PBRC is excited to honor an incredible group of lawyers, advocates, and organizations. The 2024 winners helped in a wide range of case areas, from family law, consumer rights, children's welfare, tax help and tax sale foreclosure prevention, to immigration status. All recipients share similar traits: professionalism, compassion, fearless advocacy, and zealous dedication to helping as many clients as possible.
A full list of all recipients of the Maryland Pro Bono Service Awards starting in 1991 can be found here.
This award is given to a member of the Young Lawyer Section of the MSBA who is making a significant pro bono contribution either directly or through a pro bono organization.
Rehana Wieseman, Esq. was identified as this year's Alex Fee YLS Memorial recipient.
As a young lawyer, Rehana Wiseman has generously offered her time and expertise to clients, particularly those with complicated family law matters. She has ensured that underrepresented clients such as non-English speakers, immigrants, formerly incarcerated individuals, and those recovering from addiction have access to representation. Because of the tough reality of these cases, MVLS relied on Rehanna where other volunteers were unwilling to step in.
Past Recipients:
2023 - Meagan Allen
2022 - Neel Lalchandani
2021 - Carin Golze
2020 - Garrett Fitzgerald
2019 - Thomas K. Prevas
2018 - Madonna Lebling; Christian Noble; Maya Zegarra
2017 - James Worm
2016 - Jonathan Kossak
2015 - Benjamin Rupert; Lillian Reynolds
2014 - Max Brauer; Sarah Cline
2013 - Peter Cotter
2012 - Lisa Hall Johnson
2011 - Jacqueline L. Allen
2010 - Melody Tagliaferri Cronin
2009 - Michael W. Siri
2008 - Jason C. Hessler
2007 - Hilary Baldwin Ruley
2006 - Youshea A. Berry
2005 - Linda J. Springrose
2004 - Susan M. Euteneuer
2003 - Stephanie Ketchum
2001 - Carl R. Gold
This award is geared toward a solo or small firm practitioner who has rendered pro bono service over many years.
This year's recipient of the Lee A. Caplan Award is Jane Santoni, Esq.
Jane Santoni is known as the advocate who never shies from a fight, and candidly, almost always wins. She has represented dozens of pro bono clients in the more than 10 years she has been an MVLS volunteer and stands up for tenants in rent court through PBRC's Tenant Volunteer Lawyer of the Day Program.
Her advocacy often results in dismissals of eviction and collection cases, saving clients from homelessness, bankruptcy, and job loss.
Past Recipients:
2023 - Lawrence Finegan; Rue Stewart
2022 - Elizabeth Johnson
2021 - Kathleen Hyland; Derek Hills
2020 - Jonathan Gladstone
2019 - Andrea Ross
2018 - Herbert A Dubin
2017 - Frank Turney
2016 - Gerald Kelly
2015 - Kristy Boon
2014 - Wayne Clark
2013 - Fred Hecker
2012 - Anthony Hayes Davis
2011 - Cecilia Paizs
2010 - Sayra Myerhoff
2009 - Michael J. Belsky
2007 - Joshua R. Treem
2005 - Francis J. Gorman
2004 - Hillary Galloway Davis
2003 - Stephen J. Nolan
2002 - Terri Ann Lowery
This award is presented to an individual who has distinguished her/himself as an exemplar of pro bono service, going above and beyond the average pro bono commitment for at least 5 years.
The recipient of this year's Judge Robert M. Bell Award is Kristin Franceschi, Esq.
Kristin Franceschi is a partner in the Baltimore finance group of DLA Piper and regularly provides over 100 hours of pro bono per year. Despite having an extremely busy practice, she is a stand-out pro bono lawyer, recognized nationally with a particular focus on supporting women jurists around the world.
She has spent years supporting women lawyers in Nepal, protecting Afghan women judges and lawyers, conducting trainings abroad, supporting NGO’s on human rights and is even currently handling a Somalian refugee case pro bono.
