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Annual Report of Legal Aid’s
Volunteer Lawyers Program
and
Program for Northeast Ohio’s
“Celebrate National Pro Bono Week”
October 2011
Legal Aidvlp: volunteer lawyers program
Raising the Bartogether... we improve the community
The
LegalAidSociety of Cleveland
Since 1 9 0 5
We cannot say thank you enough.
Since 2005, more than 2,200 attorneys in Northeast Ohio
participated in Legal Aid’s Volunteer Lawyers Program and more
than 1,800 are active today. In that same time, volunteers handled
more than 7,149 cases and helped 16,922 people. Volunteers have
“raised the bar” and helped us increase access to justice for the
most vulnerable in Northeast Ohio.
Together, we have ensured safety and shelter and promoted an
improved quality of life for the most in need in Northeast Ohio.
But, we need your continued help. Volunteers are a key part
of Legal Aid’s mission to secure justice and resolve fundamental
problems for those who are low income and vulnerable. While
Legal Aid handles more than 11,000 cases annually – 8,700 are
turned away because of lack of resources. Pro bono volunteers
help Legal Aid close this justice gap. We look forward to your
continued partnership and ongoing volunteer support.
Thank you,
Ann McGowan Porath, Esq.Managing AttorneyVolunteer Lawyers Program and Intake Unit
Ann S. Bergen, Esq.Law Offices of Ann S. Bergen, Co. LPAMember, Board of Directors | Chairperson, Pro Bono Committee
Danke
Gracias
Mahalo
Merci
Dekuji
Köszönöm
Thank you
Legal Aid Volunteers… Raising the Bar
1. Edward H. Blakemore, Esq., Mark M. McGuire, Esq. and Jill G. Bautista, Esq. – Eaton Corporation
2. Mary K. Whitmer, Esq. – Kohrman, Jackson & Krantz, PLL
3. Eric S. Zell, Esq. – Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP
4. Sue M. Douglas, Esq. – Littler Mendelson, PC
5. Dena M. Kobasic, Esq. – PolyOne Corporation
6. (PICTURED L-R) Cynthia Binns, Esq. – Graftech with Leslie Johnson, Esq., Joan Gross, Esq., Mary Patricia Culler, Esq. and Deborah Coleman, Esq. – Hahn Loeser + Parks LLP
7. Rebecca Bennett, Esq. – Frantz Ward and Robert Fischer, Jr., Esq. – Cliffs Natural Resources
8. Christopher Brej, Esq. – Nationwide Insurance
9. Stacey Greenwell, Esq. – Thompson Hine LLP
10. Michael N. Ungar, Esq. – Ulmer Berne LLP
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Doreen Abdullovski
Jennifer Adams
Michael Adamson
Dan Abrams
Kelly Adelman
Ilah Adkins
Richard Agopian
Kim Alabasi
Michael Albanese
Patrick Alcox
David Alden
James Alexander, Jr.
Mary Alexander
Cheryl Alikhan
Sean Allan
David Allen
John Allerding
John Alten
Samuel Altier, Jr.
Salvatore Amata
Anthony Amato
Kathleen Amerkhanian
Eric Amery
Robert Anderle
Mark Andrews
Inna Andrianov
Ronald Annotico
Gary Arbeznik
Erin Armstrong
Holly Armstrong
Jennifer Armstrong
Amy Arrighi
Angel Arroyo
Adrienne Asimou
George Asimou
Todd Atkinson
Breanne Atzert
Susan Audey
Anthony Aveni
James Aveni
Lisa Averyhart
Michael Axel
Gary Axner
Renee Bacchus
Brett Bacon
Jeffrey Baddeley
Adam Baker
Douglas Baker
Jason Baker
Joseph Baker
Kyle Baker
Martin Baker
P. Andrew Baker
Mary Balazs
Woodrow Ban
Mark Barbour
Michael Barkus
William Barnett
Robert Barr
Devin Barry
Todd Bartimole
Denise Bartlett
Myroslava Basladynsky
Jill Bautista
Stephen Beaudry
Keith Belkin
David Bell
Barbara Belovich
Robert Belovich
Lawrence Benjamin
Angela Bennett
Mark Bennett
Rebecca Bennett
Wayne Benos
David Benson
Ann Bergen
Gayl Berger
Robert Berk
Stacy Berliner
Sanjeev Bhasker
Mary Biacsi
Jayashree Bidari
Glenn Billington
Cynthia Binns
Stephen Bittence
Rebecca Blair
Edward Blakemore
Kenneth Blech
Gilbert Blomgren
Michele Boal
Todd Bobka
William Bobulsky
Kip Bollin
Fredric Bolotin
Dawn Bonnett
Debra Booher
Kristin Boose
Keith Borders
Jodi Bosak
John Bosco
Jaime Bouvier
Gretchen Bowman
Yelena Boxer
Timothy Boyko
Deborah Bracy
Nicole Braden Lewis
Mary Bradley
Matthew Brady
Ruth Brady
Beth Brandon
Scott Bratton
Jeffrey Brauer
Christopher Brej
Dorothy Bretnall
Erik Breunig
Blake Brewer
Edward Brice
Michael Brink
Susan Brooks
Darcy Brosky
Edward Brown
Jennifer N. Brown
Daniel Bucci
R.J. Budway
Thomas Bumpass, Jr.
Sarah Bunce
Roger Bundy, Jr.
Joseph Burke
Kathleen Burke
Lillie Burkons
Kenneth Burns
Donna Busser
Annette Butler
Barbara Butler
David E. Byrnes
Robert Cabrera
Robert Cahill
Erica Calderas
Jeremy Campana
Steve Canfil
Luis Carrion
Robert Carson
Kevin Carter
Michael Caticchio
Nathan Cemenska
Justin Cernansky
John Cernelich
Louis Chaiten
John Chambers
Lynne Chavers
James Chin
Gregory Chizmar
Edward Chyun
Mary Cibella
Thomas Cicarella
Joseph Cirigliano
Heidi Cisan
Maria Citeroni
Diane Citrino
Dexter Clark
William Cloonan
Howard Coburn
Caterina Cocca-Fulton
In 2010/2011, more than 1,800 attorneys were active in Legal Aid’s Volunteer Lawyers Program. The individual attorneys listed
represent those pro bono volunteers who opened or closed a case or participated in a clinic within the past year. Every effort
was made to include all activity through September 1, 2011. If a name is missing, please email [email protected]
* deceased
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“Pro Bono representation enhances access to our justice system for many citizens who, without it, would find that access only a myth.”
– Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, The Supreme Court of Ohio
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s Volunteer Lawyers Program – 2011
Volunteer Attorneys as of 9/01/2011
Jill Coen
Thomas P. Coffee
Michael Cole
Jamie Cole-Kerlee
Deborah Coleman
Dominic Coletta
Leo Collins
James Cone
Kari Coniglio
Colleen Conley
Michele Connell
Jane Conrad
Brendan Conway
Brian Cook
Daniel Cook
Benjamin Cooper
Cecilia Cooper
Richard Cooper
Philip Cordova
Joseph Corso
Dianne Coscarelli
Joshua L. Cosner
Raymond Costanzo
Stephanie Couhig
Avidan Cover
Trevor Covey
Michael Coyne
Stacy Cozart
Michelle Creger
Justin Croniser
Jeffrey Crossman
Aleksandar Cuic
M. Patricia Culler
Eric Daniel
Marc Dann
Adam Davis
Robert Davis
Steven Davis
William Davis
James Dawson
Philip Dawson
Steven Day
Erin de la Mare
Jonathan Dean
Henry DeBaggis II
James Deese
Mark DeFranco
Brooke Deines
Audrey Del Valle
Maria DelMonaco
Amy DeLuca
Kyla Dembowski
James Denney
Monica DeRamus
Nicholas Dertouzos
Nicole Dertouzos
Frank DeSantis
Steven Dettelbach
Veronica Dever
Nathalie Dibo
Erin Dickinson
Jim Dickinson
Deanna DiPetta
Teresa Dirksen
Grace Doberdruk
Maureen Doerner
Sufian Doleh
Catherine Donnelly
Kathleen Donnelly
Matthew Donnelly
Sue Douglas
James Douglass
Brian Downey
Thomas Downie
Timothy Downing
Terrence Doyle
Molly Drake
Gary Dubin
Marcella Ducca
John Duffy
Sarah Duffy
Patrick Dugan
Kevin Dunn
Joseph Dunson
Izoduwa Ebose-Holt
Georgia Eckstein
James Ehrman
Walter Ehrnfelt III
Philip Eichorn
Robert Eidnier
Carol Eisenstat
Kathryn Eloff
Kimrey Elzeer
Farah Emeka
Steven Emery
Sarah English
John Ertle, Jr.
John Evans
Susan Evans
Traci Ext
Nadine Ezzie
John Fahsbender
Jason Fairchild
Robert Farinacci
Stephen Fazio
Gregory Feldkamp
Santiago Feliciano, Jr.
Meredith Fergus
Joseph Ferrante
Philip Fijalkovich
Andrew Fiorella
Timothy Fiorta
Robert Fischer, Jr.
Matthew Fitzsimmons
Michael Flament
Nancy Fleming
Kristin Foran
Glenn Forbes
Lisa Forbes
Anne Ford
Jeffrey Ford
Audrey Forrest
Lucas Franklin
Ronald Frederick
Antoinette Freeburg
David Freeburg
James French
Richard Freshwater
Sabrina Frey
Adam Fried
Avery Friedman
Ted Friedman
Joel Fritz
Steven Froberg
Scott Frodyma
Raymond Froelich, Jr.
Alexander Frondorf
Robert Frye
Robert Fuerst
William Fulton
Francis Fungsang
David Gallup
Lola Garcia Pringnitz
Francis Gardner
Michael Gardner
Lisa Gasbarre Black
Lisa Gates
Steven Gaulding
Scott Gedeon
James Gemelas
Gregory Gentile
Leslie Gentile
Anthony Giardini
John Gibbons
Tammy Gibson
Rebecca Gibson-Wilkins
Karen Giffen
James Gillette
Beth Gillin
Melvin Ginsberg
Robert Glaser
Gregory Glick
Victoria Glowacki
Bari Goggins
Vincent Gonzalez
Alan Goodman
Paula Goodwin
Loren Gordon
David Gornik
James Graham
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In 2010, Cleveland Legal Aid fielded 110,000 calls
and handled 11,000 cases which helped more than
23,000 people. 20% of these cases were handled
by the Volunteer Lawyers Program.
“We can only have “justice for all” if we helpprovide that justice to thosewho cannot pay for legalservices.”
– Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton,The Supreme Court of Ohio
“The Juvenile Court Pro Bono Pro Se Clinic - a Legal Aid partnership with McDonald Hopkins, the Child SupportEnforcement Agency, and thecourt - increases access to thejuvenile court for parents withchild support issues. If a partynever gets a chance to speak, they cannot be heard.”
– Judge Kristin W. Sweeney, Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s Volunteer Lawyers Program – 2011
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s
Susan Gray
Sheldon Greenberg
Mark Greenfield
Stacey Greenwell
Jazmine Greer
Kaila Gregory
Calvin Griffith
Jennifer Griveas
Joan Gross
James Grove
Raymond Gruss
William Guarnieri
David Gunning II
Richard Gurbst
Mark Gusley
Brian Gutkoski
Amy Habinski
Michelle Hackim
Scott Hackwelder
Cassandra Haddock
Robert Haffke
Patrick Haggerty
Benjamin Haire
Christopher Hall
Monique A. Hall
John Hallbauer
Matthew Hallett
Julie C. Hammond
Gowri Hampole
Jessica Handlos
Mary Jo Hanson
James Hardiman
Kathryn Harlow
Ryan Harrell
E. Yvonne Harris
Paul Harris
Bradley Harrison
Linda Harrold
Margaret Hartman
Martin Harvey
Michael Harvey
Laura Hauser
Daniel Haymond
James Hazelwood
Elias Hazkial
R. Scott Heasley
Christa Heckman
Edward Heindel
Robert Heintel
Michael Heller
Alice Henry
Douglas Henry
Cheri Henson
Donald Herbe
Keith Herbers
Michael Herrick
Katherine Hessler
Marian Heyink
John Hickey
Matthew Hicks
Peter Hilbert
Carol Hilliard
Shelly Hillyer
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“Pro Bono is a two-way street. The client gains an
experienced, trusted guidethrough the dark woods of the
legal system and the attorney can rest assured a potential
miscarriage has been averted.”
