The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Excellence Awards. These awards celebrate and recognize the extraordinary talent, dedication, and impact of our Network's advocates, private bar partners, and community leaders.

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.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Excellence Awards and look forward to honoring them at our event on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 5pm, at the Hilton Harrisburg.

For more details about the 2025 Excellence Awards and how you can join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals, visit our event page.