In 2010, volunteer attorneys provided free legal services to more than 1100 new clients. They handled a variety of cases- bankruptcy, evictions, divorce, immigration, housing foreclosures, and guardianships. They served as a Guardian ad Litem for more than 1300 children. In addition to casework, volunteer attorneys provided services through 8 projects and helped with wills, taxes, Teen Court, alternative dispute resolution, teen parents and the homeless. Attorneys also contributed $400,000 through the in lieu of service contribution and almost $60,000 in cash contributions to the Breakfast of Champions.

In honor of Legal Aid Society’s 50th Anniversary a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Michael R. Walsh. Michael was an early supporter of Legal Aid. As a member of the Executive Council of OCBA and Legal Aid’s Board of Trustees, he was part of the leadership which created and developed the organization that exists today. As a leading family law practitioner, he has continued to use his skills to provide individual representation to indigent clients for five decades. Last year he accepted 5 family law cases. Mike continues to provide Legal Aid staff with his advice and supports the organization with generous contributions.

The Judge J C Jake Stone Distinguished Service Award is the highest pro bono recognition from Legal Aid. Edmund T. Baxa, Jr., a partner at Foley & Lardner, received the award. Ed is a partner at Foley & Lardner and National Chair of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee. He is a leader in encouraging pro bono in his firm and in other firms. Ed has been an active Guardian ad Litem for over 25 years and has served as GAL for more than 80 children. Among many outstanding pro bono attorneys, Ed’s record of volunteer work is exceptional. John Hamilton accepted the award for Ed at the dinner.

The Law Firm Award of Merit is presented to the firm whose firm members have provided significant pro bono work in case handling during the past year and over the firm’s history. Paul & Perkins, P.A., was recognized with it first Award of Merit. They were organized as a firm in 2008 and each of the firm’s attorneys participate in pro bono and the firm has made generous financial contribution to Legal Aid. Members of the firm are David Paul, Paul Perkins, Joseph Tamborella, Jr., Jason A Paul, and Pam Burke.

Individual Awards of Merit are presented in several groups. For Guardians ad litem, for case handlers of other cases, and for project attorneys. The awards recognize the attorney’s individual contributions and unique work. Awards of Merit for Guardian ad Litems were presented to John M. Joyce, Stephen D. Milbrath, Barry W. Rigby, and Wayne Starr. Pro Bono Champions were recognized: Richard D. Baxter, Christopher C. Cathcart, and Elizabeth F. McCausland. Project Attorneys were recognized: Justin P. Schafer for Community Education Project, Jane Dunlap Callahan for Earned Income Credit Tax Clinic, R. Kimbark Lee for Teen Parent Project.

The New Lawyer Award is presented to an attorney who is within the initial five years of their practice in Florida and has made an outstanding commitment to pro bono work. Matthew T. Farr was the recipient.

The Volunteer Advocate for Children Award is presented annually to a lay volunteer in the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program who has demonstrated their dedication to serving abused and neglected children in our community. Patricia Kistenmacher received this year’s award.

A Law Student Award of Merit to acknowledge the wonderful work of law student volunteers at Legal Aid was presented to Elizabeth Aires of FAMU for her volunteerism beyond the school’s pro bono requirement or course work.

For a list of recipients of Legal Aid Society's Pro Bono Awards, click on award name.

Judge J.C. ‘Jake’ Stone Distinguished Service Award

Law Firm Award of Merit

New Lawyer Award Of Excellence

Government Attorney Award Of Excellence

Individual Award Of Excellence

Volunteer Advocates for Children