For nearly 20 years, Colleen Cotter has led The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland through tremendous transformation and growth. Under her leadership, Cleveland Legal Aid has championed a collaborative, relationship-building approach that’s netted fruitful partnerships with groups as varied as the Cleveland Clinic, The MetroHealth System, University Hospitals, Cleveland Public Library, other nonprofits and local [...]
Each spring, the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation joins legal leaders from around Ohio and the country at the American Bar Association’s ABA Day in Washington, D.C. The event brings together leaders of the ABA, and state and local bars, to advocate on Capitol Hill on issues of importance to the legal profession. ABA Day [...]
Social Services for the Arab Community (SSFAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that immigrants from Arab nations have everything they need to achieve self-sufficiency and thrive. From translation services to employment services to immigration legal services, SSFAC provides a wealth of resources to help immigrants transition to their new lives in America. The [...]
The 2024 Pro Bono Summit brought together leaders and pro bono advocates from around the state to brainstorm ideas to amplify and grow pro bono service. More than 50 professionals gathered at the Grand Event Center in Columbus for the event, hosted by the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, to listen and engage with one [...]
Although Robin Bozian retired from legal aid in 2021, her service to southeast Ohio continues. The recipient of the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation’s 2024 Presidential Award for her outstanding efforts to improve access to justice in Ohio, Bozian continues to give her time and talent through pro bono service. “Using my skills is a [...]
When Foundation board member Stephanie Olivera Mittica’s parents immigrated from Argentina to the United States in the 1990s, they were motivated by the possibilities life in a new country offered, especially for their children. “Ever since I was young, I have been aware of the opportunities I was given as an immigrant,” Mittica said. “The [...]
For the thousands of Ukrainians seeking safety and security in Ohio, access to civil legal services is vital to beginning a new life in the United States. A new continuing legal education (CLE) course hosted by the Foundation is helping grantees participating in the Foundation’s Ukrainian Legal Services Grant Program expand their skill set, further [...]
Foundation grantees The Legal Aid Society of Columbus (LASC), Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS), and the Ohio State Legal Services Association (OSLSA) have merged to form the nonprofit Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio. While the nonprofit has a new name and logo, it will maintain its outstanding track record of providing high-quality legal [...]
It’s time again to report your pro bono hours and financial contributions to charitable legal organizations. If you haven’t already done so, please complete the Supreme Court of Ohio and the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation’s 2023 Pro Bono Survey. Reporting your hours is critical to understanding pro bono needs. It also helps the Supreme [...]
Though it’s been six years since he retired from the Cleveland Municipal Court, Judge Ron Adrine hasn’t slowed down. After an impressive 36 years of service on the bench, Judge Adrine continues his advocacy for Ohio’s most vulnerable as a member of the Foundation’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Standing Committee. Judge Adrine first became [...]
