Thank You for Joining Us At the 2025 Access to Justice Awards

Each year Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO), Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE), and the Toledo Bar Association (TBA) host the Access to Justice Awards to recognize extraordinary service in the public interest and community advocacy. Individuals and organizations in northwest Ohio are honored for their outstanding contributions to promoting and providing access to justice for underprivileged and underserved people.

245 people in northwest Ohio gathered together in support of the critical civil legal services provided by ABLE, LAWO, and TBA on June 20, 2025 at the Pinnacle for the breakfast celebration.

The event honored two incredible award recipients: defense attorney Jon Richardson as the Public Interest Law Award recipient and attorney and community advocate Mechelle Zarou as the Community Advocacy Award recipient.

Guests heard timely and inspiring messages from both awardees, enjoyed a plated breakfast, watched impact videos about the awardees and our three organizations, and had the opportunity to donate and support our missions.

Tremendous thank you to our MC for the morning, the 2025 Access to Justice Awards Chair Rebecca West-Estell, as well as our generous sponsors, table captains, and staff who put the event together.

Jon Richardson, Public Interest Law Award Recipient

Mechelle Zarou, Community Advocacy Award Recipient

2025 Access to Justice Awards Chair and Steering Committee

Rebecca L. West-Estell
Access to Justice Chair
Lucas County Children Services

Mark S. Barnes
Bugbee & Conkle, LLP

David J. Coyle
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

Reginald S. Jackson
Eastman & Smith, LTD.

Bradley J. Lagusch
TBA

Makiedah Messam
ABLE

Kevin C. Mulder
LAWO