Past Recipients:
2023 - Nina Crist
2022 - Rosalyn Otieno
2021 - Alecia Shelton
2020 - Stephanie Joseph; Jack Condliffe
2019 - José Z. Canto
2018 - Mary Anna Donohoe
2017 - Jeanette Cole
2016 - Tracey Turner
2015 - Van T. Doan
2014 - Barbara Bechberger
2013 - Heather Dlhopolsky
This award is presented to an individual who has distinguished themself as an exemplar of pro bono service, going above and beyond the average pro bono commitment ether over a period of time or through extended service in a complex matter or case.
Robert McGarrah, Esq. is receiving the Distinguished Pro Bono Volunteer Award.
Rob McGarrah has volunteered as a pro bono attorney with Maryland Legal Aid’s Montgomery County Office since May of 2018. His significant contributions include providing extended direct legal services to 86 clients to help them resolve a range of legal issues related to both house and consumer debt, including a recovery of $40,000 by enforcing a judgement against a landlord. He also won an unemployment insurance denial enabling his client to recover substantial unpaid benefits.
Past Recipients:
2023 - Conor O’Croinin
2022 - Bill Meyer; Deena Dugan
2021 - Joanna Shapiro
2020 - Joy Sakamoto-Wengel; Ellen Dew
2019 - Howard R. Majev
2018 - Charles Scheerler
2017 - Constance Hare
2016 - Andrea Trento
2014 - John Phoebus
2013 - Camilla Rogers
2012 - Peter Holland; J. Harrison Phillips; Melissa L. Mackiewicz
2011 - J. Allan Cohen; Robert N. Grossbart; William Burnham
2010 - Alexandra Drobnick; John David; Gabel Constance Putzel; Thomas X. Glancy
2009 - Kelly Tubman; Hardy Todd Chase; Alison Velez Lane
2008 - Ellen D. Marcus; Matthew G. Summers; Mark J. Shmueli; Emily T. Wright
2007 - Kathleen T. Bailey; Carl J. Clayton; Doug R. M. Nazarian; Andrew R. Strait
2006 - Anu B. Kemet; Ann Baer Cogan; Sharvari-Dalal Dheini
2005 - F. William DuBois, III; John P. Evans
2004 - Michael A. Pretl; David L. McGill; Michael Hecht
2003 - Michael C. Hickey; Charles Balint; Kathleen A. Ellis
2002 - Ward B. Coe, III; Young Song
2001 - Emily Vaias; Frank Mastro; Stephen Sachs
2000 - Cathy Hollenberg Serette; Douglas M. Bregman; Lee A. Caplan
1999 - Jeffrey Liss; William Crowley; Lee Sachs; Daniel Schmitt
1998 - Cynthia Fenimore; Mary Anna Donohoe; Bryan A. Bishop
1997 - James F. Gilligan; Mark Kopec; Sylvia Quinton, David Wasserman
1996 - John H. Price, Jr.; Craig F. Ballew; Linda S. Spevack
1995 - David V. Diggs; Thomas J. Mulrenin; Scott B. Baron
1994 - Michele LaRocca; Lane M. Terwilliger; Sean W. Glynn
1993 - Suzanne Kirby Welch; Thomas C. Dane; Judith Wolfer
1992 - Mitchell Y. Mirviss; Edward J. O’Connor, Jr.; Andrew Gendron
1991 - Frederick A. Balkin; Margaret Maupin; Michael Gerace
This award is presented to an individual who is making a significant pro bono contribution while retired.
The recipient of this year's Retired Pro Bono Volunteer Award is Edward Wender, Esq.
Edward Wender has been a consistent, integral presence in MVLS’s estates administration program helping low-income clients navigate the probate process since retirement.
Interestingly, he had never handled an estate administration case prior to volunteering but has assisted multiple families save their homes, and fully access resources that prior generations left for them.
Dedicating over 250 hours over 4 years, Ed continues to untangle property issues and take on new cases.
Past Recipients:
2023 - Doris Green Walker
2022 - Russell R. "Ronnie" Reno, Jr.
