Follow on Google News News By Tag * Legal * Legal Aid * Nonprofit * Public Interest * Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network * Legal Services * More Tags... Industry News News By Place Country(s) Industry News
Follow on Google News | Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Presents Excellence AwardsPennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. is proud to announce the recipients of its 2010 Excellence Awards. Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille will address members and friends of statewide legal aid community.
By: Christine Kirby The evening’s keynote address will be delivered by The Honorable Ronald D. Castille, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania. Chief Justice Castille strongly supports adequate funding for legal services programs to ensure access to justice for those facing critical needs who are unable to afford private lawyers. Under his leadership, the Supreme Court has adopted several measures to boost funding for legal aid programs since the financial crisis struck in 2008. Winners of 2010 Excellence Awards include staff of legal services programs statewide, volunteer advocates, a legal team who helped preserve housing for an at-risk population, and an innovative pro bono partnership. Each honoree will receive an engraved award and is featured in a video tribute. In addition, the Commonwealth’ “Pennsylvania is fortunate to have a selfless community of attorneys who recognize their obligation to assist low-income residents who are facing dire civil legal circumstances,” Three people will receive awards in the Community Services category for advancing equal access to justice as volunteers and friends of the statewide legal services system: Susan K. Evans, a caseworker for the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare’s Disability Advocacy Program in Williamsport, PA where she expertly assists disabled clients; John J. (Jack) Moody, a volunteer in North Penn Legal Services’ Bethlehem office providing disability advocacy and direct services to the low income community; and Lea S. Judson of Chambersburg who can always be counted on to provide advocacy and support on unemployment compensation issues. The Pittsburgh Pro Bono Partnership, a unique collaboration of corporate legal departments, law firms, and the Allegheny County Bar Foundation will be honored in the Private Bar category for their creative efforts to provide increased legal services to persons of limited means through increased volunteerism of attorneys and paralegals. Pro bono attorney, Carol A. Gershon, Esq. of Philadelphia will also receive an Excellence Award along with Mark Schwartz, Esq. and Bridget Coyne, Esq. of Regional Housing Legal Services for their expert legal advocacy in saving Wood Street Commons in Pittsburgh and preserving affordable housing for people attempting to transition out of homelessness. Four others will be honored with Excellence Awards in the Legal Services Staff category including: Louise E. Hayes, Esq., a staff attorney in Community Legal Services’ Public Benefits Unit in North Philadelphia . Hayes has had a significant influence in the areas of welfare-to-work, child care subsidies, and supplemental nutrition benefits; Edward Van Stevenson, Jr. Esq., a managing attorney with Neighborhood Legal Services Association in Pittsburgh whose efforts are an inspiring history of dedication and commitment to the poor. In addition to representing clients who have nowhere else to turn for help, Stevenson supervises law students and coordinates the involvement of students from Pittsburgh area law schools in the delivery of civil legal aid; James A. Montero, the office manager and paralegal at the Erie office of Northwestern Legal Services. One of the founding fathers of the Hispanic-American Council of Erie, Montero serves as an important advocate for immigrant families in northwestern Pennsylvania; “For one night each year we gather to honor those who demonstrate excellence every day,” offered Milkes. “We’re delighted that Chief Justice Castille will be here to meet those special individuals and share his thoughts on the vital importance of their example for the continued commitment of our legal aid community.” The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network of civil legal aid programs is committed to a civil justice system that is client-centered and provides full access to justice for the poor and others who have nowhere else to turn for legal advice. PLAN strives to meet the civil legal needs of low-income individuals and families and victims of domestic violence across the Commonwealth by securing their access to justice and fairness through the legal process. For more information on the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, please visit our website, http://www.palegalaid.net. # # # About the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. -- Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. is a client-centered organization that provides leadership, funding, and support to improve the availability and quality of civil legal aid for low income people and victims of domestic violence in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. is a public charity under 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is registered with the PA Department of State, Bureau of Charitable Organizations, Registration #3693. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. Contributions are deductible to the extent permitted by law. End
Account Email Address Disclaimer Report Abuse
|
|