The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Judge Mary Jane Trapp on April 24.
On May 13, the Foundation posthumously awarded Judge Trapp the John C. and Ginny Elam Pro Bono Award. The Foundation recently took over stewardship of the Elam Award, a recognition that honors an attorney who selflessly donates their time and talent to pro bono causes and the community.
“Judge Trapp leaves behind a legacy of service,” said Foundation Board Member Ann Bergen, who presented the Elam Award at the Ohio State Bar Association’s Council of Delegates and Annual Meeting. Muffy Parsons, Judge Trapp’s friend of many years, accepted the Elam Award on Judge Trapp’s behalf.
Judge Trapp was an accomplished attorney and an esteemed jurist. She is past president of the Ohio State Bar Association and served on nine Supreme Court of Ohio commissions, committees, and task forces. Her extraordinary commitment to her community, specifically to legal aid and pro bono service, earned her the 2025 Elam Award.
Mary Jane Trapp first became involved with The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland more than 40 years ago when she was a young attorney fresh out of law school who eagerly volunteered to take cases pro bono. She would remain committed to The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland throughout her career, eventually serving on the Board of Directors.
In 2008, when the foreclosure crisis hit, Judge Trapp was on the bench and worked quickly to mobilize volunteer attorneys to help homeowners at risk of losing their homes. She worked with judges across the state to determine how the courts could support pro bono attorneys and ensure access to justice for all clients.
In their Elam Award nomination, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland pointed out that Judge Trapp’s work shaped how courts approach foreclosures. Many of the processes that she helped create are still in place today.
More recently, before she passed, Judge Trapp focused on supporting Ohioans in Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula Counties. She helped plan several ongoing legal clinics and encouraged attorneys to volunteer and become active with legal aid. She attended numerous clinics to mentor new volunteers and to thank attorneys for their service.
“Judge Trapp’s contributions to advancing volunteerism and to the legal community cannot be overstated,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director Angie Lloyd. “She was an exceptional person and will be deeply missed.”
The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation annually presents the Denis Murphy, Elam, Presidential, Rising Star, and Voice of Justice awards to outstanding leaders. Learn more about the Foundation’s awards.