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Biography
On Thursday, October 24, Shore Legal Access held its annual Volunteer Attorney Appreciation event at Legal Assets in Easton as part of the annual National Celebration of Pro Bono week. Three attorneys and a law firm were honored for their dedication to providing free legal services to clients who can’t afford an attorney.
“Volunteer attorneys are the heart and soul of what we do. Since 2011, our extraordinary network of volunteer attorneys has closed over 7000 cases and donated over 100,000 hours of free legal services—worth more than $39 million. Everything they do leads to a tremendously positive impact on the communities we serve,” said Shore Legal Access’ Executive Director Meredith Lathbury Girard, Esq.
Bridget Campbell, Esq. was given The Honorable Karen M. Jensen Award for attorneys who demonstrate a deep commitment to pro bono service and mentorship. The award is named in honor of Judge Karen Murphy Jensen, a founder of Shore Legal Access and advocate for pro bono service. Campbell has been a dedicated pro bono attorney and community leader since she first began her practice in Maryland in 2018. She has provided 517 hours of free legal representation for family law, housing, and estate matters and closed 104 cases. Earlier this year, Campbell and fellow Shore Legal Access volunteer attorney Ivette Furneisen opened their own law firm in Chestertown—Campbell and Furneisen.
Girard described Campbell as, “a dedicated community leader… willing to take on the tough cases in the name of justice for all.”
Franzella Hayward Starkey, Esq. was recognized as Volunteer Attorney of the Year. Starkey has given 950 hours of pro bono service and closed 60 cases while volunteering with Shore Legal Access. Starkey has a long history of public service over her 42-year career, working at Maryland Legal Aid and the State’s Attorney Office in Wicomico County, and as a longtime volunteer for Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. In her private practice, Starkey represents clients in family law, foreclosure, life and estate planning, and criminal defense cases.