2025 Awardees
Honorable Terrence J. McGuire
Court of Honor
Honorable Terrence J. McGuire
Court of Honor Award
Second to Presiding Judge Malone, there may not be a bigger champion of the Probate Court Assistance Program (PCAP) than Judge McGuire. Judge McGuire truly appreciates a family’s attachment to the real property – many times the only asset – in a decedent’s estate. Therefore, we couldn’t be more grateful for his support for our PCAP program, which helps families pass that real property on to the heirs at law. At the start of his 10 am call every day, Judge McGuire advertises the PCAP program, and I believe it is the reason we have almost 200 volunteer attorneys in this program! It could not remain as successful without the Judge’s commitment, and for that we honor him with the Court of Honor award.
Sima Blue
Lifetime Achievement
Sima Blue
Lifetime Achievement
For 45 years, Sima Blue has been the heart and soul of JUF’s legal services clinics. As clinic coordinator, she was the vital link between clients in need and volunteers eager to help. Her deep compassion, steady judgment, and unwavering dedication have ensured that this essential resource has reached thousands across generations.
2025 Honor Roll Inductees
Every year CVLS honors volunteers who have distinguished themselves in providing pro bono services to low-income clients. These volunteers exemplify Chicago Pro Bono.
Rachael A. Bryan
ArentFox Schiff
Rachael A. Bryan
ArentFox Schiff
Lylie Wood and Rachael Bryan took on Ms. Esho’s divorce case at the start of 2020 that had many twists and turns. In the middle of the divorce proceedings, the client received notice that Social Security Administration had overpaid her in SSI benefits by nearly $14,000 and demanding repayment in full. Kylie and fellow ArentFox Schiff associate Rachael Bryan worked tirelessly for nearly two years, reconsideration and waiver of the full amount for nearly two years. Despite their efforts, their reconsideration requests were denied, forcing them to appeal. Kylie and Rachael believed this battle to be an uphill climb because our client was likely overpaid (through no fault of her own and due to the local social security office’s mishandling records she supplied them, especially during the pandemic), and overpayments are rarely waived. In November, Kylie and Rachael presented our appellate argument to Judge Sandra DiMaggio Wallis. In a December 19 decision, the judge confirmed that their client had been overpaid $13,905.60 but held that she was not at fault for the overpayment and that requiring repayment would defeat the purposes of the Social Security Act. Therefore, the Judge waived recovery of the full $13,905.60, relieving their client of the entire debt. This unexpected victory was especially significant given how rarely SSI debtors receive any relief.
Arthur Czaja
Chancery Court and Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation
Arthur Czaja
Chancery Court and Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation
Arthur Czaja is an exceptional attorney whose brilliant legal mind, unwavering commitment to justice, and tireless advocacy for CVLS clients make him a most valuable volunteer. Despite a demanding appellate court caseload, he generously volunteers with CVLS, providing invaluable assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure. Art quickly grasps complex issues, develops effective strategies, and genuinely cares about his clients. He provides not just legal expertise, but crucial support during stressful proceedings. His willingness to take on additional CVLS cases, even with his busy schedule, demonstrates his dedication to ensuring access to justice. Art's advocacy has tangibly improved countless lives, making him a truly deserving recipient.
Michal Fus
Amicus Poloniae
Michal Fus
Amicus Polonie
This is not Michal’s first Distinguished Service award, and we hope that it won’t be his last. Michal loves to help people. That’s why he became an attorney and why he is an amazing CVLS volunteer. In addition to helping a client understand a contract, file bankruptcy, or negotiate a complex legal dispute, he offers clients good life advice. With two young children and a solo practice, Michal is busy. Very busy. But he’s always eager to help the people who come to Amicus Poloniae because helping others is his passion. People with that type of passion never expect recognition, but they deserve it. Michal deserves this award.
Ruben M. Garcia
Adult GAL
Ruben M. Garcia
Adult GAL
Ruben M. Garcia is a long time volunteer with he or his office taking almost 50 cases in Adult guardianship. Considered the “Gold Standard” of attorneys by Judge Malone, Ruben’s professionalism, honesty, generosity, and experience is above and beyond. This year, Ruben graciously accepted a truly remarkable case when Judge Malone asked CVLS to help a Petitioner on his petition for guardianship – of himself. Ruben was zealous in his advocacy for our client, and remains committed to CVLS.
