The Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (DVAP), a joint program of the Dallas Bar Association and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, hosted the 34th Pro Bono Awards Reception on October 25 at the Belo Mansion, which honored judges, attorneys, law firms, court reporters and legal staff who provide free legal services to indigent residents of Dallas County.
In a 12-month period, volunteers gave nearly 36,000 hours of free legal aid to the less fortunate of Dallas. The Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program has consistently been recognized as one of the country’s most successful programs of its kind. Each year, an awards program is held to recognize the volunteers who provide free legal aid to those who are unable to afford them.
The firm of Norton Rose Fulbright was recognized as the Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year for providing more than 2,000 hours of pro bono service—1,271 of which went to DVAP clients. The Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year went to Samuel Peca, of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, who contributed more than 360 hours of pro bono work.
Additional awards presented include:
Hartman Judicial Pro Bono Service Award: Hon. Tena Callahan, 302nd District Court
Pro Bono Appreciation Award: Jerry C. Alexander, Passman & Jones, P.C.
Lois Bacon Special Services Award: Raechel Parolisi, Attorney at Law
Pro Bono Coordinator of the Year: Kathleen Tarbox Munoz, Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP
Pro Bono Court Reporter of the Year: Tenesa Shaw, 192nd Civil District Court
Gold Award for Pro Bono Service: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP, Baker Botts L.L.P.; and Haynes and Boone, LLP
Silver Award for Pro Bono Service:Cozen O’Connor, Hunton & Williams LLP, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Fled LLP; and Thompson & Knight LLP
Bronze Award for Pro Bono Service: Bracewell LLP, Sidley Austin LLP, Jones Day; and Locke Lord LLP
Outstanding Clinic Attorney Volunteer—West Dallas: Wiliam Milne, Attorney at Law
Outstanding Clinic Attorney Volunteer—Garland: Casey Meyers, Manning & Meyers
Outstanding Clinic Attorney Volunteer—South Dallas: Jack Manning, Manning & Meyers
Outstanding Clinic Attorney Volunteer—East Dallas: David Weiner, Rosenthal Weiner, LLP
Outstanding Veterans Clinic Volunteer—Jonathan Rosamond, Baker & McKenzie, LLP
Outstanding Solo Practitioner: Margaret Spellings, Law Office of Margaret B. Spellings, P.C.
Outstanding Small Firm Lawyer of the Year: Tanner Hartnett, The Hartnett Law Firm
Outstanding Court Personnel:Twyla Weatherford, 302nd District Court
Outstanding Support Volunteer: Gordon Hunter
Outstanding Corporate Attorney: Ashlie Alaman Stamper, Luminant Energy
Outstanding Clinic Sponsor:Southwest Airlines
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The Dallas Bar Association is a professional, voluntary organization of more than 11,000 Dallas-area attorneys. Find out more at www.dallasbar.org.