October marks Pro Bono Celebration Month, and we're thrilled for the opportunity to recognize the outstanding pro bono attorneys, paralegals, students, and community members who donate their time, talent, and expertise to make a difference in the lives of low-income Ohioans. So much of our work depends on the generosity and hard work of our fantastic pro bono attorneys, and we can't thank you enough for your dedication to our clients!

“LASCO connects our skills with the community’s most pressing needs. It’s about turning legal expertise into real-world impact."

—Beau Cross, Volunteer and Cross Law Offices Owner

Barnes & Thornburg’s Columbus office is a shining example of how legal professionals can use their skills to uplift communities. With team members rooted in the Midwest and shaped by global experiences, the firm brings a unique blend of compassion, curiosity, and commitment to its work and volunteer efforts. Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio is proud to present Barnes & Thornburg LLP with the Exceptional Service by a Law Firm or Corporation Award. 

In their free time, the Barnes & Thornburg team enjoys everything from roasting coffee and walking dogs to reading in book clubs and crocheting. But it’s their shared dedication to service that truly defines them. Early experiences in volunteering and exposure to legal systems laid the foundation for their careers. Internships, college service projects, and transformative moments beyond their hometowns inspired the team to pursue law and use it as a tool for equity. “Volunteering shows us how systems vary—and how we can help bridge those gaps,” said Barnes & Thornburg associate Samantha DeRoos. 

Barnes & Thornburg’s partnership with LASCO has been a cornerstone of that mission. As a firm, they have stepped up for years to handle various requests from Legal Aid’s rural service area, where local attorney numbers are declining and more recently have taken on family law needs for low-income families. Additionally, their collective commitment to the LASCO expungement clinics has been a true example of how firms can build community through service. Through the firm’s decision to attend LASCO expungement clinics as their annual “Day of Service,” Barnes & Thornburg helps clients remove barriers to employment and housing—offering hope and opportunity. “LASCO connects our skills with the community’s most pressing needs. It’s about turning legal expertise into real-world impact,” said partner Bill Nolan. 

The clinics have been especially moving. “We’ve seen clients celebrate new beginnings. It’s powerful to witness their joy and relief,” added Jeff Bartolozzi, of counsel.  Baylee Butler, LASCO’s managing attorney of pro bono and community outreach, emphasized the firm’s impact: “LASCO is so grateful to have Barnes & Thornburg as a pro bono partner. The firm never hesitates to take on even the most complex cases and consistently shows up in force at our expungement clinics. Their dedication and generosity make a real difference in the lives of our clients, and we are looking forward to celebrating them and their commitment to our community.” 

Volunteering through LASCO has not only strengthened the firm’s connections with the central Ohio community but also deepened the team’s understanding of the legal system—its strengths, its gaps, and its human impact. The Barnes & Thornburg team appreciates that these events often bring together judges, legal professionals, and attorneys on weekends, united by a shared goal: expanding access to justice. These experiences deliver immediate, tangible results and reinforce the broader mission behind their legal careers. As partner Bill Nolan reflects, “Justice isn’t just about wins or losses—it’s about equity, access, and compassion.” Their advice to others? “Start small. Connect with passionate peers. Every effort counts.” 

LASCO proudly honors Barnes & Thornburg with the Exceptional Service by a Law Firm or Corporation Award. Thank you for helping build a more just and equitable community. 

“[Volunteering] has helped me appreciate how fortunate I am, and that I can share that with others to hopefully improve their lives, if only in some small way."

—Susan McDonald

Rod Reuscher has spent 30 years building a career in financial services at JPMorganChase, but one of his most meaningful investments is the time he has devoted to serving others as a long-time volunteer at Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio’s brief advice clinics. 

Rod credits his parents with instilling the values that guide his volunteer efforts. “My interest in volunteering and the desire to help others comes from my mother, who was a very caring and compassionate person raising five children,” said the Cincinnati native. “It wasn’t until I became an adult that I truly started to appreciate the sacrifices they made for us.” 

