now ” (May 28, 2022).

OPLC Director Susan Jagers was quoted on the introduction of a bill to make one of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio’s five commissioners an appointee of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel in this Gongwer article, “ Bill Would Bolster Consumers' Counsel Input On PUCO Membership ” (June 7, 2022).

Help Wanted

We have a number of open positions at LASC and SEOLS/OSLSA . Check out the links for more information and to apply!

April 2022 - Pro Bono Newsletter

mdutton@columbuslegalaid.org (Melissa Dutton) — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 19:26:47 GMT

In This Issue: Megan O'Dell Steps into Pro Bono Coordinator Role | Tenant Advocacy Project Celebrates Five Years | Volunteer Opportunities | OSLSA in the News

Megan O’Dell Steps into Pro Bono Coordinator Role

Tenant Advocacy Project Celebrates Five Years

LASC’s Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) marked its fifth anniversary in March. Since its inception, attorneys and intake specialists have set up shop daily at the Franklin County eviction court to provide free, same-day legal representation to lower-income Central Ohioans facing eviction.

The current incarnation of TAP was the brainchild of now-managing attorney of the program, Jyoshu Tsushima, who was then an LASC volunteer who worked in private practice. At the time, LASC’s housing staff was representing tenants in about 10-15 cases per week, but no one was at court every morning operating a daily clinic designed to help people that had not yet gotten in touch with legal aid. There had been an earlier on-site clinic project called PBTAP, which was a collaboration between LASC and the CBA and spearheaded by firm champions including Jim Abrams of Taft Stettinius & Hollister, but that had only been once per week. Jyoshu envisioned something more comprehensive. The original model was used as the basis for a grant proposal for attorneys to attend eviction court every day.

The idea developed after seeing the obvious need, Jyoshu said. “Before TAP, less than one percent of tenants were represented by an attorney at eviction trial, while the vast majority of landlords were represented,” he said. "The more I represented tenants on housing issues, the more apparent it became that tenants’ rights are often unenforced until an attorney advocates for a tenant, especially in eviction cases.”

From the start, it was clear TAP could make a real difference. “The first few clinics were an entirely new experience,” said Maddie Berry, then a legal aid volunteer attending law school before joining LASC as a staff attorney. “No one was sure what to do or how to react to us being at eviction court. It felt very innovative and like I was playing a very small part in something that could end up being important. Everyone was excited and eager to help.”

Despite its growing pains, TAP volunteer and Dinsmore & Shohl partner Bill Mattes recalls how well prepared the volunteers were because of the training offered by OSLSA Pro Bono and Community Engagement Director Dianna Parker and other staff members. Bill says taking summer associates to TAP clinics was an eye-opening experi ence for the young attorneys and gave them a sometimes-jarring look at how “legal machinery” is exploited to displace residents from their homes. Underscoring the importance of equal access to justice, Bill asked them—well-educated young professionals—to imagine how intimidating and dehumanizing the experience must be for someone facing the loss of their home without anyone to advocate for them. “You could have heard a pin drop,” he said.

Since then, LASC has expanded funding and staff so that several attorneys—along with a social worker, support staff, and volunteers—are present every day to represent tenants facing eviction. Having found its footing, Taft Law partner Jim Abrams notes that increased organization has helped the program expand its capacity and offer other wraparound services while also making more tenants aware of available resources. In addition, the model established in Franklin County has been replicated in other counties, including Fairfield, Delaware, Washington, and Athens Counties.

According to Jyoshu, it has been a challenge to build TAP into the program it is now, and LASC still faces significant hurdles in achieving its goal of providing all tenants adequate legal representation. Despite the growing body of committed volunteers and staff, there simply aren’t enough attorneys to provide help to everyone who needs it, particularly with the continued bottleneck of housing issues caused by the lingering pandemic.

That’s why LASC is always searching for more volunteers. Asked what he would say to potential volunteers who have limited free time or are hesitant to get involved with TAP, Bill Mattes’ advice is simple: “You will grow more as a lawyer, mentor, and community leader if you donate your time and understand exactly how precariously [some lower-income tenants] live. And if you cannot donate your time, or are intimidated by the thought of going to court, consider donating two or three hours of your billable rate to help fund the program on an annual basis. The funds are sorely needed to continue and expand the program.”

LASC also encourages attorneys committed to social justice issues to apply for a TAP position . Thomas Pope, TAP staff attorney, says his experience with the program has been invaluable and deeply rewarding. “It’s inspiring to be on the front lines of fighting for social justice in Ohio—seeing firsthand what systemic injustice does to communities and being empowered to push back against those injustices. TAP has absolutely sharpened the skills I developed throughout my academic years and has provided me with substantially more trial and courtroom experience than one would expect to get within their first few years in practice.”

OSLSA thanks all the staff attorneys, volunteers, support staff, and social workers who have helped make the Tenant Advocacy Project a successful program that has extended critical legal aid to thousands of Central Ohio tenants over the past five years.

Volunteers Needed

Looking to get your firm or group re-engaged? Interested in a Pro Bono Lunch & Learn? Reach out to Patricia Vargas Vegas to schedule a visit!

Opportunity Port

Remote

Remote Clean Slate

Remote

In addition to serving the reentry needs of Franklin County litigants, we also continue to need volunteer attorneys for our remote Clean Slate Clinic, which helps rural clients with remote record sealing and/or those seeking help with Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQEs). If you are interested in helping out with our remote Clean Slate Clinic, please sign up here .

Family Law Attorneys Needed for Virtual Brief Advice Clinics

Remote

LASC and SEOLS continue to see a need for attorneys with family law knowledge for our virtual advice clinics. Phone consultations take between 15-30 minutes on average, and attorneys can volunteer as little or as much as they wish. To sign up for a virtual clinic shift, please sign up here . Current volunteers can simply email Patricia Vargas Vegas if they wish to reengage and do not have preferences for specific clinic dates.

Fairfield County and Franklin County Tenant Advocacy Project

In Person

Fairfield County Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP): The TAP clinic provides free legal information, advice, and representation to tenants who are being evicted. SEOLS staff and pro bono attorneys meet with tenants prior to their eviction hearings and provide representation in negotiating settlements and attending court hearings (with support from staff). Clinics take place on Tuesday afternoons. Sign up to volunteer here . We also offer TAP clinics in Washington and Athens counties, so if you would like to learn more, email our TAP Fellow Caitlyn McDaniel .

Legal Aid Reduced Fee Referral Project (LARP)

In Person/Remote Hybrid

The Legal Aid Reduced Fee Referral Project (LARP) at LASC is comprised of a panel of attorneys who accept reduced-fee referrals for uncontested divorces and Chapter 7 bankruptcies. LARP clients are low-income and generally unable to pay the market rate, and these referrals allow them to access much needed services. Clients agree to pay a reduced rate and Legal Aid matches the clients with interested attorneys. If you would like to be added to either the divorce or Chapter 7 bankruptcy referral list, please fill out an attorney application online here (for new volunteers) or email Dianna Parker at dparker@oslsa.org (for existing volunteers). We generally ask LARP attorneys to take two pro bono cases a year but there is no limit on the number of reduced-fee referrals.

Intake Help Needed at Columbus In-Person Clinics

In Person

Van Buren – 595 Van Buren Dr: May 9, 5-7:30 p.m.
Faith Mission on 8th – 599 E. 8th Ave: May 11, 5-7:30 p.m.
Faith Mission Downtown – 217 N. Grant Ave: May 25, 5-7:30 p.m.

To volunteer, click here .

Chapter 7 Pro Bono Attorneys Needed!

OSLSA in the News

Here’s a roundup of recent media coverage of our work:

OPLC Policy Advocate Tim Johnson was quoted from a joint press conference about the potential effects of House Bill 327 on efforts to address minority health disparities in this Hannah article, “ ‘Divisive Concepts’ Bill Would Hinder Minority Health Efforts, Advocates Say ” (April 4, 2022), this Gongwer article, “ HB327 Opponents Say Bill Would Hinder Health Equity Efforts ” (April 4, 2022), and this Statehouse News Bureau story, “ Advocates for low-income, minority Ohioans call on House speaker to stop ‘divisive concepts’ bill ” (April 5, 2022).

SEOLS Senior Staff Attorney Peggy Lee was quoted on the prevalence of “alternative financing deals” in this All Sides Considered on NPR story, “ Millions of Americans are resorting to risky ways to buy an affordable home ” (April 14, 2022).

OPLC’s position on House Bill 327 was cited in this Cleveland Plain Dealer article, “ From guns in schools to coronavirus catchup, over 125 education bills wait in Ohio legislature to pass ” (April 14, 2022), and in this version of the article which ran in the Lima News, “ Bills in Ohio legislature address CRT ” (April 20, 2022).

OSLSA Executive Director Kate McGarvey ’s letter to the editor in response to reports of COVID relief fraud, “ Not all COVID aid recipients ‘fraudsters’ ,” was published by The Columbus Dispatch (April 22, 2022).

LASC Advocacy Director Ben Horne and SEOLS Advocacy Director Kristen Lewis discussed housing discrimination and OSLSA efforts to help enforce fair housing laws in this episode of All Sides with Ann Fisher on WOSU Public Radio, “ Fair Housing in Ohio ” (April 26, 2022).

March 2022 - Pro Bono Newsletter

josiah@crossbridgemarketing.com (Josiah Martin) — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 19:26:13 GMT

In This Issue: DEI Fellow Spotlight | CLE & Volunteer Opportunities | Cap Law Students at Fairfield TAP | Moritz Race Judicata to Benefit OPLC | Last Call for Summer Clerks | Panel Discussion: Fighting Racism Pro Bono | Blue Jackets | OSLSA in the News

DEI Fellow Spotlight—Celina Bontigao

Diverse Leaders in Law: How to Fight Racism Pro Bono

Join us on April 7, 2022 at 1 p.m. for a panel discussion hosted by Columbus CEO about using pro bono work to fight racism, moderated by OSLSA Executive Director Kate McGarvey. From legal programs that help Black business owners to tackling inequality in the criminal justice system, panelists will discuss ways Columbus firms are fighting racism—and how you can help. Register here .

CLE Opportunities

Criminal Record-Sealing in Ohio

Tuesday, April 5th from 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Live Interactive Webinar

Application has been made to the Supreme Court of Ohio for 2.75 hours of CLE credit

This program is designed to prepare volunteer attorneys to assist low-income individuals with the record-sealing process. Presenters from the Franklin County Municipal Court Self Represented Resource Center and Ohio State Legal Services will cover eligibility for record sealing, how to review criminal records and how to help clients complete record-sealing forms. The session will cover record-sealing procedures in Franklin County and all other Ohio counties. Register here .

Volunteers Needed

Opportunity Port

Remote

Remote Clean Slate

Remote

In addition to serving the reentry needs of Franklin County litigants, we also continue to need volunteer attorneys for our remote Clean Slate Clinic, which helps rural clients with remote record sealing and/or those seeking help with Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQEs). If you are interested in helping out with our remote Clean Slate Clinic, please sign up here .

Family Law Attorneys needed for Virtual Brief Advice Clinics

Remote

LASC and SEOLS continue to see a need for attorneys with family law knowledge for our virtual advice clinics. Phone consultations take between 15-30 minutes on average, and attorneys can volunteer as little or as much as they wish. To sign up for a virtual clinic shift, please sign up here . Current volunteers can simply email Patricia Vargas Vegas if they wish to reengage and do not have preferences for specific clinic dates.

Fairfield County and Franklin County Tenant Advocacy Project

In Person

Fairfield County Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP): The TAP clinic provides free legal information, advice, and representation to tenants who are being evicted. SEOLS staff and pro bono attorneys meet with tenants prior to their eviction hearings and provide representation in negotiating settlements and attending court hearings (with support from staff). Clinics take place on Tuesday afternoons. Sign up to volunteer here . We also offer TAP clinics in Washington and Athens counties, so if you would like to learn more, email our TAP Fellow Caitlyn McDaniel .