Shunte Goss
Child Rep
Shunte Goss
Child Rep
A volunteer since 2015, Shunte has helped over 100 CVLS clients in the areas of estate planning and family law. Judges rely on Shunte’s experience, honesty, and objectiveness in her roles as Child Representative and Guardian ad Litem both for minors and adults with disabilities. Shunte Goss started volunteering with CVLS a decade ago as a participant in the Justice Entrepreneurs Project (JEP), a incubator program meant to foster and develop socially conscious law practices. We have relied on Shunte not only to take cases but to provide valuable knowledge to our younger volunteers and staff. Most recently, she has devoted her valuable time to acting as a Special Representative for deceased litigants in Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases. Shunte developed in interest in representing the children after establishing a strong background in family law as a JEP placement with CVLS. Since then, she continues, to our deep satisfaction, to routinely takes pro bono cases with us as Child Representative and GAL.
Konrad Grabowski
Amicus Poloniae
Konrad Grabowski
Amicus Poloniae
Attorney Konrad Grabowski has been a committed volunteer with the Amicus Poloniae Legal Clinic since law school, consistently offering pro bono legal support in family law, housing, and other complex matters. Despite the demands of a growing private practice and being a devoted husband and father to two young daughters, he continues to dedicate his time to helping those in need through the clinic’s services.
Greg Hawver
GAL Minor
Greg Hawver
GAL for Minors
Greg Hawver, a partner at McGuire Woods and CVLS Board Member, has volunteered with the Guardian ad Litem for Minors Program since 2011. He’s handled numerous complex cases with compassion and dedication. For over 15 years, he has also championed the program among colleagues, inspiring new attorneys to get involved. His unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children and promoting pro bono work makes this long-overdue recognition well deserved.
Marcie L. Hefler
JUF / JCLS Community Legal Services
Marcie L. Hefler
JUF / JCLS Community Legal Services
Marcie Hefler has been one of our valued volunteers for many years, bringing her expertise in estate cases, as well as her more recent focus in the area of guardianship. In her day job, she is a partner in Hefler and Lichtenberg, that handle guardianships and GALs. She guides our clients in what is often a delicate area, that they never expected to need, but are now facing. She does this with a calm demeanor, while treading delicately. Her previous experience in the mental health field makes her especially sensitive to the needs of the clients and helps the families navigate the often confusing and challenging medical and insurance bureaucracies that are part of the guardianship journey.
It is said that patience is a virtue. If that is true, Marcie is one of the most virtuous human beings known to man. We have seen her extend patience to clients that have tested many of us time and again. She manages to see through adverse behavior and understand the client’s need to fight the system, and sometimes their attorneys, in a primal need to protect their loved ones. Adaptive? Probably not. But Marcie sees people where they are, not as we would like them to be.
Marcie is dependable, thorough, and dedicated to our population, ...and oh so virtuous. We, at the JUF Evelyn R. Green Legal Services, are oh so very lucky to say that she is one of ours and deserves to be honored.
Yanjia Jenny Huang
Chinese American Service League (CASL)
Yanjia Jenny Huang
Chinese American Service League (CASL)
As the Managing Attorney of the legal services program at CVLS’ Chinese American Service League (CASL) clinic, Yanjia “Jenny” Huang is responsible for managing volunteer attorneys, interpreters and clients who frequent this essential community resource. Thanks to Jenny, clients who need help or have legal questions can talk to an attorney nearly anytime CASL is open. In addition to handling her own caseload, Jenny schedules clients for CVLS’ legal clinic, while also making sure that the dozens of volunteer attorneys and interpreters are available for scheduled people and the inevitable walk-ins. Jenny cares about her community, always working to ensure that the clinic’s clients don’t fear our legal system but understand it. She is a wonderful resource for CASL, CVLS and the Chinatown community.
Alyease Jones
GAL for Minors
Alyease Jones
GAL for Minors
Alyease Jones, Having worked with her on a few cases under the minor guardianship program, I’ve seen how dedicated and thoughtful she is in her role as a GAL. She has a way of engaging with the children we serve that builds trust and makes them feel comfortable opening up. She approaches them with honesty, kindness, and empathy, which isn’t always easy in these situations. I’ve seen firsthand how her presence can make a real difference; I had a guardian even reach out after a case to say that his niece started making changes in her behavior after meeting with us. It really stood out as a moment where her approach had a lasting impact. Alyease is also just great to work with. She takes the time to fully understand the situation, has thoughtful discussions about what we’ve observed, and doesn’t hesitate to put in the extra effort, whether that means staying late or meeting families where they are. Her insight and dedication make her an asset to this type of work, and I think she deserves to be recognized.
