Sierra Cooper joined Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (then SEOLS) in 2018, serving as the Reentry Team lead for the Columbus office. In this role, Sierra helped individuals overcome the barriers posed by criminal records.

In 2026, she was promoted to Managing Attorney of the Public Benefits Team. Sierra draws on her experience as a generalist litigator to provide holistic representation to her clients in the pursuit of justice for those living in poverty.

“Working at Legal Aid gives me the chance to give back to my community and help make sure Central Ohio is a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” Sierra says. “That’s only possible if justice and equity are available to everyone, and that’s where Legal Aid comes in."

Bar & Court Admissions

• State of Ohio
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio

Education

• The Ohio State University (B.A. in Psychology, summa cum laude, 2013)
• The Ohio State University (B.A. in English, summa cum laude, 2013)
• The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law (J.D., 2016)
  

Publications

• State vs. G.K., amicus brief to the Supreme Court of Ohio, focused on the importance of sealing dismissed criminal charges due to their negative impact on housing and employment.
  

Personal

In her spare time, Sierra enjoys crocheting, reading, and exploring the great outdoors with her husband and daughter.