2025 Recipient
Judge Mary Jane Trapp
Judge Trapp was recognized with the Elam Award for her dedication to pro bono throughout her career, including volunteering for legal aid, planning and promoting pro bono activities during the foreclosure crisis, and teaching CLEs highlighting pro bono.
Elam Award
The John and Ginny Elam Award is given annually to one attorney who selflessly donates their time and talent to pro bono causes.
2025 Recipient
Thompson Hine
Thompson Hine Dayton was recognized with the Presidential Award for their ongoing commitment to providing pro bono legal assistance to low-income Daytonians facing complex landlord-tenant issues.
Presidential Award
The Presidential Award is presented to individuals, law firms, or organizations that have made outstanding efforts to improve access to justice.
2025 Recipient
Jesse Moses
Jesse Moses, attorney at Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, was recognized with the Rising Star Award for his leadership in the local legal aid office and his advocacy and leadership in the New Philadelphia community.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes an attorney in civil legal services whose career reflects exceptional growth.
2024 Recipient
Mike Walters
Mike Walters, managing attorney of the Legal Helpline at Pro Seniors, was recognized with the Denis J. Murphy Award for his leadership and dedication to assisting older adults facing civil legal issues, personally helping over 20,000 callers throughout his career.
Murphy Award
The Denis J. Murphy Award recognizes outstanding leadership and advocacy within Ohio’s legal aids.
2025 Recipient
Matt Damschroder
Matt Damschroder, director of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, was recognized with the Voice of Justice Award for spearheading innovations that have improved the agency’s services to low-income Ohioans.