February 2020 - Pro Bono Newsletter
In this issue: Upcoming Events, CLE Announcements and Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteer Spotlight: Brittany Munn
LASC Volunteer Earns Law School Scholarship
Brittany Munn has been a volunteer on the Domestic team at LASC for the last two years. During her sophomore year of college, she decided she wanted to pursue a career as an attorney. “I began looking at opportunities where I could become involved in the legal community without being an attorney,” said the Ohio State University senior who is majoring in social work, with minors in business, criminal justice and legal foundations of society. “After reading about LASC, I knew this was an organization that would give me an opportunity to help in the legal community.”
During her time at Legal Aid, Brittany has had the opportunity to work on many different cases. She talks with clients about their issues and gathers details to help the attorneys build their cases. “I am blessed to be able to talk with clients about their situations and gather the information necessary for our attorneys. It’s amazing and brings me joy to see how happy clients are to have the opportunity to share their story and know that someone is listening,” she said. She added that she is inspired by the LASC attorneys and how dedicated they are to ensuring the safety of clients and how hard they work on their behalf in the interest of justice. For her, every case brings its own challenge. “Some clients just need to talk and share their story for two hours, some need guidance and support in discussing what’s been going on, and some don’t want to provide details to a stranger,” she said.
Brittany has been a real asset to LASC, said Stu Itani, managing attorney of the LASC Domestic team. “Brittany has consistently demonstrated patience, thoughtfulness and empathy in all of her interactions with our clients,” he said. “In addition, she works collaboratively with a diverse group of staff, and everyone on the team has benefitted from her diligence, maturity, and professionalism.”
Brittany, who also has an internship with the Ohio Public Defender, is a certified victim advocate with SARNCO and volunteers with the women at the Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility. She recently received a merit-based Eminent Scholarship at the OSU Moritz College of Law. The full-tuition scholarship is awarded based on grade point average, LSAT score, resume, and other indicators of being an exceptional student.
When she’s not studying or volunteering, Brittany loves to travel, enjoys being with friends and has been spending more time cooking. She grew up in Pittsburgh, has an older brother who also lives in Columbus and a cat that still resides in Pittsburgh with her parents.
Brittany believes it is important to remember that each client is an individual who’s dealing with their own challenges, and said she continually tries to recognize and adapt to the needs of clients. “Working with low-income individuals who cannot advocate for themselves has made me realize how small my own problems are and how important and necessary advocacy programs are to ensure that all individuals receive adequate support and representation,” she said.
Thank you for supporting LASC's F ifth Annual Fresh Start Gala!
New Video Highlights
Bankruptcy Pro Bono Program
The Fresh Start Gala, held on Feb. 5 at Porter Wright, was a great success. The event raised more than $40,000 for the Bankruptcy Pro Bono Program that helps people keep their lights and heat on during winter, make strides toward reinstating their driver’s licenses, and stop wage garnishments. During the event, LASC debuted a new video highlighting the work of the program.
Upcoming CLE Opportunity
Record-Sealing in Franklin County
This program is designed to prepare volunteer attorneys and other volunteers who will be assisting with our Clean Slate Clinics, which provide criminal record-sealing assistance for low-income individuals in Franklin County. Volunteers will also be trained on eligibility and process for Certificates of Qualification for Employment. The CLE will be followed by a pro bono clinic on Saturday, April 4 . Additional volunteer opportunities for 2020 will be discussed at the CLE. Register here. Application has been made to the Supreme Court of Ohio for 2.25 CLE Credits.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020
2:00-4:30 p.m.
Legal Aid Society of Columbus
1108 City Park Avenue, Columbus
Photo: Angie Llyod, OAJF executive director, Eleni Christofides, PILF president, and Christine Donovan of The Columbus Foundation.
Congratulations PILF Award Recipients
The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, and Christine Donovan, a former PILF board member and LASC volunteer, were recognized for their continued commitment to public interest work during the annual OSU Public Interest Law Foundation's annual fundraiser Feb. 27 at the Ohio Union.
The Public Interest Law Foundation is a non-political, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting legal involvement in the public sector.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Marion Office to Host Community Reception
The LASC Marion office is partnering with the United Church Homes and Marion Technical College to host a community conversation. Attorneys from the Marion office will highlight LASC’s efforts to combat and alleviate poverty in Marion and surrounding communities, and how partnerships with other community-based organizations enhance that work.
Event Details:
Marion Office of the Legal Aid Society of Columbus Community Reception
March 10, 2020; 2 PM - 4 PM
UTC Auditorium (Rm 103), Marion Technical College
1467 Mount Vernon Ave. Marion, OH 43302
The Way Forward Campaign Kick-off Event
SEOLS is launching a fundraising campaign to underwrite the work of a fellow in our Athens office to assist children and families impacted by the drug crisis. The campaign kick-off event is scheduled for March 24 and will include a discussion with Dr. Berkeley Franz, Dr. Dan Skinner, and Joy Edgell, editors and contributors to the nationally recognized book, Not Far from Me: Stories of Opioids in Ohio.
Event Details:
The Way Forward Campaign Kickoff Event
6 p.m. to 8 p.m, March 24
Dairy Barn Art Center in Athens, Ohio
Happy Hour
5 p.m., March 13
440 W Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Bridging the Divide CLE
SEOLS and LASC kicked off the Bridging the Divide project on Feb. 27 with a training at Bricker & Eckler . This program allows volunteer attorneys to provide remote limited-scope assistance to low-income clients. Attorneys were trained on how to use the Bridging the Divide platform to advise clients on child custody litigation.
Thanks to Ice Miller for hosting our Security Deposit Litigation CLE.
Help for Seniors
We are looking for volunteer attorneys who can help senior citizens prepare wills, living wills, durable power of attorney and healthcare power of attorney. LASC can provide forms for any volunteer who's willing to assist. Email Dianna if you can help!
Help with Uncontested Divorces
We are seeking lawyers who can represent low-income clients seeking uncontested divorces in Franklin County. Interested? Email Dianna .
