Tim Abeska, Esq. has been an instrumental figure at Shore Legal Access, serving as board president for a number of years while the organization underwent significant transitions. As he moves into his next chapter, we asked him to share some details about his time as a volunteer attorney and as a leadership figure.
What led you to join the SLA board of directors?
I was already a volunteer attorney for Shore Legal Access when former Executive Director Sandy Brown asked me to join the board. She knew of my passion for pro bono service in the wake of my retirement from the practice of law and the death of my wife, and that I was on the board of the Indiana Bar Foundation, which gave me relevant experience.
If you held a leadership role, what compelled you to take on this additional responsibility?
Shortly after joining the board, I was placed in one of the officer positions on the recommendation of the then board president and Sandy Brown. Later, I was asked to be in line for the board president position. I accepted because I wanted to help the organization grow and expand its services.
Can you share a highlight of your time on the board?
Tim Abeska, Esq.
Shortly after I assumed the role of board president, Sandy Brown announced her intention to retire. This allowed me to work with other board members to create a plan for succession that ultimately led to the hiring of current executive director Meredith Lathbury Girard.
She and I worked together closely during my four years as board president. During that time, the organization leased new office space in both Easton and Salisbury, rebuilt the executive management team, changed its name from Mid-Shore Pro Bono to Shore Legal Access to better reflect the geographic and substantive focus of the organization’s work, added key staff, increased its donor base and the overall amount of donations, and expanded programs.
I had some involvement with all of these good things.
What strategic initiatives are you most proud of during your time on the board?
The expansion of life planning clinics, where I spend most of my volunteer time, and the expungement clinics which help people get their lives back on track.
If there was one piece of advice you could share for future board members, what would it be?
Be an active board member. Get to know the staff and other board members. Participate in organization activities and events. And help build a pipeline for future organization leaders.
What does the future of Shore Legal Access look like?
Though not without challenges, the future is bright. I look forward to continuing to serve as a volunteer attorney.