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Enduring for the Cause of Justice…
Donna Anne Graf, Manager of Development

• Not often is dedication and commitment to an organization measured in longevity – especially in over 20 year segments.

In 1984, Amanda “Mandy” Silvestris began her journey with Legal Aid, a 16 year old high school student. At that time, gasoline cost less than a dollar and while gas costs more and life has changed, one thing has not---Mandy is still a loyal LASOCBA employee --one who knows the inner workings of every department. She is now the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director.

Susan Khoury also arrived in 1984 as a volunteer and never left. Now the GAL Program Director, she credits fellow OCBA members for keeping her passion for the work alive. “Every day, I see and hear how our pro bono attorneys not only touch lives but create opportunities for the individuals and children they represent, opportunities that may not have been possible but for their assistance. Especially within the GAL Program, each time an attorney says ‘yes,’ I know the needs of that child will not be forgotten.”

Cathy Tucker started at Legal Aid in June 1986 and is the Pro Bono Coordinator/Deputy Director. Ms. Tucker reports many great experiences at LASOCBA. She enjoys the opportunity to combine a variety of resources to achieve a great result for clients pointing to the staff and pro bono attorneys. Ms. Tucker stated “There are so many examples of the work of pro bono attorneys, some of which have been highlighted in prior articles, but I think the teamwork, when one attorney assists with the family law matter and another helps with an immigration petition or with a bankruptcy case are most rewarding. This teamwork provides a high level of representation to the client that would not be possible without the many volunteer attorneys and their range of legal skills.”

Hillary Lyals, the Business Office Administrator, started in August 1986. Hillary states that “It is not a difficult task to remain committed to something you believe in. The staff, pro bono attorneys, community volunteers and partners have worked together for almost a half century to help balance the scales of justice for those in need. I am very proud of the traditional legal services that are provided as well as our ability to creatively address legal problems. I am a believer.”

JoAnn Tucker-Hall, our Program Administrator began her employment in October of 1986. A proponent of Equal Access to Justice, JoAnn states “My long term commitment with the Legal Aid Society has been due to knowing each day when I come to work we will assist those who would otherwise not receive equal and meaningful access to the judicial system to protect their rights and obtain legal remedies. I am so thankful and appreciative of the many attorneys in our community who are committed to doing pro bono work for our organization by helping those with legal needs.”

May of 1987 brings Angel Bello-Billini our Litigation Director. His most notable case involved a young and naïve foreign wife brought here by a more senior abusive U.S. husband who told her she could not call anyone because she was his property. The husband advised his wife “they” would simply arrest her and take their unborn baby. Mr. Bello-Billini went to court obtaining a protection order and financial assistance. Ultimately providing a Dissolution of Marriage, that changed her life. Angel’s favorite quote is “Make your words sweet and soft, because you may have to eat them.” When asked to reflect on his career he pointed out that it is particularly poignant now that many of the used-to be haves, who would look down at free legal services and anything that involved helping the underdog, are now the ones in need of help.”

Mildred “Milly” Gonzalez came to Legal Aid from New York City. As the Assistant Pro Bono Coordinator she is committed to equal access to justice. Milly’s quote “…by transforming lives and working in a great environment with people that share the same vision is what has kept me here for 22 years. Without our pro bono attorneys and volunteers, we could not do our job.”

Kent Spuhler of Florida Legal Services states that “Mary Anne, Mandy, Susan, Milly, Cathy, Angel, Hillary and JoAnn represent the very best in legal assistance to the poor. They have combined great skills, total commitment and endurance to serve the poor and disadvantaged, not only in Orange County, but across the State. There is perhaps not more emotionally draining career in law than a career in Legal Aid. Most families coming for help are in crisis and are desperate. These great Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar staff members have always been there to shoulder the burden and offer the bridge to recovery for those who have lost all hope. They have never given up hope and have always believed that they could make a difference and they have.

Congratulations to them all for enduring for the cause for justice.”

We couldn’t agree more, but it is nice to hear praise from the Statewide Director!

For more information on the history of the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc., its employees or how to donate time or money, please contact Donna Graf, Manager of Development at dgraf@legalaidocba.org.