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!

For Wood & Brewer, LLC, providing exceptional legal representation means approaching every client with empathy, respect, and a commitment to meaningful communication. That commitment was especially evident in one of founding partner Katy Brewer’s most memorable pro bono cases involving a client who was hearing-impaired.

Determined to build a strong connection and communicate in a more meaningful way than through written exchanges alone, Katy took the initiative to learn some basic sign language. The effort demonstrates the care and attention she and co-founder Brian Wood bring to their Columbus bankruptcy firm.

Their deeply personal approach to every client they serve along with their commitment to expanding access to justice has made their firm a valued partner in LASCO’s Chapter 7 pro bono program and a deserving recipient of this year’s Outstanding Service by a Law Firm Award.

Wood & Brewer’s work is rooted in helping people move forward with hope during difficult and stressful moments in their lives, said LASCO bankruptcy attorney Tyler Cope.

“Katy and Brian are not only exceptional attorneys but genuinely wonderful people who approach every client with compassion, patience, and respect,” he said. “They understand that, for the clients we serve, bankruptcy is about much more than resolving debt—it can provide relief from an enormous burden and an opportunity for a fresh start.”

Since founding their firm in 2015, the longtime colleagues have made pro bono service a priority, helping connect people who might otherwise struggle to afford an attorney with the legal guidance they need.

“We feel that volunteer work and being involved with pro bono work is so important to the community at large,” said Brian, who graduated from Capital University Law School. “At the end of the day, we are all just people—whether it’s our role as a lawyer, a parent, or a client—it’s important for that human aspect to resonate within the work that we do every day in the legal community.”

Their commitment to our clients and the bankruptcy program “reflects the very best of our profession,” Tyler said. “Katy and Brian have consistently volunteered their time and talents to make that relief accessible to people who otherwise may not have had an attorney standing with them. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them.”

"Some of our favorite experiences are with clients that came to us from the LASCO pro bono program,” said Katy, also a Capital University Law School graduate.

“We appreciate LASCO being a way for clients to reach us who might not ordinarily have that pipeline to meet with an attorney they need,” she said.

The partners said they encourage anyone interested in community service to connect with LASCO. "Everyone deserves access to justice and, by being part of the pro bono community, we are able to reach so many clients that might not have that access to justice and legal representation,” Brian said.

Katy was quick to agree: “We would advise as many attorneys as possible to reach out and become involved with LASCO.”

"Some of our favorite experiences are with clients that came to us from the LASCO Pro Bono program. We would advise as many attorneys as possible to become involved with LASCO."

—Katherine Brewer,

LASCO volunteer & founding

partner, Wood & Brewer, LLC

"At the end of the day, we are all just people—whether it's our role as a lawyer, a parent, or a client, it's important for that human aspect to resonate within the work that we do every day."

—Brian Wood,

LASCO volunteer & founding

partner, Wood & Brewer, LLC

"No single attorney can close the access to justice gap; but each of us can make a difference for one client, and sometimes, that difference is enough."

—Asafu Suzuki

Raised between her native Japan and Washington, D.C., Asafu Suzuki has lived full-time in the United States since she was a teenager, when her father's work brought the family to the New York City suburbs. Although she remembers being interested in public interest work at a young age, she didn't always have law school in mind. Instead, she sought to pursue a career in public policy after earning her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth.

Asafu's path eventually led her to Georgetown University Law Center, where she remained committed to public service, participated in various extracurricular activities related to civil and human rights, and interned for a women’s advocacy organization. After graduation, Asafu worked a non-legal nonprofit job for a few years before transitioning to private immigration practice. "I wanted to do more direct services and representation where I can work with individuals," she said. "It was important to me that I can see that my efforts were making a difference."

Since September 2019, Asafu has been a business immigration attorney at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, where she helps corporate clients with visa sponsorships and immigration-related employment issues. Prior to joining Vorys, her work focused on family-based and humanitarian-based immigration law, including asylum cases.

"Even after I entered private practice, it was important to me that I had opportunities to engage in pro bono work, and it has been one of the most meaningful parts of my legal career," Asafu said. "Although I am an immigration lawyer, the work I do on a daily basis and the pro bono matters I handle are very different in nature. I’m able to hone different skills and become a better-rounded attorney."

