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 Tara L. Casey, Professor of Law and Legal Practice and Director of the Carrico Center for Pro Bono and Public Service at University of Richmond Law School. The Hettrick Award recognizes outstanding efforts, innovative thinking, and visionary leadership in the pro bono space.
Thank you, Tara, 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 Daniel L (“Dan”) Rosenthal. The Lacy award recognizes outstanding efforts in pro bono service.
Dan has inspired and modeled pro bono service for many years, and he encouraged others to serve. Clients lauded him for his empathetic and professional demeanor in handling their pro bono cases.
A few years ago, Dan agreed to take a case that legal aid couldn’t handle due to resource constraints, involving a real estate issue for a 96-year-old resident of Jackson Ward. Her goal was to legally own the home she had been living in, maintaining, and paying taxes on for more than 20 years. The prior owners, her late cousin and his wife, had promised to leave the house to her after she helped them with mortgage payments they could not afford to make. Unfortunately, both died before they could complete the legal process to transfer ownership. Dan took that case without hesitation, in spite of its complex (and unfamiliar) nature. Dan’s curiosity gave him confidence that he could figure it out. He reached out to a friend at Hunton Andrews Kurth and others for help and guidance, and the team worked together to achieve the client’s goal. The case illustrates the impact pro bono can have on the life and hopes of a person in need. Not once did Dan complain about this case even though it took more than two years to resolve. He formed a wonderful bond with the client
Thank you, Dan, for your service!
Please join us on Th., October 10, 2024 at McGuireWoods, to honor our award winners and celebrate pro bono service. Our schedule is as follows:
3 p.m. – Welcome and Ethics Plenary Session
4 p.m. – Introduction and Elevator Pitches from Legal Aid and Legal Service Organizations
4:45 p.m. – Pro Bono Award Presentations
5 p.m. – TOAST to pro bono service award winners, introduction of Amplifers and Triage Champions
5:15 p.m. – Networking and cocktail reception
THANKS to our 2024 Pro Bono Showcase & Celebration SPONSORS!
For more information and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, reach out to Vera Thoms, Director of Administration & Programs, at admin@grbf.org.
*MCLE approved.
**Capacity is limited! RSVP ASAP.