About Philip Dana
Philip Dana Althouse serves as a Senior Attorney in the Economic Justice Practice Group at the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. His tenure with the organization spans over 18 years, during which he has committed himself to advocating for consumers throughout Northeast Ohio. In 2025, Mr. Althouse received the prestigious C. Lyonel Jones Lifetime Achievement Award, evidence of his unwavering dedication to Legal Aid and its clients. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to the field of consumer advocacy. Mr. Althouse's educational background is diverse and impressive.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1979. His journey into law began after he completed an Associate Degree in Nursing from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1985. He later pursued a Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, graduating in 1990. This varied educational foundation gave him a unique perspective on the intersection of healthcare and legal issues. Admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1991, Mr. Althouse has concentrated his practice on consumer law. He has represented clients in both state and federal courts, litigating cases against major financial institutions, mortgage companies, home improvement businesses, and automobile dealers. His experience in these areas has made him a advocate for consumer rights.
From 2010 through 2016, he authored the chapter on the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act for the Ohio Consumer Law Manual, a vital resource for attorneys practicing in Ohio. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Althouse is deeply involved in human rights advocacy. He has appeared before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, contributing to discussions on pressing human rights issues. His expertise in this area has led him to provide training and presentations on human rights law. In 2023, he was appointed Vice President of the Human Rights Committee of the Inter-American Bar Association/Federation of Lawyers, further solidifying his role as a leader in the field. Mr. Althouse is admitted to practice in Ohio, the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, and the Lorain County Bar Association. Fluent in Spanish, he is able to serve a broader community, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder access to legal assistance. Throughout his career, Mr. Althouse has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to both consumer rights and human rights, making significant contributions that resonate within both fields.
