Join Us For The Access to Justice Awards: Friday, June 20, 2025

Each year Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO), Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE), and the Toledo Bar Association (TBA) host the Access to Justice Awards Ceremony to recognize extraordinary service in the public interest and community advocacy. Individuals and organizations in northwest Ohio are honored for their outstanding contributions to promoting and providing access to justice for underprivileged and underserved people.

This year's event has a new format and time. The Access to Justice Awards is scheduled for Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Pinnacle in Maumee from 8-9:30 a.m. This year's event will be a breakfast and not a dinner as in previous years.

We are currently seeking nominations for the Public Interest Law Award and the Community Service Award. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, April 25, 2025. You can access the online nomination form below or request a copy of the form by contacting Carmen Vega-Perez at cvega@ablelaw.org or (419) 930-2515.

Nominate Your Access to Justice Champions Today!

Nominee's Name:

Title/Position

Organization/Firm

Nominee's phone:

Nominee's email:

Your Name:

Your phone:

Your email:

Public Interest Law Award - Consistent commitment over time and the pro bono nature of the work are considered for this award.

1. Describe how the individual or firm you are nominating represents or has represented clients who are persons of color or have a disability, or are disadvantaged.

2. Please describe how the individual or firm you are nominating has made a significant or lasting benefit to the clients represented.

3. Describe the urgency, difficulty, or novelty, along with the impact of the work provided.

Community Advocacy Award - This award recognizes advocacy and community organizing, rather than direct services.

1. Describe the grassroots organizing, public education, or community advocacy performed by the individual or organization you are nominating.

2. How does this work benefit low-income, disadvantaged persons, or communities?

Please upload any supporting documents below. Thank you.

File 1:

File 2:

If your passion is equal justice, we invite you to join us on June 20. The Access to Justice Awards Breakfast provides a unique experience to learn more about ABLE, LAWO, and the TBA Pro Bono Legal Services Program through our client stories and testimonials that illustrate how donor gifts make a difference.

2025 Access to Justice Awards Co-Chairs and Steering Committee

Mark S. Barnes
Bugbee & Conkle, LLP

David J. Coyle
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

Reginald S. Jackson
Eastman & Smith, LTD.

Bradley J. Lagusch
TBA

Makiedah Messam
ABLE

Kevin C. Mulder
LAWO

Stephen L. Scharf
O-I Glass, Inc.

Michelle Tussing
TBA

Carmen Vega-Pérez
ABLE

Rebecca L. West-Estell
Lucas County Children Services

Join Us For The Access to Justice Awards: Friday, June 20, 2025

Nominate Your Access to Justice Champions Today!

2025 Access to Justice Awards Co-Chairs and Steering Committee

DO YOU NEED LEGAL HELP?

Click to APPLY FOR LEGAL HELP/SOLICITAR AYUDA LEGAL

Join Us For The Access to Justice Awards: Friday, June 20, 2025

Nominate Your Access to Justice Champions Today!

2025 Access to Justice Awards Co-Chairs and Steering Committee

DO YOU NEED LEGAL HELP?

Click to APPLY FOR LEGAL HELP/​SOLICITAR AYUDA LEGAL

Click to APPLY FOR LEGAL HELP/SOLICITAR AYUDA LEGAL