SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: October 19, 2018 on Akron Legal News | Read the full article

It’s been about four years since Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs attorney Bill Dowling first approached Barberton Municipal Court judges David Fish and Todd McKenney, along with other municipal court judges, to discuss the legal needs of Summit County residents and how Akron Bar Association lawyers looking to provide pro bono services might be able to help.

The meeting ultimately led to the creation of the VALID (Volunteers Assisting Licensed Drivers) clinic. The clinic offers residents whose licenses have been suspended the chance to meet with volunteer attorneys who help them understand the quickest and most cost effective way to get their licenses reinstated.

“Bill immediately grasped the gravity of the driver’s license issue for residents who’ve lost their driving privileges,” said Judge McKenney. “The process is complex and it can be financially daunting as well.

“Bill not only helped to get the clinic up and running but he assisted in negotiating a uniform policy for all the municipal courts in Summit County that allows residents to pay off their fees in installments after making an initial down payment of $50,” he said. “Prior to this agreement, most courts usually demanded at least half of the outstanding balance to remove all court-imposed holds on the license.

“He continues to work with the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) to examine programs in other cities and is trying to start other clinics,” said Judge McKenney.