PBRC is excited to honor an incredible group of lawyers, advocates, and organizations. The 2025 winners helped in a wide range of case areas, from family law, consumer rights, 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.
Devin Luqman, Esq. and Derek Van De Walle, Esq. were identified as the two recipients of this year's Alex Fee YLS Memorial recipient.
Devin Luqman is an immigration attorney in Frederick County. He opened his law office, Luqman Law, in 2018. Since then, Devin has established himself in the Frederick Community as the attorney to go to for any immigration need, regardless of how much money you may have. As a child of immigrants, Devin understands the lack of humanity the individuals who come into his office have faced in this country and works tirelessly to protect them and ensure their permanent status here in the US.
Derek is a tireless advocate in providing pro bono services despite the fact that he is already incredibly busy handling high profile cases with the Law Department, managing the Department's summer clerk program, and being very active in the Bar Association. Derek’s pro bono efforts span consumer law, estate planning, landlord-tenant disputes, immigration, and criminal expungement, by providing legal counsel and representation that would otherwise be inaccessible to those in need.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Rehana Wiseman
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 Sheereen Middleton, Esq.
Sheereen Middleton has been a volunteer with MVLS for 11 years. Balancing her solo practice and pro bono work, she has accepted 6 cases per year in either bankruptcy cases or wills and estates. Ms. Middleton is so dedicated to her clients through MVLS that even when she could have taken maternity leave, she saw her MVLS cases through to the end. This is the kind of dedication that clients deserve and Sheereen Middleton is an excellent example of that. MVLS clients are better off because of attorneys like Sheereen Middleton.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Jane Santoni
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 Lydia Isabel Bobes, Esq.
Lydia Isabel Bobes is a dedicated advocate for immigrant communities through her extraordinary pro bono work. In 2016, she returned to the practice of law to assist immigrants, focusing on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases. Alongside collaborating with organizations like the Esperanza Center, she independently takes on pro bono cases, earning deep trust and goodwill within her community. Despite not having a full-time law practice, Lydia’s reputation has made her a go-to resource for those in need.
In addition to her legal contributions, Lydia actively participates in community outreach to support immigrants while balancing her role as a piano accompanist for ballet classes. Her unwavering dedication, compassion, and impact exemplify selflessness and service, making her an outstanding candidate for this recognition.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Kristin Franceschi
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.
William (Bill) Kiniry III, Esq. and Sheila Stewart, Esq. are the two recipients of the Distinguished Pro Bono Volunteer Award.
Since 2012, Bill’s commitment to pro bono has been steadfast. He has been a leader with the Wills for Heroes program, providing estate planning for first responders and medical personnel during the pandemic as well as estate planning for nearly 100 Baltimore residents. He is a leader in the State Bar, having co-chaired the Pro Bono Committee of the Young Lawyers’ Section. Most recently, Bill has focused on expanding access to justice to all Marylanders, serving as a Commissioner on the Maryland Access to Justice Commission and driving the firm’s pro bono legal support to the Commission. In addition, he regularly participates in clinics to support Maryland artists, as well as special education and name change matters for vulnerable Marylanders. He engages in nationwide pro bono efforts too, including impact litigations addressing jail conditions and special education needs. Bill is an invaluable member of our Baltimore office and the community.
Sheila Stewart provides critical access to legal defense for underserved populations in Maryland. The key aspects of her contribution include: Diligence in preparing and presenting cases; Professionalism in adhering to legal standards and ethical responsibilities; and Zealous advocacy for her clients, demonstration a strong commitment to defending their rights and interests.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Robert McGarrah
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 Timothy Mulligan, Esq.
For the past seven years, Timothy (Tim) has volunteered with three immigration charities for providing legal representation to dozens of undocumented people. In many of the past seven years Tim has devoted over 700 hours to those clients. His work thus far has resulted in 20 immigrants obtaining legal status and 25 immigrants being paroled into the U.S.
In addition, for the past five years, Tim has volunteered with the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection giving legal advice and leading investigation into scam PACS, vulnerable adult and elder scams and scam contractors. He has spent at least 150 hours and as much as 550 hours per year on OCP matters. His work has helped convict a scam PAC operator, deny a bankruptcy discharge to a scam contractor and traced funds scammed from an elderly woman to the banks in Canada where they were deposited.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Edward Wender
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 magistrate 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 Michael Siri.
