Cleveland Law Library Weblog

Free Scam Squad Guide Helps Cuyahoga Seniors Stay Safe

The free Scam Squad Guide is now available in print and online. This publication was designed to help older Cuyahoga County residents recognize and avoid scams, with simple strategies and an action plan for staying safe. Copies are available at local libraries and senior centers in Cuyahoga County. To request one by mail, email [email protected] or call 216-443-7035—supplies are limited.

 

Sixth Circuit Satellite Library in Cleveland Closing Permanently to Non-Judicial Users on 5/29/25

For local attorneys who have used the Sixth Circuit Satellite Library in Cleveland, it will be permanently closing to non-judicial users effective Thursday, May 29, 2025. After that date, it will only be available to judicial officers and employees with key card access. In addition, that library's remaining staff member is retiring on 7/31/25, and her position will not be filled. For a great alternative, consider a membership in the Cleveland Law Library located on the 4th floor of the Cuyahoga County Courthouse. Membership privileges include access to our print collection, on-site and remote databases, reference assistance and research services, document delivery, free CLE, free use of conference rooms and much more. For more information, please contact the Cleveland Law Library at 216-861-5070 or [email protected]

Politics Fuel Law School Surge

A Kaplan survey of over 300 pre-law students shows that the current political climate and the 2024 presidential election are major factors behind a 20% increase in law school applications, echoing trends seen after the 2016 election. Many students seek politically aligned academic environments, with 52% valuing shared beliefs among peers and 64% supporting schools making public statements on societal issues. Additionally, 31% of respondents are considering future political careers, reflecting a broader interest in shaping policy and driving systemic change through legal education. You can read more about the study here.

Cleveland Proposes New Rules for Short-Term Rentals

The city of Cleveland is introducing new laws to regulate short-term rentals such as AirBnb and VRBO, in response to rising complaints from residents about noise, parties, and parking issues. The proposed legislation includes a licensing process with an application fee and annual renewal, a 15% density cap, and a requirement for a local contact during occupancy. If approved, the city would be able to fine unlicensed operators up to $5,000. Read more about the proposed legislation here.

Ohio Supreme Court Creates Artificial Intelligence Resource Library

The Ohio Supreme Court has just created an Artificial Intelligence Resource Library on its web site. This new online Library contains resources for judges, attorneys, and members of the public. For attorneys, the web site provides:

• AI ethics guidelines and disciplinary cases
• Relevant Rules of Professional Conduct
• Links to classes on AI practices
• Links to various AI reports, statements and resources
• Law review and journal articles.
• AI related to interpreters and language services in the legal system

 

Cleveland City Council Takes Action on Pay Equity with New Legislation

Cleveland City Council passed a new law requiring businesses with over 15 employees to list pay ranges in job postings and banning questions about applicants' salary history to address race and gender pay disparities. The legislation aims to boost transparency and fairness, especially for women, minorities, and low-income worker. Violators may face fines, but the city will prioritize helping businesses comply, aligning with broader efforts by Mayor Bibb and the council to strengthen worker protections. Click here to read more about this new legislation.

New 2025 Law360 Pulse Lawyer Satisfaction Survey Indicates that Lawyers' Stress has Increased

According to Law360 news release, a brand new 2025 Law360 Pulse Lawyer Satisfaction Survey indicates that lawyer stress is on the rise. Statistics from the Survey apparently show that the percentage of lawyers who are satisfied with their profession dropped from 66% to 61% over the last year. Statistics also declined to record lows in other areas, including billable hours, advancement opportunities, financial stability, and collegiality. More information about this topic can be found at this link.

National Study Examines Tenants' Rights to Counsel in Evictions

A new study entitled "A Descriptive Analysis of Tenant Right to Counsel Law and Praxis 2017–2024" that was released on Friday by multiple universities outlines tenants' rights to counsel in eviction actions. According to a Law360 article about the study, there are "only five states, 17 cities and one county" that guarantee legal representation to tenants facing eviction. Notably, Cleveland is listed as one of only a few large cities that have created Right to Counsel (RTC) programs. The article details both successes and challenges the programs face nationwide. Among other issues, the article noted that ""Even where funding was available, multiple large jurisdictions struggled to identify a pool of attorneys to staff the program," and local attorneys to be "underpaid and overburdened."

Ohio Primary Election on May 6th

Ohio will head to the polls on May 6th to vote on Issue 2, a renewal of the State Capital Improvements Program that funds critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and water projects without raising taxes. Early voting is already underway; voters can also request absentee ballots or vote in person at updated polling locations across the state. Don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID when you cast your ballot! For more details on the upcoming election, check out Ideastream's voting guide.

The Dispatch Acquires SCOTUSblog

SCOTUSblog has been acquired by Dispatch Media, Inc. Since its founding nearly 25 years ago, SCOTUSblog has been a trusted resource for journalists, lawyers, and court watchers alike. It has grown into the most comprehensive independent resource on the Supreme Court, known for its detailed case analysis and real-time reporting. This partnership will restore and expand SCOTUSblog’s publishing capabilities, including full analysis of all merits cases and oral arguments. The site will remain free and nonpartisan, with all future content now falling under The Dispatch’s copyright.