Legal Aid Reduced Fee Referral Project (LARP)

In Person/Remote Hybrid

The Legal Aid Reduced Fee Referral Project (LARP) at LASC is comprised of a panel of attorneys who accept reduced-fee referrals for uncontested divorces and Chapter 7 bankruptcies. LARP clients are low-income and generally unable to pay the market rate, and these referrals allow them to access much needed services. Clients agree to pay a reduced rate and Legal Aid matches the clients with interested attorneys. If you would like to be added to either the divorce or Chapter 7 bankruptcy referral list, please fill out an attorney application online here (for new volunteers) or email Dianna Parker at dparker@oslsa.or g (for existing volunteers). We generally ask LARP attorneys to take two pro bono cases a year but there is no limit on the number of reduced-fee referrals.

Last Call for Summer Clerks

We are looking for dedicated, public interest-minded students to clerk for the Summer of 2022. Part-time and full-time positions are available in Central and Southeastern Ohio! For more information about the opportunity, check out our flyer . To apply for the position, click here .

Capital Law Students Get Firsthand Experience at Fairfield County TAP

On March 15, SEOLS partnered with Capital University Law School and the Ohio Justice Bus to bring students to the Fairfield County Tenant Advocacy Project. In addition to getting experience working directly with clients, students got the chance to sit down and speak with municipal court judges and a magistrate. Thanks to the Capital Law students who spent part of their spring break to help keep Fairfield County tenants housed!

OSU Moritz College of Law Student Bar Association Race Raises Funds for the Ohio Poverty Law Center

Help support the work of our sister program Ohio Poverty Law Center (OPLC) by participating in the 2022 Race Judicata 5k Run/Walk organized by the OSU Moritz College of Law Student Bar Association. For more information, scan the QR code above or click here .

OSLSA in the News

Here’s a roundup of recent media coverage of our work:

LASC Housing Team Manager Melissa Benson was quoted in this WOSU story on some Columbus-area residents’ formation of a tenants’ union to fight back against rent increases, “ Columbus renters push back against rising rents with formation of tenants' union ” (March 10, 2022).

LASC’s partnership with the Franklin County Auditor's office is highlighted in this ABC 6/FOX 28 Columbus story, “ Franklin County Auditor holds phone bank for Homeowner Assistance Program ” (March 10, 2022).

OPLC Policy Advocate Tim Johnson ’s guest column on House Bill 327, “' Minority communities are under attack.' Bill clears way for racism in Ohio, advocate says ,” was published in The Columbus Dispatch (March 14, 2022).

OPLC’s statement on a controversial comment made by House Bill 327 author. Rep. Sarah Arthur, was cited in this Columbus Dispatch article, “ 'Uninformed' and 'inappropriate': Ohio Speaker criticizes lawmaker's Holocaust comment ” (March 23, 20 22).

February 2022 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 20:10:00 GMT

In This Issue: Volunteer Opportunities, 2022 PILF Auction, LASC Day with the Blue Jackets and Employment Opportunities

Patricia Vargas Vegas Promoted to OSLSA Pro Bono Manager

January 2022 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 19:22:00 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight—Washington County native gives back to community with pro bono work

December 2021 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 16:55:00 GMT

Weeks and Pembroke Awards Presented to LASC's Susan Donofrio, SEOLS's Peggy Lee

At our 2021 “Programwide” virtual retreat, OSLSA recognized two remarkable attorneys and client advocates. The 2021 Thomas W. Weeks Pursuing Justice, Changing Lives Award was presented to LASC’s Susan Donofrio and the 2021 Pembroke Award was presented to SEOLS’s Peggy Lee .

The Thomas W. Weeks Pursuing Justice, Changing Lives Award was established in 2015 to recognize one staff member’s contribution to Legal Aid’s mission. Susan Donofrio—who has been an attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Columbus for 41 years and currently works on the Family Law team—perfectly embodies the qualities the award was created to recognize. During her career, she has helped countless clients with matters like domestic violence, custody issues, and child support.

Coworkers describe Susan as “an incredible co-counsel” and “an excellent attorney.” As an avid supporter of survivors of domestic violence, she was one of the first attorneys in Franklin County to file a Civil Protection Order.

Aside from her expertise, dedication, and skill as a lawyer, Susan is also valued for her mentorship and support of all advocates: attorneys, paralegals, administrative staff, and volunteers alike. While her team depends on her for her thorough insight and analysis, she deeply values others’ input and ideas and helps create a collaborative environment.

While presenting the Weeks Award to Susan, OSLSA Executive Director Kate McGarvey said, “Susan has a tremendous ability to keep on keeping on, no matter what, and continues to provide the best possible advocacy for her clients and the wisest mentoring for her colleagues, serving as an inspiration for all of us.”

In 1997, OSLSA established an award in honor of John Pembroke. The winners of this award display the qualities of its namesake, including kindness, a willingness to work hard, and a deep commitment to and respect for clients. Peggy Lee—who currently serves as leader of the SEOLS Housing Team—exemplifies these characteristics.

Peggy, who works in the Athens office, has been with SEOLS for 20 years. Her manager says “she treats all co-workers in the office with respect and compassion. She is always respectful of everyone. I am consistently impressed with her ability to bring both office policy and case handling through a diversity lens. She is a model for us all in that regard.”

Another colleague praised Peggy for being a leader in her area of expertise. Peggy championed various policies in response to the 2008 foreclosure crisis, including the National Mortgage Servicing database, for which she was named National Consumer Advocate of the Year by the National Association of Consumer Attorneys. More than 10 years later, Peggy has again distinguished herself during the pandemic with her handling of the resulting housing crisis and eviction moratorium.

While presenting the award to Peggy, OSLSA Executive Director Kate McGarvey shared that Peggy is "a fierce advocate for clients and even with everything on her plate, continues to mentor clerks on a regular basis.” She added, “despite carrying a heavy load of her own work, [Peggy] is always willing to help. She does all this, as one coworker says, ‘with courage and poise.’”

Final Reminder—Pro Bono Hours & CLE Credit

If you have already submitted a Form 23 to our program,

feel free to disregard this message.

Thank you so much for your work to help low-income people in our community! This is a final reminder to complete your Form 23 or report on your pro bono cases if you consulted with a pro bono client and/or staff attorney, volunteered at a pro bono clinic, or accepted a pro bono case sponsored by the Legal Aid Society of Columbus (LASC) or Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS) in 2021.

Please note that no CLE credit will be awarded if we do not receive the required Form 23 by December 31. All pro bono CLE hours will be submitted to the Supreme Court of Ohio in January.

CASE REFERRALS –If you are an attorney currently working on a pro bono case referred by LASC or SEOLS OR you have recently completed a referred case, please do the following:

Regardless of whether you are seeking CLE, please complete an interim report (still working on the case) or final report (completed the case) by December 31, 2021. You can find the report form here .
If you are seeking CLE credit, make sure you have uploaded a Form 23 to the report. Feel free to use “/s/” for your electronic signature or to sign and scan your form before emailing.
If you have already completed a case report and Form 23, your hours will be submitted in January.
For those of you working on multi-year cases, please note that we are not able to give CLE credit for any hours spent in 2020 if you did not submit your Form 23 last year.

CLINIC VOLUNTEERS/CASE CONSULTS –If you are an attorney or an OSBA-certified paralegal who volunteered at a pro bono clinic in 2021 or consulted with clients and/or staff attorneys:

Please email Dianna Parker if you wish to request CLE credit for your pro bono hours. Dianna will send you your total volunteer hours next week and then you will just need to complete the top half of Form 23 and email it to Dianna by December 31. Our office will be closed that day, so if your email is sent that day, it will be deemed timely even if you do not receive a response until the following week.

Volunteers Needed

Opportunity Port

Remote

Opportunity Port is a new platform that will help us connect applicants for criminal record sealing in Franklin County Municipal Court with volunteers who can screen them for eligibility and prepare their record sealing applications through the platform. This online portal will also enable clients and volunteer attorneys to schedule appointments. Training will be provided for anyone who joins. To get involved, please use this form .

Tax Court Settlement Day

Remote

January 15, 1 pm-4pm

The Legal Aid Society of Columbus (LASC) and Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS) are seeking volunteers for a Virtual Tax Court Settlement Day. Attorneys and CPAs will assist taxpayers in resolving their tax issues by offering advice or negotiating with IRS Counsel as part of a virtual clinic to assist unrepresented litigants with cases scheduled for Tax Court hearings. Counsel’s office will be on hand to discuss settlement and resolve cases. Volunteers can register for a shift to be available to consult with taxpayers remotely using Zoomgov, the government version of Zoom. They are not required to enter an appearance or provide ongoing representation. This event is best suited for volunteers with tax law experience. Legal aid staff will be on hand to assist as necessary. For more information or to sign up, contact Danielle Metcalf at dmetcalf@columbuslegalaid.org or by phone at 614-737-0138.

Tax Court Calendar Call

Remote

January 31, 9 am-about 12 pm

We are also excited to offer a virtual volunteer opportunity coming up on Monday, January 31st for the Tax Court Calendar Call. Our virtual clinic will involve advising low-income, unrepresented taxpayers in the hopes that they can resolve their tax cases with IRS counsel on the day of their scheduled call to trial. Client and IRS counsel contact will be via Zoom. Volunteers are asked to sign onto the event at 9:00 am and be available to consult with unrepresented taxpayers that morning. LASC and SEOLS staff will serve as mentors during the event and can provide research support as needed. We will have some information about the types of issues presented before the event but will not be able to provide specific details ahead of time. We can match you with a case in your comfort zone and co-counsel as necessary. For more information or to sign up, contact Danielle Metcalf at dmetcalf@columbuslegalaid.org or by phone at 614-737-0138.

Family Law Attorneys needed for Virtual Brief Advice Clinics

Remote

LASC and SEOLS have experienced an increase in family law questions for our virtual advice clinics. Phone consultations take between 15-30 minutes on average, and attorneys can volunteer as little or as much as they wish. To sign up for a virtual clinic shift, please use this form .

Remote Clean Slate

Remote

If you are interested in helping rural clients with remote record sealing and/or those seeking help with Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQEs), please use this form .

Pro Bono Team Update

We have some exciting announcements from the OSLSA Pro Bono Team! Staff Attorney Kayla Callahan has accepted a position with the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law as Assistant Director of Career Services. She has been a wonderful contributor to the LASC Public Benefits team and the Pro Bono Team, and we wish her the very best of luck in her new opportunity.

And while we will miss Kayla very much, we are also excited to welcome Jessica Bolds who has just started as the new Pro Bono Team Support! A 2014 graduate of Central State University, Jessica has an extensive background in social services, juvenile and domestic court work, and case management for Job and Family Services. Jessica has hit the ground running with the Pro Bono Team, and we look forward to working with her!

OSLSA in the News

Here’s a roundup of recent media coverage of our work

SEOLS Managing Attorney Dennis Harrington is recognized in this Newark Advocate article highlighting his retirement after three decades with SEOLS, “ SEOLS Managing Attorney Harrington to retire after 35 years ” (November 30, 2021). The article also mentions Dennis’ successor, William Canterbury , and two recent additions to the Newark SEOLS office, Staff Attorneys Javier Salas and Hannah Wagner .

OSLSA Executive Director Kate McGarvey and OPLC Board Member Kyle Strickland are quoted from a press conference announcing the launch of Opportunity Port in this WOSU story, “ Columbus City Council Launches Criminal Record-Sealing Initiative ” (November 30, 2021). Also covering the press conference were WBNS 10TV (“ New tool aims to help Columbus residents seal criminal records, get jobs ”); The Columbus Dispatch (“ Columbus leaders unveil website to aid in sealing records of certain criminal convictions ”); WSYX Columbus (“ Columbus making it easier to seal criminal records, hopes to help people get housing, jobs ”); and Axios Columbus (“ New program helps residents seal criminal records ”).

LASC Housing Team Managing Attorney Melissa Benson is quoted on how rising rent prices are affecting tenants in Central Ohio in this NBC4 Columbus story, “ Several Columbus tenants face eviction with soaring rent prices ” (December 7, 2021).

OPLC Director Susan Jagers is quoted on what investments should be prioritized for unspent American Rescue Plan Act funds in this Gongwer article, “ Advocates Seek More Federal Aid For Human Services ,” and this Hannah article, “ Human Services, Arts Advocates Say ARPA Funding Urgently Needed ” (December 13, 2021).

Help Wanted:

We have a number of open positions at LASC and SEOLS/OSLSA . Check out the links for more information and to apply!