– Judge Christopher A. Boyko, United States District Court,
Northern District of Ohio
Raising the Bar with Support of the Judiciary:
Judge Joseph Cirigliano
Judge Cirigliano served as a judge for
24 years as both a Lorain County
Common Pleas and Ninth District
Court of Appeals judge. Today, he is an
attorney with Wickens, Herzer, Panza,
Cook & Batista Co.
Judge Cirigliano has done pro bono work throughout his
59-year legal career. “Judges should preach Legal Aid,” he
says, “and tell people that Legal Aid is willing to help to
the extent that they can.”
He began volunteering with Legal Aid after retiring from
the bench in 1991. Recently, his extensive experience in
real estate has been used to help with the influx of
foreclosures throughout the area.
Cirigliano is proud of his “fruitful experience with Legal
Aid.” He finds work with Legal Aid uplifting and
rewarding. He remembers one particular time being
able to help two Legal Aid clients regain their houses from
a foreclosure. This kind of pro bono service “gives one
a sense of pride,” he says.
Judge Cirigliano will volunteer for and spread awareness
of Legal Aid as long as he is able. At age 87, he still has a
remarkable passion for his career and the law profession.
This profession isn’t for the money, he explains, but
“to help the people.”
A T T O R N E Y S A T L A W
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s Volunteer Lawyers Program – 2011
Jennifer Himmelein
Stacy Hinners
Stephen Hobt
Amy Hocevar
Deborah Hoffman
Timothy Holder
Walter Holeski
David Holland
Katherine Hollingsworth
Clarence Holmes
Henry Holz II
Laura Hong
Emily Honsa Hicks
Christopher Horn
George Huang
Barrett Hubbard
Neal Hubbard
William Hubbard
Mary Huber
Roy Hulme
Ernest Hume
James Hungerford
Ann Hunt
Calvin Hurd, Jr.
Kenneth Hurley
Michael Hustick
Lee Hutton
Nicholas Iarocci
Elise Ice
Edward Icove
Peter Igel
Erika Imre Schindler
Jeremy Iosue
Karen Ireland-Phillips
Rachael Israel
Gerald Jackson
Jacqueline Jackson
Amanda Jacobs
Jacqueline Jacobs
William Jacobs
Diana Jancura
Peter Janos
Edward Jansen
Alexandra Jeanblanc
Lei Jiang
Alana Jochum
Geoffrey Johnson
Leslie Johnson
Nelli Johnson
Ronald Johnson, Jr.
Scott Johnson
Tracy Johnson
Christina Joliat
Gregory Jolivette, Jr.
Candace Jones
Katharine Jones
Larry Jones
Lessie Jones
Tonya Jones
Edward Joseph
Kathryn Joseph
Stanley Josselson
Virginia Judd
L. James Juliano, Jr.
Woo Jun
Rachel Kabb-Effron
Gus Kallergis
Kerin Kaminski
Karl Kammer
Dharminder Kampani
Richard Kaplow
Jonetta Kapusta-Dorogi
Lana Katz
Shannan Katz
David Kaufman
Abraham Kay
John Kealy
Amy Keating
Martin Keenan
Ellen Keller
Gabrielle Kelly
Jocelyn Kelly
Shelly Kennedy
Richard Kenney, Jr.
Margan Keramati Davis
Heather Kern
Monica Killough
Aaron Kimbrell
Andrea Kinast
Barry King
R. Reed King
John Kirkland
David Kitchen
Jane Kleinsmith
Kenneth Kleppel
Paul Klug
Mark Knevel
Dena Kobasic
Richard Koblentz
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s Volunteer Lawyers Program – 2011
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“Pro Bono work provides a public service to those of limited means. The feeling of satisfaction and the act of giving back to the community makes the commitment worthwhile.”
– Judge Eileen T. Gallagher,Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court
Legal Aid’s pro bono
attorneys make an
economic impact on
Northeast Ohio.
The value in donated
time in the past year
was $1.3 million,
using a conservative
$145 billable rate.
“With the state of the economy and the loss of significant funding
to Legal Aid, our community has a greater need than ever before
for attorneys to assist them on a pro bono basis.”
