Posted April 20, 20239:00 am
As a native Northeast Ohioan, Michael Hurst understands the importance of giving back to his community.
A graduate of Saint Ignatius High School, Xavier University, and Cleveland State University Law School, Michael has dedicated himself to bettering his community since beginning his career as a staff attorney at the Geauga County Probate and Juvenile Court. In that role, he helps Ohioans navigate complex and often stressful legal matters ranging from family law to guardianship and estates.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the worsening inequality and decreasing access of opportunity alarmed Michael. When Legal Aid resumed in-person Brief Advice Clinics as the COVID-19 pandemic began to wane, Michael saw his opportunity to get engaged with his community. When the Geauga County Bar Association sent out a request for participants in Legal Aid’s Volunteer Lawyer Program, he heeded the call.
Michael understood the importance of the role played by attorneys offering guidance to those in need: he would be there to “take the complex and make it simple,” reducing what once seemed insurmountable into something discrete and manageable.
Crucially, Michael did not have to do this alone: “You don’t need to know everything, so don’t let that hold you back. I practice family and probate law, but while volunteering I assisted individuals in landlord-tenant matters.” The support and partnership offered by Legal Aid and the constellation of our volunteer attorneys will provide you with the tools you need. Michael is an exemplar of our mission and values, and an asset to the ever-growing Volunteer Lawyer Program.
Legal Aid salutes the hard work of our pro bono volunteers. To get involved, visit our website, or email probono@lasclev.org.