Forgiving student loan debt is not only vital, it’s humane
by Rachel Nader, advocacy director Ten years. That’s how long it took me to pay off my student loans. I made it out of undergrad and law school owing roughly $20 grand. I was lucky. Tuition was reasonable, about $25 grand before books an...
An open letter to survivors' advocates - and an invitation
By Jeanne Charles, managing attorney Dear Fellow Advocates, Lately, my work with survivors of violence has felt particularly heavy. I’m tired. I’m weary. Maybe the same is true for you? The news. I’v...
Estate planning is for everyone
By Patricia Dougan, staff attorney Even the lawyers agree: estate planning can sound intimidating….confusing…out–of-reach...irrelevant. For many, estate planning is something only for people with big homes, vacation villas, expensive car...
Beyond equality: Supporting women in the workplace
by Takenya Lindsey, paralegal and Michelle Wrona-Fox, managing attorney August 26 is Women’s Equality Day - commemorating women’s suffrage but also calling attention to all the ways women still seek equality in their daily lives. ...
Task Force releases report following Eviction Summit
Community organizations call for solutions A report issued today outlined the ways in which Akron should move forward in addressing its eviction crisis. Court mediation, right to counsel for tenants facing eviction, and landlord-tenant educatio...
Ohio’s EdChoice leaves students behind
by Sarah Wiley, staff attorney All of Ohio’s children deserve a quality education and the chance to succeed. This ideal is the premise of Ohio’s education law, a premise which is enshrined in the Ohio constitution. ...
Supporting minority businesses IS community redevelopment
By John Petit, managing attorney Traditional legal aid work is reactionary to people’s legal problems. And often, that work is just a bandaid over larger, systemic issues that put people in positions that make life more difficult than it...
We’re proud to be a SafeZone
by Community Legal Aid staff This week, we’re taking a break from our usual weekly Big Ideas blog to recognize and celebrate Pride Month. But we also want to call out our commitment to equality and nondiscrimination for our LGBTQ+ friend...
Remembering General Order Number 3
by Community Legal Aid staff “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of prop...
Fewer gun regulations puts victims at increased risk
by Jeanne Charles, managing attorney On Monday, a new state law goes into effect allowing Ohioans to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, without training, and without a background check. While the new law doesn’t chan...