Roll Out the Red Carpet

It was a pro bono-star-studded night last Friday at the Pro Bono Institute’s Seminar/Forum Reception, and The PBEye was on hand to catch the proceedings.  Awards were presented to both Intel Corporation and Judge Robert A. Katzmann for their outstanding commitment to pro bono.

Intel Corporation received the 2011 Laurie D. Zelon Pro Bono Award, in recognition of their pro bono work, which focuses on issues including guardianship for minor children, special education advocacy, domestic violence counseling and support, and small business clinical work. Intel attorneys and staff also provide support for low-income entrepreneur counseling and representation, housing clinics, and bankruptcy and debt counseling.

Intel's Suzan Miller and Doug Melamed, with Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky

Judge Robert A. Katzmann, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, received the Chesterfield Smith Award in recognition of his dedication to pro bono, in particular in the area of immigration.  Judge Katzmann’s professional perspective as an academic, think-tank fellow, and federal judge has given him incredible insight into pro bono. His long-time commitment to seeing that those most in need are given fair access to the judicial system has drawn the attention of his peers on the bench, high-powered attorneys, government officials, and academics alike, and has resulted in greater attention being focused on the plight of immigrants.  Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg presented Katzmann with the award.  You can check out a great interview with Judge Katzmann about the award in The National Law Journal, here.

The Honorable Robert A. Katzmann receives the Chesterfield Smith Award from Associate Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

The PBEye congratulates all of our award winners and commends them for their contributions to the pro bono community!  You weren’t there?  No problem — you can listen to the audio of the awards presentation using the player below.