Posted April 21, 20239:00 am
Bill Ferry is a dedicated attorney who is committed to using his skills to make a difference in the lives of underserved Ohioans. His interest in volunteering with Legal Aid began when a former classmate from the Cleveland State University College of Law encouraged Bill to volunteer with Legal Aid, and he soon found himself involved in both Brief Advice Clinics in Lorain and individual matters from the Take a Case program.
These experiences helped him to realize the importance of reaching out to those in our communities who do not have easy access to legal assistance. Bill has taken this to heart, serving not just in Lorain but also at Oberlin Brief Advice Clinics, as his youngest child attends Oberlin College.
Although for Bill, volunteering with Legal Aid is more than just a way to give back: it is a way to use the power that attorneys possess to effect positive change. “As a law student, one of my professors said that being an attorney would grant me enormous powers. At first, I had no idea what that meant, but I’ve since learned that when I speak in court, the Court believes what I say; when I write letters or legal pleadings, I affect people’s legal rights and responsibilities; when I engage the public in ordinary conversation, they expect answers which are careful and correct. As attorneys, we are indeed endowed with enormous power—and commensurate responsibility.”
Bill understands the weight of the responsibility that comes with being an attorney, and he believes that attorneys have a duty to provide legal assistance to those who cannot afford it. He recognizes that millions of Ohioans must participate in legal processes, yet far too many cannot afford representation in matters where representation is not guaranteed.
Bill's nuanced perspective stems in part from his non-traditional path to the law: he spent several years working in the computer sector after high school and in banking after college, before earning his law degree during the height of the Great Recession. His varied background and undergraduate studies in economics and political science have served him well, allowing Bill to build a successful practice in business law and estate planning.
Despite his busy schedule, Bill remains committed to volunteering with Legal Aid because he understands the significant difference timely legal interventions can make in clients' lives. He sees his role as a lawyer as taking the fight out of legal issues and helping clients find rational and actionable solutions to their legal problems.
Bill Ferry is an accomplished attorney who is deeply committed to volunteering with Legal Aid to provide legal assistance to underserved Ohioans. He believes that attorneys have a duty to use their power for good and to help those who cannot afford representation. Through his involvement with Legal Aid, Bill is making a significant difference in the lives of his clients and in his community.
Legal Aid salutes the hard work of our pro bono volunteers. To get involved, visit our website, or email probono@lasclev.org.