Adam Kauffman
Barnes & Thornburg
Adam Kauffman
Barnes & Thornburg
Adam is deserving of the CVLS volunteer award because he has consistently made himself available to potential clients of CVLS. Adam always volunteers to participate in our monthly intake sessions working to assess and develop memos for potential clients to obtain representation. He has also volunteered twice to personally represent potential clients with their legal matters. Adam’s contribution to our firm’s efforts to support CVLS is very significant. He is a key volunteer that can always be counted on to assist someone in need.
Christos Kiosses
HEL.LAS
Christos Kiosses
HEL.Las
Hel.LAS is proud to recognize Christos Kiosses for his unwavering dedication and exceptional service to our pro bono legal clinic. A seasoned attorney, Christos began practicing law in Thessaloniki, Greece, in 1996, building his career on the principles of outstanding client service, fairness, and professional excellence.
Since joining Hel.LAS in 2016, Christos has been an invaluable asset, primarily assisting with immigration cases. His commitment extends beyond our clinic— ensuring that members of Chicago’s Greek community receive the legal support they need. He has generously lent his expertise in Greek real estate, Greek pensions, Greek taxes, Greek wills and trusts, and obtaining marriage or divorce certificates from Greece.
His passion for justice, willingness to take on any case we ask of him, and dedication to serving others embody the very mission of Hel.LAS. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and proud to recognize his outstanding pro bono service.
Collin Pellettieri
Chancery Appointment Program
Collin Pellettieri
Chancery Appointment Program
It’s not always easy working with clients. People facing legal problems, and a shortage of funds, often harbor plenty of frustration and anger at the legal system long before CVLS places their case with a volunteer. For clients with those kinds of grievances, it takes more than just legal acumen to solve their problems; it also takes patience, a kind and forgiving ear, a willingness to keep working with them even after they have an outburst, and a directness that refocuses them on the case’s needs. Lucky for CVLS’s Chancery Appointment Program (and, in the past, the Minor GAL program), repeat volunteer Collin Pellettieri has all of those qualities and more. Whether working with acrimonious families, senior citizens with little patience for bureaucracy, or clients who speak neither English nor legalese, Collin demonstrated exceptional patience, kindness, and perseverance in multiple cases in 2024. CVLS thanks Collin for the quality and quantity of his efforts to serve Illinois’ most vulnerable (and occasionally cranky) residents.
Sheila Pont
SIJS
Sheila Pont
SIJS
In late 2024, Sheila and Molly MacCready of Pro Bono Network partnered with CVLS to support immigrant youth through the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Program. Sheila quickly launched a training and volunteer initiative, placing over a dozen SIJS cases with dedicated attorneys. Her leadership has expanded CVLS’s capacity, strengthened community partnerships, and ensured timely staffing and support for new cases. Sheila also helped staff multiple Guardianship clinics, making her a key force in this impactful collaboration.
Tania Pothel-Worden
BMO
Tania Pothel-Worden
BMO
Tania took over as chair of the CVLS/BMO intake clinic in August 2021, guiding its transition to a virtual format during the pandemic. She developed a detailed training video, recruited numerous volunteers, and continues to manage clinic operations, including scheduling and support. Her proactive leadership and commitment have kept the clinic running smoothly and expanded its volunteer base. Tania’s hands-on approach makes her an indispensable part of the CVLS/BMO team.
Stephen Proctor
ERP
Stephen Proctor
ERP
Stephen Proctor, a long-time CVLS volunteer, has supported the Early Resolution Program since summer 2023, helping small landlords navigate the eviction process and preserve affordable housing. Though recently retired from practicing law, he remains dedicated to volunteering, advising clients on eviction filings and court procedures. CVLS values his continued commitment and is deeply grateful for his time and service.
Kendra Scheuerlein
AILA
Kendra Scheuerlein
AILA
Kendra Scheuerlein is the deserving recipient of this year’s Pro Bono Award for the CVLS AILA Clinic. Her steadfast commitment to low-income clients and support of CVLS has made a meaningful difference. Kendra consistently upholds the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, taking on complex cases while also mentoring volunteers and staff. Her leadership and dedication reflect a deep commitment to justice, and her contributions continue to uplift both the clinic and the community it serves.
Mark Schramm
PCAP
Mark Schramm
PCAP
Mark Schramm has been a volunteer with our PCAP program since 2022 and is dedicated to the PCAP program. His first case was for one of our Armed Forces Legal Action Network (AFLAN) clients in which he was able to secure the only asset of the Estate, the marital home, for the surviving wife of the deceased. Mark is conscientious, professional, and compassionate and we are lucky to have such a committed volunteer.
