Community Legal Aid Services

Law student Nick Steel was one of our Summer Associates. Thank you, Nick, and we wish you the best as you complete your studies at The University of Akron!

We're hiring! We are looking for a Managing Attorney to oversee our busy HelpLine. In addition, we are also seeking Housing and Family Law staff attorneys and a paralegal for our Youngstown office. Find more info on our careers page: https://www.communitylegalaid.org/careers

Paralegals on our staff are an integral part of how we serve our clients. Today, on National Paralegal Day, we celebrate and thank them for helping us live up to our mission every day. Join us in giving our team a shout-out!

We're celebrating a big anniversary today! Congratulations to paralegal James Ford for 30 years with Community Legal Aid! James is currently a valued member of our Public Benefits team, as well as part of the Neighborhood Law Project and Parenthood Project. But in his three decades with us, he's touched just about every one of our practice groups and projects. James is also president of our employee union. We're so fortunate to have someone with his experience working with us.

Seeking legal help on a civil issue in Summit County? Spots are still available for this Friday's Summit County Pro Bono Collaborative free legal clinic. Summit County residents facing housing, consumer debt and family law issues are encouraged to register in advance to receive brief legal advice and help. Sign up now at https://www.communitylegalaid.org/events/legal-clinic-summit-county-pro-bono-collaborative

We're grateful to Mingyu D**g for joining us as a Summer Associate this year. He worked on consumer debt cases and was an asset to the team. Best of luck to you, Mingyu!

More than 20 individuals received legal help and advice related to family law issues like divorce and custody during a free clinic at the Portage County District Library's Brimfield branch this week. Domestic Relations Court Judge Paula Giulitto kicked off the clinic with general information about the court and its services. Local community resources, including the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Portage County, Fair Housing Contact Service, Place of Peace, Portage County Job and Family Services Child Support Division, and Safer Futures, were also on hand to provide information about their services for families. Volunteer attorneys Oliver Koo, Mary Ann Ravis, Gerrit denHeijer and Emily Rajah then met one-on-one with clients to help them navigate their legal issues.

We're excited to announce Rise for Justice, a complimentary breakfast on Constitution Day, September 17, as we celebrate Community Legal Aid and thank supporters who help make justice accessible for all. ⚖

We selected Constitution Day for this gathering because access to justice is foundational to the promise of equal opportunity and justice for all. And, at the event, you’ll get a sneak peek at plans for our 75th anniversary celebrations in 2027.

Event details:
🗓Thursday, September 17, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m.
The Duck Club at 7 17 Credit Union Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron

There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested. RSVP now at info.communitylegalaid.org/2026RiseforJustice

The process of putting rent in escrow with the courts to compel landlords to address housing conditions was fully explained and examined during our training event in Akron on July 28.

Around 50 people attended the free event, where they heard from attorneys, court officials and housing advocates. Many thanks to our presenters: Magistrate Scott Newman, of Akron Municipal Court ; Deputy Clerk Russ Hunt, of Stow Municipal Court; Sarah LavenderNees, of Fair Housing Contact Service; Duane Groeger, Code Compliance Commissioner for the of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office; and Gino Hayes, of Canton For All People. In addition, Staff Attorneys Henna Schafer, Allie Johnston and Josh Hinkel presented.

We are also grateful to the Akron Community Foundation for its grant supporting our work on addressing housing conditions in Akron.

Mahoning County veterans: Meet with an attorney from Community Legal Aid to discuss issues related to finances (debt relief), housing, employment, re-entry (criminal record sealing/expungements, driver’s license reinstatement), end-of-life planning, and public benefits at two opportunities, Aug. 4 and 18, at the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission from 9 a.m. to noon.