From left, Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Board President Paula Boggs Muething, Robin Bozian, and Foundation Executive Director Angie Lloyd. (Photo provided)

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation has recognized attorney Robin Bozian as the 2024 recipient of the Presidential Award.

The award is given annually to individuals, law firms, or organizations that have made outstanding efforts to improve access to justice in Ohio.

Since 1996, the Foundation has honored leaders in pro bono who play an indispensable role in helping Ohioans address civil legal issues that impact health, safety, and financial security.

Bozian has demonstrated a sustained and impressive commitment to access to justice. Although she retired from legal aid in 2021, her service to southeastern Ohio continues.

“Using my skills is a lifelong project for me,” Bozian said. “I’m privileged to have had the opportunity to become a lawyer, and therefore, my responsibility as a lawyer is caring about my community and using my skills to affect my community.”

From left, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio Executive Director Kate McGarvey and Robin Bozian. (Photo provided)

One of the many ways Bozian cares for her community is by developing and facilitating legal clinics. She leads a Washington County pro bono legal clinic and a general poverty law clinic in Marietta. Bozian has also led efforts to establish and provide services for domestic violence survivors in Washington County. Additionally, Bozian serves on the board of the Washington County Homeless Project, of which she is also a founding member and regular volunteer.

These pro bono efforts are a continuation of her 44 years of service at Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS), now Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO), where, as a managing attorney, Bozian championed the rights of thousands of clients, tirelessly advocating for justice on their behalf.

“One of the biggest things she did was to increase acceptance of legal aid in our community,” said Jim Daniels, former director of SEOLS. “She was wonderful at walking that walk, standing up for our clients’ rights, but also working with the courts and helping them understand what our clients are facing.”

Bozian is a legal aid trailblazer. When she first began her career in legal services, she was the only woman licensed in Scioto County and was one of the first women practicing in the area.

Her dedication to serving others makes her a worthy recipient of the Presidential Award, which honors pro bono leaders who play an indispensable role in helping Ohioans address civil legal issues that impact health, safety, and financial security.

“Robin is a thoughtful and caring person who runs on overdrive the whole time,” said retired Judge Janet Welch, who frequently works with Bozian. “Her intuition is good, her energy level is high, her dedication is complete, and she does not quit.”

The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation improves fairness and access to justice for all Ohioans. Established in 1994, the Foundation funds Ohio’s legal aids and other access to justice initiatives through the IOLTA/IOTA program, a civil filing fee surcharge, and donations. Through the Foundation’s work, Ohioans have access to legal help, information, and representation, which ensures fairness for all in the justice system.