Contact: Jennifer Rieman
(614) 715-8572
[email protected]
COLUMBUS (August 15, 2018) — The Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation has announced its 2018 Prime Partners, financial institutions committed to improving access to justice for Ohioans struggling to meet ends meet.
Prime Partners offer premium interest rates on Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) and Interest on Trust Accounts (IOTA) — required accounts for most attorneys and title agents — to generate additional dollars for Ohio’s legal aids.
2018 Prime Partners are:
Many Ohioans cannot afford the legal help they need when facing life-changing situations, such as domestic violence or the wrongful denial of benefits for veterans. Civil legal aid provides access to legal help for Ohioans to protect their livelihoods, their health, and their families. In 2017, legal aid helped 115,958 Ohioans achieve justice.
“Peoples Bank is dedicated to supporting our local communities, and being a Prime Partner fits right in with our goals,” said Ryan Kirkham, general counsel. “We know that too often, ordinary people must face court without legal help because they are unable to afford hiring an attorney. Participating in the Prime Partner program underscores our commitment to justice for all.”
While civil legal aid has long enjoyed broad bipartisan support, lower interest rates following the Great Recession have resulted in less money to support access to justice. Prime Partners are crucial allies in increasing IOLTA/IOTA dollars.
“Prime Partners go above and beyond to support legal aid and access to justice in Ohio,” said Angie Lloyd, executive director of OLAF. “When attorneys and title agents bank with a Prime Partner, it increases fairness and access to justice for all Ohioans.”
The Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation improves fairness and access to justice for all Ohioans. Established in 1994, the Foundation funds Ohio’s legal aids through the IOLTA/IOTA program, a civil filing fee surcharge, and donations. Legal aid helps families, children, veterans, seniors, and other Ohioans struggling to make ends meet get back on their feet and on the road to self-sufficiency. Through the Foundation’s work, Ohioans have access to legal help, advice, and representation, which ensures fairness for all in the justice system.