Attorney Angela Hartford Joins Boyk Law

Attorney Angela Hartford officially joined the Charles Boyk Law Offices after graduating from the University of Toledo College of Law and passing the Ohio Bar Exam earlier this year.

Angela first joined Boyk Law during her second year of law school in a unique hybrid role that combined both paralegal and law clerk responsibilities. Originally searching for a full-time paralegal position while attending school at night, she was looking for an opportunity that would allow her to gain practical legal experience while maintaining financial stability.

“I liked the research and writing aspect of being a law clerk, but I also wanted more client interaction and needed a full-time position while I was in school,” says Angela.

Boyk Law created a hybrid role that allowed her to continue building hands-on litigation experience while completing her legal education.

Angela was part of the final group of part-time students at the University of Toledo College of Law before the school phased out its evening law program. Balancing a demanding full-time workload with law school classes often meant long days and even longer nights.

“My first year of law school was entirely night classes,” Angela explains. “Once the evening program began phasing out, class schedules became more difficult. Some days I would come into work very early so I could leave in time for afternoon classes.”

Law school typically takes full-time students three years to complete, while many part-time students finish in four years. Angela completed the program in just three and a half years while continuing to work full-time at the firm.

“Angela has a fantastic work ethic,” says Charles Boyk. “She worked full-time while attending law school at night, and she consistently demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and maturity well beyond her years of experience.”

Angela took the February 2026 Ohio Bar Exam, months earlier than many law students who traditionally graduate in May before beginning bar preparation.

“If I had to do it all over again, I would absolutely do it the same way,” says Angela. “Having real-world experience while learning those same concepts in the classroom made everything easier to understand and apply.”

Angela graduated with her Juris Doctor degree in December 2025 and officially became a licensed Ohio attorney after passing the bar exam and being sworn in earlier this spring. Because of her experience at the firm, the transition into her new role as an attorney has felt natural.

“Chuck said he knew exactly what he was getting when he offered me the position, and I knew exactly what I was getting by staying here,” Angela says. “I already understood the culture, the people, and how the firm operates, which made the decision easy.”

Boyk says Angela’s growth over the past several years has been impressive to watch.

“For the last year and a half, Angela worked as both a law clerk and legal assistant,” says Boyk. “We spent countless hours discussing litigation strategy, case development, and client communication. Today, we often discuss cases collaboratively, and there are times I defer to her judgment
because of how much she has advanced.”

Angela says one of the reasons she chose to continue her career with Boyk Law was the firm’s supportive environment and its willingness to help attorneys continue to grow professionally.

“One of the things I appreciate most is knowing that if there is an area of law or a skill, I want to continue learning, the firm encourages that growth,” she says. “That support means a lot.”

As she begins her career as an attorney, Angela says she is most excited to take a more active role in litigation and advocacy.

“Law clerks and paralegals do so much important work behind the scenes,” says Angela. “Now I’m excited to step into the role of making arguments, negotiating cases, and advocating directly for clients.”