Page 20 - 2019-2020 CMBA Legal Directory

CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN

BAR FOUNDATION

The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation (CMBF) is Fellows Program
the charitable fundraising arm of the CMBA. It raises critical
dollars for the association’s nationally recognized Lawyers The CMBF Fellows program offers the opportunity for
Giving Back public outreach and pro bono legal service individuals, firms and organizations to make leadership level
programs. Each year, nearly 1,000 attorneys support these contributions to the Foundation. Fellow nominations are received
programs with volunteer service. The programs supported and reviewed by the CMBF Fellows Committee and approved by
by the Bar Foundation change individual lives in a way that the CMBF and CMBA Board of Directors.
positively impacts the community.
Fellows are members of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar
The Bar Foundation funds outreach programs that are organized Association who have contributed significantly to the
primarily under the Justice For All and Diversity & Inclusion advancement of justice in the greater Cleveland community,
umbrellas of the CMBA. These wide-ranging and innovative who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and
programs currently include: The 3Rs – Rights, Responsibilities, professionalism, and if lawyers, have been admitted to practice
Realities; Cleveland Homeless Legal Assistance Program; for ten years or more.
Cleveland Mock Trial and Ohio Mock Trial Competitions; Pro
Se Divorce Clinics; Reach Out: Legal Assistance for Nonprofits; Pledges
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts; Law Day; Louis Stokes Scholars
Program; Stephanie Tubbs Jones Summer Legal Academy; Fellows pledge specified amounts to be paid over a period of up
and The Legal Clinics at the Cleveland Metropolitan School to ten years.
District.
Endowment Support
The CMBF raises funds through a variety of programs including
annual special events — Rock the Foundation, Halloween Run Fellow contributions are directed to the CMBF Endowment and
for Justice and Franklin A. Polk Public Servant Merit Awards provide the backbone of future support and sustainability for the
Luncheon; annual dues check-off and other donations; the many Lawyers Giving Back programs of the CMBA supported by
Fellows Program; Legacy Fellows (planned giving); and United Foundation grants.
Way designations.
Recognition
Schedule of Special Events in 2019–20:
Fellows are recognized in a variety of ways. Fellows are listed
Halloween Run for Justice – October 26 in CMBA and CMBF publications, the CMBA website and
Rock the Foundation – February 8 on the donor wall or television screen display in the CMBA
offices. Fellows are invited to a number of unique special events
throughout the year, including the annual Volunteers/Fellows
Reception in June.

19