The Faculty of the College of Law has endorsed the granting of an Annual Pro Bono/Public Interest Award for alumni/ae, students or members of the faculty. It is hoped that this annual recognition will expand our commitment to providing pro bono and public interest service to members of our communities.

The recipients for the first year included William Huber, Esq., St. Marys, Ohio; Professor Victor Streib, Ada, Ohio, and Ms. Beth Breier, the Coordinator of the Innocence Project. Last year’s recipients were Donald Wietmarschen, Esq., Zanesville, Ohio, and Jeffrey Snell, Esquire, Detroit, Michigan.

In this, the eighth year for the award, awards are authorized for the one year period ending May 31, 2009. It is anticipated that the award(s) will be presented at the College of Law Honors Banquet which is to be held on April 16, 2008.

The Faculty’s Pro Bono/Public Interest Committee will evaluate the letter applications from students, colleagues or alumni/ae. To be eligible, the person to be recognized must engage in volunteer public interest or pro bono services. Public interest litigation includes advocacy or litigation, or both. Persons employed by legal services programs are eligible.

If you wish to nominate someone, or nominate yourself, please write a letter describing the nominee’s qualifying activities during the past year. Your letter and any supporting materials which you believe to be appropriate should be submitted to me by April 1, 2008.

Bruce Comly French
Professor of Law and Chair Pro Bono/Public Interest Committee
Ohio Northern University College of Law
525 S. Main Street Ada, OH 45810