October is National Celebrate Pro Bono Month, when Shore Legal Access honors those who give their time to change lives. Initiated by the ABA’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, the Celebration highlights the increased need for pro bono civil legal services nationally while commending grassroots efforts locally — like those undertaken by Shore Legal Access.

We’re delighted to honor the following volunteers for their extraordinary contributions to serving our community: 

Community Volunteer of the Year: Ilia Johnson 

Ilia C. Jimenez-Johnson helps people in her community get connected with legal help, food assistance, and other resources they might need. She has been working with Shore Legal Access and its local partners to help people in need of standby guardianships get connected with lawyers who can answer their questions and prepare these vital documents. 

Ms. Jimenez-Johnson is a caring, community-minded professional with more than 20 years of experience in banking and a strong passion for helping others. After moving to Cambridge, Maryland, in 2014, Ilia began working at Tieder Electric, LLC, where she currently serves as Office Manager. 

Throughout her career and in her everyday life, Ilia has always believed that people matter. She finds great joy in being there for others, especially those who may feel unheard or unable to speak up for themselves. She believes in giving people a voice, building trust, and creating a sense of community where everyone feels valued and supported. 

When she’s not working, Ilia enjoys reading and cooking, but her greatest joy comes from the relationships she builds and the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of those around her. She believes that sometimes the simplest acts of kindness, compassion, and standing beside someone can make the biggest difference. 

Volunteer Attorney of the Year: Heather Yoc-Santos, Esq.

Heather Yoc Santos, Esq. has been volunteering for Shore Legal Access since 2024, when she began assisting people with their wills and other planning documents at our monthly clinics. She is always willing to step up when people need help – she accepts many reduced fee referrals from Shore Legal Access and is always quick with a helping hand. 

Born in Easton, Maryland, Heather obtained her undergraduate degree in Legal Studies at Wesley College and her law degree from Widener University Delaware Law School, all while working full-time as a paralegal and caring for her family. Heather is married and has five children and two grandsons. She currently resides in Dover, Delaware and has family and friends in surrounding areas on the Eastern Shore.

Her favorite quote is by Mother Theresa: I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” She is doing exactly that by serving the community as an attorney.

Judge Karen Jensen Award: Jim Richardson, Esq. 

The Judge Karen Jensen Award is given to a volunteer attorney who demonstrates a deep commitment to pro bono service and mentorship. This award is named in honor of Judge Karen Jensen, a founder of Shore Legal Access and advocate for pro bono service. Her work in the community and the judiciary demonstrates her firm commitment to public service to the benefit of people with limited means and mentorship of young people. Judge Jensen has demonstrated leadership in the community and the legal profession throughout her career, holding leadership roles with the Maryland Bar Association, Maryland Access to Justice Commission, Shore Legal Access (formerly Mid-Shore Pro Bono), and the Court of Appeals Standing Committee on Pro Bono.

James S. (“Jim”) Richardson is one of Shore Legal Access’ very first volunteer attorneys. Throughout the years, he has assisted people with a wide range of civil matters, from general civil and monthly life planning clinics, to helping veterans with disability benefits. He also is a generous mentor, he teaches at the annual Veteran’s Law Conference in Baltimore, and has mentored summer law interns in partnership with Shore Legal Access. His lifelong dedication to public service and work to mentor and support other lawyers is truly exemplary and deserving of this special honor. 

Mr. Richardson is a mediator in the areas of general civil law and family law and a certified Veteran’s Administration claims agent, assisting military veterans with disability claims. After serving as a Field Artillery Officer in the USMC in the war in Viet-Nam and at the 1st Marine Brigade, he was selected by the Marine Corps to Attend Law School. Following graduation and admission to the Bar, he was transferred to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. During the next five years he served in various billets, culminating in his appointment as a Military Judge. Following active duty Mr. Richardson joined the office of the Secretary of the Navy where he served as Head of the Discharge Review Section the Board For Correction of Naval records. From August 1982 – October 2008 he served as Senior Attorney – Advisor of the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (Formerly the Court of Military Appeals).

In retirement Mr. Richardson has served as a pro bono advocate for veterans both in the discharge review and claims areas. In June 2017, Mr. Richardson was honored with the 2017 Maryland Pro Bono Service Retired Pro Bono Volunteer Award. He is a graduate of Frostburg State University and received his J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. His bar admissions include: Supreme Court of the United States; Court of Appeals of Maryland; the Federal Circuit Courts of Appeals for the Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth, and Federal circuits; Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; and Court of Veterans Appeals. 

Interested in supporting Shore Legal Access? Find out how you can play a part in ensuring justice truly is for all by exploring ways to participate.