Each year, the Partners for Justice Conference provides a vital forum for legal advocates, members of the judiciary, elected officials, and others to examine the most pressing access to justice issues facing low-income and marginalized communities in the Mid-Atlantic. This year’s conference, hosted by the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland (PBRC), featured the announcement of the Maryland Pro Bono Service Awards, which will be formally presented at MSBA’s Legal Summit and Annual Meeting. MVLS is proud to celebrate three of our community members recognized this year for their dedication, compassion, and impact.

Sheereen Middleton – Lee A. Caplan Award Nominee

Attorney Sheereen Middleton of Middleton Legal has been a committed MVLS volunteer since 2014, handling over 60 bankruptcy and estate planning cases for Marylanders in need. Her work ensures clients are protected from predatory debt collection and that families can preserve generational wealth. Her longstanding service and willingness to go above and beyond—even while pregnant—exemplifies the values of the Lee A. Caplan Award, which honors solo or small firm practitioners for outstanding pro bono service.

MVLS Senior Legal Advocate Novlette Haughton shared a moving example of Sheereen’s commitment. One elderly client, Ms. Murray, lacked internet access and technological literacy—two barriers that could have derailed her bankruptcy case. Sheereen worked with MVLS staff to coordinate library access and support for Ms. Murray so she could complete mandatory credit counseling. Sheereen stayed involved every step of the way, ensuring her client received a successful discharge just in time for her 74th birthday. Ms. Murray called it “the best gift” she could have received.

Jane Addams Resource Corporation – Non-Legal/Organizational Involvement Award Nominee

MVLS also nominated the Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) for its essential role as a workforce development partner. Since 2017, JARC has supported MVLS’s criminal record relief program by helping trainees address legal barriers to employment. Through holistic legal screenings, trainees at JARC are connected with legal services that help them clear the path to sustainable employment.

JARC’s commitment to uplifting underserved communities—through training in modern manufacturing, welding, and financial literacy—is deeply aligned with MVLS’s mission. Their support enhances our ability to provide legal help to those striving for stability and opportunity. JARC is a trusted and thoughtful partner that exemplifies how collaboration between legal and non-legal services can remove barriers to justice.

Hon. Michael Siri – Member of the Judiciary Award Nominee

Judge Michael Siri, of the Baltimore County Circuit Court, has been a tireless advocate for pro bono both on and off the bench. A long-standing member of the Maryland Standing Committee on Pro Bono, Judge Siri brings energy, innovation, and empathy to every conversation about how the judiciary can advance access to legal services.

He regularly participates in MVLS’s Pro Bono Coordinators Roundtable, where he listens, learns, and contributes practical ideas to grow pro bono participation. Judge Siri is currently championing efforts to streamline pro bono case placement by creating a centralized platform for attorneys to access opportunities across legal service providers. His leadership and commitment to increasing attorney involvement reflect the highest ideals of the Member of the Judiciary Award.

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MVLS is honored to work alongside partners like Sheereen Middleton, JARC, and Judge Siri. Each one reflects the spirit of service and shared responsibility that drives our mission forward. We extend our gratitude and congratulations to all three for their inspiring dedication to pro bono work in Maryland. We extend our gratitude and congratulations to all three for their inspiring dedication to pro bono work in Maryland.