Legal Services celebrates Common Good Awards
This article was originally published in The St. Louis American. Read it here.
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (Legal Services) recently honored community leaders and partners during the Common Good Awards Luncheon on Thursday, August 21 at the Missouri Athletic Club, downtown.
William R. Bay — Robert Walston Chubb Award. William Bay is a longtime supporter of Legal Services through his involvement with Thompson Coburn, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and The Missouri Bar.
Dorothy Lee Sneed — Hon. Richard B. Teitelman Award for volunteer service. Sneed, founder of Concerned Citizens United Neighborhood Association, has led the organization for more than 20 years, providing resources, information, and opportunities for West End residents.
National Center for Law and Economic Justice and Stinson LLP — Melton M. Lewis Equal Justice Award. (NCLEJ) and Stinson LLP were honored for their partnership in a landmark lawsuit filed in February 2022 against the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS).
St. Louis Public Library — Eddie Mae Binion Community Service Award. SLPL provides equal access to justice and essential resources. It hosts clinics, drop-in hours and educational events, removing barriers by offering free attendance and no ID requirements.
Helping Hand Me Downs — Eddie Mae Binion Community Service Award. Helping Hand Me Downs helps families meet their needs to achieve stability and independence. It assisted more than 100 children through the Children’s Legal Alliance program.
Ryan Turnage — F. Wm. McCalpin Pro Bono Award. Ryan Turnage was honored for his long-standing and remarkable commitment to Legal Services as a volunteer. He has served on and led the Young Friends Board and is now on the Legal Services Board of Directors.
Michael R. Cherba — F. Wm. McCalpin Pro Bono Award. Michael Cherba has worked as a longtime volunteer lawyer for Legal Services. He has served as a member of both the Young Friends and the Legal Services board of directors.
Lewis Rice LLC — Gerald R. Ortbals Law Practice Award. Lewis Rice LLC is recognized for its commitment as a leading pro bono partner. The firm’s partnership with Legal Services has resulted in the launch of two impactful initiatives: a Power of Attorney (POA) clinic in collaboration with Ameren, and a growing Guardianship referral program.
Gabriela Baeza-Stout — Hon. John R. Essner Young Lawyer Award Gabriela Baeza-Stout began volunteering in late 2024 and has since participated in six legal clinics, stepping in last-minute when there was a shortage of attorneys. She has also committed to collaborating with clients as a volunteer attorney, demonstrating her motivation to help low-income individuals access the legal system.
The St. Louis American — Media Award. The St. Louis American published nine articles, by Ashley Winters and Alvin A. Reid, focusing on access to justice, with particular focus on the Microenterprise program.
