Why It Matters
The Ohio State Bar Association’s federal lobbying effort arrives as the legal profession faces mounting crises. The federal judiciary confronted a funding crisis in 2025 that left court-appointed defense attorneys working without pay for months. Congress is actively debating the Fairness to Freedom Act and True Justice Act, which would expand access to legal counsel in immigration and criminal cases.
By retaining Shumaker Advisors LLC—particularly lobbyist Ryan Paul Walker, who spent 14 years on Capitol Hill serving Ohio representatives—the OSBA gains direct access to the Ohio delegation. This represents the association’s first foray into federal lobbying after focusing solely on state-level issues.
By the Numbers
From April to October 2025, the OSBA spent $22,500 on federal lobbying through Shumaker Advisors LLC. The firm registered four lobbyists: Christopher Salemme, Jason Mark Ouimet, Ryan Paul Walker, and Mike Fedorchak.
Walker brings crucial Ohio connections, having served 14 years as Legislative Director for Rep. Paul Gillmor (R-OH-5) and Chief of Staff for Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH-5). Ouimet adds Senate experience from his time with Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), while Salemme brings extensive private-sector lobbying experience dating to 2007.
The Agenda
The Ohio State Bar Association is lobbying on access to legal services and broader legal profession issues within criminal justice and law enforcement.
Key legislation includes the Fairness to Freedom Act (H.R.3127), establishing government-funded counsel in immigration removal proceedings, and the True Justice Act (H.R.3815), authorizing grants for public defense services. The Restoring Court Authority Over Litigation Act (H.R.3213) would protect court authority over attorney conduct regulation, while the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act (S.1297) would guarantee legal representation for unaccompanied minors in immigration court.
Broader Context
Multiple crises are plaguing the legal profession. The federal Criminal Justice Act panel attorney program ran out of funding in July 2025, with over 90 percent of federal defendants unable to afford attorneys. Some jurisdictions have seen criminal defense attorney numbers shrink 27 percent over eight years.
The Legal Services Corporation has seen funding fall 50 percent in real dollars since 1981 and faces proposed cuts of 46 percent. Meanwhile, the judiciary itself confronts a funding crisis threatening to curtail court operations.
Between The Lines
Congressional champions are signaling support for the OSBA’s priorities. Senators Booker, Durbin, and Welch announced the reintroduction of the Providing a Quality Defense Act, emphasizing constitutional imperatives for indigent defense funding. Senator Merkley secured an emergency court order halting a deportation and granting access to legal counsel, demonstrating real-world application of access-to-counsel principles.
Competitive Landscape
The OSBA joins a coordinated legal community push. The American Bar Association is actively lobbying on Legal Services Corporation funding, federal defender funding, and judicial staffing. The National Legal Aid and Defender Association maintains consistent efforts on public defense funding and criminal justice reform, while the New York State Bar Association engages on judicial system funding.
The Bottom Line
The association enters federal lobbying at a pivotal moment for access to justice reforms.