Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. (PLAN) recognized the recipients of the 2025 Excellence Awards during the annual Excellence Awards Celebration that was held on March 27, 2025 at the Hilton Harrisburg.

PLAN was honored to have The Honorable Jordan A. Harris, Majority Chair, House Appropriations Committee, PA House of Representatives serve as the Keynote Speaker for the event. A South Philadelphia native, Chairman Harris is the first African American to serve as both Democratic Caucus Whip and Appropriations Chair. Known nationally for his work in criminal justice reform, he co-authored Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate Law, a model for automatic record sealing, which has cleared over 40 million records and inspired similar efforts nationwide.

Harris is also a leader in probation reform, striving for a fairer system that encourages rehabilitation. Actively involved in his community, Harris serves on various boards and is recognized as one of Philadelphia's most influential leaders.

The Excellence Awards both celebrate and recognize the exceptional efforts of our Network's advocates, private bar partners, and community leaders. Each year, we gather to honor these trailblazers, whose dedication to civil legal aid paves the way toward justice and equality for marginalized and low-income residents of Pennsylvania.

Those honored with the 2025 Excellence Awards include:

Emerging Excellence in Advocacy Award

Richard A.J. Prebil, Esq.

Veterans Advocacy Project Supervising Attorney
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania

This award recognizes legal professionals from our Network who, within their first 10 years of practice or less, have already made significant strides in championing the rights of indigent and underserved Pennsylvanians. The impact of their work underscores the potential for change and heralds a more just legal future.

Outstanding Attorney Advocate Award

Maripat Pileggi, Esq.

Divisional Supervising Attorney
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

Kevin Quisenberry, Esq.

Litigation Director
Community Justice Project

This award honors attorneys within our Network who embody the highest standards of commitment and compassion in the pursuit of equal justice. Through their advocacy, leadership, and unwavering dedication, they inspire hope and create lasting, positive change for their clients and communities.

Outstanding Non-Attorney Advocate Award

Diane Gurner

Intake Administrator and Compliance Specialist
Summit Legal Aid

This award celebrates the indispensable contributions of non-attorney staff in our Network who play a crucial role in advancing our mission. Whether working in fiscal, communications, development, intake, outreach, technology, administrative roles, or as paralegals, these individuals help to shape and strengthen the communities we serve.

Outstanding Pro Bono Advocacy Award

Carol S. McCarthy, Esq.

Partner
McCarthy McEnroe Rosinski & Joy 

This award pays tribute to our private bar partners—associations, attorneys, law firms, and judges—who have shown a deep commitment to justice through the provision of pro bono services or by securing vital funding for civil legal aid in Pennsylvania.

Samuel W. Milkes Outstanding Leadership Award

Phyllis Guillaume

Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administration
Regional Housing Legal Services & Pennsylvania Utility Law Project

This award of distinction is reserved for those who have demonstrated visionary leadership or transformational impact in advancing civil legal aid and access to justice. Recipients provide exceptional mentorship, guiding the next generation of advocates; prioritize marginalized groups, addressing the needs of vulnerable communities; and foster collaboration, uniting diverse partners to achieve shared goals for justice.

More About the 2025 Excellence Honorees

Tribute videos were presented during the Awards ceremony highlighting the Award recipients and their accomplishments and dedication. The videos may be viewed below: