October 2023 LASC-SEOLS Pursuing Justice Newsletter

As a Social Work major when he arrived at the University of Dayton, Chris Lardiere knew he wanted to help those in need—but he didn’t yet know the path he would take to do so. Eager for opportunities to make a difference, he volunteered at the Dayton Free Clinic and worked with the Apathy Program at the Montgomery County Juvenile Court. Despite his good deeds, Chris says he felt like he wasn’t making much of an impact. That’s when his father suggested a career in law. Chris took the advice to heart. Fortunately, he had two UD faculty mentors who helped transform a self-described “solid C student” into law school material. 

Chris says access to civil legal aid is critical because of the growing divide between those who can access the justice system and those who cannot afford representation. If civil legal aid were not available, he says, “the vulnerable people of our population would get their rights trampled.” 

“Chris came to LASC looking to donate a significant amount of time to one of our pro bono programs,” according to Director of Pro Bono and Community Engagement Dianna Parker. “He found his perfect fit doing wills and simple estate planning with the Seniors Referral Project, which he almost singlehandedly supports by taking referrals on a weekly basis. Chris provides fantastic legal services to our clients, as exhibited by very positive client satisfaction surveys.” 

The feeling is clearly mutual as Chris relishes his work with clients. “Many of these folks are in tough situations but maintain their dignity and their sense of humor,” Chris says. “Honestly, I bug the staff for more cases.” 

When Chris isn’t working for his firm, Lardiere McNair DiNicola & Stonebrook, or volunteering with several community and civic groups, he loves spending time with his wonderful wife of 44 years, visiting with his two grandsons, playing golf with his sons and friends, hanging out with neighbors, and traveling—including a recent river cruise on the Snake and Columbia rivers. 

We congratulate Chris on his well-deserved Pro Bono Powerhouse Award, and we thank him for his steadfast commitment to making a difference in the lives of his clients! 

Sandra Carrillo knew early in life that she wanted to practice law. As a young person growing up in Central Florida, she saw injustices happening in her neighborhood and decided if she worked as a lawyer, she could make a difference. “I didn’t grow up in the best area, so I was exposed early on to law enforcement and the legal system, and the injustices that can sometimes happen. For me, going to law school was a way that I could help others while also building a better life for myself.”

A scholarship to The Ohio State University brought her to Columbus. After graduation, she worked for the university before enrolling in Capital University's Law School. She spent a few years working as an assistant city prosecutor with the Columbus City Attorney’s Office before starting her own practice, Carrillo Law, LLC.

Supporting her community is so important to her that she blocks time for volunteering on her calendar each week. “When I was younger, I was on the receiving end of community services. Now, I am thankful to be the one who can be of service to others,” she said. “I also wholeheartedly believe that we live better lives when we serve others, whether it is through donating our time, talent, or treasure, whenever and however possible.”

Using her legal skills to help others is rewarding because it makes such a difference in people’s lives, she added. “Clients often come in worried and uncertain about so many things, but after connecting with a volunteer like me, they are generally able to breathe a big sigh of relief knowing that they don’t have to face the process alone because they will have an attorney handle their case, or at the very minimum, they are thankful to receive legal advice.”

Sandra steps up whenever and wherever needed, said Pro Bono and Community Engagement Director Dianna Parker, “Whether it’s virtual advice clinics, Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) clinics during the pandemic, in-person reentry events, or divorce referrals—she never hesitates to volunteer. As co-chair of the Columbus Bar Association small firm/solo practitioner committee, Sandra helped promote our pro bono programs, and her firm Carrillo Law, LLC has donated to Legal Aid—a gesture not lost on us, as she is a sole practitioner!”

Congratulations, Sandra, and thank you for your service!

When Dennis Muchnicki learned that Legal Aid needed help preventing evictions in Franklin County during the pandemic, he volunteered to make a difference during the global crisis. “I thought that’s something I can do for my community,” said Muchnicki, a retired immigration attorney. “I feel useful when I am able to help others deal with matters beyond their control. It’s also been a good opportunity to learn a different area of law.”

Dennis quickly became a go-to volunteer, said Jyoshu Tsushima, managing attorney for the Tenant Advocacy Project. “At the time he joined, no one was vaccinated, Covid outbreaks were frequent at court, and Dennis had no reason to be there other than to help tenants from losing their homes,” he said. “He is unphased by the intimidation of opposing counsel, always sympathetic towards our clients, and always has a sense of humor.”