She also notes that volunteering has given her an opportunity to engage with attorneys at Vorys and in Central Ohio. “It's been a pleasure to develop connections based on a common desire to improve access to legal services in our communities."

Her work with LASCO is especially meaningful. She recalls a case where she represented a client who had applied for and was denied citizenship more than once. After a hostile interview, the client almost gave up, Asafu remembers, but after a second interview with a more experienced officer, the application was approved. When the client was sworn in as a U.S. citizen in December 2023, Asafu was there. "She and her family were so happy. That day, I witnessed the difference that pro bono civil legal services can make."

"There are very few free resources in Ohio for full representation in immigration cases, and even fewer for clients facing removal, which can be a life-or-death situation," said Morgen Morisette, managing attorney of LASCO's Immigration Team. Immigration attorneys like Asafu are often stretched beyond capacity and unable to take referrals for pro bono cases. In the past year alone, she has taken multiple removal cases for clients who would otherwise never have been able to afford full representation. Through her pro bono work, Asafu has protected clients from deportation, kept families together, and helped many of our neighbors become US citizens."

When asked what advice she'd give to those considering volunteering, Asafu emphasized the impact of pro bono work: "Even our most basic skills can go a long way for someone who otherwise would not have had any legal services. You don’t need to do 'a lot' to make a difference. No single attorney can close the access to justice gap; but each of us can make a difference for one client, and sometimes, that difference is enough.”

LASCO is honored to recognize Asafu Suzuki with the 2026 Outstanding Service by an Individual Award for her dedication to providing legal representation and fighting for justice for her clients. Congratulations, Asafu!

"My work with LASCO makes me feel that I am using my legal skills as they were intended to be used: to help those who most need it."

—John Gilligan

John Gilligan spent years representing companies in commercial disputes, waiting for the "bet the company" case every litigator dreams about, only to discover that the highest-stakes case of his career was one involving a woman fighting to keep a roof over her head.

“If I lost her hearing, she would have been out on the street,” said John, the 2026 recipient of LASCO’s Pro Bono Powerhouse Award. “Companies, even when they lose a case, find a way to make the money back. I can see through my work for LASCO how difficult the lives of other people are, especially the working poor. They have so many daily obstacles to overcome to try to do their jobs to make a living.”

John, a longtime LASCO volunteer and board member, grew up in a family that prioritized service. For the Gilligans, that often meant holding public office. His father served as a Cincinnati council member, U.S. congressman and Ohio governor. John’s maternal grandfather was also a city council member and a judge. His sister served as governor of Kansas. “We thought campaigning was a fall sport when we were kids,” he said. “You lettered based on the number of doors hit and bumper stickers placed and yard signs erected.”

For John, who became a lawyer “to help people” and because his mother “pushed” him to apply to law school, volunteering with LASCO provides the opportunity to do his part. “My work with LASCO not only helps our clients, but it allows me to stand, however briefly, shoulder to shoulder with the lawyers who do this work every day and pour their hearts and souls into it,” said the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law graduate. “It makes me feel even for a moment that I am using my legal skills as they were intended to be used, to help those who most need it so they will not be cheated or abused further because they do not have the resources to properly defend themselves.”

Dianna Parker, director of pro bono and community engagement, praised John’s longstanding commitment to LASCO and the many ways he has contributed to our work. “Beyond dedicating countless hours to helping LASCO improve our pro bono program, he has strengthened our organization through his service as a board member and his generosity in sharing his knowledge with staff through training and mentorship,” she said. “We are deeply grateful for his partnership and his steadfast commitment to ensuring more Ohioans have access to the legal help they need.”

In addition to creating opportunities to “do well by doing good,” volunteering is a way to gain skills and perspective, said John. “There is a huge need for your skills and judgment. The clients and LASCO lawyers will benefit from your pro bono work. And you will, too – sharpening your skills through the work you will be doing with clients and the knowledge you will gain from breaking out of your bubble and learning how difficult life is for many hard-working people who did not get the opportunities or resources that you had in your life.”

