NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2027 PRO BONO SERVICE AWARDS
The Florida Bar is accepting nominations for its 2027 Pro Bono Service Awards, which recognize lawyers, judges, law firms, and voluntary bar associations that have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to providing free legal services to those who cannot afford them.
Presented annually by the Florida Supreme Court and The Florida Bar, the awards honor members of the legal profession whose pro bono work helps ensure access to justice for Floridians in need.
Each year, more than two dozen lawyers and judges are honored during a ceremonial session of the Florida Supreme Court for the free legal assistance they have provided to children, victims of human trafficking, the elderly, refugees, the poor, and countless others who might otherwise go without legal help.
The 2027 pro bono service awards ceremony will be held at the Florida Supreme Court at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, January 28. The ceremony will be livestreamed on The Florida Channel.
The road to this annual ceremony begins now, with the call for nominations.
The Florida Bar and the Supreme Court invite nominations from legal aid groups, civic organizations, fellow lawyers, and regular citizens who know of a special lawyer, judge, law firm, or voluntary bar that has freely given of time and expertise in making legal services available to the poor.
Nominations must be received by 5:30 p.m., September 28. Nomination forms are available for the following award categories:
The Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award
Presented annually by the chief justice to a lawyer to recognize extraordinary contributions in ensuring the availability of legal services to the poor. Named for the late Miami civil rights lawyer Tobias Simon, the award represents the Supreme Court’s highest recognition of a private lawyer for pro bono service.
The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award
This award is given to an outstanding attorney for each of the state’s 20 judicial circuits and to an outstanding attorney among the out-of-state Florida Bar members.
The Law Firm Commendation
This statewide award, presented by the chief justice, recognizes a law firm that has demonstrated a significant contribution in the provision of pro bono legal services to individuals or groups that cannot otherwise afford the services. This award recognizes extraordinary commitment on the part of a law firm to provide access to the courts for all Floridians.
The Voluntary Bar Association Pro Bono Service Award
Presented by the chief justice, this award recognizes a voluntary bar association that has demonstrated a significant contribution in the delivery of legal services on a pro bono basis to individuals or groups that cannot otherwise afford the services. This award recognizes an extraordinary commitment to provide access to the courts for all Floridians.
The Distinguished Judicial Service Award
Presented by the chief justice, this award is given for outstanding and sustained service to the public, especially as it relates to support of pro bono legal services.
The Distinguished Federal Judicial Service Award
This award, presented by the chief justice, recognizes an active or retired federal judge for outstanding and sustained service to the public, whether through legal or civic service or a combination of them, especially as it relates to the support of pro bono legal services.
The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Pro Bono Service Award
This award recognizes the public service or legal aid performed by a young lawyer (younger than 36 or who has not practiced for more than five years in any jurisdiction) who provides outstanding contributions to those in need of legal services. A nominee must be admitted to practice in Florida. Visit the YLD Website for Application Information. Nominations for the YLD Pro Bono Service Award open on July 31 and the deadline is September 14 at 5 p.m.
Nominees’ pro bono service contributions may be cumulative. Consideration is not limited to the events of the immediate past year.
For additional information, contact Diana Kellogg at The Florida Bar, 850-561-5793, or [email protected].
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
