On Thursday, October 23, Shore Legal Access held its annual Volunteer Attorney Appreciation event at Legal Assets in Easton as part of the annual National Celebration of Pro Bono week. Two attorneys were honored for their dedication to providing free legal services to clients who can’t afford an attorney, while four staff members were recognized for their continued years of service to Shore Legal Access and the community.
“Volunteer attorneys are the heart and soul of what we do. In the last year, our extraordinary network of volunteer attorneys donated 7,375 hours of free legal services—worth more than $1.8 million. With their generosity of time, we are able to more nimbly and positively support the communities we serve,” said Shore Legal Access’ Executive Director Meredith Lathbury Girard, Esq.
“Michelle’s versatility in law and experience in navigating complex cases make her an excellent partner for the Shore Legal Access team,” said Girard. “We are deeply grateful for her dedication to providing pro bono services and supporting our clients.”
David Honick, Esq. was named Volunteer Attorney of the Year for Extraordinary Pro Bono Service in Life and Estate Planning. He can most often be found at SLA’s monthly life planning clinic in Salisbury, helping clients untangle property and probate challenges. A practiced attorney of 20 years, Honick specializes in property disputes, estate planning, and general civil litigation.
“We are so appreciative of all that David brings to the Shore Legal Access team. His outstanding work in assisting clients with deed issues and his care for our community have made the difference in numerous lives for our Eastern Shore residents,” said Girard.
During the celebration, several staff were also recognized for their commitment to advancing justice and dignity. The following staff members have been part of the Shore Legal Access community for at least five years: Mandy Caulk, Senior Family Law Case Manager (2012); Alicia Myers, Life Planning Case Manager for the Mid-Shore (2012); Juanita Sutton, Senior Paralegal for the Lower Shore (2018), and Dalia Miguel, Bilingual Case Manager for Housing, Consumer Debt, and Expungement for the Mid-Shore (2020).
“Simply put, we can’t do what we do without our dedicated staff. They guide people in need through the legal process, support our wide range of attorneys, and uphold our commitment to ensuring justice truly is for all,” said Girard. “We are so lucky and grateful that they share our vision for a more empowered community.”
The event was sponsored by Legal Assets; State Employees Credit Union of Maryland; Anthony Rodriguez, Esq., Shore Legal Access Board of Directors; and Bluepoint Hospitality.
Shore Legal Access connects individuals and families with volunteer attorneys to ensure justice is for all. Focus areas include criminal record expungement, economic stability, family law, housing, and life planning. For more information or to support Shore Legal Access, call 410-690-8128 or visit shorelegal.org.