November 2021 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 15:55:00 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight—Love for Southeastern Ohio drives dedicated attorney’s pro bono work

OSLSA in the News

Here’s a roundup of recent media coverage of our work:

LASC Advocacy Director Ben Horne is quoted on the need for additional affordable housing funds in Columbus in this Columbus Dispatch article, “ $10 million not enough for Columbus' affordable housing needs, advocates say ” (September 27, 2021).

OPLC Director Susan Jagers is quoted on what investments should be prioritized for unspent American Rescue Plan Act funds in this Cleveland Plain Dealer article, “ Advocates, nonprofits urge Ohio to prioritize stimulus spending on health and human services .” (October 7, 2021) Gongwer News also covered the requests in their article, “ Ohio Advocates Lay Out Requests for Remaining Federal Aid Dollars ” (October 7, 2021).

OPLC Policy Advocate Timothy Johnson is quoted on the urgent need for additional funding to address Ohio’s unacceptable levels of childhood lead-poisoning in this Hannah News article, “ Lead Exposure Rates among Ohio Children Improving, but Still Double National Average ” (October 18, 2021); this Gongwer News article, “ Children’s Caucus Hears Concerns Over Lead Poisoning, Pain Mitigation ” (October 18, 2021); this Ohio News Connection article, “ ’There’s No Safe Level of Lead in Kids’ ” (October 26, 2021); and this Ohio News Time article, “ ’Children don’t have safe levels of lead’ – National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week will be held until Saturday ” (October 27, 2021).

LASC Managing Attorney Staci Thomas, SEOLS Senior Attorney Peggy Lee, and OPLC Attorney Megan O’Dell are quoted on the benefits of an eviction expungement bill currently being considered by the Ohio Senate in this Gongwer News article, “ Backers of Eviction Expungement Bill Point To Benefits For The Poor ” (October 19, 2021).

SEOLS Justice for All Fellow Caitlyn McDaniel and SEOLS Advocacy Director Kristen Lewis are quoted on the eviction crisis in this Ohio Valley Resource article, “ No Shelter: Eviction Protections are Latest Safety Net to Erode, as COVID-19 Rages On ” (October 22, 2021).

LASC Managing Attorney Melissa Benson is quoted on the results of the end of the federal eviction moratorium in this Columbus Dispatch article, “ Predicted eviction surge has yet to materialize in Franklin County after moratorium lifted ” (October 22, 2021).

LASC Staff Attorney Holley Lovey is quoted about a legal strategy to deal with nuisance properties in Columbus in this Columbus Dispatch article, “Can vacant homes be classified as nuisance properties even if up to code? Legal Aid Society brings lawsuits to prompt landlord action ” (November 1, 2021).

LASC Staff Attorney Melissa Lenz is quoted on off-campus renters rights and responsibilities in this The Lantern article, “ Knowing the law: What community laws say about fire pits, porch couches and more ” (November 3, 2021).

OSLSA was announced as one of the recipients of a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) fair housing grant in a HUD press release, “ HUD releases more than $13 million in American Rescue Plan funds to assist victims of housing discrimination related to the coronavirus pandemic ” (November 3, 2021).

SEOLS Senior Staff Attorney Peggy Lee’s presentation during United Athens County Tenants virtual webinar on landlord sexual harassment is covered in these Athens Messenger articles, “ Virtual panel on sexual harassment by landlords ” (November 8, 2021) and “ Tenant advocacy group hosts panel on sexual harassment by landlords ” (November 17, 2021); and this The New Political article, “ United Athens County Tenants discuss sexual harassment by landlords ” (November 17, 2021).

LASC Staff Attorney Kathi Schear discusses the value of fair chance hiring in this Bloomberg article, “ Banks Are Turning to Ex-Offenders as U.S. Jobs Market Tightens ” (November 8, 2021).

LASC Staff Attorney Karin Nordstrom discusses LASC’s extensive work with veterans for this All Sides with Ann Fisher on WOSU segment, “ Challenges Low-Income Veterans Face to Readjust To Civilian Life ” (November 11, 2021).

Finally, congratulations to LASC Board Chair Janica Pierce Tucker, who was featured as one of YWCA’s Women of Achievement for 2022 in this Columbus Dispatch article, “ YWCA honors six as Women of Achievement ” (November 16, 2021).

Help Wanted:

We have a number of open positions at LASC and SEOLS/OSLSA . Check out the links for more information and to apply!

October 2021 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 15:57:00 GMT

"Thank you" from Director of Pro Bono & Community Engagement | 2021 Pro Bono Award Winners

Pro Bono Week Special Edition

2021 Pro Bono Award Winners

September 2021 - Pro Bono Update

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 15:58:00 GMT

Volunteer Spotlight, Fresh Start Gala auction, Clean Slate Clinic & Opportunity Port

Dedicated pro bono bankruptcy attorney steps up during time of unprecedented need

As a dedicated LASC and SEOLS volunteer for over 30 years, Christopher Gallutia has long understood the vital importance of legal aid to the fabric of the justice system. In fact, since the Bankruptcy Pro Bono Program began in 2012, Chris has taken a record-setting 50 pro bono referrals from both LASC and SEOLS.

But when the pandemic struck and countless Central Ohioans were left in dire financial situations, Chris’ commitment to pro bono work became even clearer. On March 16, 2020, Melissa Linville emailed her roster of bankruptcy pro bono attorneys, telling everyone that we had canceled all in-person clinics and were pivoting to virtual advice options—all while our clients were still actively having their wages garnished.

In response, Chris immediately stepped up and volunteered to help a single mother stop an ongoing garnishment. Since then, he has taken nine additional referrals at a time when many volunteers understandably cut back on their pro bono case work.

Both personally and professionally, Chris strongly believes in the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Within those values, he believes in the importance of recognizing racism as a public health issue, tackling the persistent marginalization of LBGTQ+ individuals, and empowering underserved and overlooked populations.

And though the halting progress in these areas can be frustrating for him, Chris doesn’t give in to dismay. Instead, he turns his frustrations into action—and he urges other attorneys to do the same. When asked what advice he would give to potential volunteers or pro bono attorneys who have limited free time and are hesitant to get involved, Chris’ message is simple. “Do it!” he says. “Not only are you helping those who so desperately need it, but the payback for you, while not monetary necessarily, is well worth every second of effort that you put out.”

Chris has lived in Franklin County almost all his life. He graduated from Reynoldsburg High School, received his BA from The Ohio State University in Medieval History, and earned his JD from Capital University. When he’s not volunteering, Chris enjoys reading, genealogy, and collecting Columbus baseball memorabilia (before the pandemic, he worked part-time for the Columbus Clippers in the press box during games!). He also rescues stray cats and finds them homes and is a die-hard Leicester City FC backer.

We thank Chris for his outstanding volunteer work.

Fresh Start Gala Cancellation

Unfortunately, due to rising COVID-19 cases, the Legal Aid Society of Columbus has made the difficult decision to cancel the Fresh Start Gala in November. At this time of unprecedented need for access to bankruptcy relief in our community, LASC and the Fresh Start Gala committee remain committed to raising money to support the Bankruptcy Program, which provides families facing economic hardships with access to a fresh start.

In support of our bankruptcy relief efforts, we’re holding an online auction and taking donations , and we hope you’ll consider bidding on one or more of our auction items, which include Ohio State/Michigan State football tickets, a one-week vacation in Siesta Key, Florida for up to six guests, and more.

Thanks in advance for your continued support!

Check out this video we prepared for last year’s event which tells the stories of clients who were helped by our Bankruptcy Program!

Shanell, LASC Client

Volunteers Needed to Help with Record-Sealing

Clean Slate Clinic

Saturday, October 16, 2021, 9 am-2:30 pm

Our next in-person record-sealing event will be at the Milo Grogan Community Center (862 E 2nd Avenue). If you are interested in helping, please complete our short registration form . We will be pre-registering clients to keep volume manageable. All volunteers, staff, and clients will be required to wear masks during the event.

Opportunity Port

Remote

We are pleased to launch our partnership with Opportunity Port. This online portal will enable municipal court applicants to connect with volunteer attorneys, who will be able to sign up for clinic slots, video chat with clients, review records, and prepare and file their record sealing forms. Training will be provided to anyone who joins. To apply, contact Dianna Parker .

As a reminder, all volunteers will need to first review our record-sealing training, which is available in the Attorney Toolkit .

OSLSA in the News

Here’s a quick roundup of recent media coverage of our work.

OPLC Attorney Graham Bowman is quoted on using rent relief to prevent a wave of evictions in this The Center Square article, “ Groups want Ohio judges to delay evictions ” (August 31, 2021)

OPLC points out that newly instated Medicaid work requirements are counterproductive and actually make it harder for people to find and hold down a job in this Ohio Capital Journal article, “ Ohio leaders push to make it harder for poor to get health coverage ”, which also ran in The Athens Messenger (September 10, 2021)

Upcoming CLEs and Trainings

Then and Now: Ohio Commission on Racial Fairness

Friday, November 12, 2021, 8:55 am-1:15 pm

On November 12, 2021, the Ohio Black Judges Association will be hosting “Then and Now: Ohio Commission on Racial Fairness,” the second in a three-part discussion about criminal justice challenges and effective assistance of counsel. The meeting will be held via Zoom, and registrants can earn up to 4 total hours of CLE. More information, including price and registration, is available here .

Need Good Employees? Learn how to SCORE Your Next Best Employee

Wednesday, October 13, 2021, 1-3 pm

Hear from experts on fair chance hiring practices including tools like the Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE). In addition, we will discuss the ins and outs of CQEs and how they can benefit your agency, what the experience was like for an applicant, as well as hear first hand from social justice advocates and employers.

This FREE event is approved for 2.25 SHRM CEUs, HRCI pending. Registration is open .

October OSLSA Happy Hour

Happy Fall everyone! We are already well on our way into October so you all know what that means, Happy Hour! The October OSLSA Happy Hour will take place at 5 pm on October 22nd and will be at Gemut Biergarten located at 734 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205. We hope to see everyone there!”

Help Wanted:

LASC and SEOLS are hiring. Check out our website for a list of openings.

August 2021 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 15:59:00 GMT

In this issue: Volunteer Spotlight, Volunteer Opportunities, and Job Openings

Dedicated pro bono attorney uses life experience and commitment to justice to advocate for clients

Fairfield County Driver's License Clinic

Thanks to everyone who volunteered at the Fairfield County Driver’s License clinic. We are grateful for your support as well as that of our wonderful partner organizations: Ohio BMV, the Ohio Justice Bus , Fairfield County Job & Family Services and Fairfield County Child Support Enforcement.

OSLSA in the News

Here’s a quick roundup of recent media coverage of our work.

LASC's Social Worker Chris Kelly and Supervising Attorney Jyoshu Tsushima discuss the potential impacts of the CDC’s eviction moratorium expiration in this WOSU Columbus story, “ What Legal Experts Expect As CDC Eviction Moratorium Ends ” (August 2, 2021)

LASC's Jyoshu Tsushima talks about the uncertainty over whether Franklin County will abide by the CDC’s eviction moratorium extension in this ABC6 Columbus story, “ CDC extends eviction moratorium; family fears Franklin County will not honor it ” (August 5, 2021)

OSLSA Executive Director Kate McGarvey discusses the implications of the new CDC eviction moratorium extension in this interview with WOSU Columbus’ All Sides with Ann Fisher (August 10, 2021)

Attorney Kaci Philpot is featured in this segment of NPR’s All Things Considered about the legal aid offered to Franklin County residents facing eviction: “ The Hallway, Not Courtroom, Is Where Things Really Get Done At This Eviction Court ” (August 13, 2021)

In her Letter to the Editor of The Athens Messenger , SEOLS Managing Attorney Lucy Schwallie lays out the legal protections for young children from school suspensions: “ Big Changes for 2021-22 School Year: Law Protects Students in Pre-K through 3rd Grade from School Suspensions ” (August 13, 2021)

SEOLS Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Director Melissa Skilliter discusses concerns that parents are unaware of the Child Tax Credit program in the Columbus Dispatch: "Advocates: Access, awareness mean many Ohio children not receiving tax credit payments" (August19, 2021)

LASC Attorneys Jane Tsai and Kaci Philpot are featured in this VICE News story about the dire state of evictions in Franklin County, “ COVID Isn’t Stopping Evictions in this Part of Ohio ” (August 25, 2021)

LASC Managing Attorney Melissa Benson is featured in this PBS News Hour story explaining how spotty enforcement of the CDC’s eviction ban and bureaucratic hurdles to receiving rental assistance are putting renters in limbo: “ How uncertainty surrounding the eviction ban, rental assistance affects housing security ” (August 26, 2021)

Help Wanted:

LASC and SEOLS are hiring. Check out our website for a list of openings.

