October marks Pro Bono 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!

Outstanding Service by an Individual—Anna Sanyal, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP

"Tacking on a couple of hours to volunteer at the end of a rough workday is not always easy [but] as I start interviewing clients and identifying potential solutions, the nagging issues of day-to-day life disappear."

—Anna Sanyal

Anna Sanyal, the winner of the 2024 Outstanding Service by an Individual Award, has demonstrated unwavering dedication to serving her community through LASCO’s legal advice clinics. Since she began volunteering in 2013 as a new attorney, Anna—who is now an associate at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Peas LLP—has been a consistent presence, especially at the YWCA Family Center, where she continues to offer her time and expertise to help families in need. Even before the pandemic, Anna played a vital role in transitioning the clinic to virtual services for a period of time, as the team explored how to better utilize volunteers for the needs of the shelter population. As we navigated the pandemic and adjusted service delivery, Anna checked in regularly with LASCO to ensure that she was updated as soon as we resumed the YWCA clinic.

Anna's passion for giving back was sparked during a “Bridges out of Poverty” training session. “That session single-handedly changed my worldview forever,” she recalls. It opened her eyes to intergenerational poverty and the obstacles low-income individuals face, and reinforced the importance of community support. This experience instilled in her a commitment to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to break the cycle of poverty.

Born in Kolkata, India, and raised in both India and Columbus, Anna has always been driven by her sense of community. She notes that LASCO plays a crucial role in empowering underserved populations by connecting them to vital resources. “Gaining knowledge about available resources is very, very empowering,” she said, reflecting on the importance of LASCO’s work in helping clients access services that can change their lives.

Volunteering provides Anna with a sense of perspective. “Tacking on a couple of hours to volunteer at the end of a rough workday is not always easy,” she admits, but the experience of helping others quickly shifts her focus. Even on tough days, she says, “as I start interviewing clients and identifying potential solutions, the nagging issues of day-to-day life disappear.”

Anna’s dedication to service, her deep empathy, and her continued efforts to support vulnerable populations make her a deserving recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Service by an Individual Award. “I've worked closely with Anna for more than a decade in her role supporting our clinics,” recalls Dianna Parker, Director of Pro Bono & Community Engagement, “Anna is a great lawyer, an empathetic and compassionate advocate, and a special human being. I feel lucky to have her as a pro bono attorney and also a dear friend.” 

Congratulations, Anna!

Pro Bono Impact Award—Barry Kiser, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP

“Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming and intimidating for those unfamiliar with it, which is why providing empathetic support is so crucial.”

—Barry Kiser

Barry Kiser, this year’s recipient of the Pro Bono Impact Award, exemplifies what it means to make a lasting difference without the necessity of a law license. For over a decade, Barry has been a steady and invaluable presence at Legal Aid’s pro bono clinics, supporting the community through his work at brief advice clinics, such as the one at Broad Street United Methodist Church, and at wills clinics in collaboration with the Paralegal Association of Central Ohio. His dedication spans across multiple projects, reflecting his deep commitment to service. Barry has been with Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP for 28 years, where his contributions to pro bono efforts continue to enhance the lives of countless clients.

Born into a military family, Barry had a unique upbringing, moving between military bases throughout his childhood until his family eventually settled in Ashtabula County when he was 12. This constant movement made him sensitive to the feelings of others and instilled in him a desire to help. “I’ve always felt a deep empathy for those who are less fortunate than me,” Barry reflects. This compassion has driven his volunteerism over the years, where he continually seeks ways to offer support and make a difference in others’ lives. His work with LASCO is particularly meaningful to him because of the impact it has on clients who encounter the legal system. "Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming and intimidating for those unfamiliar with it, which is why providing empathetic support is so crucial."

For Barry, the greatest reward is the satisfaction that comes from helping someone improve their life. Whether offering legal guidance or providing a listening ear, he finds deep fulfillment in contributing to clients’ journeys. Barry treasures the collective experience of volunteering—seeing clients’ gratitude and working alongside fellow volunteers to create a positive and supportive community.

"Barry’s unwavering dedication to pro bono work over the past decade, alongside his 28 years at Porter Wright, has made a profound impact on both our community and our firm,” says Porter Wright Managing Partner Bob Tannous. “His commitment to helping others embodies the true meaning of service as he approaches every client with respect, empathy and a genuine desire to improve their lives. We are incredibly proud of Barry for receiving this year’s Pro Bono Impact Award, and we’re thankful to have him as part of our firm."

Barry Kiser’s commitment to pro bono work is not only an inspiration to others but a testament to the profound impact that legal professionals can have on the lives of individuals seeking justice.

In his free time, Barry enjoys reading, spending time with his cats, and rooting for Cleveland’s sports teams and the Blue Jackets.

Congratulations, Barry!

