Nina Crist, Esq. recognized with Judge Robert M. Bell Maryland Pro Bono Service Award

Mid-Shore Pro Bono volunteer family law attorney Nina Crist, Esq. of Royal Oak, Md. has been recognized for exemplary pro bono service as the recipient of the 2023 Judge Robert M. Bell Maryland Pro Bono Service Award. Crist is the proprietor of the Law Office of Nina M. Crist, LLC in Easton, Md.

This award symbolizes recognition and appreciation of the recipient’s commitment and dedication to the legal profession and for helping to ensure equal access to justice through pro bono services.

“Nina is one of our most dedicated volunteers and we are thrilled for this meaningful recognition of her pro bono work,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director Meredith Lathbury-Girard, Esq. “Her compassionate approach with our clients has a profound impact on the lives of the people we serve and helps to ensure equal access to justice on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.”

Crist provides family law consultations and serves as a Judicare attorney with Mid-Shore Pro Bono. She has served with MSPB for more than eight years, representing individuals in more than 3,500 pro bono civil cases, and donating nearly 8,700 hours of her time.

“Nina’s dedication translates to nearly $2.2 Million in pro bono services provided to ensure people with financial barriers have the legal resources they need,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Legal Director Laura Chafey, Esq. “This state-wide recognition is well deserved for Nina, and serves as an important reminder of the impact our 200 volunteer attorneys make through their work with Mid-Shore Pro Bono.”

The award was presented to Crist at the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland’s 24th Annual Partners for Justice Conference held at the Baltimore Convention Center on May 25. The annual conference is a gathering of legal services program staff, the public and private bar, members of the judiciary, elected officials, and others working together to improve access to justice. Crist will also be recognized at the Maryland State Bar Association Legal Summit in Ocean City taking place June 7-9.

“Nina’s contribution has truly been exemplary, and we are thrilled to recognize her service publicly and in this meaningful way,” said Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland Executive Director Sharon Goldsmith, Esq. “We are grateful for Nina’s commitment and dedication to the legal profession and for helping to ensure equal access to justice.”

Mid-Shore Pro Bono delivers a mission of helping Maryland’s Eastern Shore residents obtain access to legal assistance for civil matters through a network of volunteers and offices in Easton and Salisbury. More information, including online intake forms for services, can be found at www.midshoreprobono.org.