Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor congratulates the Ohio State Bar Foundation’s 2019 new fellows.

Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor congratulates the Ohio State Bar Foundation’s 2019 new fellows.

Thirty-one new fellows were inducted to the Ohio State Bar Foundation at a ceremony yesterday at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.

A fellow is a member of the Foundation – an attorney who gives “time, talent, and treasure” to advance the law and build a better justice system through community service efforts and monetary donations to the Foundation.

“This class is full of inspiring attorneys who have dedicated their time, talent, and support to serving our profession and bettering their communities,” said OSBF President Rob Ware.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, who has been an honorary fellow since 2003, presented the class with ceremonial pins. She encouraged them to consider pro-bono work.

“There are so many Ohioans who can’t afford a lawyer and need legal services,” Chief Justice O’Connor said. “Without a lawyer, those who find themselves in the legal system are starting out at a disadvantage that only progresses from bad to worse. They are denied access to justice.”

The 2019 class will be planning the first-ever Fellows Week of Service. This is a new initiative by the OSBF to unite behind one theme of service. The class has chosen to focus its effort on the crucial time when juveniles age out of foster care and are vulnerable to human trafficking.

“The idea behind the fellows program is to engage the minds, energies, and talents of civic-minded lawyers enrolled in these kinds of endeavors,” Chief Justice O’Connor said. “Whatever volunteer opportunity you choose, your work will have an impact and leave a lasting legacy from your time as a 2019 fellow.”