June/July 2021 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 16:00:00 GMT

In this issue: Thomas W. Weeks Fellows, Volunteer Opportunities, and Job Openings

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet the Thomas W. Weeks Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fellows

If you are interested in supporting the Thomas W. Weeks Fellowship, you can make a donation on our website . Be sure to indicate that it is a Tribute Gift for the Thomas W. Weeks Fellowship.

We are currently taking applications for the fall semester. Please share this opportunity with potential applicants. More details are available on our website . We have lots of great volunteer opportunities!

IN-PERSON PROJECTS:
Fairfield County Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) The TAP clinic provides free legal information, advice and representation to tenants who are being evicted. SEOLS staff and pro bono attorneys meet with tenants prior to their eviction hearings. Clinics take place on Tuesday afternoons. Sign up to volunteer here . We also offer TAP clinics in Muskingum and Athens counties, so if you would like to learn more, email our TAP Fellow Caitlyn McDaniel !

Franklin County Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) Legal Aid offers a daily clinic for tenants with eviction hearings each morning in Franklin County. Attorneys handle eviction hearings or negotiate resolutions, including drafting agreed entries. Sign up to volunteer here .

Fairfield County Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic – Wednesday, August 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Records Center, 138 West Chestnut Street, Lancaster After a long break, we are finally resuming our driver’s license reinstatement clinics! Want to help but need a refresher? We will be circulating an updated training video and the attorney “cheat sheet” to volunteers prior to the event. Sign up to volunteer here .

PROGRAMS FOR SENIORS:
Seniors Referral Project The Seniors Referral Project continues to serve low-income senior citizens and veterans who are seeking wills and advance directives. We offer volunteer opportunities for attorneys and non-attorneys with options that are both virtual and in-person. We have expanded our program to serve clients in Coshocton, Holmes, Tuscarawas, and Guernsey counties. To volunteer, please email Dianna Parker .

VIRTUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Family Law Attorneys needed for Virtual Brief Advice Clinics LASC and SEOLS have experienced an increase in family law questions for our virtual advice clinics. Phone consultations take between 15-30 minutes on average, and attorneys can volunteer as little or as much as they wish. To sign up for a virtual clinic shift, please use this form .

Unemployment Compensation Assistance This program serves individuals with UC issues, including (1) guiding them through the application process (non-attorneys); (2) providing advice on eligibility or other procedural issues (attorneys); and (3) representing claimants in phone appeal hearings (attorneys). Those clinics will be scheduled daily at 10 a.m. (except for hearing representation, which will depend on the schedule of the hearing). Please use this form to sign up.

Consumer Project This project assists consumers who are being sued by debt buyers. Representation includes: motion practice, answers and counterclaims, discovery, pretrial conferences and settlement negotiations. The majority of representation can be handled remotely. If you can help, email Dianna Parker .

Help Wanted: Attorneys
LASC and SEOLS have openings for attorneys and managing attorneys. See a list of positions on our website .

March/April 2021 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:03:00 GMT

In this issue: Volunteer Spotlight, Volunteer Survey, Volunteer Opportunities, and Job Openings

Volunteer Spotlight: Sandra Carrillo

“At an incredibly young age, I was taught that it was important to help others.”

This month, LASC and SEOLS wish to recognize Sandra Carrillo for her active participation in our volunteer program. Over the years, Sandra has volunteered in a variety of ways for LASC. In recognition of the growing need at eviction court due to the pandemic, Sandra has recently focused her efforts on the Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP).

Her commitment to service began early. “So as far back as I can remember, I have always sought out opportunities to get involved and serve the community. Now as an attorney, I love that I can utilize my legal skills and knowledge to help others in a more meaningful way, and with LASC, there is no limit to how I can put my skills and knowledge to good use,” she explains.

Prior to starting her own firm, Carrillo Law, she served as an assistant city prosecutor with the Columbus City Attorney's Office. She represented the cities of Columbus and Worthington, Franklin County townships, and the state of Ohio in the prosecution of criminal misdemeanor offenses. During her time as a prosecutor, Sandra says she gained invaluable experience in the courtroom assisting with or handling jury trials, bench trials, and evidentiary hearings.

Sandra earned her law degree with a concentration in civil litigation from Capital University Law School in 2016. While there, in addition to her work with moot court and mock trial competitions, Sandra was also named to the Order of the Barristers, an honor society limited to graduating law students and practicing lawyers who demonstrate exceptional skill in trial advocacy, oral advocacy, and brief writing. She is also a two-time alumna from The Ohio State University, where she obtained bachelor’s degrees in criminology and psychology.

In addition to other activities, Sandra currently serves as a board member of the St. Vincent Family Center and has been a small business owner since 2016. She is also a member of the Columbus Bar Association and a life member of Alpha Psi Lambda National, Incorporated. Additionally, Sandra is a past graduate of the United Way of Central Ohio's Project Diversity program, the Hispanic Chamber of Columbus' Latina Mentoring Academy, and the YWCA's Gen Y Leadership Program.

Despite managing her own law firm and engaging in a variety of activities, Sandra still prioritizes volunteering with LASC. She recognizes the impact of programs like TAP in the community. To her, the opportunity to assist low-income clients means that she is doing her part to close the justice gap.

“These programs make a BIG difference in the lives of low-income clients. Clients often come in worried and uncertain about so many things, but after connecting with a volunteer like me, they are generally able to breathe a big sigh of relief knowing that they don’t have to face the process alone,” she said.

In reflecting on her experiences at LASC, she strongly encourages others to get involved. She acknowledges through various programs she has grown personally and professionally. However, most importantly she has enjoyed being able to serve the clients.

Sandra, a native of Tampa, Florida, has resided in Columbus since 2004. Currently, she lives in north Columbus with her husband, Wilber, and their five pets. When she is not volunteering (or working), she enjoys as much time outdoors as possible. She and her husband also love exploring Ohio’s metro and state parks year-round.

Thank you, Sandra!

Board of Revision: Assisting Low-Income Homeowners with Property Value Complaints

LASC and the Franklin County Auditor's Office are excited to work together to support homeowners considering challenging their property values used for tax purposes. Every year by March 31, property owners can file a complaint asserting the Auditor’s office has not set the appropriate value for the prior tax year (value as of Jan. 1, 2020). In years like 2021, right after values are updated, thousands of such complaints are filed. We believe that lower-income homeowners are less likely to use this option and that connection with good advice and representation can help them navigate the process.

LASC is part of a pilot project of remote clinics to connect homeowners with legal professionals for pro bono and reduced fee representation for virtual hearings (typically 30 minutes). The program helps qualifying homeowners navigate the process and provides guidance about a home’s appraised value and whether one should contest the value. If you'd like to assist a homeowner with an appeal, email Paul Bryson .

Volunteer Survey

We are grateful for the many contributions of volunteers during this difficult time, but our needs continue to grow. As vaccinations become more available and the pandemic evolves, we want to ensure we are meeting clients' needs in a safe manner. In order to best serve our volunteers, we are asking you to complete a survey gauging your comfort level with different types of opportunities.

COMPLETE THE SURVEY

We have lots of great volunteer opportunities:

In-person Projects:

Fairfield County Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP): The TAP clinic provides free legal information, advice and representation to tenants who are being evicted. SEOLS staff and pro bono volunteers meet with tenants prior to their eviction hearings. Clinics take place on Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

Franklin County Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP)

Legal Aid offers a daily clinic for tenants with eviction hearings in Franklin County. Attorneys handle eviction hearings or negotiate resolutions, including drafting agreed entries.

TAP's efforts on behalf of Franklin County tenants facing eviction were highlighted this week in national and local news coverage. Check out this piece by PBS NewsHour highlighting the eviction problem in Franklin County and LASC's response: American renters hard-hit by pandemic juggle complicated assistance systems, eviction laws . Channel 4 in Columbus followed up with its own story: CDC eviction moratorium does little to slow evictions in Franklin County .

To volunteer for either TAP clinic, please email Dianna Parker .

Virtual Opportunities:

Family Law Brief Advice Clinic: Our "virtual clinics" continue to take place multiple times per week, and we are in need of pro bono attorneys to provide phone advice to clients, particularly those navigating family law issues. When signing up, you can select your preferred substantive areas and availability, and we will always reach out to you prior to assigning a clinic client to you. If interested, use this link .

Programs for Seniors:

Senior Referral Project: The Seniors Referral Project continues to serve low-income senior citizens and veterans who are seeking wills and advance directives. We offer volunteer opportunities for attorneys and non-attorneys with options that are both virtual and in-person. This spring, we are expanding our program to serve clients in Coshocton, Holmes, Tuscarawas, and Guernsey Counties.

Clients are first screened by LASC/SEOLS and then referred to a “drafter” who will meet with clients virtually and prepare forms. Template materials and training are available. For those who are either (a) non-attorneys; or (b) uncomfortable meeting in-person with clients, LASC/SEOLS will handle the next stage of the referral to both review and execute the forms. Volunteers are essential for a smooth and efficient process. See below for details on how you can help!

DRAFTER:

Options for both attorneys and law students or paralegals (forms prepared by non-lawyers will be reviewed by an Ohio licensed attorney)
Drafters interview clients via telephone and prepare wills, living wills, and advance directives.
Attorney drafters who do not wish to meet with clients in person can upload prepared forms to a case reporting form, and document execution will be handled by OSLSA.
New volunteers: sign up here . If you’re an existing volunteer and able to help, simply email Dianna .

MENTOR/REVIEWER:

We currently have two opportunities for experienced lawyers who feel comfortable advising clients or reviewing prepared wills and advance directives:

Form Reviewer -- In some cases, our drafters are not licensed attorneys in Ohio, so we are looking for help with reviewing the forms that have been completed prior to handing them off for execution. New volunteers: sign up here . If you’re an existing volunteer and able to help, email Dianna .
“On call” Mentor -- To account for a backlog of seniors who are ready for document execution, we will be offering this service on Thursdays starting April 8, from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m . We anticipate that some seniors may have last-minute questions before signing the forms, so we hope to have lawyers on call who can field general estate planning questions. If you wish to sign up for an on-call “shift” – please use this link or email Dianna .

Help Wanted:

SEOLS Staff Attorneys

We have openings in our Athens office and Portsmouth office for a staff attorney. Learn more about the positions, on our website .

February 2021 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 16:36:22 GMT

In this issue: Fellow Spotlight, CLE updates, Our New Chief Development Officer and The Fresh Start Gala.

Fellow Spotlight: Candace Milner

Candace Milner Selected as First Thomas W. Weeks Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fellow

OSLSA is excited to introduce its first Thomas W. Weeks Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fellow, Candace Milner. A native of Columbus, Candace graduated from Eastmoor Academy. She earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Georgetown University and is currently in her second year at Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law.

She will spend her 10-week fellowship working at the Ohio Poverty Law Center, where she will focus on unemployment compensation issues and gender and racial disparities related to unemployment. "We are thrilled that Candace chose to work with the OPLC team for her fellowship," says OPLC Director Susan Jagers. "After recently completing an externship with the public benefits team at the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, she is now applying that experience and passion to advocate for policies that help low-income Ohioans. Candace has already hit the ground running to support our advocacy priorities."

The fellowship, which provides opportunities for law students to work in a legal services organization in order to develop their interests and skills in public interest law, is designed to foster diversity in legal aid programs. It was created to honor Tom Weeks, the longtime director of OSLSA, who retired in 2019.

Candace says she is eager to develop skills that will make her a more successful advocate. "I knew this fellowship would give me the opportunity to work with amazing attorneys while honing legal skills that will stick with me well beyond the fellowship” she said. “I hope to have a better understanding of the role attorneys can play in supporting low-income clients who are navigating legal issues. Additionally, I’d like to learn more about the policy changes needed to actively support working families and help communities thrive.”

We are currently accepting applications for our Summer 2021 Fellow .

