Ohio's largest funder of civil legal aid · Columbus · Since 1993 Need legal help? Visit Ohio Legal Help ↗
About us

Honoring excellence in access to justice.

Each year the Foundation recognizes the lawyers, firms, and public servants who advance civil justice for Ohioans.

The Foundation's awards

  • Presidential Award — recognizing outstanding contribution to access to justice (recent recipient: Thompson Hine).
  • Rising Star Award — honoring an emerging leader in public-interest law (2026 recipient: Ashley Ward; a past recipient: Jesse Moses).
  • Voice of Justice Award — for advancing justice in public life (recent recipient: Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson).
  • Dick Pogue Access to Justice Award — inaugural recipient: Ohio Legal Help.
  • John C. & Ginny Elam Pro Bono Award — for exceptional pro bono service (recent recipient: attorney Greg Reichenbach).
  • Denis J. Murphy Award — recognizing a lifetime of service to legal aid.

Named-award pages and nomination details are maintained on the Foundation's website:

Join us

Justice works — when it's funded.

Every gift helps low-income Ohioans keep their homes, their families, and their footing. Invest in the systems that make justice real.

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