Community Legal Services Honors Pro Bono Champions at 2026 Awards Ceremony
Pictured, left to right: Christine Hansley, Esq., J.P. Numa, Esq., Wendy Mara, Esq., Frank Buckley, Esq., and Breona Harrison, Esq. holding their Pro Bono Attorney of the Year awards.
Attorneys, law firms, law students, and community partners recognized for expanding access to justice across Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 19, 2026) – Community Legal Services (CLS) celebrated the extraordinary contributions of volunteer attorneys, law students, law firms, and community partners during the 2026 Pro Bono Awards Ceremony on Oct. 8 at the Winter Park Events Center.
The annual event recognizes the individuals and organizations whose volunteer service helps ensure that legal help is available to Central Floridians who could not otherwise afford an attorney. Through pro bono representation, legal clinics, and community outreach, these volunteers expand access to justice for thousands of residents across the region.
“Pro bono volunteers are the reason so many of our neighbors have someone in their corner when they face a legal crisis they cannot handle alone,” said Andrea D. Ortiz, Esq. Director of Pro Bono Services at Community Legal Services. “The people we honored this year gave their time, their experience and their compassion, whether that meant taking a complex case from start to finish, staffing a clinic or mentoring the next generation of attorneys. We are grateful for every one of them.”
In 2026, hundreds of volunteer attorneys and law students partnered with CLS to assist clients facing challenges related to family law, housing, veterans’ benefits, consumer issues, estate planning, record sealing and expungement, and other critical civil legal matters. Their efforts help CLS extend legal services throughout its 12-county service area and advance the organization’s vision of legal access for all.
The Impact of Pro Bono Service
Each year, volunteer attorneys and legal professionals help CLS meet the growing need for civil legal assistance throughout Central Florida. Whether representing a family in crisis, helping a veteran secure benefits, assisting a survivor of domestic violence, or guiding a client through sealing and expungement, pro bono volunteers make legal access possible for thousands of individuals and families.
“Access to justice should not depend on a person’s income, and our pro bono community embodies that principle every day,” said Jeff Harvey, Esq., CEO of Community Legal Services. “These honorees, along with the law firms and community partners who stand beside them, extend our reach far beyond what our staff could do alone. On behalf of everyone at CLS, I thank them for their generosity and for the difference they make in people’s lives.”
2026 Pro Bono Award Recipients
Judge Robert K. Rouse Jr. Pro Bono Service Award
Clyde Lemon, Esq., C. Lemon Law
The Judge Robert K. Rouse Jr. Pro Bono Service Award recognizes exceptional dedication to volunteer legal service. Lemon, a former Public Defender Office attorney, has handled more than 70 sealing and expungement matters for CLS clients. He also mentors law students and interns through the CLS Summer Intern Program and Pro Bono Legal Pathways Panel, helping inspire future generations of pro bono advocates.
Timothy A. Moran Champion of Justice Award
Wilda Pomales, Esq., Wilda Pomales Family Law PLLC
Presented to an outstanding young attorney demonstrating exceptional commitment to public service, this year’s award honors Pomales for her remarkable volunteer efforts in Osceola County. During the past four years, she has accepted more than 220 pro bono matters and contributed 428 volunteer hours serving clients in family law, estate planning, and sealing and expungement cases.
Law Firm of the Year
Wilson & Williams, P.A.
A longtime CLS partner, Wilson & Williams expanded its pro bono engagement this year by accepting full-representation matters and participating in legal advice clinics. The firm’s attorneys helped an elderly widow navigate insurance and probate challenges after her home was destroyed by a fallen tree, ultimately helping secure insurance proceeds that allowed her to participate in a housing authority rebuilding program.
Law Student of the Year
Camari Simpson, Florida A&M University College of Law
Simpson has made a significant impact through volunteer service at FAMU Law Mobile Helplines and sealing and expungement clinics throughout Central Florida. Known for his patience, leadership, and compassion, he has helped connect clients with legal services while supporting fellow law students and clinic volunteers.
CLS Partner in Service
Hart Memorial Central Library, Kissimmee
For the past three years, Hart Memorial Central Library has hosted CLS monthly family law clinics at no cost, providing Osceola County residents with a trusted and accessible location to receive legal information and assistance.
Pro Bono Ambassador – Attorney
Matthew Frey, Esq., Campione Law Group, P.A.
A CLS board member and dedicated volunteer, Frey has handled nearly 50 pro bono cases and contributed more than 430 volunteer hours in wills and estates, bankruptcy, real property, and Social Security Disability matters.
Pro Bono Ambassador – Staff Attorney
Brannon Gary, Esq., Community Legal Services
Gary helped lead the Second Annual Orange County Sealing & Expungement Clinic and has been a key supporter of the CLS Mobile Helpline while mentoring volunteer attorneys and assisting with client intake efforts.
Pro Bono Ambassador – CLS Staff
Sonya Flynt, Community Legal Services
Flynt played an instrumental role in establishing community partnerships that made CLS’ Volusia County Sealing & Expungement Clinics possible, helping bring critical legal assistance to residents throughout the county.
Recognizing Local Leaders Across Central Florida
CLS recognizes outstanding pro bono attorneys in counties throughout Central Florida who demonstrate exceptional dedication to expanding legal access for those in need. While pro bono service hours are an important consideration, honorees are also selected for their impact on clients, commitment to challenging cases, and willingness to go above and beyond in service to their communities:
Brevard County: Christine Hansley, Esq.
Citrus County: Melissa Pendergrass, Esq., A Better Direction Law, LLC
Flagler County: Wendy Mara, Esq., Mara Law, P.A.
Hernando County: Karen Leonardo, Esq., Leonardo Law, P.A.
Lake County: Kenneth Costello, Esq., Boyette, Cummins & Nailos, PLLC
Marion County: Christopher A. Anderson, Esq., Gilligan, Anderson, Williams & Green, P.A.
Orange County: Breona Harrison, Esq., Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP
Osceola County: Linda Gruszynski, Esq., Draper Law Office, and J.P. Numa, The Leach Firm
Seminole County: Ariel Niles, Esq., Frank Family Law Practice
Volusia County: Frank Buckley, Esq., Emeritus Attorney
Get Involved
Community Legal Services welcomes attorneys, law firms, law students, and community organizations interested in supporting legal access across Central Florida. Volunteer opportunities include direct case representation, legal advice clinics, sealing and expungement events, veteran-focused legal services, and community outreach initiatives.