"It's important to have a powerful advocate like LASCO that is not out to profit from those who are neediest."

—Tim Tucker

After graduating from Case Western Reserve University in 1983, Tim Tucker began his career as an electrical engineer at Bell Labs. His lifelong fascination with machines has followed him throughout his life: when he sees bicycles or lawnmowers in the trash around Central Ohio, he takes them home to repair and donate to organizations like Star House. Tim also volunteers with Third Hand Bike Co-Op and other repair cafes around the city, helping others fix, restore, and resell used bikes. "I’ve always enjoyed understanding how things work and helping people solve practical problems," he said.

That same drive to solve problems led Tim to begin volunteering with the educational organization I Know I Can several years ago, helping high school students and parents complete applications for financial aid. He remembers being troubled when parents would bring in straightforward, simple tax returns that cost several hundred dollars to prepare. This led him to sign up with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free basic income tax return preparation to taxpayers with incomes under $69,000.

"Legal Aid has always been there to support our VITA program and has helped me and my VITA colleagues on numerous occasions," Tim said. "When I saw some opportunities to give back, I volunteered." He participated in several driver's license reinstatement clinics and, eventually, his VITA experience led him to begin working with LASCO's tax team. Apart from volunteering, Tim enjoys spending time with his sons and his two-year-old grandson, who he and his wife feel privileged to care for two days per week.

Reflecting on LASCO's impact, Tim notes that Legal Aid "gives a voice to people who otherwise would not be able to deal with situations they find themselves in because of financial, legal, or bureaucratic hurdles such as bankruptcy or crippling IRS debt. It's important to have a powerful advocate like LASCO that is not out to profit from those who are neediest."

"Tim Tucker exemplifies the spirit of the Pro Bono Impact Award through his unwavering dedication, patience, and generosity in serving others," said Kathy Hoover, an attorney on LASCO's tax team. "His expertise and countless volunteer hours helping the tax team have made a lasting impact on our clients, our team, and our organization, and will continue to strengthen our mission."

When asked about the benefits he draws from his pro bono work, Tim's answer reflects his engineering spirit: "Solving problems for a client gives me great satisfaction. I've had several experiences where, after preparing a tax return, the client was so happy about a refund or so relieved that it was finally over, that they wept. Knowing that I resolve an issue and making life a little easier for one person makes me happy."

Non-attorney volunteers like Tim Tucker are vital to LASCO's work and show that everyone, no matter their background, can make a powerful impact through Legal Aid. Thank you, Tim, for your commitment to helping clients take control of their finances and build a better future.

"After I retired, I realized I wanted to spend my time doing something with purpose. My volunteer work has given me a meaningful way to use my skills and contribute to the community."

—Chris Trail

After graduating from Transylvania University in 1978, lifelong Central Ohioan Chris Trail thought he would continue working for the Kentucky State Public Defender’s Office, helping set up their first computer system and developing a way for attorneys to track their time. Instead, he followed in his father's footsteps and became an attorney himself, returning to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law.

He began his legal career at Porter Wright and later joined Bank One, now JPMorganChase, where he worked as a commercial lending attorney for more than 30 years. Now retired, Chris lives on a small horse farm in Johnstown with his wife and enjoys spending time outdoors. He tries to take an adventure trip every year, such as his recent journey to the Cascade Mountains in northern Washington with his two daughters.

Chris is also a dedicated legal aid volunteer. "After I retired, I realized I wanted to spend my time doing something with purpose," he said. "That search led me to LASCO. My volunteer work has given me a meaningful way to use my skills and contribute to the community."

Volunteering at LASCO's record sealing and expungement clinics is especially meaningful for Chris, and he credits his pro bono work with an important change in perspective: "Before volunteering, I knew very little about expungement law. I did not realize how even a minor criminal record could create barriers to employment and housing, or how many Americans are affected by having a criminal record. That experience helped me better understand the lasting impact these records can have on people's lives."

