Ohio attorneys are being asked to detail their pro bono function as part of a statewide effort to better understand the legal needs of underserved communities. The Supreme Court of Ohio is coordinating a survey, distributed last week, to gather data on the types of cases handled, time spent, and financial contributions made by legal professionals offering services without charge. This initiative aims to identify gaps in access to justice and ensure resources are allocated effectively across the state.
The survey, a collaborative effort between the Supreme Court of Ohio and the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, requests attorneys to anonymously share information about their 2025 pro bono activities. Nearly 44,000 active attorneys in Ohio have received the survey via email, and responses are due by March 13, 2026. The process is designed to be straightforward, with attorneys encouraged to compile their pro bono hours beforehand. Law firms can streamline reporting by having one representative submit on behalf of all attorneys within the firm.
Understanding the Scope of Pro Bono Work in Ohio
This year’s survey includes a new question asking attorneys if they have utilized Pro Bono Ohio, a resource designed to connect legal professionals with volunteer opportunities. The state’s legal community has a strong history of providing pro bono assistance. In 2024, Ohio attorneys reported contributing over 86,000 hours of pro bono work, valued at more than $21 million, according to the Supreme Court of Ohio. Court News Ohio reported on the initiative earlier this month.
The need for pro bono legal services remains significant. Nationally, research from the Legal Services Corporation indicates that one in five low-income households experiences a civil legal problem each year, often related to housing, education, healthcare, or consumer issues. However, a staggering 92% of these households do not receive adequate or any legal assistance to address these challenges. This highlights the critical role attorneys play in ensuring equal access to justice.
Why This Data Matters
The data collected through this survey will be instrumental in shaping future strategies to improve access to legal services across Ohio. By understanding the current landscape of pro bono work, the Supreme Court and the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation can identify areas where additional support is needed and develop targeted initiatives to address those gaps. This includes potentially expanding resources for specific types of cases or geographic regions with limited access to legal aid.
The survey’s focus on identifying gaps in service delivery is particularly key. Even as many attorneys dedicate significant time to pro bono work, it’s crucial to ensure that these efforts are aligned with the most pressing needs of the community. The survey results will help to refine these efforts and maximize their impact.
The National Context of Access to Justice
The challenges faced by low-income households in accessing legal assistance are not unique to Ohio. Across the United States, a significant portion of the population struggles to navigate the legal system without adequate representation. The Legal Services Corporation, established by Congress in 1974, plays a vital role in funding legal aid organizations nationwide, but demand consistently outstrips available resources. dlnnews.com details the Supreme Court’s request for Ohio attorneys to participate in the survey.
The Supreme Court of Ohio’s initiative reflects a broader commitment to addressing these challenges at the state level. By actively engaging the legal community and gathering data on pro bono contributions, Ohio is taking a proactive step towards ensuring that all residents have access to the legal assistance they need.
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Attorneys are encouraged to review the survey questions and gather relevant information before beginning the process. The survey can be accessed through the link provided in the email sent to all active Ohio attorneys.
The results of the survey will be analyzed and used to inform future policy decisions and resource allocation. The Supreme Court of Ohio and the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation are committed to transparency and will share key findings with the legal community and the public.
Looking ahead, the Supreme Court of Ohio will analyze the survey data and publish a report outlining the key findings. This report will be used to inform future initiatives aimed at expanding access to justice for all Ohioans. Attorneys can expect updates on the survey results and related initiatives in the coming months.
If you are an Ohio attorney, please consider participating in this important survey. Your input will help to shape the future of access to justice in our state. Share this article with your colleagues and encourage them to participate as well.
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