|
ABLE and LAWO Board president awarded Pro Bono recognition
The president of the boards of trustees for Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) and Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO) has been chosen as the recipient of the 2010 Presidential Award for Pro Bono Service from the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation (OLAF).
Toledo Attorney Laurie Pangle received her award at the Ohio State Bar Association Council of Delegates meeting in Dayton.
Pangle is being recognized for her long-term leadership and support of legal services to low-income persons and for her pro bono work. She began serving on the ABLE board of trustees in 1998 and joined the Legal Services of Northwest Ohio (now Legal Aid of Western Ohio) board of trustees at its inception in 1999.
During this time, legal services in northwest Ohio was undergoing a major transformation, beginning with the establishment of Legal Aid Line and the consolidations of ABLE, LSNO, the Toledo Legal Aid Society, and Erie County Legal Aid. In 2004 and 2005, ABLE and LAWO consolidated with counties around Lima, Mansfield, Dayton, and Springfield.
Today, ABLE and LAWO are responsible for serving the residents of 32 counties and all migrant farm workers statewide. Pangle played a prominent role in the successful planning and implementation of these consolidations, which have resulted in improved access and increased services for low income people. Her leadership continued as she provided key board leadership and vision for the establishment of the Center for Equal Justice in Toledo.
In addition to her leadership and volunteer work with ABLE and LAWO, Laurie has also been a strong supporter and participant in pro bono work. “Laurie is the kind of volunteer who shows her support through her actions” says Joseph Tafelski, executive director of ABLE.
“Most recently, most recently, she has participated in the statewide Foreclosure Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) program providing legal representation to families in need and supporting and assisting other volunteer attorneys on cases.” Pangle is a partner with Spengler, Nathanson, where she has been employed since 2002.
The OLAF Presidential Award for Pro Bono Service is presented annually by the President of the OLAF board of trustees to an individual, firm, or organization that has provided outstanding leadership in the delivery of pro bono legal services in the State of Ohio. It is one of the most prestigious awards given to individuals for pro bono or legal services work in Ohio.
Past recipients include the Honorable Walter Rice, Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, Richard Pogue, Richard Cordray, the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project, Bill Weisenberg, David Kutik, Denis Murphy, and Gillam and Ireland.
|
