University of Toledo Law's Office of Professional Development

These and other opportunities are provided through the hard work of the Office of Professional Development's three staff members. The Assistant Dean for Law Career Services and Alumni Affairs, Heather S. Karns, has been with The University of Toledo College of Law since 2003. Before joining the College of Law, she was involved in both mental health and job retention counseling with the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. She also spent three years with Clemson University's Michelin Career Center, initially as a supervisor and later as the assistant director of recruitment. She additionally ran a private practice for a period of time.

In her current position, Karns oversees Career Services and Alumni Affairs for the law school, through the Office of Professional Development. She holds a BA in Psychology from The University of Toledo and an M Ed in counseling from Clemson University. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor.


She is an active member of the Toledo Bar Association Diversity Committee and a College Representative on the Board of the Federal Bar Association Northern District of Ohio. She is also active within the National Association of Legal Professionals (NALP), providing articles for the bulletin, presenting at its annual conferences, and serving on its committees.

The Assistant Director of Law Career Services and Public Service Coordinator, Kelly J. Tomlinson, graduated magna cum laude from The University of Toledo College of Law and completed her undergraduate studies with highest distinction at Ohio Northern University, where she majored in communication arts. Before joining the Career Service's Office, Tomlinson practiced law at a private Ohio firm, where she specialized in litigation defense and representing employers involved in Worker's Compensation claims. During this time she was also an instructor and a coach for The University of Toledo College of Law Trial Advocacy Team. She additionally functioned as a Visiting Assistant Clinical Professor in the College of Law Domestic Violence and Juvenile Law Clinic, where she assisted students who were handling client matters concerning domestic violence.

At the present time, Tomlinson is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Toledo Bar Association, the Ohio Women's Bar Association, the Toledo Women's Bar Association, and the NALP.

Donna J. Amstutz is the office secretary.