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Friday, June 06, 2008
Ind. Courts - Morgan County attorneys accept accolades
Aaron Blevins reports today in this story in the Martinsville Reporter-Times. A few quotes:
Several local attorneys were awarded for their pro bono work at noon Thursday in a judicial recognition reception in Morgan County Superior Court III. The ceremony was co-sponsored by the Heartland Pro Bono Council and the Morgan County Bar Association.Local attorneys who received the award, an umbrella with the council’s logo etched in it, were Steven Litz, John Boren, Cecilia Hemphill, Mike Ksenak, Sam Korn, Steve Oliver, Brian Williams, William Vanderpol, Mark Peden, Dale Coffey, Pamela Siddons, Lyman Taylor, Michael Ice, Joe Barker and Phil Smith.
Litz received the council’s 2008 Pro Bono Award, a crystal award with his name etched in, for his commitment and diligence to providing equal access to justice for the residents of Morgan County.
The Morgan County Judiciary hosted Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Melissa May, who spoke at the reception. Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard was scheduled to be on hand, but couldn’t attend because of his father’s death. * * *
May, a Morgan County resident, said that pro bono work is a necessary facet of the judicial system in the country. She cited the sayings inscribed on several prominent legal buildings that elude [ILB - allude] to the need for justice for all.
“When you talk about pro bono, you’re actually talking about the ethical obligations of attorneys,” she said.
She cited another saying she picked up while living in Evansville, “It’s not enough to just shoot the duck, you’ve got to make sure it hits the water.” May said the expression related to pro bono work in that to fully participate one must follow through.
“What we need are attorneys to take these cases,” she said, referring to the number of cases the council has on hand awaiting representation.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on June 6, 2008 02:50 PM
Posted to Indiana Courts