Attorney Paul Perantinides Opens his Home in Support of Justice for All

On the evening of July 2, 2009 members of the Summit County judiciary and the legal community gathered at the home of Attorney Paul Perantinides to voice their support for the work of Community Legal Aid, and raise funds for the Justice for All Campaign. The Co-Chairs of the Campaign, Paul Perantinides of Perantinides & Nolan and William D. Dowling of Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs LLP, have set a goal of raising $500,000 over three years to support the work of Legal Aid staff attorneys in Summit County.

Attendees had the opportunity to mingle, meet Legal Aid summer associates and contribute to the Campaign. Those in attendance included the following members of the judiciary:   Retired Judges Ted Schneiderman and James R. Williams, Judges Clair E. Dickinson and Carla Moore of the Ninth District Court of Appeals, Judge John Quinn of the Court of Common Pleas (Domestic Relations Division), Judges Patricia A. Cosgrove, Alison McCarty and Thomas A. Teodosio of the Court of Common Pleas (General Division), Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio from the Court of Common Pleas (Juvenile Division), Judges Stephen A. Fallis and Kathryn Michael of Akron Municipal Court and Judge Lisa Coates from Stow Municipal Court. Representatives of local firms, supporters of Legal Aid, Legal Aid staff and Board members were also in attendance.

Attorneys Dowling and Perantinides took the opportunity to remind guests that in these difficult economic times the work of Legal Aid has never been so critical.  Judge Carla Moore spoke strongly of the need to support pro bono efforts as well. “As lawyers we need to take leadership roles and ensure that those who can’t afford an attorney still get the legal help they need. For many, Legal Aid is their last chance for justice,” said Attorney Perantinides. “We have a responsibility as Co-Chairs of the Campaign to ensure the legal community is aware of the need for Legal Aid, and their role in supporting the work of staff attorneys.” Attorney Perantinides also announced to his guests that the firm Hanna, Campbell & Powell has pledged a leadership gift of $25,000.00 towards the Campaign. Attorney Perantinides issued a challenge to other firm representatives in attendance:  the firm of Perantinides & Nolan will donate $25,000 to the Campaign, a match of the donation they made in 2008, if three other local firms match the contribution of Hanna, Campbell & Powell. Attorney Dowling said that the firm Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs will also contribute $25,000 if the challenge is met.

“It was great to see the legal community coming together to support Legal Aid,” said Legal Aid Executive Director Sara E. Strattan. “On behalf of the clients, Board and staff of Legal Aid I want to thank Paul for his generosity and the commitment he and Bill have shown to the Justice for All Campaign and Legal Aid, as well as Hanna, Campbell and Powell for making this significant leadership gift.” For more information on the Campaign and to make a donation visit www.CommunityLegalAid.org or call Legal Aid’s Director of Development Jane Clarke at (330) 983-2643.