ABLE attorney receives state award

1/3/2003

Jeanne Deimling Johns, an attorney with Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc., recently was awarded the 2002 Denis Murphy Award, given for outstanding leadership and advocacy within the Ohio legal services program.

The award is given annually by the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation's board of trustees and created in honor of its founding president, Denis J. Murphy.

Ms. Johns, ABLE's litigation director, provides support and advice in cases related to housing, public benefits, consumer law, and human rights. Most recently, she was part of a community advocacy group that worked with Toledo to work on city laws regarding predatory lending.

“Jeanne exemplifies the professional and personal qualities that make her an outstanding legal service advocate, working diligently to improve access to justice for the poor,” said Joseph Tafelski, executive director of ABLE. “She has demonstrated leadership qualities and, through her work and actions, has opened doors for women, men, and children from all walks of life.”

Ms. Johns has worked at ABLE since 1981 after graduating from Ohio State University law school. She has also served as a staff attorney, supervising attorney, and managing attorney.

ABLE is a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal aid in civil matters to eligible low-income individuals and groups in northwest Ohio.