Community Legal Services honors ‘Pro Bono Champions’ at 2024 Annual Awards Ceremony
Tim Moran presented the “Timothy A. Moran Champion of Justice Award” to Mona Payne of Lake County.
Community Legal Services (CLS) recently celebrated the 2024 Pro Bono Award winners during its 57th annual awards ceremony, recognizing legal professionals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to providing pro bono legal services to underserved communities in Central Florida.
Held on October 17 at the Winter Park Event Center, the event acknowledged the contributions of lawyers, law firms, and community organizations that have volunteered their time and expertise to help individuals facing critical legal challenges. The evening was highlighted by a keynote address from Rachel Rossi, director of the Office for Access to Justice at the U.S. Department of Justice, who underscored the importance of pro bono work in fostering a more equitable legal system.
“These awardees have shown an extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of those in need, helping ensure that justice is accessible to all,” said CLS CEO Jeffrey Harvey. “”Their work is a shining example of the legal profession’s ability to drive positive change.”
Among the awards presented were:
- The Judge Robert K. Rouse, Jr., Pro Bono Service Award: Presented to Dayanna Lopez of Volusia County by Judge Robert Rouse.
- The Belvin Perry, Jr., Legacy of Justice Award: Presented to David Rodziewicz, also from Volusia County, by Judge Christine Arendas.
- The Timothy A. Moran Champion of Justice Award: Presented to Mona Payne of Lake County by Tim Moran.
- The Law Student of the Year Award: Presented to Austin Baldwin, a student at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, by CLS Pro Bono staff attorney Stefani Lopez Smith.
- The Law Firm of the Year Award: Presented to the TK Law Firm, based in Seminole County, by Stefani Lopez Smith.
- The Partner in Service Award: Presented to New Covenant Baptist Church in Orlando for their “significant support of CLS’s mission.”
In addition to the individual honors, CLS Guardians of Justice – a group of over 200 active volunteer lawyers – were also celebrated for their ongoing contributions to CLS’s work. These volunteers play a crucial role in providing full legal representation, legal advice, document preparation, and other forms of assistance to those unable to afford legal services, according to the organization.
CLS also honored the County Pro Bono Attorneys of the Year, individuals recognized for their pro bono work in specific counties across Central Florida. The awardees are:
- Brevard County: Ryan Enage
- Citrus County: Rebecca Briggs
- Flagler County: Kayla Hathaway
- Hernando County: Joe Mason
- Lake County: Mona Payne
- Marion County: Jennifer Darley
- Orange County: David H. Abrams
- Osceola County: Omar Carmona
- Putnam County: Garry Wood
- Seminole County: Matthew Evan Romanik
- Sumter County: Arlene Udick
- Volusia County: Jon Rosenberg
Finally, CLS recognized four individuals as 2024 Pro Bono Ambassadors for their service and advocacy. This year’s ambassadors are Teresa Adams, Debbie Tindell, and Kimberly Sparks from Community Legal Services, along with Wilda Pomales from Merideth Nagel & The Legacy Legal Team.
For those interested in supporting CLS’s mission, information on volunteering opportunities may be found on their website: Legal Access for All – Pro Bono Attorneys.
