The Ohio Supreme Court is asking attorneys to fill out a pro bono survey by Friday, April 5.

The Ohio Supreme Court is asking attorneys to fill out a pro bono survey by Friday, April 5.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor is urging all state lawyers to fill out a survey about pro bono work for Ohioans who can’t afford legal services. The short survey should be completed by April 5, 2019.

The message was delivered to more than 44,000 attorneys who are registered in the state. The need for lawyers to offer their assistance is considerable. One in five Ohioans qualify for civil legal aid services.

“I am proud of the generosity of Ohio attorneys in donating their time,” Chief Justice O’Connor said in a video address. “Pro bono work allows you to gain experience, confidence, and visibility outside your firm or company.”

The Court has partnered with the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation (OLAF) to create the survey to learn the extent and nature of pro bono work in Ohio. The information is used to identify gaps in the delivery of legal services in order to strengthen the network of legal services available to Ohioans in need.

Regardless of the extent of the pro bono work, all attorneys are encouraged to complete the survey and provide the Court with this valuable information.

For attorneys who are not actively practicing law, the emeritus pro bono status allows the performance of pro bono work in association with a law school clinic, legal aid, public defender’s office, or other recognized legal services organization. To find out more, visit the Supreme Court website.