October 19-25, 2014, has been designated National Pro Bono Celebration Week.

October 19-25, 2014, has been designated National Pro Bono Celebration Week.

Ohio lawyers provided more than 100,000 hours of pro bono legal services last year, according to 2013 figures from the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation. That type of volunteer service is being celebrated this week during the National Pro Bono Celebration.

The National Pro Bono Celebration focuses the nation’s attention on the increased need for pro bono services during these challenging economic times and celebrates the outstanding work of lawyers who volunteer their services throughout the year.

“Access to justice should be an ever-present goal in any state’s judicial and legal system,” Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said. “Economic factors that have reduced funding and resources for legal aid have, at the same time, increased the need. Attorneys willing to donate their time and talents provide a legal voice to those who would otherwise not be heard.”

There are many special events around Ohio this week, such as:

• The Legal Aid Society of Columbus will honor its 2014 Pro Bono Award recipients at a reception with the keynote address by Chief Justice O’Connor.
• The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland has a full week of activities, and Terminal Tower will be lit in blue to recognize the week and the work of Legal Aid.
• The Toledo Bar Association is hosting a pro bono volunteer appreciation luncheon.

Other activities will include legal clinics and training sessions for attorneys willing to accept pro bono cases.