Office of Professional Development
Office of Professional Development Staff
Heather S. Karns, M. Ed., L.P.C.
Assistant Dean for Law Career Services and Alumni Affairs
Office: LC 1037
Phone: 419.530.2851
E-Mail: heather.karns@utoledo.edu
Heather Karns received her B.A. in psychology from The University of Toledo, her M.Ed. in counseling from Clemson University, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Heather’s experience prior to joining The University of Toledo College of Law in the spring of 2003 includes Mental Health and Job Retention Counseling with the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Supervising Educational Career Services, then advancing to Assistant Director of Recruitment, at Clemson University’s Michelin Career Center. She also operated a private practice for a short time. Heather now supervises both Career Services and Alumni Affairs for the College of Law in the Office of Professional Development.
Heather is a member of the Toledo Bar Association Diversity Committee, serves as a College Representative on the Board of the Federal Bar Association Northern District of Ohio, and is also involved in the National Association of Legal Professionals (NALP); contributing articles to the Bulletin, presenting and moderating programs at the annual conferences, and serving on committees.
Kelly J. Tomlinson, J.D.
Assistant Director of Law Career Services and Public Service Coordinator
Office: LC 1030
Phone: 419.530.2851
E-Mail: kelly.tomlinson@utoledo.edu
Kelly Tomlinson received her B.A. with high distinction in Communication Arts from Ohio Northern University and earned her J.D. magna cum laude from The University of Toledo College of Law. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Ohio and the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio.
Prior to joining the Office of Professional Development, Ms. Tomlinson practiced law at a private firm in Toledo, Ohio focusing on litigation defense and representing employers in Workers’ Compensation matters. During her time in practice, she also served as an instructor and coach for the University of Toledo College of Law Trial Advocacy Team helping to prepare students for various national trial competitions. Additionally, she served as a Visiting Assistant Clinical Professor in the College of Law Domestic Violence & Juvenile Law Clinic. Under her supervision, law students represented clients in legal matters involving issues of domestic violence.
Ms. Tomlinson is currently a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Toledo Bar Association, Ohio Women’s Bar Association, Toledo Women’s Bar Association, and the National Association of Law Placement (NALP). She currently serves as a Co-Vice Chair of the Membership Committee of the Toledo Women’s Bar Association.