With December marking the end of another remarkable year of pro bono service, we celebrate the dedicated volunteers who expanded access to justice across Southeast and Central Ohio. These Regional Excellence Award Winners exemplify the spirit of service—donating their time, talent, and expertise to ensure that low-income Ohioans receive the help they need. Their commitment strengthens our communities and inspires us all. Thank you for making 2025 an exceptional year of impact, compassion, and justice!

“The work that LASCO does is invaluable to our society. Providing services for those who cannot afford an attorney, especially when they need one the most, such as defending against evictions or assisting with protection orders, is critical."

—Beau Cross, LASCO Volunteer and Cross Law Office Founding Owner

Cross Law Office, LLC has built its practice on the belief that justice should never depend on income. Whether they’re guiding clients through complex legal challenges or volunteering to help those who need it most, the team is committed to making legal services accessible. That dedication to service is why Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio proudly honors Cross Law Office, LLC with the 2025 Regional Award for Outstanding Service by a Law Firm. 

Founded in June 2019 by Beau Cross as a solo practice in Caldwell, Ohio, the firm has grown into three offices with nine full-time staff, a reflection of its strong community ties and client-first approach. Firm owner Beau was raised just outside Akron, Ohio in a low-/ middle-class setting. “Having the opportunity to take on work for people who grew up in a similar situation as I did was certainly a driving factor to do what I am currently doing,” he shares. That perspective continues to shape the firm’s mission and pro bono involvement. The dedicated Cross Law volunteer team includes attorneys Brett Lenarz, Logan Graham, and Dante D’Andrea, each playing a significant role in delivering legal services across the firm’s broad geographical reach. 

“Cross Law Office shows how a private firm that is rooted in their community can benefit both the local economy and the folks who are not prospering economically,” said Baylee Butler, LASCO’s Pro Bono Team Managing Attorney. “We need more lawyers to practice outside of Ohio’s cities, so we hope other newer lawyers will be inspired to follow their lead." 

Cross Law Office recognizes the critical role civil legal aid plays in protecting vulnerable clients. “The work that LASCO does is invaluable to our society. Providing services for those who cannot afford an attorney, especially when they need one the most, such as defending against evictions or assisting with protection orders, is critical,” notes Beau. For the Cross Law team, these efforts ensure that justice is not reserved for those with financial means. 

Pro bono work also benefits both the firm and the communities they serve. “The benefits we draw from our pro bono work is being able to show clients that money does not change our approach to how we provide legal services at Cross Law Office, LLC,” Beau explains. This commitment demonstrates that every client—regardless of income—deserves the same level of care and professionalism. 

For Beau, memorable client experiences often come in unexpected moments of gratitude. “Several past clients whom I have ran into later have thanked me for helping them through tough times, and depending on the situation, perhaps even saving their lives,” he says. These encounters remind the team why their work matters and reinforce the importance of showing up for those who need help the most. 

Through volunteering, Beau has gained a deeper understanding of the systemic legal challenges facing low-income Ohioans. “Many people do not have access to lawyers due to their financial situations, and then subsequently many of those individuals file pro se actions in Court. Their standard as a pro se litigant is to be held to the same as an attorney without any formal training or experience.” For Cross Law Office, this reality underscores the importance of providing guidance—even if it’s just drafting paperwork or explaining the legal process. 

Beau’s advice to other firms considering pro bono work is rooted in diligence and compassion: “Engaging in pro bono work is a delicate balance. If you plan to assist those who need the help the most, be sure that you can provide your full time and attention. Paying clients or pro bono clients should not be treated any differently than one another, and their cases should be handled in the same manner.” 

Cross Law Office exemplifies how a growing firm can stay true to its values while expanding access to justice. LASCO is proud to celebrate their dedication to service and their unwavering commitment to clients across Ohio. 

“Freedom isn’t free. Justice is hard work. To whom much is given, much is expected."

