Two highly respected judges from Perry County, Ohio, have been recognized for their outstanding service to their community. Judge Luann Cooperrider of the Perry County Probate and Juvenile Court and Judge Dean Wilson of the Perry County Municipal Court were named the 2018 recipients of the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation (OLAF) Presidential Award for Pro Bono Service.
The award ceremony took place at the Ohio State Bar Association’s (OSBA) offices during a meeting of the OSBA’s Council of Delegates. This prestigious award is presented every year to individuals, law firms, or organizations that have gone above and beyond in improving access to justice for those who need it most.
What the Presidential Award Stands For
The OLAF Presidential Award is more than just a trophy or certificate. It is a way of acknowledging the people who work tirelessly to make sure that everyone, no matter their income or background, can get the legal help they need. Many people in rural communities like Perry County struggle to pay for legal services. Without help, they might face serious issues such as losing their homes, losing custody of their children, or missing out on benefits they are entitled to.
By recognizing judges like Cooperrider and Wilson, OLAF is also shining a light on the importance of volunteer legal services, which can truly change lives.
Creating the Perry County Free Legal Clinic
One of the biggest reasons Judges Cooper rider and Wilson were chosen for this award is the creation of the Perry County Free Legal Clinic, which they launched together in 2008. They worked closely with Southeastern Ohio Legal Services to make this clinic a reality.
The clinic was designed to close the “access to justice gap,” which refers to the large number of people who cannot afford a lawyer but still need legal help. This is especially true in smaller counties like Perry County, where there are fewer lawyers and resources available.
Over the past decade, the clinic has served more than 800 clients, and that number continues to grow. Among those who have benefited are dozens of military veterans, who often face unique legal challenges when they return to civilian life.
What Kind of Help Does the Clinic Offer?
The clinic provides a wide range of services to meet the needs of the community. Here are some examples:
- Record Expungement: People who have old criminal records often struggle to find jobs or housing, even if their mistakes were minor or many years ago. The clinic helps eligible individuals clear their records, giving them a fresh start.
- Fathers’ Rights and Visitation: Many fathers who want to be involved in their children’s lives do not know how to navigate the legal system. The clinic helps these dads establish contact and visitation rights, ensuring that children can maintain relationships with both parents.
- Property and Probate Issues: In partnership with the local county recorder, the clinic helps residents better understand probate matters, such as how to transfer property after a loved one has passed away. This prevents confusion and legal problems down the line.
These services might seem small, but for people facing difficult situations, they can be life-changing.
Why This Work Matters
David Kutik, president of the board of the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation, summed it up perfectly when he said, “Through their vision and leadership, Judge Cooperrider and Judge Wilson have helped to ensure that the promise of justice for all is a greater reality for residents of Perry County.”
When people cannot afford legal help, their problems often spiral out of control. Someone might lose their home because they do not understand how to fight a foreclosure. A parent might lose contact with their children simply because they do not know the proper legal steps. By providing free or low-cost help, the clinic has given hundreds of people in Perry County hope and a second chance.
More About Judge Luann Cooperrider
Judge Cooperrider has broken barriers throughout her career. She started in private practice and quickly became the first female assistant prosecutor in Perry County. Later, she made history again as the first female judge in the county.
She has received many awards for her dedication to justice, including the Women in Law Award from the OSBA and the C.J. McLin Award from the Ohio Justice Alliance for Community Corrections. She was also chosen by her peers to serve as president of the Ohio Association of Juvenile Judges.
Judge Cooperrider earned her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and her law degree from Capital University Law School.
More About Judge Dean Wilson
Judge Wilson has served as a Perry County Municipal Court judge for an impressive 27 years. During that time, he has played a major role in improving the county’s justice system.
He helped establish the Perry County New Direction Drug Court, a special court program for people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Instead of simply punishing offenders, the drug court connects them with counseling and treatment services to help them turn their lives around.
Judge Wilson has also held leadership positions with the Perry County Bar Association, served as a mentor for the Ohio Judicial College, and been appointed by the Supreme Court of Ohio to the Community Correction Board. He, too, is a graduate of Ohio University and Capital University Law School.
The Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation’s Mission
The Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation, founded in 1994, exists to ensure that everyone in the state has access to civil legal aid, no matter their income. The foundation distributes money from sources like interest on lawyers’ trust accounts and court filing fees. These funds support legal aid lawyers who work with veterans, children, victims of domestic violence, and families facing foreclosure, among others.
Without organizations like OLAF and volunteers like Judges Cooper rider and Wilson, thousands of Ohioans would have nowhere to turn when facing serious legal problems.
Final Thoughts
The work done by Judges Cooperrider and Wilson is a powerful example of how community leaders can change lives. By founding the Perry County Free Legal Clinic and continuing to serve their neighbors with compassion, they have shown that justice is not just about laws and courts; it is about making sure people have the help they need to navigate difficult situations.
Thanks to their vision, more than 800 people in Perry County have had the chance to move forward with dignity and hope. Their efforts remind us all that when the legal system is accessible to everyone, entire communities benefit.
