Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

What began as a partnership between the Governor of Ohio, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and The University of Akron School of Law, has now grown to include University of Dayton School of Law, Cleveland State University College of Law and the Ohio Justice and Policy Center. More than 1,300 applicants have applied for pardon assistance since the clinic’s inception, resulting in nearly 200 pardons – more than 100 of which have been handled by Akron Law’s Expedited Pardon Project (EPP) Clinic.

Since the project began in January 2020, 123 Akron Law students have worked in the EPP Clinic – either as paid employees or for class credit. The students who serve as employees in the EPP Clinic do the hands-on work of screening all of the applications that come through UA to determine eligibility for acceptance into the project. This work includes reviewing the applications, completing background research and interviewing the clients. The results of their hard work are then turned over to the Project Team (made up of Professor Joann Sahl from Akron Law and project leaders from The Ohio State Moritz College of Law) to make a final determination on eligibility for the project. Once clients are accepted into the project, the students who work in the EPP Clinic for class credit represent them by assisting them with their formal pardon application. Akron Law’s EPP Clinic has accepted more than 220 clients into the project and has secured 109 pardons to date.

Akron Law Edan Konturas ‘25 valued the opportunity to build practical skills while providing community service. “There are not many other classes or experiences in law school where you get the amount of hands-on experience representing real clients than in the EPP Clinic. Working on this project was a great way to give back to the Summit County community, and being able to help people
free themselves from issues in their pasts was extremely gratifying.”

While providing the community service of aiding clients in the pardon application process, students who work in Akron Law’s EPP Clinic have the opportunity to develop the soft skill of working with clients, while also building skills in research and investigation, organization and report writing, and collaboration. Each week, students participate in case rounds where they discuss pending cases and issues that have come up in their work. The EPP Clinic has been involved in an appeal, trial court motion practice, and work with the Governor’s office on legislation. This variety of experience can be invaluable for the students in terms of building the practical
skills that employers are seeking.

For clients who have been granted a pardon, the experience is nothing short of life changing. “It opens so many doors to opportunities that were previously closed…” said Sahl, “things like employment, volunteering, licensing, international travel. The biggest impact of a pardon is that it removes the stigma and shame associated with those convictions.” Akron Law Lynn Williams
‘25 found her work with the EPP Clinic to be the most meaningful experience she’s had at Akron Law. “Professor Sahl’s reentry class covered the sad reality of collateral consequences (e.g., limited housing, career, and volunteer opportunities) for those with past
criminal justice involvement. The EPP Clinic allowed us to work directly with those affected to allow them to tell their stories of change and rehabilitation, and petition for a chance at a future they have always envisioned for both themselves and their families. The program is a model for communities everywhere and Professor Sahl’s commitment and dedication to the clients and students is exemplary.”

Learn more about the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project at ohioexpeditedpardon.org.