If you are interested in supporting the Thomas W. Weeks Fellowship, you can make a donation on our website . Be sure to indicate that it is a Tribute Gift for the Thomas W. Weeks Fellowship.

Board of Revision: Assisting Low-Income Homeowners with Property Value Complaints

LASC and the Franklin County Auditor's Office are excited to work together to support homeowners considering challenging their property values used for tax purposes. Every year by March 31, property owners can file a complaint asserting the Auditor’s office has not set the appropriate value for the prior tax year (value as of Jan. 1, 2020). In years like 2021 right after values are updated thousands of such complaints are filed. We believe that lower-income homeowners are less likely to use this option and that connection with good advice and representation can help them navigate the process.

This year we are hosting a pilot project of remote clinics to help connect homeowners with real estate and legal professionals for short informational clinics and pro bono representation for virtual hearings (typically 30 minutes). Lawyers, realtors, appraisers, and other related real estate professionals are welcome as volunteers. A short training is available to those who are interested. To sign up to help with either clinics or hearing representation, please use this link.

Volunteers Needed!

We are grateful for the many contributions of volunteers during this difficult time, but our needs continue to grow! Here are a few of our priority areas:

to help with Unemployment Compensation -- which serves individuals with UC issues, including (1) guiding them through the application process (non-attorneys); (2) providing advice on eligibility or other procedural issues (attorneys); and (3) representing claimants in phone appeal hearings (attorneys).
to offer Domestic Relations advice in our virtual clinics or with simple uncontested divorces.

OSLSA Hires New Chief Development Officer

OSLSA is excited to announce that Curtis Eaton joined our staff on February 1. Eaton, who most recently served as the Director of Development for the University of Cincinnati Foundation, said OSLSA's potential to make dramatic changes in people's lives drew him to the job. "I was immediately moved by the mission and vision of OSLSA to combat injustice and unfairness and help people rise out of poverty," he said.

He earned his undergraduate and master's degrees from Kent State University and grew up in Akron.

"I look forward to meeting and working with our dedicated team of pro bono volunteers. Your services are key to our success as a legal services organization," Eaton said. "We are extremely grateful to those who have continued to donate their time and talent during the pandemic but understand that some of you may no longer have the time for volunteering. There is still much work to do to help clients access the protections and resources they need. If you are able, please consider providing financial support to OSLSA during this very critical time."

Donate to LASC

Donate to SEOLS

Donate to OPLC

Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Accepting Nominations for the

2021 Presidential Award

The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Presidential Award is presented annually to individuals, law firms, or organizations that have made outstanding efforts in improving access to justice in Ohio. This year, we are especially interested in hearing about nominees who have risen to meet the challenges facing Ohio and its communities due to COVID-19. Nominations are due this FRIDAY, Feb. 26.

Nominations should include the name of the individual or organization you are nominating and a brief statement (no more than 250 words) of why the individual or organization should be selected. You may submit more than one nomination. Letters of recommendation are welcomed but not required.

Please submit your nomination by email to Sophia Chang . The Award will be presented on Friday, May 14, 2021, during the Ohio State Bar Association Council of Delegates meeting in Columbus.

Save the Date:

The Fresh Start Gala

The 2021 Fresh Start Gala, which raises money to support LASC's bankruptcy program, will take place on Nov. 10, 2021 . We look forward to a great in-person event supporting a wonderful cause.

If you or your firm would be interested in supporting the gala, contact Sondra Bryson .

February 2021 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 16:36:00 GMT

In this issue: Fellow Spotlight, CLE updates, Our New Chief Development Officer and The Fresh Start Gala.

Fellow Spotlight: Candace Milner

Candace Milner Selected as First Thomas W. Weeks Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fellow

We are currently accepting applications for our Summer 2021 Fellow .

If you are interested in supporting the Thomas W. Weeks Fellowship, you can make a donation on our website . Be sure to indicate that it is a Tribute Gift for the Thomas W. Weeks Fellowship.

Board of Revision: Assisting Low-Income Homeowners with Property Value Complaints

LASC and the Franklin County Auditor's Office are excited to work together to support homeowners considering challenging their property values used for tax purposes. Every year by March 31, property owners can file a complaint asserting the Auditor’s office has not set the appropriate value for the prior tax year (value as of Jan. 1, 2020). In years like 2021 right after values are updated thousands of such complaints are filed. We believe that lower-income homeowners are less likely to use this option and that connection with good advice and representation can help them navigate the process.

This year we are hosting a pilot project of remote clinics to help connect homeowners with real estate and legal professionals for short informational clinics and pro bono representation for virtual hearings (typically 30 minutes). Lawyers, realtors, appraisers, and other related real estate professionals are welcome as volunteers. A short training is available to those who are interested. To sign up to help with either clinics or hearing representation, please use this link.

Volunteers Needed!

We are grateful for the many contributions of volunteers during this difficult time, but our needs continue to grow! Here are a few of our priority areas:

to help with Unemployment Compensation -- which serves individuals with UC issues, including (1) guiding them through the application process (non-attorneys); (2) providing advice on eligibility or other procedural issues (attorneys); and (3) representing claimants in phone appeal hearings (attorneys).
to offer Domestic Relations advice in our virtual clinics or with simple uncontested divorces.

OSLSA Hires New Chief Development Officer

He earned his undergraduate and master's degrees from Kent State University and grew up in Akron.

Donate to LASC

Donate to SEOLS

Donate to OPLC

Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Accepting Nominations for the

2021 Presidential Award

Please submit your nomination by email to Sophia Chang . The Award will be presented on Friday, May 14, 2021, during the Ohio State Bar Association Council of Delegates meeting in Columbus.

Save the Date:

The Fresh Start Gala

The 2021 Fresh Start Gala, which raises money to support LASC's bankruptcy program, will take place on Nov. 10, 2021 . We look forward to a great in-person event supporting a wonderful cause.

If you or your firm would be interested in supporting the gala, contact Sondra Bryson .

January 2021 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 16:33:48 GMT

In this issue: Volunteer Spotlight, CLE updates, Supreme Court ruling and fundraising.

Volunteer Spotlight: Patrick Barnacle

Attorney has served low-income clients in Tenant Advocacy Project during COVID-19 pandemic

Patrick Barnacle has not let COVID-19 deter his desire to give back to his community. As a regular volunteer at LASC’s Tenant Advocacy Project, he sees firsthand how devastating the pandemic has been on many low-income families. “A lot of people are hurting in our community,” he said. “When you work from home, it can be easy to be isolated from that pain, but if you step into the clinic, you can help relieve a little bit of it.”

Patrick is originally from Lower Allen Township, Pennsylvania, where he was raised by a single mother. He received his law degree from the University of Missouri. Patrick has since followed political aspirations that landed him in Columbus, where he has worked for the Ohio Democratic Party since 2016.

He attributes his commitment to pro bono work to his own upbringing and experiences with financial hardships. “I grew up with a single mother, and money issues were ever-present. My mother eventually lost her house while I was in law school, and it killed me that there was nothing I could do to help her,” he said. “I now assist with the TAP clinic, because it’s a small way for me to help people facing the loss of their home. Every time that I am able to resolve a case favorably, I feel like I’m getting pay-back for my mother.”

Patrick believes that making time to engage in pro-bono work has not only made him a better lawyer but also a better person. “It’s one thing to hear about an eviction crisis, and it’s quite another to be face-to-face with the people living it. Using my law license and my time to prevent homelessness while making myself a better and more well-rounded attorney in the process is a win-win,” he said.

In reflecting on his experiences during the pandemic, Patrick said that being able to serve at TAP has been the highlight of this past year. In a time where so much feels grim, the ability to aid in the achievement of positive outcomes for those facing eviction has meant a lot. “For more than one client, I was able to resolve the case simply by helping them fill out their applications for rental assistance and getting the landlord to agree to accept the aid. All I provided was my time, but the client told me, ‘Everything you give, you will receive tenfold.’ The genuine gratitude I’ve received has been a highlight of my life during the pandemic. I’ve witnessed real pain and experienced real joy,” he said.

Patrick also encourages others to get involved with TAP. While the area of law can feel uncomfortable at first, it’s easily learned, and the staff will help guide you through it, he said. When Patrick is not volunteering for LASC, he is usually spending time with his family and serving as a commissioner on the Greater Hilltop Area Commission. He thanks his spouse for being extremely supportive and allowing him to serve the community in the capacity that he does.

Thank you, Patrick!

CLE UPDATES

Guide for Attorneys Providing Virtual Advice

To ensure low-income people could still access legal help and advice during the COVID-19 crisis, LASC and SEOLS created a “Virtual Clinic” model, which engages volunteer lawyers in phone advice clinics. On Friday, Feb. 5 from noon to 1:30 p.m. , we will host a live interactive webinar designed to support attorneys volunteering with these virtual clinics. The LASC and SEOLS Pro Bono Team will provide volunteer attorneys new to virtual clinics with an overview of the procedures. For pro bono attorneys who volunteered at virtual clinics in 2020, the team will provide updates, additional resources, and tips on how to maximize a virtual clinic consultation. (Application has been made for 1.5 hours of CLE credit.) Register here

On Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 1:30-4:30 p.m., OSLSA will host one final Bridging the Divide Clinic training. The CLE seeks to equip volunteer attorneys with the knowledge and skills to provide assistance to low-income clients dealing with child custody issues. (Application has been made for 2.5 hours of CLE credit.)

Board of Revision: Assisting Low-Income Homeowners with Property Value Complaints

LASC, in partnership with Columbus Realtors and the Franklin County Auditor's Office, will host a virtual CLE on Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 6-7:30 p.m. This webinar seeks to inform pro bono attorneys on how to best advise low-income home owners about the property value complaint process. The training will also cover the hearing process. (Application has been made for 1.5 hours of CLE credit.) Register Here

Volunteers Needed!

for the Tax Court Calendar Call Clinic on Monday, Feb 1 . Our virtual clinic will involve advising unrepresented taxpayers in the hopes that they can resolve their tax cases with IRS counsel. Client and IRS counsel contact will be via Zoom. If you are willing to help, please email Dianna Parke r.
to help with Unemployment Compensation Hearings . This program serves individuals with UC issues, including (1) guiding them through the application process (non-attorneys); (2) providing advice on eligibility or other procedural issues (attorneys); and (3) representing claimants in phone appeal hearings (attorneys).
to offer Domestic Relations advice in our virtual clinics.

Ohio Supreme Court Rules in Favor of LASC Client

The Supreme Court of Ohio in December ruled in re Adoption of Y.E.F., Slip Opinion No. 2020-Ohio-6785 , that indigent parents facing the loss of their parental rights in adoption proceedings in probate court are entitled to appointed counsel just like indigent parents facing the termination of their parental rights in juvenile court.

The decision is a “win” for both Ohio parents and children, said Ohio State Legal Services Association Executive Director Kate McGarvey. “As the Ohio Supreme Court noted in its decision, a right to appointed counsel for indigent parents facing the loss of parental rights ensures not only fairness for all parents in the adoption process, but also helps to ensure that Ohio courts have access to the information needed to make the best decisions for the children involved,” McGarvey said.

The case involves the family of twin boys who were born in 2014. When their father emptied the family’s bank account and fled the family home in April 2015 to avoid being arrested for a federal crime, their mother asked their father’s sister and her husband to temporarily care for the children. The aunt and uncle then sought custody of the twins. In April 2018, the aunt and uncle filed petitions to adopt them. Prior to the hearing, the mother filed a request for appointed counsel and included a letter from LASC raising the question of why indigent parents defending their rights are treated differently depending on whether the action occurs in a probate or juvenile court. The court denied the mother’s request and scheduled an adoption hearing.

During the hearing, the mother again asserted her desire for an attorney. When testimony in the case ran long, the judge continued it to a later date. Before the hearing could be restarted, the mother with the help of LASC and SEOLS, began a legal challenge claiming that indigent parents facing the loss of their parental rights in probate court should receive the same right to counsel that is provided to indigent parents in juvenile court.

The court agreed, saying: “We conclude that R.C. 2152.352 is unconstitutionally underinclusive as applied to indigent parents facing the loss of their parental rights in probate court. Instead of declaring the statute unconstitutional on its face, and significantly disrupting the multifarious juvenile-court proceedings in the state, we declare that indigent parents are entitled to counsel in adoption proceedings in probate court as a matter of equal protection under the law of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 2 of the Ohio Constitution.”

