Legal Aid mourns loss of Judge Mary Jane Trapp

With heavy hearts we mourn the passing of longtime Legal Aid supporter and pro bono volunteer Judge Mary Jane Trapp.

Judge Trapp was a champion of civil justice and a supporter of The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland for more than four decades – during that time, she served on Legal Aid’s Board of Directors, volunteered countless hours, and recruited others to get involved. As a member of the Ohio appellate bench, she focused on ensuring access to justice and educating members of the bar on their professional responsibility to support civil justice.

Judge Trapp began her work with Legal Aid in 1981 taking pro bono cases before and between various opportunities to serve as a jurist. Over the years she presented dozens of continuing legal education sessions hosted by Legal Aid to highlight the importance of pro bono work in the profession.

In 2008 when the foreclosure crisis began, Judge Trapp mobilized attorneys – especially those in Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties – to help homeowners at risk of losing their biggest asset. She worked with judges across the state to determine ways that the courts could support pro bono attorneys and ensure access to justice for all clients.  Her work shaped how courts approached foreclosures. Many of the processes that she helped create are still in place today.

More recently Judge Trapp led the creation of new Legal Aid brief advice clinics in Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties, including at the Chagrin Falls Park Recreation Center, which serves an often-overlooked community. In addition to encouraging others to volunteer, Judge Trapp also regularly attended Legal Aid clinics to mentor new volunteers.

Judge Trapp’s pro bono work has been so impactful that she received Legal Aid’s highest honor for volunteerism in 2022 – the Legacy of Justice Award.

Judge Trapp will be remembered by Legal Aid staff for her genuine approachability and steadfast support. Always willing to lend a hand, she made us feel like she would drop everything when she was asked for her help. A friend, a mentor, and a tireless supporter of equal access to justice, Judge Trapp’s loss is felt deeply by the Legal Aid community.

Read the full announcement: Honorable Mary Jane Trapp Obituary - Mayfield Heights, OH

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