Kara C. Blackney is a 2010 graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law. She was admitted to practice in Ohio that same year.
During law school, Ms. Blackney completed Rule 48 training to become a volunteer CASA/GAL with the Montgomery County Juvenile Court CASA Program in March of 2008. Ms. Blackney also participated in the Juvenile Law Clinic, representing children with delinquency charges in the Montgomery County Juvenile Court under the supervisor of a licensed attorney.
Upon graduation from law school, Ms. Blackney was on the appointment list with Montgomery County Juvenile Court where she accepted court appointed and private Guardian ad Litem cases. Ms. Blackney was hired as a Volunteer Coordinator for the Montgomery County Juvenile Court CASA Program in February of 2012. In this position, Ms. Blackney acted as Guardian ad Litem on her own cases, supervised approximately 18 volunteer CASAs, and assisted in providing ongoing training for current and potential volunteers.
Ms. Blackney joined the Hamilton County Public Defender as a member of the Guardian ad Litem Division in October of 2014. Ms. Blackney is qualified under Rule 48 of the Ohio Supreme Court’s Rules of Superintendence to serve as a Guardian ad Litem. Ms. Blackney also serves as a parent surrogate for children on her caseload who receive special education services.