Use Your Birthday to Raise Money for Your Favorite Cause This Year

Are you trying to find ways to support your community during the pandemic? Did you know you can use your birthday to support your favorite cause? Consider supporting The Legal Aid Society of Columbus or Southeastern Ohio Legal Services in 2021 by organizing a Facebook Birthday Fundraiser.

According to Facebook, two weeks before their birthday, users will see a message from Facebook in their News Feeds giving the option to create a birthday fundraiser. Creator’s friends will then receive a notification inviting them to support the cause in honor of their friend’s special day.

November 2020 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 15:51:00 GMT

In this issue: Volunteer Spotlight, Pro Bono Award Highlights, CLEs and an LASC Report.

Volunteer Spotlight: Katie Cornelius-Blume

Attorney has served low-income clients in rural communities

Katie Cornelius-Blume has been a dedicated contributor to SEOLS over the past three years. First as a member of the Chillicothe office staff and now as a pro bono attorney, Katie has demonstrated a commitment to service and a fervent passion for advocacy.

Katie was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2011 where she received a Bachelor of Science degree. After college, she spent three months enrolled at the Goethe Institute in Berlin, Germany, and then worked at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC as an Academic Researcher in the museum’s Morton Mandel Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies. After her tenure in Washington, she earned her Juris Doctor in 2016 from the University of Cincinnati.

Upon graduation from law school, Katie joined the SEOLS Chillicothe office and then later entered private practice, where she currently works as an Associate Attorney at Dagger, Johnston, Miller, Ogilvie, and Hampson, LLP in Lancaster, specializing in civil litigation and trial level criminal defense and appellate advocacy.

In private practice, Katie remains dedicated to assisting those who are disenfranchised and is committed to combatting systemic injustices.

“Individuals should not be denied equal access to the justice system and/or zealous legal representation because they are indigent. I chose to go to law school to help combat and mitigate systemic racial, gender, socioeconomic injustices that continue to plague our country. While I chose to leave the non-profit world and become a private attorney, I remain passionate about these systemic injustices,” Cornelius-Blume said.

In reflecting on her experiences, Katie states that far too many of her clients have never felt heard or adequately represented. She has come to understand how the power of pro bono work extends into various aspects of clients’ lives.

“I hope that more folks realize the impact that pro bono help can have, not just for people’s legal issues, but for clients’ overall well-being and understanding of their acceptance and agency in our communities,” she said.

Katie has previously helped with the Fairfield County brief advice clinics that SEOLS co-sponsors with the Fairfield County Bar Association, and in 2019, she was an essential contributor to the SEOLS driver’s license clinic in Lancaster. During the pandemic, Katie continues to donate her time through the SEOLS virtual advice clinics. While her own contributions are impressive, Katie also uses her voice to encourage other lawyers to get involved. “It’s not hard. You can generally commit to whatever you feel comfortable with and fits within your schedule. SEOLS and LASC are constantly in need of pro bono help. The demand for pro bono legal assistance will unfortunately only increase due to the likely financial and economic devastation related to COVID-19” she said.

“Katie is a true pro bono champion who is deeply invested in access to justice, and we are so fortunate that she continues to support this important work,” said OSLSA Pro Bono Director Dianna Parker.

When Katie is not working, she spends time with her husband, dog, and cat. She is also an avid runner. Under different, safer circumstances, Katie is often trying new restaurants and traveling; however, due to the pandemic she is spending a significant amount of time attempting to hone her French bakery and pastry skills.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can use your unique legal skills to help clients residing in Fairfield County, email SEOLS Pro Bono Coordinator Patricia Vargas-Vegas at pvegas@seols.org .

LASC Study Reveals Lack of Attention to Veterans’ Claims of Racism in Discharge Upgrades

Legal Aid Society of Columbus (LASC) Staff Attorney Karin Nordstrom in collaboration with the National Association of Minority Veterans (NAMVets) conducted an investigation to examine potential disparities among veterans' claims of racism. The study found that the military boards charged with addressing veterans’ discharge upgrade requests grant claims on the basis of racial discrimination at a lower rate than their overall grant rate. The study, which looks at discharge upgrade decisions between 2010 and 2020, reveals that upgrades based on racial trauma occur in fewer than 17 percent of the cases—with most rates far lower.

“Given the overall low approval rate, it appears that military leaders have lost an opportunity for reconciliation of past injustices. The decisions that we reviewed from each branch of the military indicate an unwillingness to confront racial disparities,” Nordstrom says.

If you are interested in providing pro bono assistance to veterans seeking discharge upgrades, email Dianna Parker .

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

OSLSA's PAI Plan is Available

Ohio State Legal Services Association (OSLSA) is committed to engaging volunteers to help us serve our mission of providing civil legal aid and advocacy to combat unfairness and injustice and to help people rise out of poverty . Each year, OSLSA must assemble a “Private Attorney Involvement” (PAI) Plan, which summarizes its priorities and methods that focus on the engagement of volunteer resources. Read the plan to learn more about how OSLSA will pursue justice and change lives in 2021. Feel free to share your comments here .

New CLE Events

On Thursday, Dec. 17 and Friday, Dec. 18, LASC will host two CLE Events in partnership with the Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF). The events will raise funds for PILF, which funds law students who pursue summer positions with nonprofits like LASC and SEOLS.

A Swiftly Changing Supreme Court: Over the past five years, the Supreme Court — a gradualist, incremental institution in most times — has gone through constant change. From the months before Justice Scalia's death in February 2016 to the weeks since Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the Court, there have been seven different iterations of justices casting votes. In contrast, the same nine justices were on the bench for more than a decade after Justice Stephen Breyer joined the Supreme Court in 1994. This rapid shift has led to dramatic changes in the ideology of the Court, but it also has led to changes in Chief Justice John Roberts' role on the Court and the ways in which the justices interact with each other — and the world. This program will examine those changes, their effects, and the consequences for the future.

Chris Geidner is the Director of Strategy at The Justice Collaborative, where he works with a team of lawyers, policy analysts, and communications professionals to end dehumanization and extreme vulnerability in our country. Before that, he spent a decade working as a journalist in Washington, DC, including covering the Supreme Court and criminal justice issues as Legal Editor at BuzzFeed News. Prior to moving to DC, he was a practicing lawyer in Ohio and, while in law school, editor of the Ohio State Law Journal. Register for the Dec. 17 event .

Ethics 2020 Update: Hidden Rules, Hidden Resources, and Some Important Cases Hidden in Plain Sight with Professor Arthur Greenbaum :

Professor Arthur Greenbaum is the James W. Shocknessy Professor of Law at Ohio State’s Moritz College of Law, where he has been a faculty member since 1980. Among other areas of expertise, Professor Greenbaum teaches and writes in the area of professional responsibility. Recent work includes pieces on the reporting of lawyer misconduct, administrative and interim suspension in the lawyer regulatory process, lawyer transfers to disability inactive status, and the ethics of lawyer assistance in the preparation of expert witness reports. He also is the co-author of a treatise on the Ohio law of professional responsibility – Ohio Legal Ethics Law Under the Rules of Professional Conduc t – with the Jones Day law firm. Professor Greenbaum has served on the board of the Ohio CLE Institute, the Ohio State Bar Association CLE Advisory Committee, and the Ohio Supreme Court Commission on the Certification of Attorneys as Specialists. He presently is a member of the Columbus Bar Association’s Professional Ethics Committee and the publications board of the ABA Center for Professional Responsibility. He also is the long-time faculty advisor for, and a board member of, the Ohio Public Interest Law Foundation. Register for the Dec. 18 event .

2020 Virtual Pro Bono Reception

In case you missed our 2020 Pro Bono Virtual Reception, check out this video of highlights from the event or watch the entire ceremony.

Giving Back to Legal Aid with Cy Pres Awards

Thanks to consumer rights attorney Greg Reichenbach, the Legal Aid Society of Columbus was granted $150,000 in cy pres funds. LASC is incredibly grateful for donations like these that generously support our ability to provide life-changing services to our clients. Read more about the contribution in communication coordinator Melissa Dutton's article published in the fall issue of the Columbus Bar Association's Lawyers Quarterly.

Giving Back to LASC with Cy Pres Awards

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credit for Pro Bono: Important End-of-the-Year Information

Thank you so much for your work to help low-income people in our community! Please review the following information if you have volunteered at a pro bono clinic (virtual or otherwise) or accepted a pro bono case sponsored by the Legal Aid Society of Columbus (LASC) or Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS) in 2020. We have reached that time of the year when we are closing pro bono cases and tracking volunteer hours. To that end, please review the requests and instructions below, but please feel free to email Dianna Parker with questions.

CLINIC VOLUNTEERS – If you are an attorney or an OSBA-certified paralegal who volunteered at a pro bono clinic in 2020:

Please email Dianna Parker with “Pro Bono CLE Requested” in the subject line if you wish to request CLE credit for your pro bono hours.
In mid-December, we will send you your total volunteer hours and then you will just need to complete the top half of a Form 23 and email it to her by 12/31/2020.
Six hours of volunteering equates to one hour of general CLE, with a max of six CLE hours for attorneys and three CLE hours for paralegals per reporting period. Partial credit under one hour of CLE is permitted.
If you are planning to volunteer at a December clinic that has not yet occurred, please wait until you have completed that time to ensure that you have received the maximum amount possible.

CASE REFERRALS – If you are an attorney currently working on a pro bono case referred by LASC or SEOLS, or you have recently completed a referred case, please do the following:

Regardless of whether you are seeking CLE, please complete an interim (still working on the case) or final (completed the case) report by 12/31/20.
If you are seeking CLE credit, make sure you have uploaded a Form 23 to the report.
If you have already completed a case report and Form 23, your hours will be submitted in January.
For those of you working on multi-year cases, please note that we are not able to give CLE credit for any hours worked in 2019 if we did not submit them last year.

Please note that no CLE credit will be awarded if we do not receive the required Form 23 by December 31st. All pro bono CLE hours will be submitted to the Supreme Court of Ohio in January.

OSLSA is participating in Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1st. You can make a donation to support our work via Facebook or through our websites.

Donate to SEOLS.

Donate to LASC.

August/September 2020 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 15:46:00 GMT

In this issue: Brenda Bowers Legacy Scholarship, Pro Bono Award nominations, volunteer opportunities and more.

Brenda Bowers Was a Passionate Volunteer Who Assisted Many Through Her Legal Work and Dedication to Helping Others

Legal Aid lost a great friend earlier this year with the passing of Brenda K. Bowers. Brenda, who lost her battle with cancer in March, assisted LASC in a variety of ways throughout her career as a bankruptcy attorney in central Ohio.

She was an original and dedicated member of the Bankruptcy Pro Bono Committee that was created in 2011 under the leadership of Judge John Hoffman. Brenda also played an integral role in creating Legal Aid’s Bankruptcy By-Pass Clinic, which assists elderly and disabled clients in stopping creditor harassment. She served on the LASC Fresh Start Gala Planning Committee for several years, helping raise more than $100,000 for bankruptcy programming.

“Brenda was passionate about helping low-income people navigate the court system and work toward a more stable financial future,” said Legal Aid Staff Attorney Melissa Linville. “She not only participated in our pro bono programming herself, she encouraged others to donate time to Legal Aid.”

Brenda was an active member of the International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation, said Susan L. Rhiel, who served as IWIRC chair from 1997-2000. “Brenda brought her passion for change and her commitment to promoting and mentoring women to everything she did,” Rhiel said. “She was a quiet force but a powerful one.”

Because of Brenda’s commitment to encouraging and mentoring law students, IWIRC and Brenda’s family have established a legacy scholarship at Brenda’s alma mater, Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. If you are interested in donating to the scholarship fund, checks can be made payable to The Ohio State University Foundation Fund #317024, and can be mailed to The Ohio State University Foundation, 1480 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, OH 43221. To make an electronic payment via credit card, use this link: https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/ and indicate fund #317024.

Brenda served as Of Counsel to Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease as well as a Chapter 7 Trustee for the Southern District of Ohio. She is survived by her wife, Susan Jenkins, and her mother, Carol Bowers.