He really wants to please clients, added staff attorney Kaci Philpot. “When he knows that a client wants a specific result, he tries hard to make it happen. He really cares about clients.”

Helping people address civil legal problems is rewarding, Dennis said. “Most of the problems people confront in their lives do not involve the criminal justice system. Rather it is things like missing a rent payment, an accident, or some kind or other monetary problems," he said. “Civil legal aid helps people out when they are cornered by the difficulties of everyday life.”

Dennis attributes his interest in law to his upbringing. “My father groomed me to be a lawyer, by constantly debating just about everything with me, thereby teaching me to think for myself,” he said.

When Dennis isn’t volunteering, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, listening to music, and rooting for the Philadelphia Phillies, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Washington Commanders.

We thank Dennis for his dedication to our clients and congratulate him on this award.

While attending The Ohio State University, Susan Grom worked part time at a law firm where she became interested in the critical, wide-ranging work done by paralegals. After graduating from OSU, she moved to Philadelphia (where, Susan admits, she ran up the steps of the Museum of Art a la Rocky multiple times). There, she earned her paralegal certification at the Philadelphia Institute, the first paralegal school in the U.S. 

After moving back to Columbus, Susan worked for a couple law firms before starting as a paralegal in the Law and IP Unit for Honda about ten years ago. There, she works in the areas of immigration, occupational health and safety, trade, and workers’ compensation.

Eager for an opportunity to use her talents and training to help others, Susan began volunteering with Pro Bono Wills Clinics several years ago, where she assists clients with wills, financial power of attorney, advance directives, and other end-of-life documents. Her appreciation for the importance of this work comes from her own experience with extended family. As Susan witnessed herself, not having end-of-life documents can have devastating effects when family members have different beliefs about what life-sustaining treatments a loved one would want.

Since starting at the PACO/LASC Pro Bono Wills Clinics, Susan has become a reliable and welcome presence to organizers and fellow volunteers. “When I began volunteering in the Wills Clinics several years ago, Susan was the first paralegal I worked with and has been an almost constant partner since,” said pro bono attorney Judith Moss. “She is not only extremely competent, but also fun to work with! She relates well to our clients and volunteers and is a true asset to the program.”

Aside from the satisfaction she gets from helping give peace of mind to her clients, Susan greatly values the interactions she has with clients. “The senior citizen clients are always grateful,” she said, “and I have enjoyed getting to hear about their spouses, kids, and careers.” 

We congratulate Susan on her well-deserved honor and thank her for her dedication to her clients!

For Jim Burnes, volunteering for Legal Aid is about more than giving back to the community. 

“It is imperative for the well-being and health of both the legal system in our country and the individuals who cannot afford assistance in legal matters,” he said. “Our legal system must be available to individuals regardless of wealth or poverty. Justice and access to the rights and protections of the law cannot be limited to those with the means to pay for a lawyer.” 

Burnes, who joined our Volunteer Resource Center project in 2016, was a stalwart volunteer throughout the pandemic, said Pro Bono and Community Engagement Director Dianna Parker. He continues to donate his time by supporting our Rural Eviction Prevention Project even though he currently spends a portion of the year living in California. “He’s dedicated to our program, and we’re grateful for his support.” 

His warm personality is an asset to the team, she added. “He is patient with clients and kind to all of his fellow volunteers and staff.” 

The opportunity to interact with the clients seeking legal assistance provides many personal benefits, he said. “Probably the greatest benefit is gaining some understanding of the situations faced by these individuals. The overwhelming number of clients I've talked to are experiencing difficulties through no fault of their own. They are reasonable, honest and work hard to provide for their families. They deserve and appreciate having someone to talk to and listen to their situations.” 

His interest in community service stems in part from growing up in a time when the “need to improve the welfare of our population and communities was readily apparent,” he said. 

Burnes, who retired in 2018, spent 40 years practicing “school law.” He represented teachers, support staff and administrators. “It was very rewarding to work with the incredible people who give it all to work with and educate children.” 

When he’s not volunteering for Legal Aid, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and enjoying the outdoors. 

Congratulations, Jim!