Throughout his career, Judge Siri has championed pro bono service not only by committing numerous hours of his own time but by tirelessly working to provide opportunities for others to do the same. When he joined the bench in 2019, he did so out of a desire to put his energies where they can be most useful. Since joining the bench, Judge Siri has been one of the most supportive and outspoken advocates for Access to Counsel in Evictions legal services providers. It is in part due to his advocacy and creative thinking about how to help the programs run smoothly not just in Baltimore County but throughout the state that thousands of low-income tenants have gained access to counsel for their eviction-related cases.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Judge Amy Lorenzini
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 recognizes innovative approaches to the delivery of free legal services and the encouragement of participation by the greatest number of attorneys relative to that firm's size. Small, medium, and large firms will be evaluated by the level of commitment to pro bono service within the firm.
Gibson Dunn is the recipient of this year's Law Firm Award.
Gibson Dunn is committed to utilizing its pro bono practice to expand access to justice, with a particular emphasis on representing veterans, supporting low-income individuals and communities, protecting constitutional rights, fighting for a fairer criminal justice system, and working toward justice for women and girls. In 2024 alone, the Firm devoted more than 206,000 hours valued at more than $251 million—both high-water marks for the Firm—to pro bono efforts across a wide range of issue areas. More than 2,000 attorneys participated in pro bono work, with an average of 106 pro bono hours per attorney in the United States. Through these efforts, the Firm sought to ensure that all people, regardless of their income level, could access zealous legal representation and vindicate their rights through the courts.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Gordon Feinblatt
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 Gupta Wessler LLP.
Gupta Wessler LLP is this year’s recipient of the Herbert S. Garten Special Project Award for their litigation challenging the constitutionality of Baltimore City’s annual property tax sale system.
Gupta Wessler LLP, a national appellate and complex litigation boutique, has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to pro bono service through its partnership with Maryland Legal Aid. Despite being a firm of just nine attorneys, Gupta Wessler has devoted over 200 hours of pro bono assistance to challenging the constitutionality of Baltimore City’s annual tax sale process.
This litigation—brought in federal court in July 2024—raises novel constitutional questions under the Fifth Amendment’s “just compensation” clause, building on the Supreme Court’s decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County. Gupta Wessler’s nationally recognized constitutional law expertise ensures low-income Baltimore property owners the highest level of advocacy against unjust government takings.
Without a pro bono partner like Gupta Wessler, litigation of this magnitude and complexity would be virtually impossible for legal aid providers. Gupta Wessler’s dedication to the public interest and systemic impact litigation makes it highly deserving of this recognition.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Covington & Burling
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 recognizes organizations providing non-legal services which have made a substantial contribution toward the delivery of pro bono legal services to low-income clients.
Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) is this year's recipient of the Non-Legal or Organizational Involvement Award.
Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) supports communities and economies by training low-income adults and workers in the skills they need in manufacturing to earn a living wage. JARC works closely with MVLS through their workforce development project under our criminal record relief program. With JARC, MVLS has been able to put on clinics, hold seminars, and work with students in their program to remove legal barriers that that would otherwise eliminate the chances of the students securing stable employment. Because of their work with MVLS, many more people are able to receive legal help they need to have fresh starts and secure employment for a better life.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Katherine Jakuta
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 Catholic Charities DC Immigration Legal Services.
Since 2007, Catholic Charities DC Immigration Legal Services (ILS) Pro Bono Program has been a lifeline for thousands of low-income individuals navigating complex immigration legal matters. From family-based petitions to humanitarian cases, we have matched clients with dedicated pro bono attorneys, ensuring crucial legal representation. In 2024 alone, the program successfully secured representation for 183 Marylanders and achieved 82 victories. The five experienced attorneys here extend their expertise by mentoring nearly 250 active cases for attorneys at over 60 organizations across the DMV. Additionally, we host vital immigration law trainings that reached 1,253 practitioners in 2024, significantly enhancing the capacity of local attorneys to assist clients in need. Through these efforts, the ILS Pro Bono Program has profoundly impacted the lives of countless Marylanders, offering them access to justice and legal support. This commitment continues to strengthen the community and provide hope for vulnerable families seeking a brighter future.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Amica Center for Immigrant Rights
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
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.
There was no recipient of this award in 2025.
Past Recipients:
2024 - Exelon and BGE
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
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 2026 awards selection will be accepted until Friday, March 16, 2026.