Exceptional Service by a Law Firm or Corporation—JPMorganChase

“Helping the communities we serve is key to our purpose of making dreams possible for everyone, everywhere, every day."

—Larsa Ramsini, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel

We’re excited to honor the JPMorganChase (JPMC) Legal team with the Exceptional Service by a Law Firm or Corporation Award, recognizing their remarkable commitment to pro bono work over the past decade. JPMC’sin-house legal team has consistently supported LASCO’s efforts, particularly in expungement and driver’s license reinstatement clinics.

Each year, JPMC designates its Day of Service to participate in these large-scale events in Columbus. For this year’s Day of Service, JPMC’s team played a vital role, alongside Taft Law, in staffing a one-day Work Permit Clinic for asylum applicants. The event engaged 31 JPMC team members and served as a testament to their continued dedication to community service. Additionally, the firm runs a monthly Brief Advice Clinic at the Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio, offering critical legal assistance to low-income immigrants and the broader Northland community. Most recently, 21 JPMC team members volunteered to help staff a one-day Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic in Franklin County. The clinic served 518 clients, 100 of which left that day with a newly valid driver’s license.  

JPMorganChase’s commitment to pro bono work is rooted in the firm’s purpose of helping communities thrive. “Helping the communities we serve is key to our purpose of making dreams possible for everyone, everywhere, every day,” said Larsa Ramsini, Vice President and Assistance General Counsel with JPMC. Recognizing their role as legal professionals and community leaders, JPMC's legal team eagerly shares their knowledge and skills with those in need, working with LASCO to strengthen underserved communities in the region. These efforts are not only beneficial for the communities but also create a deeper connection between JPMC employees and the local issues that impact the region.

JPMC’s global Legal Pro Bono Program plays a significant role in creating and encouraging these volunteer opportunities. Regional sub-committees, composed of employee volunteers, support ongoing projects and create new avenues for engagement. The firm’s Legal Pro Bono Day of Service mobilizes hundreds over a thousand employees globally, focusing on diverse issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, record sealing, immigration, and voting rights. In addition, JPMorganChase awards a Legal Pro Bono Fellowship each year, allowing one legal professional to dedicate three to six months of full-time service at a legal services organization, further emphasizing the firm’s commitment to pro bono work.

Through its partnership with LASCO, JPMorganChase has made a lasting impact on the central Ohio community, helping both individuals and organizations while fostering a culture of service within its own ranks. “I'm so appreciative of how client-focused the staff at JPMC is,” said Dianna Parker, LASCO’s director of pro bono and community engagement. “They are always willing to adjust their involvement so the programming is efficient and works best for the people we're serving. As a group, they are always eager to jump in where needed and to learn new areas of law. They serve as an excellent example of corporate pro bono participation."

In the Trenches Award—Eric Henricks, Nationwide

"The most rewarding part of this work is seeing the immediate impact it has on people’s lives."

—Eric Henricks

Eric Henricks, the recipient of the 2024 In the Trenches Award, has spent over a decade dedicated to pro bono initiatives, consistently advocating for those in need. As a seasoned attorney with Nationwide, Eric has not only supported Legal Aid's mission but has actively engaged his colleagues in giving back. His leadership has spearheaded Nationwide's involvement in consumer clinics, brief advice clinics, and cases supporting small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Beyond engaging his peers in pro bono work, Eric is a consistent and reliable presence at the advice clinic at Central Community House, which Nationwide co-sponsors with Carpenter Lipps.

Growing up in an Air Force family, Eric developed a strong sense of responsibility toward his community. After years working in the restaurant industry, Eric found his calling in the legal profession, earning his degree from Capital University Law School. Volunteering became a natural extension of his career, fueled by his passion for helping underserved populations. “I’ve always rooted for and helped the underdog,” Eric said, viewing his pro bono work as both a personal value and a way to challenge systemic inequities.

Through his service on the Central Ohio Association of Corporate Counsel pro bono committee, Eric has recruited countless other lawyers to support Legal Aid’s requests for transactional legal help for nonprofits and small businesses, expanding the impact of the organization’s work. For Eric, access to legal representation is essential to a fair and just society, and LASCO’s efforts to bridge this gap are critical for those who might otherwise be left behind.

Reflecting on his many years of service, Eric recalls memorable client interactions, such as a clinic attendee who knew more about civil procedure than he did, and the relief on a parent's face after securing much-needed help for their disabled child. “The most rewarding part of this work is seeing the immediate impact it has on people’s lives,” he said.

Eric’s dedication to justice and his ongoing commitment to serving his community make him a well-deserving recipient of the 2024 In the Trenches Award, said Dianna Parker, Director of Pro Bono and Community Engagement for LASCO. "I love observing Eric at a clinic and witnessing how kind and patient he is with every client he meets. He would never want recognition for this work, but he deserves it, and I am so happy we are finally honoring him!”