– Judge Rosemary Grdina Gold,Cuyahoga County
Domestic Relations Court
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October 2011 Pro Bono events in Northeast Ohio
Celebrate National Pro Bono Week, October 22-29, 2011
Continuing Legal Education Seminar“SAVE THE DREAM”
9:00 am - 12:15 pmFORECLOSURE LITIGATION
1:30 pm - 4:45 pmFORECLOSURE MEDIATION
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association1301 East Ninth Street, 2nd floorRegister at www.lasclev.orgSponsored by Legal Aid and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
4:00 pm - 5:30 pmWILL KOHN BANKRUPTCY BY-PASS CLINICThe Legal Aid Society of Cleveland1223 West Sixth StreetBy appointment only: call 888-817-3777Staffed by volunteer attorneysSponsored by Legal Aid and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
5:00 pm - 7:00 pmEVENING LAW FIRM CLINICThe Legal Aid Society of Cleveland1223 West Sixth StreetBy appointment only: call 888-817-3777Staffed by volunteer attorneys from Calfee Halter & GriswoldSponsored by Legal Aid
5:00 pm - 7:00 pmBRIEF ADVICE and REFERRAL CLINICUnited Methodist Church515 North Street, ChardonFirst come, first servedStaffed by volunteer attorneysSponsored by the Geauga County Bar Association and Legal Aid
5:00 pm - 7:00 pmBRIEF ADVICE and REFERRAL CLINICAmerican Legion Conneaut272 Broad Street, ConneautFirst come, first servedStaffed by volunteer attorneysSponsored by the Ashtabula County Bar Association and Legal Aid
5:00 pm - 7:00 pmBRIEF ADVICE and REFERRAL CLINICEl Barrio5209 Detroit Avenue, ClevelandFirst come, first servedStaffed by the CMBA’s Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts CommitteeSponsored by Legal Aid and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
MONDAY
8:00 am - 9:00 am8:00 am - 9:00 amVolunteer RecognitionBREAKFAST MEETING with IRS NATIONALTAXPAYER ADVOCATE NINA OLSEN
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland1223 West Sixth StreetBy invitation onlyFor tax law pro bono attorneysSponsored by Legal Aid
TUESDAY
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
5:00 pm - 7:00 pmDEBTOR - CREDITOR CLINICDrost Family Services Center24075 Commerce Park Road, BeachwoodBy appointment only: call 888-817-3777Staffed by volunteers from Jewish Family ServiceAssociation and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar AssociationSponsored by the JFSA and CMBA
SUNDAY WEDNESDAY
Continuing Legal Education SeminarsComplimentary presentations sponsored by the 8th Appellate District Pro Bono Committee, the CMBA and Legal Aid
8:30 am - 12:30 pmDOMESTIC RELATIONS BASICS AND COURTHOUSE WALK-THROUGH1 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland
9:00 am - 11:00 amINTRODUCTION TO LANDLORD-TENANT LAWThe Legal Aid Society of Cleveland1223 West Sixth Street
12:30 pm - 2:30 pmSTEPS TO SEALING A RECORD Location TBA
3:00 pm - 5:00 pmLEGAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE TERMINALLY ILLCleveland Metropolitan Bar Association1301 East Ninth Street, 2nd Floor… watch for more CLE’s and register online at www.lasclev.org or www.clemetrobar.org
10:00 am - 12:00 pmCLEVELAND HOMELESS LEGAL ASSISTANCEPROGRAM (CHLAP) INTAKE CLINICWest Side Catholic Center3135 Lorain AvenueFirst come, first served - focused on the homeless or people at risk of homelessnessStaffed by CHLAP volunteersSponsored by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
1:00 pm - 4:00 pmELDER LAW CLINICOberlin Senior Center90 East College StreetFirst come, first served Staffed by Diana Jancura and AssociatesSponsored by Legal Aid
3:00 pm - 5:00 pmEXPUNGEMENT CLINICThe Legal Aid Society of Cleveland1223 West Sixth StreetBy appointment only: call 888-817-3777Staffed by volunteer attorneysSponsored by Legal Aid
4:00 pm - 5:00 pmELDER LAW CLINICThe Legal Aid Society of Cleveland1223 West Sixth StreetBy appointment only: call 888-817-3777Staffed by volunteers from the CMBA Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Law SectionSponsored by Legal Aid and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
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Wednesday, October 26
5:00 pm - 7:00 pmVolunteer RecognitionNATIONAL CELEBRATE PRO BONO WEEK IN NORTHEAST OHIO
Barley House Cleveland1265 West Sixth StreetFor all pro bono volunteers; register at www.lasclev.org
Led by local members of the judiciarySponsored by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and Legal Aid
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Pro Bono Event Notes:See individual event listings for details on location and necessity of reservations.
Attorney Volunteers are welcome to help at any of the listed clinics. To participate, email [email protected] for Legal Aid events or [email protected] for CMBA events.
Low-Income Client participation varies by clinic. See specific clinic for details. All Brief Advice Clinics are open to walk-ins on a first come, first-served basis, (please bring important papers with you). Most other clinics are by appointment only.
SATURDAY
10:00 am - 4:00 pmWILLS FOR HEROES CLINICBeachwood Community Center25325 Fairmount BoulevardBy appointment only: call 888-817-3777Staffed by volunteers from the CMBA Young Lawyers SectionSponsored by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
10:00 am - 12:00 pmPRO SE DIVORCE CLINICCleveland Metropolitan Bar Association1301 East Ninth Street, 2nd FloorBy appointment only: call 888-817-3777Staffed by volunteers from the CMBA Family Law SectionSponsored by Legal Aid and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
11:00 am - 1:00 pmCLEVELAND HOMELESS LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CHLAP) INTAKE CLINICBishop Cosgrove Center, a Catholic Charities site1736 Superior Avenue, ClevelandFirst come, first served - focused on thehomeless or people at risk of homelessnessStaffed by CHLAP and Catholic Lawyers Guild volunteersSponsored by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