REQUEST FOR NOMINATIONS

The CBA pro bono committee is now accepting nominations for our 2020 Pro Bono Awards. The awards will be jointly presented by the Legal Aid Society of Columbus and Columbus Bar Association at a virtual pro bono reception scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2020. The committee is seeking nominations for the following categories:

Outstanding Pro Bono Service by an Individual
Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Law Firm or Corporation
Outstanding Pro Bono Support
“In the Trenches” Pro Bono Service
Outstanding Pro Bono Project
Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a New Lawyer

Your nomination should include a brief description of the pro bono work done by your nominee and why the individual, firm, or project should be considered for a 2020 Pro Bono Award. The deadline to submit all nominations is Friday, September 25, 2020 . Please email your nominations to CBA pro bono committee chair Melissa Linville .

Help Us Prepare for Pro Bono Month

Volunteers, we need your help putting together a video for our Pro Bono Awards reception in October.

Please record yourself answering the question: Why do I volunteer with legal aid? Send the videos to Melissa Dutton .

Helpful Hints for recording a video:

*test your phone's audio
*keep messages to 30 seconds or less
*record in front of a solid background
*hold phone horizontally

Appeals Court Decision will Help Tenants Facing Eviction

LASC won a case in the Tenth District Court of Appeals that will have a wide-reaching impact on tenants facing eviction. The court's decision in T&R Properties, Inc. v. Traci Wimberly overrides a long-standing policy in Franklin County eviction court that allowed landlords and property managers to plead their cases via affidavit. Legal Aid argued that landlords should have to present live witness testimony at trial just like any other plaintiff involved in a court proceeding. Moving forward, eviction judgments will no longer be issued based only on testimony by affidavit.

Special thanks to Bricker & Eckler for preparing the Amicus brief pro bono and to all of the attorneys who donate time to the Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP).

We would welcome additional pro bono support for TAP as the pandemic has increased the need for assistance at eviction court. Anyone interested in providing help at our TAP clinic or offering virtual advice to tenants should contact Dianna Parker .

Webinar will Prepare Attorneys to Aid with Chapter 7 Proceedings

This program will prepare volunteer attorneys who provide critical representation to low-income individuals in Chapter 7 Proceedings. The first part of the training will provide an overview of bankruptcy practice, as well as Ohio State Legal Services Association’s bankruptcy pro bono project. The second part of the training will focus on specific bankruptcy issues that arise when representing low-income clients. This training is designed for attorneys new to practice or those who want to focus on issues low-income bankruptcy clients face in the bankruptcy process. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 25. Application has been made for 3.5 hours of CLE credit.

June/July 2020 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 15:44:00 GMT

In this issue: Nominations for The John and Ginny Elam Pro Bono Award, free CLE Webinar on July 30, volunteers needed for Seniors Referral Program and Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel Robinson

Attorney has served low-income clients for over 20 years

Rachel Robinson's legal career is a testament to her dedication and commitment to serving underrepresented and vulnerable individuals.

Robinson grew up in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of a civil rights/criminal defense lawyer. Her father taught her the value of community service and that, in part, motivated her to become a lawyer.

After graduating from The University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1996, Robinson was hired as a staff attorney for Southeastern Ohio Legal Services, initially working in the Portsmouth office and then in the Steubenville office. Three years later she joined the Ohio State Legal Services Association as a state support attorney focusing on housing and consumer law.

Today, Robinson is a private attorney who serves as a pro bono attorney for The Legal Aid Society of Columbus. She has provided legal advice on landlord-tenant and employment issues, and various other matters, through clinics during her years as a volunteer attorney for LASC.

She attributes her pro bono service to her history with Legal Aid and her dedication to assisting people who are not able to pay for an attorney.

“When making life decisions (signing contracts, facing employment and landlord-tenant disputes), all people can benefit from the advice and guidance of an attorney,” Robinson said.

In 2002, Robinson joined the Equal Justice Foundation, a not-for-profit law firm that focused on impact litigation and class actions. She continued to serve through her advocacy on behalf of low-income individuals across the state.

Robinson now has her own law practice focused on foreclosure defense, landlord-tenant (representing tenants), the Fair Housing Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Her motto is “Representing people, fighting for justice.”

“I have known Rachel since we both worked for the Equal Justice Foundation, and I learned much from her about empathy for clients and creativity in litigation strategies,” said Dianna Parker, Ohio State Legal Services Association Director of Pro Bono & Community Engagement. “Now in my role with LASC, I am grateful that while she focuses her private practice on advocating for vulnerable individuals, she also finds time to donate to our program. She has been a wonderful resource for our virtual clinics, always stepping up to use her knowledge and talents to help our clients.”

Robinson encourages others to get involved with Legal Aid. It is such a short time commitment that goes a long way, she said.

What does she enjoy the most? “Being of service to people who need assistance and guidance to make choices that could have long-term consequences,” she said.

(To join Robinson and other Pro Bono attorneys who help with the Virtual Clinics, email Dianna Parker .)

REQUEST FOR NOMINATIONS

The John and Ginny Elam Pro Bono Award

Deadline: Aug. 14, 2020

Your input is requested in identifying candidates for the 2020 John and Ginny Elam Pro Bono Award, which will be presented in October. This award has been presented annually since 2008, with the support of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Columbus Bar Foundation and the Ohio State Bar Foundation.

Award Criteria

The award recognizes a lawyer's exceptional pro bono legal work in Ohio, which may consist of pro bono representation necessary to make the system of justice available to all, support to organizations that provide pro bono representation to indigent clients, or time and skills donated to community, governmental and other activities that promote the common good.

The Selection Committee seeks to thoroughly evaluate the merits of a candidate’s pro bono work. Nomination letters and materials which most fully explain a candidate’s background and pro bono efforts help the Committee to select the most compelling candidate to receive the award each year.

Nominees will be evaluated on their history of providing, facilitating, or encouraging the delivery of pro bono services, not exclusively legal services, to persons of limited means or to charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental and/or educational organizations in matters addressing the needs of those with limited financial resources or furtherance of the entity's organizational purposes.

Suggested areas for discussion are the magnitude of the candidate’s pro bono work, the impact of the work, the context for how the work was accomplished as well as the time frame during which pro bono services were rendered.

The award recipient will receive recognition through the Ohio State Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Foundation and in various legal and general interest media. In addition, the awardee will be able to designate a 501(c)(3) organization to receive a $5,000 grant from the Award Fund at the Columbus Bar Foundation.

Individuals may be nominated for the Award by the submission of an email or letter to the Award Selection Committee Chair, Honorable Jeffrey E. Froelich, Second District Court of Appeals of Ohio, 41 N. Perry Street, P.O. Box 972, Dayton, OH 45422-2170. Alternatively, nominations may be emailed to Judge Froelich .

Nominations must be received by Aug. 14 to receive consideration by the Selection Committee. Nominations should include a brief description of the qualifications of the nominee for the award, as well as contact information for the nominee and nominator.

Free Webinar for our Pro Bono Attorneys

On Thursday, July 30, from 9 a.m.-noon, the Legal Aid Society of Columbus will host a CLE webinar opportunity for volunteer attorneys in partnership with Nationwide Insurance , Porter Wright and the Central Ohio Association of Corporate Counsel . This training offers volunteer attorneys a free opportunity to learn about assisting nonprofit organizations.

Help Us Prepare for Pro Bono Month

Volunteers, we need your help putting together a video for our Pro Bono Awards reception in October.

Please record yourself answering the question: Why do I volunteer with legal aid? Send the videos to Melissa Dutton . Helpful Hints for recording a video:

*test your phone's audio

*keep messages to 30 seconds or less

*record in front of a solid background

*hold phone horizontally

Volunteers needed for Seniors Referral Project

We are now seeking volunteers for our Seniors Referral Project to help seniors with their wills and advance directives.

If you are willing to help draft documents but are uncomfortable meeting with clients in person, we could still use your help! If interested, please email Dianna Parker , Director of Pro Bono and Community Engagement.

We are also seeking probate help for one client, who is on SSI and is an heir under his grandmother's will. She died in 2008, but the estate has never been probated, and the only asset is the house where he lives.

Annual Reports Available Online

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The annual reports for the Legal Aid Society of Columbus and Southeastern Ohio Legal Services , as well as our sister program, the Ohio Poverty Law Center , are now complete. For years, our mission has been focused on providing civil legal aid and advocacy to combat unfairness and injustice and to help people rise out of poverty. In 2019, LASC and SEOLS achieved major accomplishments through providing services to a record number of low-income individuals and families. We are proud to reflect on this past year’s success and are excited to continue fighting for the most vulnerable throughout Ohio as we push forward in 2020.

May 2020 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 04 May 2020 15:42:00 GMT

In this issue: Tenant Advocacy Project Training 5/19/20, Remote Service Opportunities during COVID-19

TENANT ADVOCACY PROJECT EXPANSION

FREE CLE TUESDAY, MAY 19, 12-2:00

As eviction hearings resume in courts throughout our service area, LASC and SEOLS are launching additional pro bono programming to meet the anticipated high volume of cases involving low-income tenants.

Although temporarily on hold, LASC currently offers a daily eviction defense clinic, the Tenant Advocacy Project , which engages Columbus lawyers in representing Franklin County tenants, and we anticipate a need for more volunteers for this important program. In response to COVID-19, we plan to replicate this programming in other counties. We are also exploring ways in which attorneys can provide virtual representation.

Do you want to be a part of this important program to ensure access to justice in your communities during this critical time?

No litigation experience or prior knowledge of landlord-tenant law is required, and LASC/SEOLS mentors will be available for all pro bono clinics. The first step is a webinar that we are offering on Tuesday, May 19 th from 12-2:00 PM. You can register HERE.

We have requested two hours of general CLE for this live webinar training, which is free to all who commit to participate in our landlord-tenant pro bono programming in 2020. Because of volume, Franklin County procedures will be addressed during this training, and for those who agree to help us outside Franklin County, you will receive shorter “add-on” trainings that contain specifics on local court procedures. You will receive information on clinic registration after the training.

Please direct any questions to Dianna Parker .

Virtual Clinics & Remote Service Opportunities

To ensure low-income people can still access legal help and advice during the COVID-19 crisis, LASC and SEOLS have created a new “Virtual Clinic” model, which engages our volunteer lawyers in phone advice clinics and remote services.

Our program is focusing on four key areas:

General Legal Advice - particular needs for family law and landlord-tenant
Unemployment Compensation Applications
Small Business and Nonprofit Assistance
“Clean Slate” Services (record-sealing applications and Certificates of Qualification for Employment)

To sign up to volunteer, please use this form .

Expectations & Flexible Time Commitment

On the online interest form , volunteers can specify when they are available to help, what areas of law they feel comfortable handling, and whether they need additional training. For Unemployment Programming, non-attorney volunteers are welcome.

Depending on the level of client need, most client services will take less than two hours, and volunteers can note whether they wish to provide help during or after business hours. Volunteers can handle as many clinics or clients as they wish and will always have the option of rejecting a referral at the time of request.

Training & Resources Available

We have online recorded trainings available and will provide this information at the time the volunteer registers. We are also compiling all relevant court orders and policy changes that volunteers may need to be aware of prior to speaking to the clients.

LASC/SEOLS is primarily relying on the expertise of our private bar partners in the areas of nonprofit and small business assistance, but stay tuned for more details on a CLE we are planning for the summer that will focus on representing nonprofits!

Process: How Remote Service Works

For Brief Advice Virtual Clinics and Unemployment Clinics – Clients are scheduled for clinic slots that align with volunteer availability and are told that they should expect a call during that window of time and that the call might be restricted or blocked (if volunteers are calling from cell phones).

For Reentry and Small Businesses – LASC/SEOLS will match attorneys 1:1 with clients and meeting times can be flexible.

Prior to the clinic time or when a client identifies a specific need, LASC/SEOLS Pro Bono Team staff will match clients with volunteers via a virtual referral email, which will include the client’s intake and contact information, contact information for our staff attorney mentor who is “on call” for the clinic, and a link to a case reporting form that we will ask the volunteer to complete after the consultation.

Pro Bono Program Overview

LASC/SEOLS supplies primary malpractice coverage for all volunteers, training resources, and access to attorney mentors. You can accrue one hour of general CLE for every six hours you volunteer, up to a total of six CLE hours per reporting period. Emeritus and Corporate Status also are eligible and encouraged to volunteer.

Please direct any questions about our Virtual Clinics to Dianna Parker at dparker@oslsa.org .