For the past seven years, Rod has volunteered with LASCO, primarily supporting the intake process at brief advice clinics. His work has given him insight into a wide range of client issues. One memorable experience involved a client who believed they were being monitored and recorded. “It stands out because it showed how deeply some individuals are affected by their circumstances and how important it is to listen and respond with empathy.” Rod believes LASCO’s work is essential. “LASCO plays a critical role in the communities it serves, providing access to legal services for persons who otherwise may not have the resources to obtain reliable legal assistance.” He sees civil legal aid as a lifeline that can help individuals avoid adverse outcomes and improve their lives. 

Mary Gadd, LASCO’s senior attorney pro bono coordinator, expressed her admiration for Rod’s contributions, “Rod has been a true leader within JPMorganChase, not only championing our pro bono efforts but also actively volunteering at a wide range of our legal clinics,” said Gadd. “His empathy and patience make a lasting impact and embody the spirit of service we strive for.” For Rod, Volunteering has also changed his perspective. “It has truly raised my awareness of the struggles many endure and the many socio-economic inequities that exist,” he said. “It has helped me appreciate how fortunate I am, and that I can share that with others to hopefully improve their lives, if only in some small way.” Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends or relaxing at home with a good TV series. 

To those considering pro bono work, Rod offers simple but powerful advice: “Just do it. No matter how much, how little, or the type of knowledge and experience you have to share, it can make a difference. I think you will find the personal rewards from helping others is well worth the time and effort.” 

LASCO proudly honors Rod Reuscher with the Pro Bono Impact Award. His compassion, consistency, and commitment to helping others have made a real difference in the lives of countless clients. Thank you, Rod, for your outstanding service and for being a vital part of our mission to expand access to justice. 

Award for Outstanding Service by an Individual—Elizabeth Stephenson, Common Pleas General Division Court (retired)

“We have many people in our county who can’t afford the legal help that they need. There is a huge need in the domestic relations area. I wanted to help fill that void."

—Elizabeth Stephenson

For Elizabeth Stephenson, service isn’t just a calling—it’s a family tradition. From her great-great-grandfather’s law practice in 1887 to her own decades of leadership in the courts, Elizabeth has dedicated her life to making justice accessible for all. Today, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio proudly honors her with the 2025 Regional Award for Outstanding Service by an Individual, celebrating a career defined by compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community. 

Elizabeth’s roots run deep in New Philadelphia, Ohio, where she grew up and returned after law school. Her family’s law firm began in 1887 with her great-great-grandfather, and Elizabeth launched her legal career there in 1989. In 1997, she became Court Administrator of the Common Pleas General Division Court, a position she held until her retirement in 2024. Today, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, traveling, and working on community projects. 

Her motivation to serve comes from a strong moral compass and family example. “I have always been a ‘joiner’ and a leader in organizations. My life mission is contribution—helping organizations and people,” Elizabeth explains. Inspired by her father, a community organizer who served on the local legal services board, and driven by her family legacy, she adds, “I went into law partly because I was always interested in political issues and the political process. And I am a fourth-generation attorney in my family, and before me, no female went into the career, so that was a motivator.” 

Throughout her career, Elizabeth has worked to close the gap in access to justice. “We have many people in our county who can’t afford the legal help that they need. There is a huge need in the domestic relations area. I wanted to help fill that void.” Her efforts began decades ago when she served on the local bar committee that created form packets for dissolution. She continued improving and expanding those forms through her work at the court. Over time, she saw that many litigants needed help selecting and completing the correct forms. As she says, “In retirement I want to help folks to choose the correct form and complete the forms.” With LASCO, Elizabeth does just that. Twice a month Elizabeth spends her time advising LASCO clients on domestic relations issues and assisting with pro se forms. 

Pro bono work keeps Elizabeth connected to the profession she loves. “I like that it keeps me in touch with people who need legal help. Being retired, it is a way for me to keep my skills fresh and utilize my education,” she says. Her experience has only deepened her conviction: “It has reinforced the huge need for these services.” 

Her advice to others considering pro bono work? “Give it a try! As one wise local attorney told me years ago, ‘We went into the profession to help people.’ Our services are so needed and can help change lives.” 

LASCO is proud to celebrate Elizabeth Stephenson for her lifelong pursuit of justice and her commitment to making legal help accessible for all. 

