from Cleveland Magazine: Legal Aid Society Looks Out for Those in Need

By Jill Sell

Quo Vadis Cobb, president of the board of directors for the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, is the oldest of 11 children and grew up in a small town in western Pennsylvania. Cobb describes her late father as “a giant in the community and a gifted scholar,” who, along with her mother, “spent their lives caring for those on the fringe of the community.”

“Those were the people who were battling drug addictions, piecing their lives back together after being evicted from their homes or acclimating after being incarcerated. Some had gone through domestic abuse, trauma or things that happen from systemic racism or poverty,” says Cobb, who moved to Cleveland in 2010 to become in-house counsel at Rockwell Automation, a position she held for 10 years.

“My parents offered them love and hope and opened the doors of our home to them. As the first child, I had a front-row seat as well as responsibilities associated with their mission.”

Her “life-shaping” childhood became the foundation of Cobb’s passion for her belief in servant leadership. That philosophy of leadership also strongly complements her role at Legal Aid and how she views staff, volunteers and clients. The belief fits well with the nonprofit’s purpose and most recent strategic plan.

“Being a servant leader is not about looking out for yourself, but looking out for others, especially the nameless, the voiceless, the faceless,” says Cobb, echoing Legal Aid’s mission “to secure justice, equity and access to opportunity for and with people who have low incomes through passionate legal representation and advocacy for systemic change.”

Cobb knows Legal Aid “can’t take every case and solve every problem” it encounters. But she is proud that the organization has continued to network and strengthen its partnerships with organizations and individuals who share an intense desire to improve the community for everyone. For example, she points to a new partnership with the Cleveland Foundation, thanks to a $2.5 million gift in 2023 from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Working with the well-established and respected Cleveland Foundation allows Legal Aid to make further inroads into the community, according to Cobb. Many people associate Legal Aid with just specific court cases, but its influence and ability to make positive change goes far beyond a single courtroom, she says.

“I am a firm believer that when the needs of every community member are met, the entire community is stronger,” says Cobb, now vice president, internal audit for Jacobs, a global solutions and engineering company headquartered in Dallas that has an office in Cleveland. “When my neighbor is safe and secure, I am safe and secure.”

Legal Aid addresses community issues that include health and safety (domestic violence, access to health care, healthy homes and more); economic security and education; stable and decent housing; and accountability and accessibility of the justice system and government entities. Actions can include helping renters secure or retain affordable and acceptable housing, increasing children’s access to effective schools or decreasing financial barriers to the courts.

Cobb notes that supporting Legal Aid builds bridges to diverse community partnerships that support its mission. Plus, the reach of Legal Aid — and the benefits that occur — are greatly increased.

In many ways, the act of servant leadership has been practiced by Legal Aid since its founding in 1905.

Cobb credits the leadership style for bringing her joy in her professional life when she interacts successfully with peers and clients.

And in her personal life? Cobb’s happiness is supplied in abundance by 10 nieces and nephews under the age of seven.

“Their little eyes light up when they see me and hug me. They really sustain me in this season of my life,” says Cobb.

Source: Cleveland Magazine - Legal Aid Society Looks Out for Those in Need