12:00 pm - 1:00 pmContinuing Legal Education Seminar:ELDER LAW UPDATEHellriegels Inn1840 Mentor Avenue, PainesvilleRegister at www.lasclev.orgSponsored by Legal Aid
7:30 am (REGISTRATION)Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation’s10TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN RUN FOR JUSTICEGalleria at Erieview1301 East Ninth StreetRegister at www.clemetrobar.org or call 216-696-3525Sponsored by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation
12:00 pm - 1:00 pmLaw Student Volunteer RecognitionCLEVELAND-MARSHALL COLLEGE OF LAW C-M College of Law1801 Euclid AvenueBy invitation onlySponsored by C-M College of Law and Legal Aid
12:00 pm - 1:00 pmLaw Student Volunteer RecognitionCASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITYCWRU School of Law11075 East Boulevard, ClevelandBy invitation onlySponsored by CWRU School of Law and Legal Aid
4:00 pm - 6:00 pmCLEVELAND HOMELESS LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CHLAP) INTAKE CLINICNorma Herr Center (Community Women’s Shelter)2227 Payne Avenue, ClevelandFor residents of the shelter onlyStaffed by CHLAP volunteersSponsored by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
5:00 pm - 7:00 pmBRIEF ADVICE and REFERRAL CLINICFatima Family Center, a Catholic Charities site6600 Lexington Avenue, ClevelandFirst come, first servedStaffed by volunteers from Legal Aid and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and Foundation’s boards of directorsSponsored by Legal Aid and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
5:00 pm - 7:00 pmPRO SE CHILD SUPPORT CLINICThe Legal Aid Society of Cleveland1223 West Sixth StreetBy appointment only: call 888-817-3777Staffed by volunteer attorneys from McDonald HopkinsSponsored by Legal Aid
9:00 am - 1:00 pmADJUSTMENT OF STATUS andIMMIGRATION CLINICThe Legal Aid Society of Cleveland1223 West Sixth StreetBy appointment only: call 888-817-3777Staffed by volunteers from the C. Lyonel Jones Immigration Pro Bono CommitteeSponsored by Catholic Charities and Legal Aid
9:00 am - 4:00 pm2011 Pro Bono ConventionGrange Insurance Audubon Center505 West Whittier Street, ColumbusBy invitation onlyKeynote Speaker, Ohio Supreme Court Chief JusticeMaureen O’ConnorSponsored by the Ohio State Bar Association and Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation
1:00 pm - 3:00 pmContinuing Legal Education Seminar“IMMIGRATION LAW”Register at www.lasclev.orgLed by the C. Lyonel Jones Immigration Pro Bono Committee
3:30 pm - 4:00 pmVolunteer RecognitionIMMIGRATION LAW VOLUNTEERSBy invitation only
Both events held at:Carl B. Stokes Federal Courthouse801 West Superior Avenue, ClevelandSponsored by Legal Aid
9:45 am - 12:00 pmBRIEF ADVICE and REFERRAL CLINICSt. Martin de Porres Center, a Catholic Charities site1264 East 123rd Street, ClevelandFirst come, first servedStaffed by volunteer attorneys from the US Attorneys’ Office,Federal Trade Commission and Federal Public DefenderSponsored by Legal Aid
THURSDAY FR IDAY
9:45 am - 12:00 pmBRIEF ADVICE and REFERRAL CLINICNeighborhood House Association Lorain457 Griswold Road, ElyriaFirst come, first servedStaffed by volunteers from Lorain CountySponsored by Legal Aid
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Jeffrey Kocian
Paul Kocsis
William Kolis, Jr.
James Komorowski
Christopher Korff
Susan Kornatowski
James Koscianski
Robert Koury
Kevin Kovach
Lisa Kraemer
Edward Kramer
Patrick Kramer
Kaila Krausz
Janet Kronenberg
Scott Kuboff
Matthew Kucharson
Harvey Kugelman
Julianne Kurdila
Pamela Kurt
David Kutik
Emily Ladky
Julie Lady
Robert LaForce
Cliff Lai
Lori Laisure
Deneen LaMonica
David Landman
Brian Lange
Anthony LaPlaca
Patricia Larson
Katrina Larrick-Serrat
David Lash
Marilu Laubenthal
Melissa Laubenthal
Jeffrey Lauderdale
Patrick Lavelle
Wendlene Lavey
William Lawko
James Lawniczak
Arthur Leary III
Patrick Leary
Patrick LeClair
Steven Lee
Amanda M. Leffler
Linda Lehman
Jonathan Leiken
Jerome Lemire
James Lentz
Jennifer Lesny-Fleming
Lisa Leszynski
Laurel Letts
Diane Leung
Dennis Levin
Vadim Levtonyuk
John Lewis
Patrick Lewis
Rochelle Licata
Arthur Licygiewicz
Elena Lidrbauch
Daniel Lindner
Tanya Linetsky
Yuri Linetsky
Seth Linnick
Timothy Linville
Holly H. Little
Nora Loftus
Christina Londrico
Nicholas Longauer
Jason Lorenzon
Elena Lougovskaia
Sheryl Love
Beatrice Loyer
Barbara Lum
Robert Luria
Timothy Lutz
Andrew P. Lycans
Tiaon Lynch
George Macdonald
Lisa Mach
Jimmie Mack, Jr.
Martin Mackowski
Franklin Malemud
Johanes Maliza
Edward Mamrack
Robert Mann
Jamie Manning
Katica Markulin
Todd Masuda
Roshen Mathew
Laura McBride
Joseph McCafferty
David McCombs
Luke McConville
Thomas McCormack
Alexander R. McCready
Shannon McCue
Dawn McFadden
John McGinnis
Mark McGraw
Mark McGuire
Tracey McGurk
Hugh McKay
Patricia McKay
William McKinley
Joyce McKinniss
Ashlee McLaughlin
Christopher McLaughlin
Conor McLaughlin
Ronald McLaughlin
Carl McMahon
Rebecca McMahon
Ronald McMillan
Eugene Meador
Eugene Medina
Michael Meehan
Shelly Meek
Sara Menefee Santoli
Charles Merchant
Mark Merims
Lanene Meslat
Daniel Messeloff
Anthony Meyer
G. Christopher Meyer
Lisa Meyer
Victor Mezacapa III
Mark Micheli
Deborah Michelson
Bradley Miller
Virginia Miller
Kent Minshall, Jr.
Ginger Mlakar
James Moennich
Laura Molica
Megan Molitoris
Bruce Molnar
Chaundra Monday
Gayle Montalto
Margaret Montano
Karen Moore
William Moore
Russell Moorhead
John Moran
Brian Morgan
Hugh Morgan
Stanley Morganstern
Kristin Morrison
Suzann Moskowitz
Jeffrey Moyle
James Mramor
Norma Mudry
Adrienne Mueller
John Mulligan
Michael Mumford
Edward D. Muransky
Colleen Murnane
Barry Murner
Brian Murphy
Patrica Murphy
Michael Murray
Robert Myers, Jr.
