Role of Judges

Tyack

In recognition of his contributions as a member of the Interfaith Legal Services Founders Committee, Gary Tyack received the 2002 Columbus Bar Association/Foundation Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Judge.
Gary served on the Ohio 10th District Court of Appeals from 1986-87 and from 1991-2003.

Judges share a duty to ensure that justice is available to all citizens with legal problems -- even to those citizens who lack the means to hire counsel. While many judges have been instrumental in supporting pro bono programs around the state, more bench involvement is necessary.

Members of the judiciary are exceptionally well-positioned to encourage attorneys to live up to their ethical obligation to do pro bono work. Judges are able to set a tone within the legal profession that pro bono is a central part of fulfilling the promise of justice for all.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of ways in which judges can contribute to the delivery of pro bono services:

send recruitment letters to lawyers who are not active in organized pro bono
send 'thank you' notes to lawyers who regularly volunteer
write for/to newspapers, magazines, or bar publications about the need for volunteer lawyers and about the contributions that volunteer lawyers make to their communities through the judicial system
participate in CLE seminars for pro bono lawyers
sponsor judicial resolutions supporting pro bono lawyers
include references to the importance of pro bono in speeches to lawyers, new bar members, community groups, etc.
lend one's name and presence to pro bono awards/recognition ceremonies
serve on a pro bono program's advisory board
provide scheduling flexibility and adopt calendar preferences for pro bono lawyers
express the court's appreciation to lawyers who make pro bono appearances

If you would like more information about how judges can get involved, or if you would like to be linked with an Ohio judge who has been a leader in promoting pro bono, please call (1-800-877-9772) or e-mail the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation.

The 2005 Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation Presidential Award for Pro Bono Service was presented to the Honorable Walter Herbert Rice. Judge Rice has long been among the most active supporters of the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project.
Since 1980, Judge Rice has served on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. He was the Court's Chief Judge from 1996-2003.

Rice

This information is geared towards attorneys and other professionals looking for volunteer opportunities. If you are seeking an attorney for assistance, you need to call, toll-free, 1-866-LAW-OHIO from your home county to be automatically forwarded to your local legal aid office or visit the Find Ohio Legal Help for a directory of legal service providers in your community.

Phone (614) 221-7201 | (800) 589-5888 | Fax (614) 221-7625