The Stark County Bar Association was founded in 1900 and has proudly served the Stark County community for 125 years. The purpose of the Stark County Bar Association is to work for the general good of the community, to improve the administration of the law in the interests of the public, to promote good relations among the members of the bar, and to further the professional interests of our members.
Our Vision & Mission
Our Leadership
Attorney Angela T. Vagotis took office as President of the Stark County Bar Association when her one-year term began on July 1st. Attorney Vagotis became the 107th President, succeeding former president, the Honorable Frank G. Forchione. At the Installation Ceremony held on June 20th the Association’s Elected Officers and Members were sworn in for the 2024-2025 term.
Contact Us
Our staff is here to serve the members of the association and look forward to working with you. Please feel free to contact the bar office if you ever have any questions. This is what we are here for.
Community Involvement
2025 Law Day
The Stark County Bar Association will holds its annual Law Week April 28th – May 2nd. We will sponsor a wide variety of student contests including a Poster Contest, Essay Contest, Moot Court Competition, Digital Media Contest and offered a Tour de Courts to give students an opportunity to learn and visit our different Stark County Courts. College students may also participated in our “Why I Want To Become A Lawyer” Essay Scholarship Contest. We will also present the prestigious Liberty Bell Award during our Law Day Luncheon. For forms and further information click on the Law Day Logo above.
APRIL 28, 2025 – MAY 2, 2025
EVICTION ASSISTANCE
The Supreme Court has developed a new Eviction Assistance webpage that provides centralized information for individuals facing eviction.
Visit: www.supremecourt.ohio.gov
Stark County Bar Association Legal Scholarship
The Stark County Bar Association offers a Legal Scholarship through Stark Community Foundation. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements and information, please visit Stark Community Foundation’s website at www.starkcf.org. The Application deadline is April 1st.

Stark County Bar Association Celebrates 125 Years with Open House at Historic Courthouse During First Friday
The Stark County Bar Association is thrilled to announce an Open House event in celebration of its 125th anniversary. The event will take place at the Stark County Court of Common Pleas, located at the corner of Tuscarawas and Market, offering the community a unique opportunity to explore this historic landmark “after hours.”
Scheduled to captivate attendees of all ages, the Open House will feature a diverse array of justice-themed activities, providing both education and entertainment. The event promises to be an enriching experience for those interested in the legal profession, local history, and community engagement.
Highlights of the Open House include:
- Insight into the Stark County Bar Association: Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the mission and the wide range of services provided by the Stark County Bar Association.
- Meet and Greet with Local Judiciary: A special chance to interact with Stark County Judges, fostering a closer connection between the community and the legal system.
- Historic Courtroom Tour: Visitors can step back in time with a tour of the courtroom where President William McKinley once practiced as a prosecutor, offering a tangible link to the area’s storied past.
- Q & A Session: A local court historian will be on hand to answer questions and share fascinating details about the history and architecture of the courthouse.
- Documentary Screening: The event will feature a viewing of the courthouse documentary, “Celebrating 200 Years of History, Community and Justice,” which chronicles the building’s significant role in the community.
- Justice-Themed Activities: Engaging activities designed for the young and the young at heart, ensuring a fun and educational experience for all ages, including a justice-themed photo booth.
The Stark County Bar Association invites the public to join in this celebration of legal heritage and community spirit. This Open House is not only a testament to the association’s long-standing commitment to the Stark County legal community but also an opportunity to engage with the rich history and ongoing work of the local legal system.
Event Details:
- Date: May 2, 2025
- Time: 4:30pm – 8:30 p.m.
- Location: Stark County Court of Common Pleas, corner of Tuscarawas and Market, Canton, OH
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