LaVonda Napka
Carmen Naso
Karen Neilsen
Jill Nelson
8
In the past year, Legal Aid
volunteer attorneys helped
prevent homelessness
in 619 cases.
“Pro Bono work educates by forcing practicing lawyers
to really see and grow respect for people from whom they
might otherwise avert their eyes.”
– Judge K.J. Montgomery, Shaker Heights Municipal Court
“Pro bono work is likely the single most significant effort to enhance the public's perception of the legal profession.”
– Justice Terrence O’Donnell, The Supreme Court of Ohio
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s Volunteer Lawyers Program – 2011
9
Maritza Nelson
Tania Nemer
Christopher Newcomb
Deborah Nicastro
Wayne Nicol
Stephanie Niehaus
Christina Niro-Kreiner
Kathleen Nitschke
Patrick Nixon
Michele Norton
Jenifer Novak
Mark Novak
Michael Nowak
Jacinto Nunez
Aaron O'Brien
Casey O'Brien
Gregory O'Brien
Kevin O'Connor
Michael O'Malley
Colleen O'Neil
Dennis O'Neil
John O'Neil
Michael O'Neil
David O'Reilly
Michael O'Shea
Ann Oakar
James Oakar
Sarah Okuh
Michelle Oliver
Mark Ostrovsky
Arthur Ott
Rishi Oza
Edward Palm
Christopher Panek
Nathan Pangrace
Richard Panza
Dipali Parikh
Suwan Park
Amanda Parker
Carolyn Paschke
Gary Pasqualone
Timsi Pathak
Peter Pattakos
Mary Paulett-Toumert
Mark Pavkov
Thomas Peppard
Lauren Perko
William Perry
Richard Petrulis
Jennifer Peyton
David Phillips
Paul Phillips
Randal Phillips
Sherry Pidala
Julie Pietrzen
Thomas Pillari
Timothy Pillari
Lori Pinjuh
Kenneth Piper
Michael Pirret
Lori Pittman
Patricia Plotkin
John Polinko
Karen Pollard
Andrew Pollis
R. Jeffrey Pollock
David Pomerantz
David Pontius
Patricia Poole
Kathleen Portman
Lester Potash
Annie Potter
Barbara Powell
Bridgette Pozzuto
Constant A. Prassinos
Jocelyn Prewitt-Stanley
April L. Proctor
Stanley Prybe
Mary Ann Rabin
Julie Rabin Falck
Elizabeth Rader
Adrienne Rapp
Dustin Rawlin
Harold Reader III
Rachael Ream
Alexander Reich
George Ressler
Christopher Reynolds
Tina Rhodes
Cynthia Rhyner
Jeanne Rickert
Bethanie Ricketts
Matthew Ridings
Charles Riehl
Jennifer Riester
Janice Rieth
Michael Riley
Mary Rini
Raemarie Rini
Jennifer Roach
Lawrence Roach
Megan Roberts
Deanna Robertson
Burl Robinette
“Feeling good as a lawyer is about giving to someone who needs your
help,” comments The Honorable Joan Synenberg of Cuyahoga
County Common Pleas Court. As Eighth District Chair of the Ohio
State Bar Association Pro Bono Task Force, Judge Synenberg has given
her utmost support to The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland and the
activities of Pro Bono Week.
During last year’s Pro Bono Week, Judge Synenberg, along with
Judge Richard Ambrose, provided 90 volunteer lawyers with CLE
instruction and a panel discussion that included Bob Tobik from the
The Office of the Public Defender. Afterwards, they walked the
attorneys over to Legal Aid where each lawyer was paired with
a pre-screened, eligible client.
“As lawyers we can help those in need, protect people, defend the
poor, and be an advocate for those who are voiceless. I don’t think
there is anything that could possibly be as satisfying for a lawyer as
sharing what we do professionally with people who would otherwise
be unable to receive legal representation,” says Judge Synenberg.
Judge Synenberg also takes pride in helping to lead the 2010 Fugitive
Safe Surrender program, where nearly 7,500 people turned them-
selves in on outstanding warrants. “We reached deep into the legal
community and had a great outpouring of volunteer criminal and
civil lawyers. I have never seen people so grateful as the clients who
received assistance from these volunteer lawyers.”
She believes, “Lawyers’ finest hours are when they can reach out
for the greater good.”
Raising the Bar with Support of the Judiciary:
Judge Joan Synenberg
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s Volunteer Lawyers Program – 2011
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s Volunteer Lawyers Program – 2011
10
Marquettes Robinson
Ronald Robinson
Joseph Rodgers
Barbara Roman
Kirk E. Roman
Carl Rose
Robert Rosplock
Kathleen Roth
Dennis Rotman
Ryan Routh
David Rowan
Neil Rubin
Mona Rubinstein
Ronald Ruskan
Adam Russ
Angelo Russo
Sarah Ryzner
Jacob Rzepka
James Sabrey
Thomas Sacerich
Brian Sammon
Adam Sauerwein
Jan Saurman
Adam Saurwein
Joy Savren
Kevin Schadick
David Schaefer
Gerald Schaefer
Gail Schaffer
Michael Schaffer
Donald Scherzer
Gordon Schmid
Priscilla Schnittke
Todd Schrader
Jessica Schreiber
Richard Schultz
Valentine Schurowliew
Nancy Schuster
Bryan Schwartz
Diane Schwartz
Frederic Schwieg
Sandra Seballos
J. Gary Seewald
Andrew Seger
John Seich
Emily Seidman
Jennifer Seidman
Patricia Seifert
Joseph Sellers
Kevin Senich
Wayne Serra
James Sestak
Farhad Sethna
Sheila Sexton
Melanie Shaerban
Paula Shakelton
Brien Shanahan
Jill Shankar
Kevin Shannon
Michael Sharon
Jana Shearer
Mark Shearer
Meghan Sheehan
Brent Shelley
Peter Shenyey
Michael Sherban
Christopher Sheridan
Addisah Sherwood
Cathy Shibley
Daniel Shields
Paul Shipp
Meredith Shoop
John Shryock
Melanie Shwab
Harry Sigmier
Matthew Silversten
Angela Simmons
David Simon
Nancy Sin
Jeffrey Sindelar, Jr.
