Legal Services Clinic at Andrews House Wins Ohio State Bar Foundation Award

For over six years, the Interfaith Legal Services Clinic at Andrews House has been providing legal advice to residents of Delaware County and the surrounding areas for free.  In recognition of the quality work of the volunteer attorneys from the Delaware County Bar Association, the Clinic recently received the Outstanding Program award from the Ohio State Bar Foundation.

Accepting the award on behalf of the local legal community were David Hejmanowski, April Nelson, and Doug Warnock.  Hejmanowski, a magistrate in the Delaware County Juvenile Court, recruits the attorneys for the Interfaith Legal Services Clinic, which occurs the evening of the third Tuesday of each month.  Nelson, who consults on special projects with the Delaware Municipal Court, does the intake interviews for the Clinic, ensuring that client needs and attorney competencies are effectively matched.  Warnock, who has a legal practice in Delaware, is the Clinic’s most active and long-term volunteer. 

In a world where our legal system becomes more complex each year, there are many persons who cannot afford fee-based access to a lawyer’s advice and counsel.  Since its inception, the Clinic has served hundreds of local individuals and families.  As the economy has soured, more persons are in need of consultation about foreclosure, credit problems and bankruptcy.  In fact, the number of persons using the Interfaith Legal Services Clinic this year is 25% higher when compared to the same period last year.  Issues with respect to custody, child support and divorce or dissolution are also frequent concerns brought to the Clinic. 

The Bar Foundation award is given annually to an exemplary program consistent with the Foundation’s mission of supporting outreach, public education about the law, and improving our justice system.  The award was also accompanied by a commendation from the Ohio Secretary of State.  The Interfaith Legal Services Clinic at Andrews House was recognized as a welcoming, customer-focused, well-managed and professional operation producing quality outcomes.  “What is noteworthy about the Clinic’s volunteer lawyers is that many of them are already doing pro bono work in their individual practices.  Yet, after working all day, they willing and faithfully show up for the evening Clinic and pitch in until every client has been served,” said Hejmanowski.    

Andrews House, which provides operational support for the Interfaith Legal Services Clinic, is home to seven small social service agencies, two free dinners each month, the weekly free Grace Medical Clinic, a free computer learning center, and is an Angel Food Ministries site.  Additional information about the Legal Clinic can be obtained by calling Andrews House at 740-369-4520.

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