It’s time for ELAP’s annual Pro Bono Awards!
Our awards recognize outstanding contributions to meeting our community’s legal needs. Winners include attorneys, firms, community partners, and individual justice champions.
It’s always an honor for our staff team to highlight individuals and organizations that champion justice for our community.
Our 2025 winners are:
Community Partner: Bellevue School District
We are thrilled to recognize the Bellevue School District and the exceptional leadership of Dr. Aramaki and Dr. Macias Tamez. Their commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for students and families has been invaluable to our community. By welcoming ELAP into the schools and providing space for our “Know Your Rights” workshops, they have helped empower families with essential knowledge about their legal rights. The district’s collaborative efforts not only enhance legal awareness but also strengthen the bond between the school district and the community it serves. We commend Dr. Aramaki, Dr. Macias Tamez, and the entire Bellevue School District for their dedication to the well-being and success of every student and family.
Attorney of the Year: Cameron Ford
Cameron is a private practice family law attorney who joined ELAP’s legal advice clinics in 2022, during a pivotal time of need for family law expertise. Since then, he has contributed more than 80 pro bono hours to our clinics, which reflects his commitment to advocating for those who might otherwise not have access to legal help. Cameron approaches cases with compassion and takes the time to listen to our clients, explaining complex legal issues with clarity, which results in consistent positive feedback from clients. Fun fact: He once interned with ELAP earlier in his career!
Public Official: King County Councilmember Sarah Perry
We are proud to recognize King County Councilmember Sarah Perry for her unwavering commitment to justice and advocacy for policies that uplift marginalized voices. As Chair of Local Services and Land Use, Vice Chair of Health and Human Services, and a strong supporter of the nonprofit sector, Councilmember Perry has demonstrated tireless efforts to address critical issues, including affordable housing, public safety, and equitable access to legal representation. Her profound impact is felt by the residents of District 3, which includes the cities of Redmond, Issaquah, and Carnation.
Community Advocate: Maria Carpena
Maria has shown exceptional commitment to housing stability by serving as a bridge between property managers and tenants facing eviction. As a Case Manager with Catholic Community Services, she works diligently with property managers to facilitate their acceptance of rent pledges, often going above and beyond to be responsive, clarify requirements, and resolve issues. Maria’s compassion and advocacy for tenants who are in desperate situations, including ELAP clients, is helping to prevent homelessness. We are grateful for her partnership.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Esperanza “Espy” Borboa
Guided by her belief that “Access to justice is key to the protection of the public,” Espy has dedicated more than 50 years to confronting systemic inequity and strengthening institutions for those most excluded. Espy’s commitment began with organizing in East Los Angeles, including the 1968 student walkouts. In Seattle, her leadership included 15 years at El Centro de la Raza, co-founding the Seattle-Managua Sister City Association, and launching the Institute for Community Leadership. Her service earned honors from the United Nations and the Weyerhaeuser MLK Award. Espy spent eight years as ELAP’s Program Director, becoming the welcoming face of the organization and a tireless champion for marginalized communities. She was nominated to the Washington State Access to Justice Board in 2018 and became the chair in 2024 using her voice to strengthen the statewide civil legal aid system for people living in poverty and address the systemic inequities that prevent justice in our legal system. What makes Espy exceptional is not only what she accomplished but how she showed up every day. She has led boldly and joyfully, always grounded in conviction and compassion, earning deep respect through her efforts. Espy’s work is a reminder that no one in the legal profession is exempt from understanding these harms and helping to repair them. ELAP is honored to recognize Espy with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her extraordinary service and profound community impact.