—Susan McDonald

From the fields of Muskingum County to the halls of justice, Susan McDonald has never lost sight of what community means. Rooted in rural traditions and driven by a deep sense of responsibility, she has turned her legal expertise into a lifeline for neighbors in need. For her commitment, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio proudly recognizes Susan McDonald with the 2025 Regional Award for Outstanding Service by an Individual. Susan grew up in Zanesville, Ohio, and spent ten years in Columbus during law school and the early years of her career. Now, she works at Gottlieb, Johnston, Beam & Dal Ponte, P.L.L. in Zanesville as a managing partner. In addition to general practice, Susan specializes in real estate, estate planning, and agriculture. She lives on her family farm with three generations and owns and operates McDonald’s Greenhouse & Corn Maze, welcoming thousands of guests to their homestead each spring and fall. 

Her commitment to service is longstanding. Susan was raised in a rural church, 4-H, and the Farm Bureau community. She says, “I learned the responsibility of giving back to my community quite early.” That sense of duty has guided her throughout her legal career and her volunteer work with LASCO. For Susan, civil legal aid is essential: “Freedom isn’t free. Justice is hard work. To whom much is given, much is expected.” Susan is a regular and valued volunteer at several LASCO clinics including the Muskingum County Domestic Relations Clinic, the Perry County Brief Advice Clinic, and the Coshocton County Juvenile Clinic. Her expertise and dedication to her clients is an asset at every clinic she attends. 

Susan’s pro bono work is rooted in communal care. “If we are part of our community, our community will be part of us. It is better to give than to receive,” she says. One of her clients—a widower who cannot read—stands out in her memory. “I have gotten great joy to help him get into a house, get a decent truck, do a budget, be his power of attorney and protect his assets from his preying family members. He stops in often for me to read his mail to him and help him understand important papers.” Susan makes both the client and his dog, Baby, feel welcome in her office. This relationship is just one of many examples of Susan’s priceless compassion. 

Through volunteering, Susan has also gained a deeper understanding of the challenges facing her neighbors. “I grew up in this same small town but had no idea of the poverty and hardships that so many face. There are many reasons for struggles and it’s not for us to judge until we have walked a mile in their shoes.” 

Her advice to others considering pro bono work? “It is a joy and a sliver of time to make a big difference to someone in our community.” 

LASCO is proud to celebrate Susan McDonald for her unwavering dedication and the empathy she brings to every client interaction. 

“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 connection I have created with LASCO by hosting the pro bono clinics benefits the citizens of Scioto County as well as each and every courtroom in the county."

—Judge Jerry Buckler

Judge Jerry Buckler’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to service and leadership. From teaching high school math to presiding over family court, he has worn many hats—but his focus has always been helping people navigate life’s toughest challenges. That dedication is why Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio proudly honors him with the 2025 Regional Award for Outstanding Service by an Individual. 

Judge Buckler graduated from Valley High School in Lucasville, Ohio, in 1983 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Rio Grande College, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Ohio University, and a Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School, where he served as associate editor of the Law Review. First elected to the Domestic Relations Division of the Scioto County Court of Common Pleas in 2012, he began serving in 2013 and has since been re-elected twice. Today, he is President-Elect of the Ohio Association of Domestic Relations Judges, continuing his leadership in the judicial community. 

Judge Buckler’s role places him at the center of families facing serious challenges—substance abuse, domestic violence, and instability. He calls the position “humbling” and is guided by the belief that “real people, with real problems, need real solutions.” Raised in a working-class family, he often credits his late father, a laborer who never finished high school, as the smartest man he’s ever known, and proudly calls himself a “momma’s boy.” He and his wife, Lisa, have two children: Adrienne, an attorney, and Adam, a dentist. 