He has also seen firsthand the profound impact Legal Aid has on clients who may not otherwise seek legal help because they do not know how to find an attorney or cannot afford one. Chris notes that he often finds himself wondering what happens after appointments with clients—if someone is granted asylum, whether an expungement is approved, and what happened to a man at a wills clinic who was younger than Chris but expected to pass away within a year. Those conversations stay with him and remind him of the importance of pro bono work.

Chris encourages attorneys to consider volunteering at any stage of their career. "When I was younger and balancing a career with raising a family, I did not feel I had enough time to volunteer in a meaningful way. I assumed my background in commercial lending law would not be useful to Legal Aid clients," he said.

"What I learned is that Legal Aid provides excellent training and support, which gave me the confidence to help clients effectively. I never felt that I was left on my own or expected to handle situations without guidance. I would encourage other attorneys to consider volunteering, even if they think their practice area is unrelated. The support is there, and the work is rewarding."

LASCO is honored to recognize Chris Trail with the In the Trenches Award for his dedication to helping provide life-changing legal assistance to Ohioans who need it and for serving as an example of how pro bono work benefits attorneys in addition to clients. Congratulations, Chris!

"Being able to tell someone, ‘You deserve representation, and I'm here to help you,’ is incredibly rewarding.”

—Sheldon Goodrum

For Sheldon Goodrum, pro bono service with LASCO is a reminder of why he became a lawyer. While the demands of legal practice often revolve around hearings, filings, and the day-to-day business of the profession, the founder of Goodrum Law Group finds fulfillment in bridging the justice gap for those in need. 

Whether assuring a client that they deserve quality representation or using his legal skills to make an immediate difference in someone's life, he views pro bono work as both a privilege and a responsibility.

“The greatest benefit is knowing that I am helping someone who genuinely needs it,’’ said Sheldon, who is the 2026 recipient of LASCO’s New Attorney Award, which recognizes a rising legal professional who has already demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service. “I have had clients tell me that they never imagined they would have access to this level of legal care or expertise. Some have even expressed that they did not feel deserving of it. Being able to tell someone, in effect, ‘You deserve representation, and I'm here to help you,’ is incredibly rewarding,” he said.

Sheldon’s commitment to volunteering is remarkable, said Mary Gadd, LASCO’s senior pro bono coordinator. “He has been a dedicated volunteer at the Brief Legal Advice Clinic at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church since the start of his career. Even while navigating the immense challenge of launching his solo practice, his commitment to serving our clients never wavered,” she said. “I can always count on Sheldon to provide thoughtful, high-quality assistance on family law matters.”

Sheldon decided to become a lawyer while working as a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. In that role, he saw that the law is more than words on page or a discussion in the courtroom. “It affects real people, families, and communities every day,” said the graduate of Capital University Law School.

Legal Aid's work matters because no one should be denied justice because of their income, he said. For people facing crises such as housing loss, family instability, or overwhelming legal challenges, access to an attorney can provide the guidance and advocacy needed to resolve their issues and move forward, said Sheldon. He still recalls a case involving a single mother who had been separated from her teenage son after his involvement with the juvenile justice system led to Children Services’ intervention.

After a lengthy legal process, the judge ordered her son's return. As they left the courtroom, she broke down in tears and asked if she could hug him. “Standing in that hallway, watching a mother get her son back, I was reminded exactly why the work matters.”

Mary is not surprised by the client’s reaction. Sheldon’s ability to connect with clients on a personal level is one of the qualities that makes him such an effective advocate.

“His calm, personable demeanor immediately puts clients at ease, and they almost always leave the clinic feeling relieved, empowered, and grateful to have received clear answers to their questions,” she said.

"We talk about pro bono work as something attorneys do for clients, but I have found that the clients and the experience give something back to us as well."

—Eleana Drakatos

Giving back to the community is an essential part of life for Eleana Drakatos. From serving as President of Opera Project Columbus to volunteering with Legal Aid, "I have always been drawn to the human side of the law and to helping people navigate situations that they cannot easily navigate on their own," she said.

The Columbus personal injury attorney grew up in Greece before earning her undergraduate degree in psychology and neuroscience at Ohio Wesleyan University. After graduation, she considered joining the Peace Corps but eventually decided on another path to helping others.