LASC and SEOLS Still Hard at Work during COVID-19 Crisis

LASC and SEOLS attorneys staffed a three-hour Resource Hotline on Thursday evening for individuals seeking help with unemployment compensation and housing questions.

April 2020 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 15:40:00 GMT

In this issue: Upcoming Events, CLE Announcements and Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight: Brittany Munn

LASC Volunteer Earns Law School Scholarship

Brittany Munn has been a volunteer on the Domestic team at LASC for the last two years. During her sophomore year of college, she decided she wanted to pursue a career as an attorney. “I began looking at opportunities where I could become involved in the legal community without being an attorney,” said the Ohio State University senior who is majoring in social work, with minors in business, criminal justice and legal foundations of society. “After reading about LASC, I knew this was an organization that would give me an opportunity to help in the legal community.”

During her time at Legal Aid, Brittany has had the opportunity to work on many different cases. She talks with clients about their issues and gathers details to help the attorneys build their cases. “I am blessed to be able to talk with clients about their situations and gather the information necessary for our attorneys. It’s amazing and brings me joy to see how happy clients are to have the opportunity to share their story and know that someone is listening,” she said. She added that she is inspired by the LASC attorneys and how dedicated they are to ensuring the safety of clients and how hard they work on their behalf in the interest of justice. For her, every case brings its own challenge. “Some clients just need to talk and share their story for two hours, some need guidance and support in discussing what’s been going on, and some don’t want to provide details to a stranger,” she said.

Brittany has been a real asset to LASC, said Stu Itani, managing attorney of the LASC Domestic team. “Brittany has consistently demonstrated patience, thoughtfulness and empathy in all of her interactions with our clients,” he said. “In addition, she works collaboratively with a diverse group of staff, and everyone on the team has benefitted from her diligence, maturity, and professionalism.”

Brittany, who also has an internship with the Ohio Public Defender, is a certified victim advocate with SARNCO and volunteers with the women at the Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility. She recently received a merit-based Eminent Scholarship at the OSU Moritz College of Law. The full-tuition scholarship is awarded based on grade point average, LSAT score, resume, and other indicators of being an exceptional student.

When she’s not studying or volunteering, Brittany loves to travel, enjoys being with friends and has been spending more time cooking. She grew up in Pittsburgh, has an older brother who also lives in Columbus and a cat that still resides in Pittsburgh with her parents.

Brittany believes it is important to remember that each client is an individual who’s dealing with their own challenges, and said she continually tries to recognize and adapt to the needs of clients. “Working with low-income individuals who cannot advocate for themselves has made me realize how small my own problems are and how important and necessary advocacy programs are to ensure that all individuals receive adequate support and representation,” she said.

Thank you for supporting LASC's F ifth Annual Fresh Start Gala!

New Video Highlights

Bankruptcy Pro Bono Program

The Fresh Start Gala, held on Feb. 5 at Porter Wright, was a great success. The event raised more than $40,000 for the Bankruptcy Pro Bono Program that helps people keep their lights and heat on during winter, make strides toward reinstating their driver’s licenses, and stop wage garnishments. During the event, LASC debuted a new video highlighting the work of the program.

Upcoming CLE Opportunity

Record-Sealing in Franklin County

This program is designed to prepare volunteer attorneys and other volunteers who will be assisting with our Clean Slate Clinics, which provide criminal record-sealing assistance for low-income individuals in Franklin County. Volunteers will also be trained on eligibility and process for Certificates of Qualification for Employment. The CLE will be followed by a pro bono clinic on Saturday, April 4 . Additional volunteer opportunities for 2020 will be discussed at the CLE. Register here. Application has been made to the Supreme Court of Ohio for 2.25 CLE Credits.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

2:00-4:30 p.m.

Legal Aid Society of Columbus

1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus

Photo: Angie Llyod, OAJF executive director, Eleni Christofides, PILF president, and Christine Donovan of The Columbus Foundation.

Congratulations PILF Award Recipients

The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, and Christine Donovan, a former PILF board member and LASC volunteer, were recognized for their continued commitment to public interest work during the annual OSU Public Interest Law Foundation's annual fundraiser Feb. 27 at the Ohio Union.

The Public Interest Law Foundation is a non-political, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting legal involvement in the public sector.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Marion Office to Host Community Reception

The LASC Marion office is partnering with the United Church Homes and Marion Technical College to host a community conversation. Attorneys from the Marion office will highlight LASC’s efforts to combat and alleviate poverty in Marion and surrounding communities, and how partnerships with other community-based organizations enhance that work.

Event Details:
Marion Office of the Legal Aid Society of Columbus Community Reception

March 10, 2020; 2 PM - 4 PM

UTC Auditorium (Rm 103), Marion Technical College

1467 Mount Vernon Ave. Marion, OH 43302

The Way Forward Campaign Kick-off Event

SEOLS is launching a fundraising campaign to underwrite the work of a fellow in our Athens office to assist children and families impacted by the drug crisis. The campaign kick-off event is scheduled for March 24 and will include a discussion with Dr. Berkeley Franz, Dr. Dan Skinner, and Joy Edgell, editors and contributors to the nationally recognized book, Not Far from Me: Stories of Opioids in Ohio.

Event Details:

The Way Forward Campaign Kickoff Event

6 p.m. to 8 p.m, March 24

Dairy Barn Art Center in Athens, Ohio

Happy Hour

5 p.m., March 13

Taft’s Brewpourium

440 W Broad Street

Columbus, OH 43215

Bridging the Divide CLE

SEOLS and LASC kicked off the Bridging the Divide project on Feb. 27 with a training at Bricker & Eckler . This program allows volunteer attorneys to provide remote limited-scope assistance to low-income clients. Attorneys were trained on how to use the Bridging the Divide platform to advise clients on child custody litigation.

Thanks to Ice Miller for hosting our Security Deposit Litigation CLE.

Help for Seniors

We are looking for volunteer attorneys who can help senior citizens prepare wills, living wills, durable power of attorney and healthcare power of attorney. LASC can provide forms for any volunteer who's willing to assist. Email Dianna if you can help!

Help with Uncontested Divorces

We are seeking lawyers who can represent low-income clients seeking uncontested divorces in Franklin County. Interested? Email Dianna .

February 2020 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 16:39:00 GMT

In this issue: Upcoming Events, CLE Announcements and Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight: Brittany Munn

LASC Volunteer Earns Law School Scholarship

Thank you for supporting LASC's F ifth Annual Fresh Start Gala!

New Video Highlights

Bankruptcy Pro Bono Program

Upcoming CLE Opportunity

Record-Sealing in Franklin County

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

2:00-4:30 p.m.

Legal Aid Society of Columbus

1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus

Photo: Angie Llyod, OAJF executive director, Eleni Christofides, PILF president, and Christine Donovan of The Columbus Foundation.

Congratulations PILF Award Recipients

The Public Interest Law Foundation is a non-political, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting legal involvement in the public sector.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Marion Office to Host Community Reception

Event Details:
Marion Office of the Legal Aid Society of Columbus Community Reception

March 10, 2020; 2 PM - 4 PM

UTC Auditorium (Rm 103), Marion Technical College

1467 Mount Vernon Ave. Marion, OH 43302

The Way Forward Campaign Kick-off Event

Event Details:

The Way Forward Campaign Kickoff Event

6 p.m. to 8 p.m, March 24

Dairy Barn Art Center in Athens, Ohio

Happy Hour

5 p.m., March 13

Taft’s Brewpourium

440 W Broad Street

Columbus, OH 43215

Bridging the Divide CLE

Thanks to Ice Miller for hosting our Security Deposit Litigation CLE.

Help for Seniors

Help with Uncontested Divorces

We are seeking lawyers who can represent low-income clients seeking uncontested divorces in Franklin County. Interested? Email Dianna .

January 2020 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 16:37:00 GMT

In this issue: Upcoming Events, CLE announcements and Volunteer Opportunities!

Join us for the Fresh Start Gala on Wednesday, Feb. 5th

The Gala features a silent auction, great appetizers provided by The Refectory, beer, wine, soft drinks and, most importantly, the opportunity to mingle with your friends and colleagues. It's also a chance to learn more about LASC and the services it offers.

The Gala benefits LASC's pro bono bankruptcy program. Bidding is open for the auction, which has lots of great items--including sports tickets, hotel stays and more!

The Fifth Annual Fresh Start Gala will be held on February 5, 2020 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM . at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, located at 41 S. High Street, 29th Floor Columbus, Ohio.

Get your tickets today!

Kayla Callahan to Serve as LASC Pro Bono Coordinator

Kayla Callahan, who has worked as a staff attorney with the LASC Public Benefits Team since 2016, was named Pro Bono Coordinator for LASC. She will split her time between the Pro Bono and Community Engagement and the Public Benefits teams.

In her new role, Kayla will coordinate volunteer recruitment and management, handle referrals to pro bono attorneys and assist with the Volunteer Resource Center and LASC's brief advice clinics.

"I'm excited about my new position because it will allow me to have a greater impact on the community. I'm looking forward to working with our dedicated volunteers and making sure that they have the tools they need to provide our clients with the best possible outcomes," she said.

Kayla, who graduated from the Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law in 2015, first worked with LASC during her fellowship with the newly established Franklin County Municipal Court’s Self-Help Resource Center. As the first staff attorney at the court’s self-help center, she set the work standard and built the resources and guidance from the ground up. Prior to that, Kayla amassed a wide variety of experience as a summer associate with Roetzel & Andress, a law clerk at the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, and an intern for the Greater Cleveland Rapid Transit Authority’s Legal Department.

Upcoming CLE Opportunities

Security Deposit Litigation for Low-Income Tenants in Franklin County

This program is designed to train volunteer attorneys to provide critical representation to low-income tenants, to secure the return of their security deposits in Franklin County. Volunteers who participate in the program will agree to receive referrals from LASC and represent tenants after the first cause of action has been resolved to secure return of their security deposit.

This training will provide basic information on landlord/tenant law relevant to security deposits, as well as practical information on legal claims, court procedures, settlement, and other issues impacting low-income tenants attempting to obtain their deposits. The materials include outlines, forms and template pleadings.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Ice Miller LLP

250 West Street, Suite 700

Columbus OH 43215

Please complete this form to register.

Application has been made to the Supreme Court of Ohio for 1.5 CLE Credits.

BRIDGING THE DIVIDE: How to Provide Remote Assistance to Rural Clients with Child Custody Issues

This program is designed to prepare volunteer attorneys to provide remote limited-scope assistance to low-income clients at the Bridging the Divide Clinics offered by the Legal Aid Society of Columbus and Southeastern Ohio Legal Services. LASC and SEOLS are partnering with the Justice Bus on this program, which is intended to bring high-quality legal services to rural communities.

During the CLE, attorneys will learn how to use the Bridging the Divide platform to advise clients on the legal standards, relevant pleadings and hearing preparation necessary to successfully navigate child custody litigation. The program will also cover how to complete basic pro se forms.

This program is intended to familiarize volunteers with Ohio child custody proceedings and the Bridging the Divide technology platform. The CLE is free for any attorney who agrees to volunteer at the Bridging the Divide clinics or at other LASC and SEOLS sponsored clinics.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2020

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Bricker & Eckler

100 South Third St.

Columbus, OH 43215

Please complete this form to register.

Application has been made to the Supreme Court of Ohio for 3.25 hours CLE Credit.

Help with Uncontested Divorces

We are seeking lawyers who can represent low-income clients seeking uncontested divorces in Franklin County. Interested? Email Dianna .

Email Dianna if you can help!

Follow LASC on Facebook

Follow SEOLS on Facebook

UPCOMING EVENTS

PILF Auction

Moritz College of Law Public Interest Law Foundation will host its Annual Live and Silent Auction on February 27, 2020 in the Performance Hall at the Ohio Union. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the live auction begins at 7 p.m. All auction proceeds will fund Public Interest Fellowships, allowing Moritz students to seek rewarding public interest positions that serve the community and groups with limited access to legal services.

Date: Thursday, February 27

Time: 6 PM

Place: Performance Hall at the Ohio Union
RSVP by Feb. 24

Happy Hour

Rehab Tavern in Franklinton

456 W Town St, Columbus, OH 43215

Friday, February 21 at 5 p.m.