• Marathon Petroleum attorneys have partnered with Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO) for over a decade to provide pro bono legal services to low-income individuals and families.
• Marathon Petroleum and LAWO offer traditional office visits, mobile services via the Justice Bus, virtual legal advice, and in-person clinics.
• In the last year, attorneys from Marathon Petroleum’s Denver office started offering similar services to Colorado’s underserved communities providing rewarding experiences for corporate attorneys.

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For many years, attorneys from Marathon Petroleum have been at the forefront of providing pro bono legal services in partnership with Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO). As a nonprofit law firm dedicated to serving low-income individuals and families in Northwest and West Central Ohio, LAWO plays a crucial role in ensuring access to legal assistance for those who might otherwise struggle to afford representation.

“Pro bono work is essential for attorneys, not only to fulfill our professional responsibilities and serve our communities, but also to develop our careers, find our passion for justice, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said LAWO Pro Bono Director/Managing Attorney Melissa LaRocco.

Through the collaborative efforts of Marathon Petroleum attorneys and LAWO, countless individuals facing legal challenges have received much-needed support and advocacy over the years. From navigating complex legal processes to securing essential rights and protections, these pro bono services have made a tangible difference in the lives of Ohio's underserved communities.

The company’s attorneys usually volunteer during work hours, and LAWO keeps track of their time, submitting it for continuing education credit at the end of the year. This way, volunteers not only make a significant impact on the community but also get professional recognition for their contributions.

"It's been incredibly rewarding, "said Marathon Petroleum Attorney Seth Barefoot, reflecting on his involvement in helping to coordinate the last two events in Findlay. "These are individuals who might not have the means or fully grasp the importance of accessing legal services otherwise."

Barefoot has also worked with other attorneys across the organization to expand the pro bono effort to other MPC locations, including the Denver office.

“What we do at Marathon Petroleum collectively helps power the everyday lives of millions of Americans,” Barefoot added. “But sometimes helping just one person navigate a very difficult situation is just as empowering and often life-changing for them and us.”

LaRocco said LAWO has partnered with Marathon Petroleum for well over a decade, and in that time, they have helped hundreds of people.

“The benefits, and even surprises for corporate attorneys, are that they get to see firsthand how their legal help impacts a person’s life or circumstances,” LaRocco added. “It is rewarding, feel-good work that helps put things in perspective and often leaves the attorney with a sense of pride in the work they were able to accomplish for someone.”

In addition to traditional office visits, LAWO and Marathon Petroleum provide mobile services through the Ohio Justice Bus via the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation. They also offer opportunities for virtual legal advice through video chats and by telephone, as well as in-person clinics at courthouses and one-on-one case work with clients.