Kelly Skeat
Melissa D. Skilliter
Ralph Skonce, Jr.
Teddy Sliwinski
Robert Small
Barbara Smith
Catherine Smith
Dale Smith
Nancy Smith
William Smith
Michele Smolin
Marie Smythe
Cristin Snodgrass
Mary Sobnosky
Michael Spetrino
Heather Stakich
Jennifer Stapleton
Sheldon Starke
Gregory Stein
Kimberly Stein
Stanley Stein
William Steiner
Charles Steines
Rachel Steinlage
Judson Stelter
Almis Stempuzis
Howard Stern
Susan Stern
Fred Stevens *
Kirk Stewart
Scott Stewart
Andrea Stone
Joseph Straka
Carter Strang
Joshua Strickland
Jason Strobel
Mark Sturik
Rosalyn Sukenik
K. James Sullivan
Sarah Suma
William Summers
Stephanie Surratt
Kevin Susman
Kristin Sweeney
Therese Sweeney Drake
Craig Syby
Daniel Syphard
Maria Szonert-Binienda
Steve Tater
Phillip Taylor *
Sofia Teren
Timothy Teresczuk
Dennis Terez
Danja Therecka
Daniel Thiel
Diana Thimmig
Christopher Thomas
Kathryn Thomas
Max Thomas
Michael Thomas
Sam Thomas III
Courtni Thorpe
Corey N. Thrush
Mary Tipping
Marilyn Tobocman
Heather Tonsing Volosin
Kevin Toohig
Jazmin Torres-Lugo
Kenneth Traeger
Randall Trefethern
Joseph Triscaro
Noelle Tsevdos
Elaine Tso
Michael S. Tucker
Curtis Tuggle
Tracey Turnbull
Christel Turner
Jack Turner II
Tracy Turoff
Andrew Turscak, Jr.
Michaele Tyner
Michael Ungar
Elizabeth Vaci
Barbara Valponi
Mark Valponi
Robert Van Der Velde
Virginia Van Wagenen
Mark VanRooy
Michael Varga-Sinka
James Vargo
Irina Vinogradsky
Mark Wallach
Jonathan Walsh
Robert Walton
Stephanie L. Warner
Marvin Warren
Pro bono attorneys create nearly $14 million of economic benefit for
Northeast Ohio low-income clients – representing increased assets,
increased income or reduced debt for Legal Aid clients.
“Pro bono work - even a few hours’ worth - can have a major impact on clients' lives.
Pro bono attorneys can help a client keep their home or apartment, increase their income,
be compensated for wrongs, or even keep their freedom.
Pro bono attorneys not only help their individual clients, but serve as guardians
of justice as well, letting those who would take advantage of the
poor know that they will not succeed.”
– Judge Raymond L. Pianka, Cleveland Housing Court
11
Bruce Waterhouse, Jr.
David Watson
Laura Watson
William Watson
Ashley Weaver
Susan Weaver
John Weber
Michael Webster
Stephen Webster
Paul Weick II
Joshua Weiner
Ann Weinzimmer
Lori Welker
Rose Wenstrup
Amy Wentz
Stephen Werber
Michael Wesel
Robert West, Jr.
Rebecca L. West-Estell
Michael Westerhaus
James Westfall, Jr.
Catherine Wexler
Douglas Whipple
Scott White
Timothy Whitford
Mary Whitmer
Matthew Wholey
Nicholas Wille
Caroline Williams
Christopher Williams
Donald Williams
Ladi Williams
Monica Williams
Reginald Williams
Andrea Wilson
Nicole Wilson
Jonathan Winer
Robert Winston
Jonathan Withrow
Richard Witkowski
Scott Wolf
Stephen Wolf
Robert Wolff
Steven Wolkin
Michael Wolpert
Tiffany Wright
Karen P. Wu
Georgia Yanchar
Grant Yochim
Joseph Yonadi, Jr.
Robert York
Charles Young
James Young
Gregory Zakrajsek
Anne Zeitoun-Sedki
Eric Zell
Ann Zellmer
David Zimmer
Gregory Zitkiewicz
Melissa Zujkowski
Robert Zulandt, Jr.
Olga Zullig
Catharine Zurbrugg
Peter Zwick
In addition to participants
in the Volunteer Lawyers
Program, Legal Aid benefits
from long-term in-house
volunteers. The following
law graduates and attorneys
volunteered in-house for a
significant number of hours
in the past year:
Christian Carson
Steven Casiere
Elizabeth Dormann
Cara Finnegan
Elizabeth Ford
Carol Fox
Kimberly Gawel
Cassandra Haddock
Mallory Holmes
Kimberly Irons
John Kirn
Sarah Kostick
Melissa Kunder
Markus Lyytinen
Jose Matheus
Geoffrey McCarrell
James Mellor
Jason Mohler
Brian Polis
Jorge Rovelo
Marni Santoro
Lynnette Sequeira
Maya Simek
Erin Simmons
Vivian Solganik
Wesley Williams
Sung Hee Yu
When The Honorable Mary Jane Trapp realized just
how powerless people facing foreclosure feel in their
ability to secure legal representation, she quickly put
her power as Judge of the Ohio 11th District Court of
Appeals and as 11th District Chair of the Ohio State Bar
Association Pro Bono Task Force to work. Within a year,
an effective pro bono foreclosure mediation program
was in place in each of the 11th District's five counties.
Judge Trapp was recognized with
The Oho Legal Assistance
Foundation’s 2011 Presidential
Award for Outstanding Leadership
in the Delivery of Pro Bono Legal
Services for her creation of this
outstanding program.
Judge Trapp continues to educate attorneys as to the
value, both professionally and personally, of pro bono
work. “Pro Bono has increased the flow of good solid
legal advice to people who would normally not be able
to afford it. In doing so, we have given them the
keys to the courthouse door. The whole concept of
pro bono service is maintaining and increasing access
to the court.”
