Next is the John R. Hamilton Law Firm Award of merit. This award is granted to an entire law firm as opposed to a single attorney. The 2023 recipient of this particular award is none other than the outstanding law firm of Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe, P.A. Members of this firm began doing pro bono in 1991. The majority of the firm’s members who engage in LAS pro bono services handle GAL cases, but also extend their time into other areas such as housing and various community projects. The attorneys have collectively accepted 289 cases, donating an impressive, combined total of 6,243.90 hours.
It is a rare occasion when a ZKS attorney is not in the juvenile courthouse advocating for or accepting a new GAL case. Their advocacy doesn’t stop there. One attorney collected baby items for the benefit of LAS’s littlest clients and another attorney dedicated years of service to the organization’s Board of Trustees.
We’d also like to recognize the winners of the Susan Khoury Guardian ad Litem Award of Excellence, Paul Zeniewicz of PZ Law Firm and retired Orange County attorney, Lynn James Hinson. Kaylin Martinelli of Becker & Poliakoff and Frank Blanco of the Law Offices of Frank Blanco are also Pro Bono award recipients receiving the Mary Ann De Petrillo Award of Excellence. This year’s Russell Troutman Pro Bono Champion Award recipient is Lawrence Kosto of Kosto & Rotella, P.A.
Together, all of these outstanding attorneys have contributed over 8,000 hours to pro bono services here at the Legal Aid Society! Words alone cannot express the gratitude the organization and the residents of Orange County feel for attorneys who go above the call of duty to help those in need. It is understood that an attorney does not have to donate time or service in order to practice law…that is why we extend our sincerest appreciation to those who do. Thank you to all attorneys in Orange County who happily stand on the front line with our organization providing a wealth of justice to those who have none. We are grateful for your contributions.
To learn more about Pro Bono services here at the Legal Aid Society, visit our website by clicking here.
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