Attorney Aaron O'Brien began his relationship with The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland as many other attorneys have: by volunteering at one of the Volunteer Lawyers Program's many Brief Advice Clinics. His first clinic experience was while he was still a student at Case Western Reserve University's School of Law. Since graduation, he has remained involved with Legal Aid by first becoming a Partner in Justice with Legal Aid through his employer, BakerHostetler, then by joining Legal Aid's Development Committee before being elected to the Board of Directors in 2013.
As a board member, Mr. O'Brien continues to volunteer at many Brief Advice Clinics because "it is a unique civic opportunity which requires the use of the craft and expertise that we, as lawyers, have devoted our lives to as stewards of justice."
In 2013, BakerHostetler committed to a $120,000 grant to strengthen Legal Aid's education law practice. Mr. O'Brien says this grant shows "a historical commitment to being involved and engaged with the community, which is upheld by the firm's leaders."
One Legal Aid client affected by BakerHostetler's support was 12-year-old Jamal Stevens*. Jamal was diagnosed with cognitive disabilities and already had an Individual Education Plan (IEP) when his mother came to Legal Aid for help, but his mother felt his school was not complying with the IEP. Mrs. Stevens had not been receiving regular progress reports, but she knew Jamal was struggling and wanted the school to do more. Legal Aid attorney Shelly Okere met with the district on Jamal's behalf and secured new assessments along with 180 hours of compensatory education.
Mr. O'Brien is proud to work for BakerHostetler, a firm that understands "the value of service and community." He adds, "Legal Aid is an organization that strikes at the core elements of what it means to be a community."
* Client names in this story were changed to protect privacy.