
Misty Connors
Attorney Misty Connors, volunteer at Legal Aid of Western Ohio, was recognized with the Presidential Award for her ethical and moral dedication to improve access to justice in Ohio.
Presidential Award
The Presidential Award for Pro Bono Service recognizes individuals, law firms, or organizations that have made outstanding efforts to improve access to justice in Ohio.
2023 Recipient
Misty Connors
Attorney Misty Connors, volunteer with Legal Aid of Western Ohio, was recognized with the Presidential Award for her sustained commitment to access to justice and her remarkable service to more than 160 low-income rural Ohioans and their families.
2022 – Judge Andrew Logan
2021 – Janica Pierce Tucker
2020 – Gerry Greene
2019 – Robert Curry
2018 – Judge Luann Cooperrider and Judge Dean Wilson
2017 – John P. Gilligan
2016 – Paul D. Hancock
2015 – Judge Colleen A. Falkowski
2014 – GE Aviation Legal Organization
2013 – Bricker & Eckler LLP
2012 – Ohio State Bar Association
2011 – The Honorable Mary Jane Trapp
2010 – Laurie J. Pangle

B. Janelle Butler Phifer
B. Janelle Butler Phifer, staff attorney at the Legal Aid of Western Ohio, was recognized with the Denis J. Murphy Award for her exemplary leadership, advocacy and commitment to justice for Northwest Ohioans.
Murphy Award
The Denis Murphy Award honors the Foundation’s founding president, and recognizes outstanding leadership within Ohio’s legal aids.
2022 Recipient
B. Janelle Butler Phifer
B. Janelle Butler Phifer, staff attorney at the Legal Aid of Western Ohio, was recognized with the Denis J. Murphy Award for her exemplary leadership, advocacy and commitment to justice for Northwest Ohioans.
2021– Miriam Sheline – Pro Seniors
2020 – Ann McGowan Porath –The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
2019 – John Schrider – The Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio
2018 – Pamela Hayman-Weaner and Gary Weston – Legal Aid of Western Ohio
2017 – Tom Bedall – Pro Seniors
2016 – Elaine E. Fink – Legal Aid of Greater Cincinnati’s Children and Education Practice Group
2015 – Rhonda Moore – Pro Seniors, Ellis Jacobs – Advocates for Basic Legal Equality
2014 – Marie B. Curry – Community Legal Aid
2013 – Helenka Marculewicz – Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project
2012 – Peter Iskin – The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
2010 – David Dawson – The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland

Senator Matt Dolan
Sen. Matt Dolan was recognized with the Voice of Justice Award for his contributions to the timely and effective distribution of federal funds to ensure Ohioans had access to critical financial resources during the pandemic.
Voice of Justice Award
The Voice of Justice Award recognizes outstanding leadership and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable Ohioans.
2023 Recipient
Senator Matt Dolan
Sen. Matt Dolan was recognized with the Voice of Justice Award for his contributions to the timely and effective distribution of federal funds to ensure Ohioans had access to critical financial resources during the pandemic.
2022 – Sen. Nathan Manning
2019 – Rep. Dave Greenspa
2017 – Scott Oelslager
2015 – Kirk Schuring