“Giving clients insight and tutoring them about how best to present a case can make a world of difference to a Judge or Magistrate who is trying to make the right ruling, so the ‘right thing’ happens.” 

—Matthew Langhals

Matthew Langhals has built his career—and his life—around connection. Whether he’s guiding clients through complex legal challenges or lending his time to those who need it most, Matthew believes in the power of shared purpose. That commitment to educating and empowering others is why Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio proudly honors him with the 2025 Regional Award for Outstanding Service by an Individual. 

Matthew grew up in Ottoville, Ohio, a small town in Northwest Ohio with a population of around 900 people. After earning his degree from Bowling Green State University—where he served as a student manager for the football team from 1994 to 1997—Matthew graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2000. His legal career began as an assistant prosecuting attorney in St. Clair County, Michigan, before returning to Ohio to open his own law firm in 2012. Today, Matthew specializes in family law at Langhals Law in Marysville. Outside of work, he enjoys doing home renovation projects, going on local adventures with his wife, and spending time with his family and relatives. 

For Matthew, volunteering has always been about connection. “Volunteering seems to bond people together. That feeling of being around people with similar interests and all pulling in the same direction for the common good is wonderful,” he says. “It didn’t ever matter where, with whom, or for what I was volunteering; that feeling brings me back to volunteer again and again.” 

Matthew has truly connected with his community through his leadership with the Union County brief advice clinic, which takes place monthly in Marysville and offers unrepresented people the opportunity to talk to a lawyer and work through their legal questions. “Matthew is the most dedicated volunteer,” said Baylee Butler, LASCO Pro Bono Team Managing Attorney. “I cannot imagine a Union County clinic without Matthew! He is the best.” 

Matthew believes LASCO’s work is transformative because “it educates people. That knowledge empowers people to solve problems. Thus, whenever we get the chance to educate clients about the law, they grasp the concepts and finally get a good understanding of what the law says and how the law relates to their specific situation. From there, progress can be made.” 

The rewards of pro bono work are clear to Matthew. He has found that, “The personal benefit comes when I see the lightbulb turn on above a client’s head, and I know they understand what I’ve been explaining. It’s a good feeling to know that you taught someone something important!” For him, those moments of clarity are what make volunteering so fulfilling. 

Volunteering has also shifted his perspective on justice. “I took the inner workings and rules for granted because they’ve been a part of my professional life for 25 years,” he says. “However, when people don’t know how to navigate the legal system, the ‘right thing’ doesn’t always happen. Giving clients insight and tutoring them about how best to present a case can make a world of difference to a Judge or Magistrate who is trying to make the right ruling, so the ‘right thing’ happens.” These experiences have deepened his appreciation for how critical guidance can be in ensuring fairness. 

Matthew’s advice to others considering pro bono work is simple: “Give a little of your time. It doesn’t have to be hours upon hours every day, every week, or every month. It just has to be enough to help.” His words remind us that even small efforts can create life-changing impacts. 

LASCO is proud to celebrate Matthew Langhals for his diligence in educating and empowering clients and for his commitment to expanding access to justice. 

"The system of justice that we hope will be there for everyone is not readily available to those with minimal or no economic resources.

As legal professionals and as human beings, it is our duty to embark on the journey to provide equal justice."

—Judge Jerry Buckler

Vivian Opelt's journey to becoming a dedicated pro bono legal advocate is rooted in a lifelong commitment to public service, compassion and justice. Raised in Columbus, Ohio, after her father's retirement from the U. S. Air Force, Vivian grew up in a household where education and service to others were deeply valued. "Public service and community were modeled by my public school teacher parents and by a social worker brother throughout my youth." 

After earning a degree in economics and finance from Ohio State, and working for six years in commercial finance, Vivian followed a long-held dream and enrolled in law school at Ohio State. "The seed to pursue the law was planted in high school when I read To Kill a Mockingbird", she said. Her favorite classes in law school included a civil law practicum and an interdisciplinary seminar in which law students collaborated with peers from other graduate programs to support clients in the community. After law school, Vivian worked for 31 years at Wendy's International, specializing in franchise transactions and litigation. During that time, her volunteer efforts were directed in animal rescue, and she helped to rescue, foster and find homes for around 100 cats and kittens. "That work was a true labor of love," she said. 

