News

Giving veterans the benefits they deserve - PACT Act


A call to social service partners: educate veterans on the PACT Act By Kim Adams, law graduate   On August 2, 2022, the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 be...

Working together to provide access to justice


by Ken Mirkin, managing attorney   In our weekly Big Ideas series, we are often pointing out what’s gone wrong, educating on some key points, and putting forth ideas on how things might be righted.    Instead, in today’s Bi...

Money: A tool for abuse


Darci Jay and Elsa Reale-Gottfried, staff attorneys   Most domestic abuse experts agree - the need to exert power and control is central to abusive relationships.   There are many ways abusers exert power and control over their ...

Ohio is pulling a reverse Robin Hood


Hard-working Ohioans still at risk of double taxation by Steven McGarrity, executive director   This week, the Ohio Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by two taxpayers against the State of Ohio. The taxpayers were represented by at...

Using pets to perpetuate abuse


by Heather Duncan and Henna Schafer, staff attorneys   Our pets. They are members of our families who bring us joy and love us unconditionally.    They rely on us for everything. Innocents in the truest sense.  &nbs...

He did it, and so can you: Interview with a volunteer


An interview with Michael Sermersheim, VLSP volunteer attorney, emeritus   October is national pro bono month. This is a time to celebrate and honor the commitment of the thousands of attorneys who volunteer their time for an array of caus...

Legal Aid to host open houses in celebration of 70 Anniversary


Community Legal Aid is opening its doors to the public in celebration of 70 years of service to the community. The nonprofit law firm will host a series of open houses at its staffed offices in Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and Warren during the month o...

Infant and maternal health, race, and the Dobbs decision


Marie B. Curry, managing attorney As our country collectively contemplates dramatic changes around reproductive justice*, we must challenge ourselves to see through to society’s deepest and most uncomfortable realities. American women and children...

Ruby Bridges and The Problem We All Continue to Live With


by Clinton Householder, staff attorney   In his iconic 1964 painting The Problem We All Live With,  Norman Rockwell depicts a courageous, resolute 6 year-old African-American girl striding toward the steps of the William Frantz E...

Training to focus on trauma informed care and advocate wellness


Community Legal Aid will host an annual professional development conference for  advocates who work with survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking and stalking. SAFE Day 2022 will be held Wednesday, September 21st from 9:00 ...