2026 Distinguished Pro Bono Advocate Award

Although all of our volunteers make a valuable impact on our clients' lives, every year we recognize one volunteer who has truly gone above and beyond to make a difference for PSLS clients throughout our service area.

This year we are proud to honor Thomas Newman, a senior partner at Peregrine, Stime, Newman, Ritzman & Bruckner, Ltd. in Wheaton.

Mr. Newman began working with PSLS in 2021 when we saw an increased need for pro bono attorneys in eviction cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite his focus on family law in his private practice, Mr. Newman answered the call for volunteers and joined our Eviction Negotiation Project. Since 2021, Mr. Newman has accepted 35 cases, often taking on multiple cases at a time. He has donated over 80 hours of his time to represent clients facing potential homelessness.

Clients served through the Eviction Negotiation Project are often referred to volunteer attorneys as a last resort, when there is not much that can legally be done in their case. Pro bono attorneys like Mr. Newman attempt to negotiate a favorable resolution, whether that is obtaining additional time for a client to move, entering into a repayment plan, or convincing the landlord to accept rental assistance money. In several cases, Mr. Newman has been able to secure agreements with the landlord allowing clients to stay in their home and seal the eviction case filed against them. This provides stability for the clients and their families.

These are difficult cases with significant consequences for clients, yet Mr. Newman continues to accept new cases, offering high-quality legal representation when clients need it most. Thank you for your continued dedication to this work!