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. It is a cherished time for our community, as it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the collective impact of our work, celebrate our successes, and show our appreciation for those who embody our mission of justice for all.

2025 Excellence Awards

We’re excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Excellence Awards:

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.

Meet the 2025 Excellence Honorees

The Award recipients were recognized and honored at the Excellence Award ceremony on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, at the Hilton Harrisburg, located at One North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

Here are the tribute videos presented at the Awards ceremony honoring these worthy award recipients:

The keynote speaker at the Excellence Awards event was The Honorable Jordan A. Harris, Majority Chair, House Appropriations Committee, PA House of Representatives. 

View the 2025 Excellence Award Program Booklet

Looking for more information on the Excellence Awards? You can visit the following pages to read more About the Excellence Awards including the  2024 Excellence Awards. You can also view a list of prior award recipients, including recipients of the former Striving Towards Excellence Awards, and check out details about the Excellence Awards in prior years.