Les Varnado is a Senior Attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Columbus and is part of the Consumer team. He began working for LASC in August of 1974 when it was known as the Legal Aid and Defender Society. Originally from Magnolia, Mississippi, a town located in between Jackson and New Orleans, his love for the law was initiated by the series “Lock Up,” starring Macdonald Carey. His work at LASC as part of the Consumer team focuses on assisting clients with foreclosure defense litigation as well as debt collection defense cases. The debt collection defense is composed of lawsuits relating to student loans, credit cards, automobile purchases, home improvements, payday loans and any other consumer purchases. Les has conducted numerous seminars over the years on bankruptcy laws and consumer laws. In addition to his litigation efforts, his work at LASC has helped to provide clients with education on general consumer rights, how to manage funds better, and how to avoid the loss of their property. In 2014, Les received an award from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Alumni Association for his long-term commitment to providing legal services to the indigent. His favorite part about working for LASC is the amount of appreciation clients have when their problem is resolved along with the smiles on their faces showing their gratitude.

Bar Activities

• Member, Columbus Bar Association
  

Volunteer and Community Activities

• Former Board Member, The Neighborhood House
• Singing at Nursing Homes
• Board Member of several tennis organizations
  

Education

• Jackson State University, Magna Cum Laude (B.A. 1971)
• The Ohio State University (J.D. 1974)
  

Personal

Les and his wife reside in Pataskala. In his free time, Les enjoys tennis, watching college football, singing and musical theater.