Akron Law Announcements

“Peace of Mind” Uncollectible Clinic: Thursday, March 21st at Akron Legal Aid office, from 5 – 7:00 PM.

The clinic is designed to assist clients whose income and assets are of a type that is exempt from garnishment or attachment through legal process.  Students will attend a training session on the day of the clinic.  Student volunteers will work individually with each client to review and verify their financial situation.  Afterwards, clients and their assigned law student will participate in an educational presentation on Ohio’s exemption statute (O.R.C. 2329.66).  The client and student will then meet individually with an attorney who will review the client’s documents, verify that the client is “exempt from collection upon judgment,” and confirm that creditors have been correctly identified.  In order to determine the effectiveness of the “Notice of Uncollectibility” letters and identify potential violations of the Fair Debt Act (U.S.C. 15 §1692), students will be required to make follow up contact twice with each assigned client.

Each volunteer for the clinic must commit a minimum of five hours.

This includes the clinic and client follow up. One clinic will satisfy the pro bono of limited means’ graduation requirement! To volunteer, please email Professor Joann Sahl: jsahl1@uakron.edu.

Akron Law, along with the American Heart Association, will host a “Coeds Go Red” luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 11:30 a.m. –  1 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. At the event, a “heart-healthy” lunch will be served as information about the “Go Red for Women” movement is presented.  Also, the College of Nursing will offer free blood pressure screenings, BMI assessment and more. The lunch, which is open to all UA faculty, staff and students, is free of charge, however registration is required. Participants are encouraged to wear red to show support.

 This event also affords a unique community service opportunity for Akron Law students to assist with registration, work at the luncheon table, and more.  In addition to the benefits noted above, students participating in the community service opportunity will receive two hours counting toward their general community service graduation requirement.

 Students interested in volunteering should contact Molly Palmer (molly.palmer@heart.org or 330-664-1908).

Pro Bono Bankruptcy Project:

The Jerome L. Holub Pro Bono Bankruptcy Project is a collaborative project between the Akron Bar Association, Community Legal Aid, and the law school.  Students will receive substantive training on bankruptcy law and receive practical experience in working with clients.  Law students are responsible for conducting telephone interviews to gather information for the attorney’s review and for completing any necessary follow up investigation and research.  Law students meet with clients in person to gather the documents necessary to build a Chapter 7 bankruptcy file.  Students are provided with the opportunity to attend a 341 Hearing and are trained on using bankruptcy software. When possible, students are given an opportunity to prepare a bankruptcy petition for filing.

Because of the time spent in training, law student volunteers are asked to commit 8 to 10 hours per week, preferably in two or three half-days each week.

To volunteer for the Pro Bono Bankruptcy Project:

Cindy Adair, Paralegal

Volunteer Legal Services Program

Community Legal Aid Services

Akron Centre Plaza

50 South Main St., Suite 800

Akron, OH 44308

330-983-2695 ext 2534

(Fax) 330-535-0728