Judge Buckler believes LASCO’s work is essential for those who might otherwise be shut out of the justice system. “Legal Aid is important to our citizens. There is a large number of citizens who cannot afford to hire attorneys and thus seem far removed from access to justice. Legal Aid steps in and provides that awesome connection to justice,” he shares. His perspective has deepened over his time in the profession. “Now, as a Judge, I recognize how important it is to have representation for all litigants while in the courtroom. Certainly, life in the courtroom is smoother when Legal Aid attorneys are there representing their constituency,” says Judge Buckler. 

Hosting LASCO’s pro bono clinics in his courtroom has been especially meaningful. Judge Buckler notes, “The connection I have created with LASCO by hosting the pro bono clinics benefits the citizens of Scioto County as well as each and every courtroom in the county.” These clinics not only help clients but also strengthen the court’s ability to deliver fair outcomes. “Judge Buckler’s leadership in recruiting volunteer lawyers and hosting the pro bono clinic is instrumental to the clinic’s success,” says Lauren Weller, Managing Attorney for the LASCO Portsmouth office. “He sets an example for the local bar, which ensures that attorneys in our community follow suit and support the clinic.” 

His advice to other hopeful volunteers in the judiciary is simple: “Reach out to Legal Aid and ask what you can do to assist in providing access to justice for all.” Judge Buckler regularly encourages local attorneys to donate an hour of their time every few months—and says most are eager to give back. We are grateful for his dedication in upholding the duty of service within the legal profession. 

LASCO honors Judge Jerry Buckler for proving that justice isn’t just a principle—it’s a practice, and one he delivers with courage and compassion every day.

"LASCO provides a great resource for people who need someone to guide and assist them through complex legal challenges, but who may not have the financial resources to hire an attorney. Without these services, many people would lose not only their case, but their hope in the future."

—Anna Mason

Anna Mason has built her life around family, faith, and service. Whether she’s guiding clients through life’s most personal transitions or volunteering to strengthen her community, Anna believes in using her skills to make a difference. That commitment is why Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio proudly honors her with the 2025 Regional Award for Outstanding Service by an Individual. 

Anna grew up in Logan, Ohio, and today treasures time with her family, especially her four grandchildren. She is also active in her church, working with youth and adults, and sharing her faith whenever she can. These values have shaped her approach to law and service. 

Her journey to becoming an attorney began after raising two daughters. “My dream job has always been being a Momma,” she says. While her children were young, Anna worked as a paralegal and dreamed of law school. When her youngest left for college, she pursued that second dream. For Anna, becoming a lawyer was more than a career; it was a way to help others. “My family and I have always enjoyed a sense of community and really find joy in helping others whenever we can,” she says. As the Secretary/Treasurer of the Hocking County Bar Association and President of the Athens County Bar Association, Anna has been instrumental in garnering support for local clinics. Anna’s willingness to take the lead and encourage her colleagues to get involved has resulted in a renewed effort to restart brief advice clinics in both Athens and Hocking Counties in 2026. 

Anna believes LASCO’s efforts are essential for those who feel unseen in the legal system. “LASCO provides a great resource for people who need someone to guide and assist them through complex legal challenges, but who may not have the financial resources to hire an attorney. Without these services, many people would lose not only their case, but their hope in the future.” To Anna, civil legal aid is more than a service: it’s a lifeline for Appalachian communities. 

The joy of helping others keeps Anna committed to volunteering. She recounts helping an older couple with estate planning because the father was in poor health, and the family wanted to make things easier for their mother. Anna prepared wills, powers of attorney, and transfer-on-death arrangements to simplify the process. Just weeks later, the mother unexpectedly passed away, followed soon after by the father. Thanks to Anna’s guidance, their children avoided probate and unnecessary stress during an already heartbreaking time. “They both sat in my office and cried while expressing how grateful they were to not have the additional stress and expense,” she recalls. 

Through these experiences, Anna’s outlook on justice and hope has deepened. “In our line of work, it’s easy to become cynical. We see the ‘bad side’ of life and people so often that you can get tunnel vision. However, when you find those cases that really make a difference for people, on a personal level, it helps you soften those edges and keep your vision a little broader.” Her words reflect the heart of LASCO’s mission—to restore opportunity and expand access to justice for those who need it most. We are inspired by Anna’s ability to turn compassion into action as she strengthens our communities. 

