Justice Bridge Champion Award
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August 15, 2026
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By Mary Day
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The inaugural Thomas G. Bedall, Esq. Justice Bridge Champion Award recognizes an attorney on Pro Seniors’ Helpline Referral Panel who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to expanding access to justice for low-income older adults through the consistent acceptance of pro bono and reduced-fee legal matters. Recipients exemplify outstanding service to older adults, exceptional client care, and a willingness to accept referrals that help ensure vulnerable individuals receive the legal assistance they need.
Every day, Pro Seniors hears from older adults facing serious legal problems involving housing, consumer fraud, financial exploitation, probate matters, family issues, and access to benefits. While the need for legal help far exceeds the resources available through legal assistance programs alone, Pro Seniors is fortunate to partner with a dedicated panel of private attorneys who help fill that gap by accepting referrals at reduced fees or on a pro bono basis.
These attorneys are more than referral partners. They are a critical bridge to justice for older adults who might otherwise have nowhere to turn. Their willingness to share their expertise, time, and compassion helps older Ohioans protect their homes, finances, health, and independence.
A graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law, Tom Bedall spent nearly fifteen years with legal aid organizations across Ohio before joining Pro Seniors in 1993, as a Staff Attorney. Representing older adults in housing, consumer, and Medicaid matters, Tom later became Managing Attorney and IT Director, overseeing all aspects of Pro Seniors’ legal program while helping guide the organization through years of growth and change. Today, he continues to support Pro Seniors through technology leadership and innovation.
Tom’s influence extends well beyond the clients he has served directly to the many advocates and attorneys he has mentored throughout his career.
Tom has long been a respected educator and mentor, presenting seminars on Medicare, Medicaid, resident rights, advance directives, consumer law, and estate planning for attorneys and professionals serving older adults.
Pro Seniors is honored to recognize Eric D. Bender, Esq. as the inaugural recipient of the Thomas G. Bedall, Esq. Justice Bridge Champion Award.
Since joining Pro Seniors’ Helpline Referral Panel in 2006, Bender has accepted 240 pro bono and reduced‑fee referrals. His longstanding commitment to serving clients who might otherwise go without representation exemplifies the spirit of the award and Pro Seniors’ mission of bridging the justice gap for older adults.
Throughout his career, Eric has combined his professional excellence with a commitment to community service. He has served in leadership roles within the Cincinnati Bar Association, lectured on juvenile, domestic relations, and probate law topics, and was recognized as the Cincinnati Bar Association Volunteer Lawyer of the Year.
