2026 Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network
Excellence Awards

September 17, 2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 Excellence Awards!
 

Join us on Thursday, September 17, at the Hilton Harrisburg as we recognize individuals whose leadership, dedication, and service represent the very best of Pennsylvania’s civil legal aid community.

Attendance at the Excellence Awards is complimentary, but advance registration is required. Guests attending only the Excellence Awards should select Registration at the top of the page.

Are you a staff member of a PLAN network program? Please register through the Statewide Training Conference page instead. Conference registration includes admission to the Excellence Awards, so no separate awards registration is needed.
 

The 2026 Excellence Awards will honor the following individuals:

CHAMPION FOR JUSTICE AWARD

Elizabeth Marx, Esq.

Executive Director
Pennsylvania Utility Law Project

This award is for attorneys within our network who embody the highest standards of ethics, commitment, and compassion. Their work results in meaningful case outcomes that create lasting, positive change for the clients and communities they serve.

CHAMPION FOR JUSTICE AWARD

Sierra Shamer & Stina Stannik 

Central Pennsylvania Paralegal Team
Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project

Megan Williams 

Public Benefits Paralegal
Summit Legal Aid

This award honors professionals working in administration, communications, development, fiscal, intake, outreach, technology, and other non-attorney support roles. Their skill, dedication, and behind-the-scenes work make it possible for families to receive the guidance and resources they need to resolve civil legal issues and move forward with stability.

EMERGING EXCELLENCE IN ADVOCACY AWARD

Marissa LaWall, Esq.

Supervising Attorney
Pennsylvania Health Law Project

This award honors legal professionals from our network who, within their first 10 years of practice, have demonstrated client-centered representation and meaningful contributions to their program’s work.

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY ADVOCACY AWARD

Sonia Brookins

Chief Executive Officer
Philadelphia Welfare Rights Organization & Welfare Pride

Kelly R. Wilson

Director of Program Operations
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

This award spotlights clients, client board members, community leaders, legislators, and non-attorney volunteers who actively support civil legal services in their communities. Through outreach, advocacy, partnership, or public leadership, they help raise awareness of civil legal needs and strengthen support for accessible legal assistance.

EXCELLENCE IN PRO BONO ADVOCACY AWARD

Thomas P. Witt, Esq.

Of Counsel
Cozen O'Conner

This award recognizes private bar partners—including associations, attorneys, law firms, and judges—who contribute their time, expertise, or financial support to civil legal aid in Pennsylvania. Eligible candidates must be licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and not employed by free or low-cost legal service providers.

Sponsorships & Digital Tributes

Sponsorships and digital tribute messages make it possible to produce impactful videos and stories that highlight the honorees. This year, digital tributes will replace traditional printed program advertisements and will be displayed before and after the Excellence Awards program—offering a heartfelt way to recognize a colleague or share your organization's support for civil legal aid.

For questions about 2026 Excellence Awards sponsorships or digital tributes, please contact Natalie Bogerman at nbogerman@palegalaid.net.