2021 - John Warshawsky
2020 - Deborah Devan
2018 - Elva Tillman
2017 - James Richardson
2015 - Ridgeway Hall
2013 - Jimmy Persels
This award honors any judge or master who has contributed to the overall pro bono effort by encouraging participation among attorneys, or increasing access to the judicial system for legal services for low-income clients.
This year's recipient of the Member of the Judiciary Award is Judge Amy Lorenzini
Judge Amy Lorenzini actively engages with local attorneys to encourage pro bono participation in client representation in guardianship, adoption, and family law cases, and to serve as volunteer best interest and privilege attorneys in these matters. Judge Lorenzini has also recently initiated a guardianship clinic in the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County to assist self-represented litigants with the filing of guardianship cases which can be statutorily complex for pro se clients, and costly when legal representation is sought.
Past Recipients:
2022 - Magistrate Joanie Raymond
2021 - Hon. Pamila Brown, Maryland District Court
2020 - Hon. Cathy Serrette, Circuit Court for Prince George's County
2019 - Immigration Judge Denise N. Slavin & Immigration Judge Lisa Dornell
2017 - Hon. Mark F. Scurti
2008 - Hon. Julia B. Weatherly
2007 - Judge Karen A. Murphy Jensen
2006 - Judges of the Carroll County Circuit Court
2002 - Hon. William D. Missouri
2001 - Judges of U.S. Bank. Court for the District of MD
2000 - Judge Deborah S. Byrnes
1998 - Circuit Court for Baltimore County
1997 - Hon. William O. Carr
1996 - Hon. J. Frederick Sharer
1993 - Hon. Alan J. Karlin
1992 - Hon. Robert B. Watts
This award is presented to a judge who has contributed to the overall pro bono effort by encouraging participation among lawyers or increasing access to the judicial system for legal services for low-income clients.
Gordon Feinblatt is the recipient of this year's Law Firm Award.
Gordon Feinblatt is an integral part of MVLS’s program, offering legal assistance to clients in Baltimore City and closely surrounding areas. MVLS states that would not be able to meet the demand for legal services without them.
Attorneys at the firm have been taking cases through MVLS since 1990. Assisting 428 clients with their legal matters. 57 attorneys from the firm are on MVLS’s volunteer panel. These cases include guardianships, name changes, deed changes, tax sale, expungement, civil rights, estate planning, & assisting other non-profits with their contracts.
Past Recipients:
2023 - Cristine Evans LoVetro, LLC
2022 - Baldwin, Briscoe & Steinmetz
2021 - Frost & Associates LLC
2020 - Law Offices of Michael Connolly
2019 - Mulinazzi Law Office
2018 - Santoni, Vocci, & Ortega, LLP
2017 - Saul Ewing, LLP
2016 - Pamela West, Solo Practitioner
2015 - Seth Rosenthal
2014 - Lawyer by the Bay
2013 - Tara Shoemaker & Associates
2011 - Love, Fleming & Bearsch, LLC
2010 - Kirkland & Ellis, LLP
2009 - Jenning & Treff
2006 - Bregman, Berbert, Schwartz & Gilday; Saul Ewing, LLP
2005 - Hodes, Ulman, Pessin & Katz,
2004 - King & Spalding LLP
2003 - Ballard Spahr; Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP
2002 - DLA Piper Rudnick, LLP
2001 - Howrey, Simon, Arnold & White, LLP
2000 - Hogan and Hartson, LLP
1999 - Whiteford, Taylor & Preston
1998 - Stark & Keenan, P.A.
1997 - Armitage & Armitage
1995 - Goldstein & Baron
1994 - Gallagher, Evelius & Jones
1993 - Brown, Goldstein & Levy
1992 - Hogan & Hartson
1991 - Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker
This award is presented to an individual, group, firm, or ad hoc group that has initiated a special project that enhances the delivery of legal services for low-income persons.
The recipient of this year's Herbert S. Garten Special Project Award is Covington & Burling.
Covington & Burling is this year’s recipient of the Herbert S. Garten Special Project Award because of their impactful pro bono work in drafting Qualified Domestic Relation Orders (QDROs) for Maryland Legal Aid (MDLAB) clients since 2012.
