National Pro Bono Celebration Week 2021

The NYS Unified Court System Office for Justice Initiatives joined the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service to sponsor annual National Pro Bono Celebration Week from October 24-30, 2021. The NYS Unified Courts Office for Justice Initiatives, Access to Justice Division, held a Pro Bono Awards ceremony to honor volunteers for their outstanding pro bono service throughout the year!

Pro Bono Awards Night

The NYS Unified Court System Office for Justice Initiatives, the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and the New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA) co-sponsored a virtual pro bono volunteer recognition event on Tuesday, October 26th. The annual awards ceremony joined events that took place across the country to promote and recognize pro bono service and spotlight the difference lawyers can make in their communities. The Honorable Edwina G. Richardson-Mendelson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives, Sherry Levin Wallach, President-elect of the New York State Bar Association, and Anthe Maria Bova, General Counsel and Pro Bono Director of the New York County Lawyers Association presented the awards.

The event honored 22 volunteers who received plaque awards for their outstanding pro bono service. Special recognition was given to Davis, Polk & Wardwell for its efforts to promote pro bono assistance in child support cases and John R. Morken, for organizing pro bono assistance in child guardianship cases as part of the New York State Bar Association’s COVID-19 Recovery Taskforce. Guardians Ad litem received special recognition for their outstanding service on behalf of vulnerable litigants in New York City Housing Court during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Additionally, 98 volunteers received certificates recognizing their distinguished service in the New York State Courts Office for Justice Initiatives' and Attorney Emeritus programs. See the program brochure and video featuring the list of honorees.

Video Montage

Past Celebrations

Every October, the NYS Courts Access to Justice Program holds events to celebrate Pro Bono service in the New York State Courts.  Click the links below to see information about past celebrations.