Pro Bono Powerhouse Award—Barry Wolinetz, Wolinetz, Horvath and Brown

"If we’re lucky enough to give back, even in small ways, it not only enhances others’ lives but enriches your own."

—Barry Wolinetz

Barry Wolinetz, winner of the 2024 Pro Bono Powerhouse Award, has been a steadfast volunteer at LASCO’s clinic at Jewish Family Services since its inception in 2015. His dedication over the past nine years has made him an invaluable asset to the clinic and its clients. With extensive experience in family law, Barry’s legal expertise has helped countless individuals navigate complex challenges. However, his commitment goes beyond his specialization—he is always willing to assist clients outside his practice area, ensuring that anyone who seeks help receives the guidance they need. 

Raised on the east side of Cleveland, Barry eventually settled in Columbus after completing his undergraduate, graduate, and law degrees at Ohio State University. He initially pursued a career in political science before shifting to law after becoming disillusioned with the PhD program. This decision, though unplanned, has allowed him to make a significant impact through both his legal career and his volunteer work.   

When asked about his decision to engage in pro bono work, Barry, a partner at Wolinetz, Horvath and Brown, talked about the importance of lending a helping hand. “There are trite sayings about paying it forward,” he said, “but the real motivating force is that we all need a helping hand. If we’re lucky enough to give back, even in small ways, it not only enhances others’ lives but enriches your own.”   

For him, civil legal aid is about more than just legal assistance—it’s about ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to the help they need to navigate difficult situations. Through his work with LASCO, Barry has been a source of hope and guidance for countless individuals, said Dianna Parker, Director of Pro Bono and Community Engagement for LASCO. “While Barry is particularly special because he is willing to speak to anyone, his family law experience is so helpful at our brief advice clinics, where many unrepresented litigants come for legal advice on what to do in their cases. We are so lucky to have Barry’s support at the JFS clinic.

Congratulations, Barry!

New Attorney Pro Bono Award—Humphrey Kweminyi, Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter

"Civil legal aid isn't just about providing legal representation; it's about offering a lifeline to those who might otherwise be left to navigate these complex challenges alone."

—Humphrey Kweminyi

Humphrey Kweminyi, a dedicated attorney and volunteer, is the recipient of this year’s New Attorney Pro Bono Award. His journey with LASCO began in 2021 when he was a 3L volunteering with Legal Aid's Columbus Advocacy Director, Ben Horne. After becoming licensed later that year, Humphrey joined Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, where he has continued his commitment to pro bono work. He was an active volunteer with LASCO’s Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) at eviction court and has also joined the Pro Bono Bankruptcy Program, assisting clients navigating life-altering crises. His passion for service extends beyond individual cases—Humphrey joined the LASCO Board of Directors in 2024, where he has been instrumental in securing Kegler’s support as a Partner in Justice.

Humphrey’s path to the legal profession began in the North-West Region of Cameroon, where he was born and raised. He earned his License en Droit (LL.B) and Master’s degree in International Law from the University of Yaoundé before apprenticing at two law firms in Cameroon. His legal career took a significant turn when he passed the Cameroon Bar in 2014 and immigrated to the United States later that year. Humphrey pursued his JD at Capital University Law School, graduating in 2021. Currently, as an associate at Kegler Brown, he focuses on business, real estate, and finance law while maintaining active roles on the boards of LASCO, Directions for Youth & Families, and The John Mercer Langston Bar Association. In his free time, he enjoys reading and serving his community.

Humphrey’s commitment to justice was shaped by his grandfather, a World War II veteran who spent years in protracted legal battles over inherited property. The financial strain ultimately bankrupted his family, but pro bono lawyers took up his grandfather’s case, which led to a landmark ruling in Cameroon’s Supreme Court. This experience inspired Humphrey to pursue a legal career and instilled in him a passion for pro bono work, knowing firsthand the transformative power it can have on someone’s life.

For Humphrey, LASCO’s work is crucial because it provides critical legal services to low-income Ohioans, helping them secure stable housing, protect their families, and achieve economic stability. “Civil legal aid isn't just about providing legal representation; it's about offering a lifeline to those who might otherwise be left to navigate these complex challenges alone,” Humphrey reflects. His pro bono work has been personally rewarding, offering him the chance to sharpen his legal skills while making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable clients.

One of his most memorable experiences came while volunteering with LASCO’s Tenant Advocacy Project and representing an elderly woman who was facing eviction. Though the legal victory was modest—a few weeks’ extension and the return of her deposit—the impact on her life was profound. This case reinforced Humphrey’s commitment to using his legal skills to assist those facing hardship, reminding him of the immense need for legal services in underserved communities.

Congratulations, Humphrey!