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!
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-world 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)
