Legal Aid Executive Director appointed to serve on Cuyahoga County Citizens’ Advisory Council on Equity

Colleen M. Cotter, Esq., Executive Director of The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, was recently appointed by Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish to serve on the Cuyahoga County Citizens' Advisory Council on Equity. Comprised of fifteen County residents, the Citizens’ Advisory Council on Equity was formed in response to the County’s declaration of racism as a public health crisis.

The Council is charged with providing recommendations to reduce disparity in areas such as the criminal justice system, safe and affordable housing, economic opportunity, child welfare, access to healthy foods, and education. The Council also provides recommendations and input to the Executive and County Council regarding the development of equity goals, strategies, and programs. The Council encourages public participation in the development of these goals and programs, and invites public comment submissions via email: equity@cuyahogacounty.us.

Colleen has been executive director of The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland since 2005. She is active in the community through service on many boards, including: the Lead-Safe Cleveland Steering Committee, United Way Board, Legal Services Corporation Housing Task Force, and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Visiting Committee, among others. Colleen received her JD from Indiana University School of Law- Bloomington, and her BA from the University of Notre Dame.

Founded in 1905, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland is the fifth oldest legal aid organization in the United States. Serving residents of Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain counties, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland works to extend justice for those who are low income and vulnerable by providing high-quality legal services and working for systemic solutions. In 2021, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland handled more than 6,600 cases, impacting more than 17,300 people.