Every October, the American Bar Association marks the last week of October with a national celebration of pro bono. In celebration of MVLS’ 45th Anniversary, we are thrilled to announce that admission to Celebrate Pro Bono 2025 will be free for all current MVLS volunteers. This year’s Celebrate Pro Bono event will take place on October 30, 2025, and will be held at The Factory, a West Baltimore Opportunity Center. MVLS is proud to recognize the outstanding volunteers and partners who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to pro bono service. MVLS’ awards honor those whose dedication makes the ideal of justice for all a reality.

Volunteers of the Year

Volunteers of the Year – this year’s award goes to two outstanding attorneys:

Anne S. Gold-Rand
Since 2015, Anne has handled an extraordinary 255 expungement cases, including 45 in FY25 alone. While she serves clients across Maryland, the strong majority of her work has been in Baltimore City, where her dedication has opened countless doors to opportunity. Anne’s tireless commitment to helping individuals clear their records exemplifies the heart of pro bono service—restoring dignity and hope for Marylanders seeking a fresh start.

Rob M. Goldman
Rob, who joined the MVLS panel in 2021, has taken on 84 cases—39 in FY25 alone—providing critical assistance to Baltimore City and County residents. His practice focuses on estates, deeds, powers of attorney, and advance health directives, ensuring clients can protect their homes, families, and future wishes. Rob’s steady commitment and compassion have made him an indispensable partner to MVLS and a trusted advocate for those facing complex life decisions.

Law Firm of the Year
Manculich Law LLC (Michele Manculich)

Since the firm accepted their first MVLS case in 1999, they have provided vital legal support in Cecil, Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, and Charles counties. With 29 total cases—and an impressive 20 in FY25 alone—Manculich Law has made a remarkable impact in family law through Judicare, as well as guardianship, landlord-tenant, estates, foreclosure, and consumer matters. Michele’s steadfast commitment ensures clients facing some of life’s most difficult challenges have access to justice.

Young Volunteer of the Year
Nakea Barksdale

Nakea became a volunteer attorney in 2024, and has already taken on an impressive 13 expungement cases—10 of them in FY25 alone—demonstrating both dedication and compassion for clients across Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Charles, Howard, Harford, St. Mary’s, and Frederick counties. Based in Baltimore, Nakea has quickly become a trusted advocate for individuals seeking a fresh start through expungement. Her commitment exemplifies the transformative power of volunteerism.

Young Volunteer of the Year
Patrice Clarke

Since Patrice took her first MVLS case in 2023, she has taken on 27 cases, including eight this fiscal year, in Anne Arundel County. Her broad range of service—spanning estates, expungement, consumer, and housing matters—demonstrates a remarkable commitment to meeting clients where their needs are greatest. Patrice’s willingness to step into complex and varied case types reflects both courage and compassion, ensuring more Marylanders receive access to justice.

Retired Volunteer Award
Joy Sakamoto-Wengel

For 23 years (she took her first MVLS case in 2002), Joy has handled 94 cases for Baltimore City residents, with an impressive 13 taken on in FY25 alone. Her wide-ranging work—including consumer, family, estates, expungements, and advance directives—reflects her versatility and deep commitment to serving clients with care and compassion. Even in retirement, Joy continues to bring her experience and energy to those in need of legal assistance.  

Community Partner of the Year

Center For Urban Families

The Center for Urban Families (CFUF) is one of MVLS’ longest-tenured and most trusted workforce development partners. Since 1999, CFUF has served over 33,000 Baltimoreans by strengthening families, promoting economic stability, and advancing responsible fatherhood. Our partnership deepened in 2020 as MVLS committed to addressing structural racism with humility and accountability. Together, we’ve built a relationship rooted in trust—one that extends beyond legal services to community connection, including Kindling Conversations dinners. CFUF’s enduring impact and leadership exemplify the power of partnership in creating meaningful change. 

In Memory of Sally Gold

Sally was a treasured member of the MVLS family. She served on MVLS’ advisory board for nearly a decade, making herself available for advisory board meetings, and meetings with MVLS leadership to discuss engagement strategies. She served as a volunteer and family law mentor for 36 years, taking 50 family law cases herself and mentoring on an additional 17 cases. She was currently serving as a mentor in the MVLS Family Law Cohort. Sally also generously supported MVLS for many years. 

10 Year Award – for taking at least one case with MVLS every year since 2015.
Danielle Mikoy

20 Year Award – for taking at least one case with MVLS every year since 2005.
James Olson

Mentors of the Year

Thomas Mulinazzi and Sarah Nadolny

With decades of combined experience, Thomas Mulinazzi and Sarah Nadolny have shown extraordinary dedication to MVLS. Thomas has taken 200 cases since 2006 in Baltimore City, Howard, and Anne Arundel, while Sarah has taken 19 since 2023 in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Carroll, and Howard. By mentoring new attorneys through MVLS’s First Annual Family Law Cohort, they’ve strengthened our Family Law Program and expanded access to justice.

10+ Cases –
MVLS recognizes the following volunteers who took 10 or more cases during fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025):

• Allen J. Paltell 
• Anne S. Gold-Rand 
• Catherine M. Cook 
• Christopher B. Rydelek 
• Edward L. Wender 
• Frank E. Turney 
• Hudson Miller 
• Jennifer A. Jones 
• Jonathan P. Riedel 
• Joy Sakamoto-Wengel 
• Julie G. Seidman 
• Justin M. Ginsburg 
• Keisha A. Garner 
• Lawrence Coppel 
• Marlin Q. Parker, Sr.  
• Michele A. Manculich 
• Nakea Barksdale 
• Rachel A. Kiefer 
• Rob M. Goldman 
• Saul McCormick 
• Sheereen E. Middleton 
• Steve R. Migdal 
• Tae Y. Yee 
• Thomas John Kennedy 
• Zachary A. Kowalski   

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