"I represent individuals who are often dealing with very difficult and uncertain circumstances," the Capital University Law School graduate said. "What may seem routine or obvious to an attorney can be enormously consequential to a client. The legal system may be designed to be fair, but a system can still feel very difficult to navigate when you don't know the rules, the terminology, the deadlines, or even what questions you should be asking."

As a volunteer with LASCO's Tenant Advocacy Project in Fairfield County, Eleana also sees firsthand the impact Legal Aid can have for Ohioans who would otherwise not be able to afford representation: "When someone is at risk of losing their home or dealing with unsafe living conditions, an improper notice, or another serious housing issue, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate legal issue. It can affect employment, education, health, transportation, family stability, and virtually every aspect of a person's life."

Serving as an advocate for those in need when the legal system feels overwhelming and inaccessible "puts the focus where it belongs—on the person and the problem rather than on the complexity of the legal system," Eleana said. "There is something very meaningful about being able to take a situation that feels overwhelming to someone and say, 'Let me help you understand this, and let's figure out what we can do.'"

Eleana advises those considering pro bono work with LASCO to get involved however they can: "Volunteering makes me a better lawyer. I would encourage attorneys to find a type of pro bono work that interests them, and not necessarily within their area of expertise. Make it interesting. Learn something new and break the monotony. You don't have to become an expert in every area of law. LASCO has the expertise and support to help attorneys contribute effectively."

For Eleana, though, what she's learned from pro bono work goes beyond professional development: "The greatest benefit is perspective. We talk about pro bono work as something attorneys do for clients, but I have found that the clients and the experience give something back to us as well. They remind us why we became lawyers in the first place: to use our knowledge and our profession to help people."

Eleana's dedication to her clients and commitment to helping LASCO ensure access to justice in Fairfield County and beyond make her a deserving recipient of an award for Exceptional Service by an Individual. Congratulations, Eleana!

"When looking back on our careers, the moments that are going to matter the most will be the people that we impact along the way."

—Greg McCleery

For Greg McCleery, a successful law career must include making a positive difference in your community. 
 
“When looking back on our careers, the moments that are going to matter the most will be the people that we impact along the way,” said Greg, founder of McCleery Law Firm in New Philadelphia and a dedicated LASCO volunteer. The University of Akron Law School graduate has volunteered with Legal Aid for over a decade and regularly assists with our Tuscarawas County Family Law Clinic. LASCO is excited to recognize him with an award for Exceptional Service by an Individual. 

“Our clients frequently offer positive feedback after meeting with him,” said Ryan McCarthy, a staff attorney in our New Philadelphia office. “Greg has been one of the most consistent volunteers at our Family Law Clinic, and his efforts have greatly contributed to its success. We appreciate his commitment to our clients and to closing the justice gap.” 

Greg, who grew up in Coshocton and New Philadelphia, credits his dad with teaching him the importance of taking care of others. “My father was a pastor and shared with me his passion for remembering the people and the needs that are too often forgotten,” he said. “I always hoped that I'd be able to find ways to use my degree as a calling, not just a career.” 

A clerkship with LASCO during law school convinced him that pro bono work would create an avenue for him to put his legal skills to work helping others. He enjoys volunteering at the clinic because it allows him to help individual families while also expanding access to the legal system. 

"I have never once walked out of a LASCO Legal Clinic and felt that my time there was wasted or unfulfilling," he said. “There have been many times where, after speaking with clients and offering advice, you can tangibly see the weight and anxiety lifting off of their shoulders. The legal system can often feel overly complex and difficult. Being able to dispel some of the mystery and lay out a concrete plan for them on issues like child custody can change the entire direction of their lives for the better.” 

The lack of access to legal services in rural areas is a critical concern, he said. “Legal Aid is often the final lifeline that many people in these communities can rely on to shine a ray of hope in situations that they have no realistic chance of successfully navigating without effective legal help.” 

"Civil legal aid means access to justice that many people would have no way to receive without it."

