Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, along with two attorneys from its New Orleans office, were among honorees recognized for outstanding pro bono accomplishments by the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), in conjunction with the Louisiana Supreme Court, at the 25th annual Pro Bono and Children's Law Awards Ceremony on May 25th at the Louisiana Supreme Court Building in New Orleans. Louisiana Department of Labor Chief Judge Sheral C. Kellar and LSBA Access to Justice Committee Vice Chair Sachida R. Raman presented the awards to the 2010 award recipients.
The Firm and its attorneys garnered recognition in several areas.
Pro Bono Publico Award
The Pro Bono Publico Award recognizes attorneys or law firms providing pro bono legal services to Louisiana citizens that meet or exceed the aspirational goal of 50 hours of pro bono services per year, as established in Rule 6.1 of Louisiana’s Rules of Professional Conduct. The Firm's New Orleans office was recognized with this award, as was New Orleans attorney Caroline McSherry "Sherry" Dolan, the pro bono liaison in the firm's Louisiana offices. Ms. Dolan works closely with The Pro Bono Project in New Orleans, coordinating Baker Donelson staffing of the Homeless Experience Legal Protection (H.E.L.P.) Program, which offers legal services to the homeless.
Friend of Pro Bono Award
Donna Fraiche, a shareholder in the Firm's New Orleans office, received the Friend of Pro Bono Award, which recognizes individuals, law firms or other organizations making major contributions to the enhancement and promotion of pro bono legal services to the poor. Ms. Fraiche, who focuses her practice in health care and public policy, dedicated thousands of volunteer hours on the board of the Louisiana Recovery Authority from 2005 to 2008, as chair of the Louisiana Health Care Commission and as a member of the Legislative Task Force on the Working Uninsured.
Pro Bono Century Award
Sherry Dolan also received the Pro Bono Century Award, a new award to the 2010 ceremony which recognizes attorneys who have shown consummate pro bono leadership by completing 100 hours of service.
First conducted in 1986, the Pro Bono Awards Ceremony honors attorneys and other public-interest legal professionals who provided exceptional pro bono services to Louisiana's indigent, a population who may not otherwise have received adequate representation or access to the legal system.
"The annual Pro Bono Awards Ceremony gives the Louisiana State Bar Association the opportunity to recognize those individuals who demonstrate a passion for service," said 2009-10 LSBA President Kim M. Boyle. "With these award recipients setting a standard, justice for all in Louisiana is possible."