Philadelphia Bar Foundation Award

Sue oversees the development and delivery of all service and training programs in the Mediation Department at CORA Services. She leads the mediation component of the City of Philadelphia’s nationally recognized Eviction Diversion Program, which helps landlords and tenants resolve disputes outside of court. Sue is an attorney with many years of experience advocating on behalf of vulnerable populations in Pennsylvania, at the Homeless Advocacy Project, People’s Emergency Center, and SeniorLAW Center. Her legal practice focused on the areas of family law, elder law, and public benefits. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Oberlin College in Ohio, Master of Arts degrees in Journalism and in Anthropology from the University of Arizona, and a J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law, where she received an award for her human rights work. Her interest in mediation stems from the limitations of the legal system that she witnessed as a practicing attorney. Sue was the 2022 recipient of the Philadelphia Bar Association's "Bending the ARC" Award, recognizing Achievement, Resilience, and Courage.

The Philadelphia Bar Foundation Award is one of the Foundation’s most meaningful honors. Originally established by the Apothaker family to honor Louis D. Apothaker, this annual award celebrates the extraordinary work of a public interest attorney who has devoted their career to advancing equal access to justice.

This prestigious recognition shines a light on legal professionals who:

• Work in the nonprofit legal services sector.

• Demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact.

• Champion the rights of communities who face barriers to justice.

Each year, one outstanding attorney is selected to receive the award, which includes a $2,500 prize. Beyond the prize, the award uplifts the recipient’s work and underscores the vital role of civil legal aid in strengthening our community.

The Philadelphia Bar Foundation Award reflects the legal community’s shared commitment to promoting fairness and equity, and it honors those who embody the Foundation’s mission to remove barriers to justice in Philadelphia.