COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sept. 18, 2025) – Attorney Maria A. Smith is the 2025 recipient of the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Denis J. Murphy Award. The Foundation presents the Murphy Award annually to recognize outstanding leadership and advocacy within Ohio’s legal aids.
Throughout her 40-year career at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Smith has passionately advocated for ensuring that Ohioans have access to and can maintain safe, affordable housing.
“Maria has an unwavering commitment to justice and a steadfast dedication to securing the best outcome for her clients,” said Ann Bergen, an Ohio Access to Justice Foundation board member and former board president of The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
Maria’s work has achieved positive results for clients and established precedents that have impacted many others. In 2019, she and her colleagues convinced the Eighth District Court of Appeals of Ohio that a three-day notice to vacate a property must include the name of the plaintiff-landlord. Since then, hundreds of tenants have been saved from eviction when landlords failed to comply with the Eighth District’s DeCarlo holding.
A word commonly used to describe Maria’s approach is “creative.” Her deeply networked connections with organizations throughout the city, combined with her collaborative and inclusive working style, have made her a sought-after partner. She is passionate about preventing homelessness and smoothing the path for people re-entering the community after incarceration, and she welcomes the contributions of others working toward the same goals.
“Maria’s exceptional commitment and leadership within The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland has been instrumental in helping Ohioans secure access to justice,” said Foundation Executive Director Angie Lloyd. “We’re thrilled to honor her with the Denis J. Murphy Award.”
Learn more about The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland at lasclev.org.
The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation ensures that Ohioans who are low-income or who lack access can fully and fairly participate in civil systems that produce just outcomes. Established in 1994, the Foundation funds Ohio’s legal aids and other access to justice initiatives through the IOLTA/IOTA program, a civil filing fee surcharge, and donations. Through the Foundation’s work, Ohioans have access to legal help, information, and representation, which ensures fairness for all in the justice system.