Pro Bono Collaborative

The Court's Pro Bono Collaborative provides help in civil matters to defendants who are facing criminal charges in the Court. Many of the clients are currently on one of the Court's specialty dockets. Attorneys volunteer their time to help with matters such as housing, expungements, driver's license suspensions, collections, evictions/foreclosures, child support, and child custody/visitation.

The Pro Bono Program got its start when Judge Joan Synenberg noticed that clients in her Recovery Drug Court needed legal help with legal issues beyond their criminal charges. The Court hired a coordinator for the program through a grant from the Nord Family Foundation.

The program received the Ohio State Bar Association's 2019 Innovative Court Programs and Practices Award. 

Volunteer attorneys are needed. If you would like to help, or would like to register for assistance, please contact Pro Bono Collaborative Coordinator Jessica Wilton at 216-443-8875 or email at JWILTON@cuyahogacounty.gov