The Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project (GDVLP) and Thompson Hine’s Dayton office have a long-standing relationship stretching back decades. When GDVLP identifies legal needs in the community, it relies on partners like Thompson Hine to provide volunteer lawyers to help low-income Daytonians resolve their civil legal challenges. One ongoing bi-monthly project — the landlord/tenant clinic [...]
Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO) lawyer Valerie Hendrickson comes from a long line of attorneys. Her great-great-grandfather established a practice in her hometown of East Liverpool, Ohio. Her grandfather continued to run that practice until he retired at age 90. Her father and uncle are both attorneys. Now, Hendrickson has followed in [...]
For Ohioans representing themselves in court, attempting to navigate the justice system can be a daunting task. That’s why Robby Southers, director of the Franklin County Municipal Court Self Help Center and Dispute Resolution Department, is laser-focused on increasing accessibility to the legal system. At the Franklin County Municipal Court Self Help Center, Southers leads [...]
The Foundation mourns the loss of Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Board Member Thomas Chema. Chema was a founding member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and served as Foundation Board President from 1996 to 1999. In 2010, Chema became an emeritus member. Chema had a long and distinguished career spanning over 30 years in [...]
When the Foundation’s Pro Bono Director Sophia Chang first signed up for the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program, she was fresh out of law school and eager to gain the advice and support of a seasoned attorney. Now that Chang is established in her career, the roles have reversed; she generously [...]
Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO) attorney Lanese Layne began her legal career knowing she wanted to make a difference. When applying for law school, she picked the University of Dayton School of Law in part for its emphasis on service. “Those were values instilled in me by my parents, and so I was really [...]
It’s time again to report your pro bono hours and financial contributions to charitable legal organizations. This week, Ohio attorneys will receive an email with a link to complete the annual Supreme Court of Ohio and Ohio Access to Justice Foundation 2024 Pro Bono Survey. Reporting your hours is critical to understanding pro bono needs. [...]
The Foundation mourns the loss of former Ohio State Senator and Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Board Member Ben Espy. Espy joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2010 and became an emeritus member in 2019. Espy served boldly throughout his tenure on the board and provided thoughtful expertise and a demonstrable commitment to access [...]
This month, a third round of We Care, the Foundation’s immensely successful professional development opportunity for civil legal services professionals, kicks off with new topics. We Care helps civil legal services professionals navigate the stressors of work demands, process common experiences, talk about mental health concerns, and access further care if needed. Thanks to the [...]
Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Board Member Susan DiMickele believes everything happens for a reason. Eight years ago, she was at the height of her career in private practice, thriving as a partner at Squire Patton Boggs and leading a practice group. As a board member of National Church Residences, she appreciated the nonprofit’s mission, [...]