Anna encourages other attorneys to use their expertise to similarly serve people in their moments of vulnerability. “We have a moral and ethical obligation to use our skills for the benefit of society as a whole, not just a select few who can afford to pay for it,” she reflects. For Anna, pro bono work strengthens communities and hearts alike—and yes, it brings that “warm fuzzy feeling.” 

LASCO is proud to celebrate Anna Mason for her compassion, her commitment to justice, and her belief that knowledge carries an obligation to serve the greater good. 

"We can’t solve poverty, but we can empower people to tackle their legal problems and come out better on the other side."

—Stacy Brooks

Stacy Brooks has taken a winding road to justice—but every step has been guided by a commitment to serve. Her journey reflects a lifelong belief that helping others isn’t just important; it’s essential. Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio proudly honors Stacy with the 2025 Regional Award for Outstanding Service by an Individual, celebrating her dedication to empowering those who need it most. Stacy grew up in West Carrollton, Ohio, and her path to law was shaped by diverse experiences. “I took the long route to get my law degree—spending some time at an internship in the Bahamas, going to grad school in Charleston, SC, and then going to law school in Vermont,” she shares. After passing the bar, Stacy returned to Ohio and joined LASCO (then Southeastern Ohio Legal Services) in the Chillicothe office, where she met her husband. Nearly twenty years later, their family still calls Chillicothe home. Today, Stacy serves as a Senior Judicial Attorney with the Ohio Supreme Court. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, caring for her indoor plants, reading, and staying physically active. 

Stacy has always believed in the power of service. “I have always felt that volunteering to help others or causes was important. I’m not sure where that comes from, but I could probably trace it back to when I was little, watching Sesame Street and going to Sunday school,” she says. That commitment guided her legal career as she prepared for public interest work in law school. A pivotal moment came during her 2L summer when she worked as a student practitioner at the South Royalton Legal Clinic. Stacy knew then that she “wanted to help people falling through the cracks in our court systems.” She recalls enjoying her work in the environmental division of the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, but the “hugs from my clients at the legal clinic probably sent me on the path to working with Legal aid.” Today Stacy supports Legal Aid in three critical ways: as a member of the LASCO Board, at the brief advice clinic in Ross County, and as an active volunteer with the Family Law Virtual Clinic, which matches lawyers via telephonic consultations with pro se litigants in LASCO’s rural service area. 

Stacy believes LASCO’s mission is essential because it restores confidence and dignity. “Being in court is no fun for anyone, but being there without an attorney can be really scary. I have always tried to give the people I serve a sense of dignity first. The fact that they cannot afford an attorney should have no bearing on their case.” She adds, “Then, I want to educate them so that they can feel confident about going into court and have the information they need to make good decisions about their case.” 

The benefits of volunteering are deeply personal. “From volunteering with LASCO, I get a sense that I’m giving people access to their rights. We can’t solve poverty, but we can empower people to tackle their legal problems and come out better on the other side.” This belief drives her continued commitment to pro bono work. One client experience stands out in particular: “I had a client recently who wanted help with paperwork to get a divorce. She came back to the clinic a second time because she believed she could not go forward without an attorney. When I sent her off with a motion to ask the court to award her spousal support so she could hire a private attorney, she gave me a hug and a high five.” Helping clients achieve life-changing goals is what makes the work meaningful for Stacy. 

Her perspective on the shortfalls of justice has grown through these experiences. “The amount of people who need this service is so great. I can’t imagine what these clients would do without our help.” It’s a realization that fuels her commitment to expanding access and strengthening community support. 

Her advice to other future-volunteers is simple yet powerful: “It is so easy to make such a big impact for people who need our skills.” Stacy’s story reminds us that justice begins with empathy—and that even small acts of service can change lives.