Yukiko (Kiko) Yee always knew she wanted to help people. But it wasn’t until college, when she worked as a canvasser for the New York State Public Interest Research Group, that she realized just how many people were struggling with financial, medical, and legal hardships. One conversation, in particular, stuck with her—an older woman listened to her talk about public policy issues, and said, “You know what, you should be a lawyer or something. You could do us a world of good.”
That simple statement became a guiding principle in Kiko’s career. Today, as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer for the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, she leads the charge in ensuring Ohioans—especially those most vulnerable—can access the legal help they need. Kiko is deeply involved in the legal community, using her skills and passion to advocate for fairness and equity.
In 2016, she was selected for the Ohio State Bar Foundation’s Fellowship Program—an experience she describes as an incredible honor and a natural extension of her work. “I chose a career in public service to make a difference,” she said. “The OSBF Fellows program was the perfect opportunity to expand upon my career’s central tenets: serving the public, championing women and minorities in the legal profession, and improving access to justice.”
As part of her Fellowship, Kiko contributed to the development of an interactive “mini mock trial” for middle school students at Camp Oty’Okwa, a program through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio. This project offered hands-on experience that would make the legal system more tangible for the kids. “I had a blast, and I think the students learned a lot that day,” she recalls.
That spirit of engagement has been a hallmark of Kiko’s career. After prosecuting complex financial fraud cases at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, she transitioned to her current role, where she manages the day-today operations of the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation. Her work includes overseeing human resources and technical teams, leading the Foundation’s financial team, and ensuring that funding for Ohio’s civil legal aids is maximized.
For Kiko, being part of the OSBF Fellowship didn’t just provide an opportunity to serve—it also built lasting professional relationships. “It is so important that we step out of our comfort zones and engage with one another,” she said. “Through the OSBF Fellows Program, I met friends and accomplished attorneys in the public and private sectors. These are often the first people I turn to in times of need.”
Community engagement has always been at the heart of Kiko’s work, and she hopes to leave a legacy of service. From a young age, she’s always wanted to help people. Kiko is grateful that her career and position have allowed her to make a positive impact.
In 2015, the Ohio Women’s Bar Foundation (OWBF) selected Kiko for their Leadership Institute. She later served on the OWBF board, where she helped launch scholarships to champion women lawyers and law students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. She also mentors new attorneys through the Ohio Supreme Court Mentoring Program and supports law students in the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
Outside of work, Kiko channels her creativity into cake decorating—her favorite creation being an intricate Rapunzel tower for her daughter’s birthday. She also loves traveling with her family and simply enjoying time together.
Kiko Yee is a true example of what it means to be an OSBF Fellow—hardworking, community-focused, and committed to making the legal system more accessible and inclusive. Through her work, she continues to prove that the law isn’t just about rules and regulations—it’s about people, and the power to make the world a better place. The Ohio State Bar Foundation is proud to count Kiko among its Fellows and celebrate her many contributions to justice and equity in our state. We’re honored to be a part of her story—and excited to see where her passion and leadership will take her next.
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