Raising the Bar with Support of the Judiciary:
Judge Mary Jane Trapp
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s Volunteer Lawyers Program – 2011
“Peoples’ perception of fairness in the judicial system is based in large part in being able to have a voice in proceedings. Therefore, pro bono work increases justice and belief in the system by providing a clearer and stronger voice for people who would
otherwise be unrepresented.”
– Judge Diane M. Palos, Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court
“Pro Bono work is important because it shares our personal skills and trainingand demonstrates our respect for otherswhen we help those in need”
– Judge Janet R. Burnside, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court
“By engaging in pro bono work each of us in the profession does our part to insure that the American legal systemworks for everyone.”
– Judge Dan A. Polster, United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio
In addition to attorneys, 323 law students and other lay
volunteers support the Volunteer Lawyers Program.
12
Legal Aid’s pro bono
attorneys volunteered
nearly 13,000 hours
over the past year.
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s Volunteer Lawyers Program – 2011
Thank you
Legal Aid Board of Directors
* denotes member of Pro Bono Committee
Ilah M. Adkins, Esq.Charter One Bank
Jesse O. AndersonCommunity Representativenominated by the Greater Cleveland RTA
Mark S. Bennett, Esq.U.S. Attorney’s Office
Ann S. Bergen, Esq., * ChairLaw Offices of Ann S. Bergen, Co. LPA
Frank R. DeSantis, Esq. *Thompson Hine LLP
Carole O. Heyward, Esq.CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Vanetta J. JamisonCommunity Representativenominated by Beech Brook
Kathleen M. Kordeleski, Esq.ABB, Inc.
Barbara LeadbetterCommunity Representativenominated by MetroHealth’s Center for Community Health
John Q. Lewis, Esq. *Jones Day
Heather NicastroCommunity Representativenominated by The Arc of Greater Cleveland
Richard Panza, Esq.Wickens, Herzer, Panza, Cook & Batista
Richard D. Petrulis, Esq.KeyBank National Association
Betsy Rader, Esq.Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Rebecca Ruppert McMahon, Esq.Cuyahoga Community College
Congressman Louis Stokes, Esq.Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP
Adrian D. Thompson, Esq. *Taft/
Tim WaltersCommunity Representativenominated by Merrick House
Michelle Wilkerson-GuerryCommunity Representativenominated by the NEO Coalition for the Homeless
Ida R. Williams *Community Representativenominated by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County
Rebecca L. Wojtko *Community Representativenominated by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County
Others who serve on the Pro Bono Committee
Stacy E. Cozart, Esq.Sharon and Kálnoki LLC
Patrick Haggerty, Esq.Frantz Ward LLP
Julie Lady, Esq.KeyBank National Association
Jenna Peyton, Esq.Jennifer Peyton & Associates
David Watson, Esq.Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
Executive Team
Colleen M. Cotter, Esq.Executive Director
David B. Dawson, Esq.Deputy Director
Bettina KaplanDirector of Finance and Administrative Operations
Katherine IngersollExecutive Assistant
Garrick LipscombDirector of Information Technology
Melanie A. Shakarian, Esq.Director of Development and Communications
Art Direction & Design
Sharon BadenBäden Design, Cleveland
Photography
Legal Aid Archives
78
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Cleveland
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Jefferson
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missionTo secure justice and resolve fundamental problems for those who are low-income and vulnerableby providing high-quality legal services and working for systemic solutions.
Legal Aid serves five counties in Northeast Ohio
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Volunteer Lawyer s Program
[ v l p ]{Legal Aid
Want to become involved ? Opportunities to volunteer with Legal Aid range from a two-hour commitment to extended representation.
Brief Advice & Referral Clinics… a great introduction to pro bono work. Usually held on Saturdaymornings or weekday afternoons, clinics are held at neighborhoodcommunity centers and clients are first-come, first-served.
Time commitment is two hours. No training necessary. Legal Aid providesmentoring at the clinic and, if requested, can provide an orientation prior to clinic.
Pro Se Clinics… only a bit more involved than Brief Advice Clinics, these clinicsaddress the needs of pro se litigants with divorce, child support, or expungement issues. Volunteer attorneys assist individuals withpro se pleadings and provide instructions on proceeding pro se.
Usually held on Saturday mornings or weekday afternoons, the time commitment is three hours. Training and mentoring provided.
Specialized Clinics, Projects and One-on-One Match… for those ready to jump into an extended representation commitment, these clinics separately provide assistance to low-income individuals on specific issues.
The time commitment varies. Some experience needed; training and mentoring provided.
If interested in this opportunity, please note your interest area:
• Bankruptcy By-Pass Clinic• Bankruptcy Practice Clinic• Domestic Violence Prevention Project
(including Civil Protection Orders)• Elder Law Project• Foreclosure Prevention Program (“Save the Dream”)• Immigration Clinic• Private Landlord-Tenant Project• Tax Clinic• Tort and Contract Litigation• One-on-One Match (for all areas of civil practice)
Visit the Volunteer Lawyers Program online at: www.lasclev.org or e·mail: [email protected]
Volunteer Lawyers Program Staff:
Ann McGowan Porath, Esq., Managing Attorney 216-861-5332
Mary Beth Cook McConville, Esq., Staff Attorney 216-861-5427
Lauren Gilbride, Esq., Staff Attorney 216-861-5259
Erica Steward, Pro Bono Coordinator 216-861-5889
www.lasclev.org
ll Brief Advice & Referral Clinics ········
ll Pro Se Clinics ·····················
ll Specialized Clinics,
Projects and One-on-One Match ······interest area:
Please note geographic area you prefer:
ll Ashtabula/Lake/Geauga Counties
ll Cuyahoga County
ll Lorain County
Name:
Workplace:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Phone:
E·Mail:
ll Yes!I am interested in
Legal Aid’s Volunteer Lawyers Program and
the following activities:
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