Lisette Serrano
Child Rep
Lisette Serrano
Child Rep
Lisette Serrano’s resume with the CVLS Child Representative Program is lengthy and nothing short of impressive. She has taken more pro bono cases as Child Rep and GAL than nearly any other volunteer. After working as a paralegal for more than 18 years, Lisette is now known as fierce family law practitioner. While she advocates strongly for her adult clients, Lisette has a tactful and kind approach to cases involving children. She conducts full, thorough investigations and engages in alternative dispute resolution when necessary. She also takes many of our cases involving Spanish-speaking parties. Although Lisette is already been a member of the Domestic Relations roster of paid Child Representatives and GALs, she keeps coming back to CVLS to take pro bono cases. We are grateful to have Lisette’s vast experience as a family law attorney on our side and would be thrilled to see her volunteering for years to come.
Missy Turk Firmage
GAL for Minors
Missy Turk Firmage
GAL for Minors
Missy is a well-respected probate attorney and experienced CVLS GAL who has handled numerous complex minor guardianship cases. Known for her fierce advocacy and compassion, she takes on the most difficult cases, uniting long-feuding families while prioritizing the child’s best interests. Her ability to navigate challenging dynamics with empathy and strength sets her apart, making her work truly exceptional.
Shana L. Vitek
Beerman Family Law Clinic
Shana L. Vitek
![](https://www.cvls.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Shana-Vitek.jpg")
Beerman Family Law Clinic
It is with great enthusiasm and admiration that Shana Vitek is nominated for CVLS’ Distinguished Service Award. Her vision, dedication, and tireless commitment have been instrumental in making the clinic the success it is today.
Since its inception, the Beermann Clinic has provided critical legal services to individuals who otherwise would have no access to representation. Through its partnership with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, the clinic opened in January 2023 and has dedicated 1,265 hours to CVLS training, intakes, and cases since June 2023. From securing basic legal protections to advocating for clients in vulnerable positions, the clinic’s impact on the lives of those it serves cannot be overstated.
Shana’s role has been not just foundational, but transformative. She played a central role in establishing the clinic’s structure, recruiting firm volunteers, and ensuring the necessary resources were in place to meet the growing demand for services. Her exceptional management and organizational skills have been essential in overseeing the clinic’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that each case is handled with the utmost care and attention.
Her unwavering dedication to serving those most in need, combined with outstanding leadership, makes her an ideal candidate for this award. It is rare to find someone whose passion and contributions so deeply align with the mission of serving others.
Shana Vitek is a truly deserving nominee for the Outstanding Clinic Volunteer Award, and she will no doubt continue to be a powerful force for positive change in the legal community.
Kylie S. Wood
ArentFox Schiff
Kylie S. Wood
ArentFox Schiff
Kylie Wood and Rachael Bryan took on Ms. Esho’s divorce case at the start of 2020 that had many twists and turns. In the middle of the divorce proceedings, the client received notice that Social Security Administration had overpaid her in SSI benefits by nearly $14,000 and demanding repayment in full. Kylie and fellow ArentFox Schiff associate Rachael Bryan worked tirelessly for nearly two years, reconsideration and waiver of the full amount for nearly two years. Despite their efforts, their reconsideration requests were denied, forcing them to appeal. Kylie and Rachael believed this battle to be an uphill climb because our client was likely overpaid (through no fault of her own and due to the local social security office’s mishandling records she supplied them, especially during the pandemic), and overpayments are rarely waived. In November, Kylie and Rachael presented our appellate argument to Judge Sandra DiMaggio Wallis. In a December 19 decision, the judge confirmed that their client had been overpaid $13,905.60 but held that she was not at fault for the overpayment and that requiring repayment would defeat the purposes of the Social Security Act. Therefore, the Judge waived recovery of the full $13,905.60, relieving their client of the entire debt. This unexpected victory was especially significant given how rarely SSI debtors receive any relief.
Nicholas Zausch
GAL Adult
Nicholas Zausch
Adult GAL
Nicholas Zausch has taken 17 cases with CVLS across many different programs – Minor GAL, Contracts/Warranties, Torts, Estate Planning, but seven of the cases with the Adult GAL program. Most recently, Nick also doesn’t bat an eye accepting cases in which CVLS is appointed as counsel for the Respondent. Nick’s experience as a probate practitioner makes him a valuable attorney for our clients and a highly valued CVLS volunteer.