In October, Shore Legal Access joined in National Celebration of Pro Bono Week to acknowledge the incredible contributions of its volunteer attorneys. Shore Legal Access relies on volunteers to represent people with limited means in court, prepare documents, and provide legal counseling and advice. With an attorney in their corner, clients can stand a little taller, breathe easier, and get better outcomes in their case.
The feedback we receive from our clients and partners says it all. A local circuit court judge wrote, “We on the bench are so grateful for your volunteers.” One client said, “Because of my financial situation, I never felt that anyone would give my case attention, but my attorney through Shore Legal Access gave 100%.” Another wrote, “My attorney through Shore Legal Access was able to support me during a hard time. I can’t thank you enough. I felt like my attorney was a voice for me and stood up for me.”
Because of volunteer attorneys, Shore Legal Access’ clients feel seen and heard, and always have better outcomes with representation.
Legal representation shouldn’t be reserved only for those who can afford it.
We are thrilled to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of the following outstanding volunteer attorneys:
Volunteer of the Year for Criminal Record Expungement
Kristin Gilbert, Esq.
Although relatively new to volunteering her time and expertise to SLA’s clients, Kristin Gilbert has already made an impact expanding access to criminal record expungement to the Lower Shore. Each month at SLA’s Criminal Record Expungement clinics, in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties, Kristin has been a steady hand guiding clients through the ins-and-outs of the expungement process. Kristin has kept current with the recent change in the law which shortens expungement wait times for certain cases and has handled the resulting increase in clients on the Lower Shore seeking expungement with professionalism and confidence. Expungement petitions require a lot of work on the attorney’s part that the client doesn’t see. On top of the hours she spends researching cases and preparing petitions, Kristin has volunteered her time to give a presentation on expungements at SLA’s upcoming Know Your Rights program November 8 at the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library.
Volunteer of the Year for Family Law
Stephanie Hambleton, Esq.
Stephanie Hambleton does not give up on a client. She will pursue the best outcome for them no matter how long it takes. This was made clear in the multi-year pro bono custody case she successfully concluded this spring which resulted in the court awarding to her client full custody of her daughter. Stephanie shows unusual care and attention to her clients’ situations, works hard to meet their needs, and always treats them with the dignity they deserve. SLA’s Family Law staff admire Stephanie for her willingness to take on new cases, her thorough preparation, and the way she fights for her clients.
Volunteer of the Year for Housing
Cathleen Massey, Esq.
Cathleen Massey retired from a successful career in telecommunications and government affairs and became a volunteer attorney for Shore Legal Access in 2021, during the height of the pandemic. When she reached out to Shore Legal Access, there was a desperate need for volunteers to help with rent court to meet the spike in calls from tenants needing assistance. Cathy masked up and assisted with one of our most challenging dockets. She went above and beyond for every tenant – helping them to obtain rental assistance, following up to make sure that the tenant had the resources they needed – food, help with utilities, all of the things. Cathy also helped to train other volunteers and even new staff – she created a rent court guidebook that we are still using. Cathy was on the ground floor of a bigger movement towards right to tenant counsel – and her work to help Shore Legal Access establish the program it has today – with attorneys in district court for the rent court docket every week in 8 counties.
Volunteer of the Year for Life Planning
Judith Showalter, Esq.
Ask around about Judith Showalter’s pro bono work for SLA and one trait becomes clear: her amazing dedication to her clients’ best interests at their most difficult times. She won’t think twice before running to the side of a client, whether at a hospital, a hospice, or their home, to ensure that their documents are completed and their loved ones are taken care of. Judith is esteemed by staff and clients alike for the respect with which she treats everyone she encounters at the pro bono Life Planning clinics she handles each month in Caroline, Talbot, and Wicomico Counties. Clients find Judith approachable, compassionate, and deeply knowledgeable about the field; they know from the start that they are in good hands. Judith’s devotion to giving her clients the best service is evident in the time she takes to attend trainings and in her staying current on the latest developments in the law. As an enthusiastic advocate for the Life Planning program, Judith is always willing to give public presentations to raise awareness for the importance of having one’s will, power of attorney, and medical directive prepared by a legal professional.
Hon. Karen Murphy Jensen Award for
Pro Bono Service and Mentorship
Donna McElroy, Esq.
Donna McElroy, Esq. was one of Shore Legal Access’ earliest volunteer attorneys from the Lower Shore. She came in weekly to give advice to family law clients. She takes on some of the most difficult and contentious cases because she truly cares about families and children. She knows that representation is essential to making sure that each party’s voice is heard so that families can resolve their matters, move on, and heal. She recently represented a Shore Legal Access client in a very difficult divorce/custody case – it was a protracted and emotionally charged situation with potentially dire consequences for the client, who was in a terrible financial situation and raising a young child. Because of Donna’s persistence and seasoned advocacy, this client obtained one of the largest marital settlements we have seen.
Donna’s generosity knows no bounds. She volunteers at the District Court Self-Help Center in Salisbury, Wills for Heroes, and is active on the Lower Shore Pro Bono Committee. She also serves as a panel attorney for the Office of the Public Defender.
What makes Donna even more extraordinary and rare is her commitment to mentorship. Mentoring others while managing a law practice is a tremendous challenge. Yet, Donna has dedicated her time to educating others about the framework of the law, inviting newer attorneys to shadow her at clinics and at court, and earlier this year helped Shore Legal Access launch its Family Law mentorship program. She hosts monthly family law Zoom calls for newer attorneys and those seeking to deepen their knowledge of family law. What many folks may not know about her is that Donna came to the law later on in her life, after teaching in Baltimore County Schools for many years and raising her four sons. She joined the Maryland Bar in 2001.
