w w w.BERKSBAR.org Raful was nominated for the honor for helping the Reading office of MidPenn Legal Services last fall when a staff member who handled Social Security Disability cases left. Raful took on six cases on a pro bono basis and used her expertise to train the MidPenn staff. Three of those cases ended up resolving quickly, but Raful is still litigating the others. Raful also provides counsel at the Medical-Legal Clinic for the Disabled in Philadelphia and is on the board of directors at the Berks County Bar Association. Sharon M. Dietrich of Community Legal Services in Philadelphia served as the keynote speaker, sharing about her integral role in helping get the Clean Slate Act passed in Pennsylvania. "There's nothing more rewarding in life than serving others, placing an individual in a safe and more secure environment, building community and striving for the betterment of humanity through access to justice," Raful said. "Without the light of justice, hope eventually fades into darkness. I think all of us in this room chose this profession because, in one way or another, we wanted to help others." Stephanie Weaver is the Communications Manager at the Berks County Bar Association. Rebecca S. Dempsey shares about the impact the Pro Bono volunteers have at MidPenn Legal Services. PBA President Elect David Schwager and PBA Pro Bono Coordinator David K. Trevaskis present Gabriela G. Raful with the 2019 PBA Pro Bono Award. Sara R. Haines Clipp and Julie J. Marburger lead a CLE seminar entitled Family Law Potpourri during the celebration. 14 | Berks Barrister Members of the Berks County Pro Bono Teams enjoyed a luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Reading hotel in Wyomissing on Oct. 22. After the lunch, there were two free CLE seminars for Pro Bono team members followed by a reception.http://www.berksbar.org