Their commitment includes 720.6 pro bono hours valued at $534,138, assisting 2 to 3 clients yearly with equitable pension and retirement asset distribution, particularly aiding domestic violence survivors and low-income families. This effort addresses a critical need, as QDROs are complex legal documents crucial for financial stability post-divorce and ensuring access to vital retirement benefits.
Past Recipients:
2023 - The Office of Economic Development and Community Partnerships at Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Health System
2022 - Latino Racial Justice Circle
2021 - N'neka N'namdi, Fight Blight Bmore
2020 - Annapolis Immigration Justice Network (AIJN)
2018 - Maryland Juvenile Lifer Parole Representation Project
2016 - Life for Lifers
2015 - MSBA Elder Law & Disability Rights Section
2014 - Wicomico County Bar Association Law School for the Public
2012 - Anne Arundel County Homeless Resource Day
2011 - Leigh Maddox and the JustAdvice Team; DAP-Debtor Assistance Project
2010 - Joan Bellistri; O’Melveny & Myers LLP
2009 - Pro Bono Family Law Clinic – Barbara Jorgenson and the law firm of Joseph, Greenwald and Laake, P.A.
2008 - Hogan & Hartson LLP; Baltimore County DSS - Kinship Care Resource Manual
2007 - Legal Aid Ministry of Baltimore; Miles & Stockbridge PC Domestic Violence Pro Bono Program
2006 - Reese & Carney LLP
2005 - Project HEAL
2001 - Stanley S. Herr
1999 - MICPEL
1998 - Venable, Baetjer & Howard Tax Section Clinic
1997 - AIDS Housing Project - Weinberg & Green, LLC & Law Office of Matthew Ruble
1996 - Legal Forms Helpline - Women’s Law Center
1995 - Pro Bono Earned Income Credit Project (MSBA Section on Tax); MVLS
1993 - Women's Law Center's Family Law Hotline
1992 - Public Justice Center's Tenant Advocacy Project
This award is presented to any public agency or private corporate department which incorporates pro bono legal services to the poor into its general practice will be eligible for this award.
The recipient of this year's Government or Corporate Legal Department Award is Exelon and BGE.
The BGE and Exelon's contribution of over $15,000 in funding, along with the mobilization of more than 30 attorneys and support staff to host an outdoor expungement clinic with MLA in October 2021 was the genesis of an ever-expanding pro bono effort.
The BGE and Exelon's contribution of over $15,000 in funding, along with the mobilization of more than 30 attorneys and support staff to host an outdoor expungement clinic with MLA in October 2021 was the genesis of an ever-expanding pro bono effort. This initiative was particularly vital as pandemic-related restrictions limited indoor service provisions. The West Baltimore clinic served 130 clients and generated 199 petitions for expungement, highlighting the tangible impact of the partnership. In 2023 the clinic found a long-term home at Touchpoint Baltimore, a job resource facility that offers community engagement, legal services provision, and pro bono support, facilitating comprehensive wraparound services aimed at enhancing employment opportunities. To date, the project has empowered 498 clients.
Past Recipients:
2021 - Baltimore City Law Department
2020 - Association of Corporate Counsel: Baltimore Chapter
2018 - Paul D. Ackerman, Esq. of Exelon
2017 - Sandy Brewer, Law Librarian Howard County Circuit Court
2015 - Robert Anbinder
2012 - Elva Tillman
2011 - Janet Hart, Esq.
2010 - Robert C. Cain, III
2007 - State of Maryland – Office of the Public Defender
2004 - Maryland Attorney General’s Office
2002 - Somerset County Welfare to Work Program
1992 - Office of the Public Defender for Montgomery County
1991 - Office of the Attorney General
This award recognizes organizations providing non-legal services which have made a substantial contribution toward the delivery of pro bono legal services to low-income clients.
Katherine Jakuta is this year's recipient of the Non-Legal or Organizational Involvement Award.
During both her primary position at the Southeast CDC and her volunteer positions with PBRC’s Maryland Immigrant Legal Assistance Project, Latino Racial Justice Circle, and the Latino Providers Network, Katherine Jakuta has dedicated much of her life to build a path for immigrants in need in Baltimore. She volunteers as an interpreter for individuals and families facing deportation, is raising money for educational opportunities for immigrant students and to pay for legal defense counsel and serves on several boards to further access to legal and other resources for immigrants.
Past Recipients:
2023 - Gavi Franco
2022 - Arlene Grove, Wash-Balto Tax Prep
2021 - Helping Up Mission
2020 - Maryland State Association of Accountants and Tax Professionals
2018 - Maryland Faith Health Network as part of the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative
2017 - Scott Mahler Wicomico County Public Library
2015 - Law Career Development Office of University of Baltimore
2010 - Carla Reeves
2009 - Priority Process Servers; Michael Daigneault
2008 - Prince George’s County Bar Association; Winifred C. Borden
2007 - E. Duane Smith
2004 - Cathy Miller
2001 - Family Services Program – Administrative Offices of the Courts
2000 - Michael Daigneault of Priority Process
1999 - Beverly Mondin Vander Haar
1998 - Salomon Reporting Service
1997 - Art Miller & Associates
1996 - Margaret Kahlor, Rent Court Video; Joe Dishman, At Your Service Process Service
1995 - MD Hispanic Bar Association
1994 - Mid-Shore Council on Family Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy Program
1993 - The Daily Record
1992 - TCI Cablevision of Annapolis video production of "Victims No More: Emergency Relief in MD Courts for Victims of Domestic Violence"
1991 - Mead Data Central's Pro Bono Partnership
This category includes all pro bono provider programs, legal services programs with pro bono components, and groups coordinated to deliver pro bono legal services to indigent clients.
This year's recipient is the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights.
The Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (formerly Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights or CAIR Coalition) represents those in detention and deportation proceedings collaborating with over 70 law firms, corporate legal departments, and law school clinics to expand access to legal representation in the Capital region. The program offers thousands of hours of pro bono legal assistance, covering a range of cases, from asylum to green card defense. The program includes mentorship and ensures continuous support for pro bono attorneys throughout the case process, enhancing their capacity to serve immigrants in detention.
In 2023 alone, Amica Center facilitated 98 cases with pro bono partners. All told, attorney volunteers have donated over 160,000 hours of pro bono service.
Past Recipients:
2023 - Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) Family Separation Response Team
2022 - Child Justice
2021 - Latino Legal Access Program
2017 - Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
2016 - Catholic Charities of Baltimore Immigration Legal Services, Esperanza Center
2015 - Pro Bono Committee of Baltimore County Bar Association
2014 - Montgomery County Bar Foundation Pro Bono Program
2013 - Allegany Law Foundation
2008 - Jewish Legal Services
2007 - Mid Shore Pro Bono Project
2005 - Community Law Center, Inc.; Civil Justice Network, Inc.
2004 - Trial Lawyers Care
2003 - Latino Legal Access Project – The Law Foundation of Prince George’s County, Inc.
2002 - Women’s Law Center of MD
2001 - University of Baltimore School of Law Clinical Programs
2000 - The Law Foundation of Prince George’s County, Inc.
1998 - Bruce David Blum Family Law Clinic
1996 - House of Ruth Domestic Violence Legal Clinic
1995 - Harford County Bar Foundation
1994 - Bar Association of Baltimore City Legal Services to the Elderly Program
1993 - Wicomico County Bar Association
1992 - Charles County Bar Association Pro Bono Program
1991 - Homeless Persons Representation Project
Know of a local lawyer, firm or member of the judiciary who shows a strong commitment to pro bono service?
Each year, the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, as the pro bono arm of the Maryland State Bar Association, recognizes members of the legal community who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to pro bono service for those in need through the Maryland Pro Bono Service Awards. This year, PBRC plans to recognize award recipients during MSBA’s Legal Summit and Annual Meeting.
Visit the link here to nominate an exceptional individual or program for one of eleven award categories. Nominations for the 2025 awards selection are accepted on a rolling basis.