—Valerie Webb

Growing up in a small town in Pickaway County, Valerie Webb knew from a young age that she wanted to help others. She excelled in her high school history and social studies classes and thrived as a political science major at Capital University, where she enjoyed a constitutional law class. After graduation, she served in the United States Army for six years before deciding to attend law school.

"Although I did not grow up in poverty, my parents were factory workers and at times ran short of money," Valerie said. "More importantly, I knew children who were living in poverty, and I came to learn a little bit about it from them."

Her familiarity with the experiences of people living in poverty in rural Ohio would serve her well when she moved to her parents' hometown of Portsmouth after law school, where she worked as an attorney at Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS) for 15 years.

"I came to thoroughly understand the challenges the people in this Appalachian town face. Generational poverty and addiction have taken a serious toll on the community," Valerie said. "The lack of access to transportation, housing, and even internet in rural areas of the county only exacerbates those challenges. Civil legal aid means access to justice that many people would have no way to receive without it."

Valerie has remained involved with Legal Aid since leaving SEOLS (now LASCO) to practice as a criminal defense attorney and in various roles in the Scioto County Juvenile Court: "Almost all of my cases are court-appointed. Therefore, I am still serving people in poverty, many of whom also live with addiction and mental health issues." She also generously donates her time to pro bono work, making her a deserving recipient of an award for Exceptional Service by an Individual.

“Valerie’s commitment to the Scioto County Domestic Relations legal clinic has been invaluable,” said Lauren Weller, Managing Attorney of LASCO’s Portsmouth office. “As a prior staff attorney with Legal Aid, she understands the importance of providing quality legal assistance to underserved communities. We appreciate her time and expertise to help make this clinic a success.”

In her free time, Valerie sings in her church choir and the Shawnee State University Choir. She often attends live music concerts and shows and enjoys spending time with her family and her dog.

"Volunteering for LASCO is a way for me to give back to my community and to the organization that I was a part of for the first 15 years of my career," she said. "It is very rewarding to be able to give information and advice to people who really need it and to see them understand it." She strongly encourages other attorneys to explore opportunities to engage in pro bono work.

"The reward is absolutely worth it."

Congratulations, Valerie!

Jonathan Dehmlow is a partner at Fields, Dehmlow, and Vessels in Marietta and concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, trust administration and probate, elder law, real estate, contract law, oil and gas law, adoptions, and small business. He is a graduate of Wheaton College and Baylor University Law School.

LASCO Senior Attorney Lucy Schwallie notes his dedication as a volunteer: "Jon has been a consistent presence at our Washington County monthly legal clinic for years, always stepping up to help those in need."

"The sheer number of clients he has assisted, combined with his thoughtful and approach to legal problems, has had a lasting impact on the Washington County community, his fellow volunteers from the Washington County Bar Association, and our team at the Athens office of LASCO."

LASCO is thankful for his service and honors him with an award for Exceptional Service by an Individual. Congratulations, Jon!

Robert Graham spent more than 30 years practicing estate planning and administration, domestic relations, and personal injury law.

Now retired from his family's practice, Graham Law, the Zanesville native and graduate of Ohio Northern University and Ohio Northern University Law School regularly volunteers at LASCO's Muskingum County Domestic Relations Clinic and has donated more hours than any other Muskingum County clinic volunteer.

He truly loves helping others, ensuring that Southeast Ohioans who need LASCO’s help are referred to us. We are grateful for his dedication to our clients, and he is a deserving recipient of an award for Exceptional Service by an Individual.

Congratulations, Bob!

Michael Renne is a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl's Columbus office, where he focuses his practice on estate and gift planning, disability planning, and estate administration.

A graduate of Kenyon College and Case Western Reserve University School of Law, he is a regular volunteer for LASCO's legal clinic in Marysville at the Hope Center of Union County.

“Mike is a valuable volunteer for the Hope Center Legal Clinic," said Staci Thomas, Managing Attorney of LASCO's Marion office.

"His empathy, compassion, and dedication to giving his time to residents in need in Union County makes him a true pillar of what it means to help others with a selfless heart. We appreciate his time and commitment to the Legal Clinic and to all those he serves.”

LASCO is proud to honor him with an award for Exceptional Service by an Individual. Congratulations, Mike!