Every year, during Pro Bono Month, the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation celebrates those making an impact on pro bono service in Virginia. All of the nominees for this year’s awards impressed GRBF’s Board of Directors with their dedicated efforts to increase access to legal services and strengthen pro bono participation. We’re pleased to announce that the recipients of this year’s awards are:
George H. Hettrick Pro Bono Leadership Award
Our recipient of this year’s George H. Hettrick Pro Bono Leadership Award is Mr. Bud Funk, Of Counsel, Hirschler Fleischer. The Hettrick Award recognizes outstanding efforts, innovative thinking, and visionary leadership in the pro bono space. Bud has contributed an incalculable number of hours providing pro bono assistance to individuals with No Fault Divorce proceedings, Guardianship, and various other Family Law matters. He has previously served on the Board of Directors for GRBF and has been an integral part of Firms In Service, a collaborative effort in Richmond between firms and corporate legal departments to strategize and coordinate efforts to expand access to legal services. Bud has dedicated his whole life to the service of others, performing pro bono work back dating back to 1975. He is described as a tireless leader in the community and a passionate advocate for Justice. His efforts have helped shift the culture of pro bono in Virginia.
Thank you, Bud, for your service!
Benjamin R. Lacy, IV Volunteer of the Year Award
Our recipient of this year’s Benjamin R. Lacy, IV Volunteer of the Year is Gray Montrose, Asst. Director of the Coastal Policy Center at William and Mary. The Lacy award recognizes outstanding efforts in pro bono service. Gray has logged countless hours between volunteering with GRBF’s Pro Bono Clearinghouse and Wills Clinics Programs, prompting often unsolicited (and gushing) testimonials from her clients. She also mentors GRBF volunteers and provides ongoing assistance to help match nonprofit clients in need of legal services with attorneys. Further, Gray recently joined the Triage Project Champion Team as Co-Chair of GRBF’s Wills Clinics. Her efforts have increased the effectiveness and impact of the programs she works with.
Thank you, Gray, for your service!
Please join us on Th., October 26, 2023 at Troutman Pepper, to honor our award winners and celebrate pro bono service. Our schedule is as follows:
3-4: CLE* Session 1 – No Fault Divorce, Guardianship, or Protective Orders
4-5: Ethics Plenary Session – Panel moderated by Justice McCullough of the Virginia Supreme Court
5-5:30: Keynote and Award Presentations
5:30: Cocktail Reception and Networking
For more information and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, reach out to Shane Harper, Director of Administration & Programs, at admin@grbf.org.
*MCLE approved.
**Capacity is limited! RSVP ASAP.