After retiring from Wendy's, Vivian began volunteering with LASCO in 2018. She praises LASCO's supportive environment: "They truly guide the volunteers every step of the way, with CLE and with hands-on support at clinics and otherwise." Her work has included estate planning for senior clients, immigration clinics, driver's license reinstatements and record sealing and expungement. "It has been truly awe-inspiring to participate in naturalization clinics in which clients realize that they are one-step closer to becoming U. S. citizens." Another memorable moment came at a record sealing clinic in which she was able to assist a client with sealing a few minor offenses from years earlier, Despite the client's struggles due to her record from years before, this client had taken in 4 siblings under the age of 10, and was raising them as her own and helping to improve their lives.  "I was so inspired by her, and it re-doubled my desire to do as much as I could do for clients in these situations." 

Vivian believes that access to civil legal aid is essential for a fair society. "The system of justice that we hope will be there for everyone is not readily available to those with minimal or no economic resources," she said. " As legal professionals and as human beings, it is our duty to embark on the journey to provide equal justice." Candice Wooten, paralegal on the community engagement and pro bono team, shared: "Vivian's passion and dedication to help others truly shows in her volunteer work. Through our traveling clinics and case referrals she has helped so many of our clients in a variety of areas with such care and understanding. The clients are always so appreciative of her time and so are we." To those considering volunteering, Vivian offers heartfelt encouragement: "Just take a leap of faith and you will find something of interest.....Every one of us makes a difference." 

LASCO proudly recognizes Vivian Opelt as the recipient of the Outstanding Service by an Individual Award. Her compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to justice have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless clients. Thank you, Vivian, for your extraordinary service and for being a true champion of access to justice. 

"Civil legal aid means an opportunity for the client where they may not have had one. It reinforces the need for these services and the support of the legal community."

—Anna Mason

Carol Rieger-Taylor’s path to the legal profession is a testament to perseverance and purpose. Raised in Anchorage, Alaska, she moved to the lower 48 after college, eventually settling in Ohio with her husband. She began her career at Honda in 2003 and steadily advanced through roles in compliance, procurement, and legal. In 2016, Carol pursued her law degree through Capital Law School's evening program, graduating and passing the bar in 2020. Today, she applies her legal training in Honda’s Law & IP Unit and dedicates her time outside of work to her family and volunteering with LASCO’s pro bono clinics. 

Carol’s interest in volunteering with LASCO's pro bono clinics began as a way to stay sharp after law school—but quickly became a passion. “Helping others has always been a core value of mine,” she said. “I also have a strong desire for continuous learning. Volunteering allows me to deepen my knowledge and stay engaged with new experiences.” She has volunteered across a wide range of LASCO clinics, including expungement and wills clinics. Her approach is grounded in empathy and connection. “I strive to connect with clients on a personal level. They genuinely appreciate not only the support but also the opportunity to talk.” 

Carol recalls many meaningful moments, including thoughtful conversations with clients about estate planning, record sealing, and driver's license reinstatement. One especially memorable experience involved helping a gentleman regain his driver’s license after decades without one. “We were both close to tears,” she shared. She sees LASCO’s work as vital. “Civil legal aid means an opportunity for the client where they may not have had one,” she said. “It reinforces the need for these services and the support of the legal community.” 

Mary Gadd, LASCO’s senior attorney pro bono coordinator, praised Carol for her dedication to helping at clinics, especially those focused on expungement. "Her gentle and friendly spirit puts clients at ease, and her sincere commitment to helping others is truly inspiring,” Gadd said. 

Carol also encourages others to get involved. “Providing these services offers immense value both to the client and to me. LASCO is incredibly supportive and helpful for anyone looking to explore new avenues and learn something different.” 

LASCO is proud to present Carol Rieger-Taylor with the In the Trenches Award. Her dedication, warmth, and steady presence have made a profound difference in the lives of those she serves. Thank you, Carol, for your generous contributions and for helping advance our mission to make justice accessible for all.