Home | Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO)

Justice for All

At a time of great economic and health uncertainty, LAWO protects families trying to stay safe and housed. By protecting the rights of tenants, we can all help create a stronger community.

See our impact in housing

Generations of Justice

The law is a powerful tool for ensuring access to opportunities many of us take for granted. LAWO was founded to right the wrongs that disproportionately affect communities of color and people living in poverty. For over 20 years, LAWO has made justice a reality for people who had nowhere else to turn.

Learn more about LAWO

Increasing Economic Stability and Opportunity

14 out of every 100 people live in poverty in our service area. Each year, over 70% of people living in poverty confront a civil legal problem that jeopardizes their families and must navigate complex legal systems without an attorney to help them. We partner with our clients and with community partners on legal solutions to the issues keeping communities in poverty.

To us, advocacy is a group effort.

Prevent homelessness and protect renters from unhealthy living conditions. Protect veterans and independence and self-determination for seniors. Ensure access to healthcare and education. Support a level playing field in financial transactions. Lift up the voices of people often unheard and left behind.

Choose an Area of Impact above to learn more. Support Justice Here.

Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO) is a non-profit regional law firm that provides high quality legal assistance in civil matters to help eligible low-income individuals and groups in Ohio achieve self-reliance, and equal justice and economic opportunity.

LAWO provides legal assistance in civil (non-criminal) cases that protect the rights of individuals and promote systemic change in the areas of civil rights and poverty law.

LSC Releases 2022 Justice Gap Study

Documenting Disparities Among Americans Living In Poverty

SAFE Program

Addressing Barriers For Survivors With Disabilities

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Right to Counsel Housing Representation

Expanding Housing and Eviction Legal Assistance in Lucas County

Special Projects Outreach Office at JFS

Providing Help Out In The Community

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Protect Yourself From Online Scammers

Older adults are often targeted by online scammers due to their perceived vulnerability and lack of familiarity with modern technology. Many older people may not realize that they are being scammed until it's too late, leaving them susceptible to identity theft, financial loss, and other harmful consequences.

We've listed a few ways to make sure our clients and community members are safe and protected from online threats.

Read tips to avoid online scammers.

Volunteerism Creates a Ripple Effect

Volunteer time creates a powerful ripple effect that touches countless lives and sustains vital work in our communities. At LAWO, we see this first-hand every day through our Pro Bono Program, where we work with generous attorneys and law firms who dedicate their time and expertise to assist low-income people across our 32-county service area. We're grateful for our current volunteers and want to reach even more people who are interested in joining our Pro Bono Program.

Learn more about how you can work with us and our community partners to make a difference.

Volunteerism Creates a Ripple Effect