The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding pro bono contributions of members of the SC Bar Senior Lawyers Division. The recognition focusses on the improvement of the civil legal system and the legal profession through pro bono publico service to those unable to afford the services of an attorney. There will be one award per judicial region. The awards are presented annually by the Division at a suitable event.
Nominations are accepted electronically with a deadline of November 29. Applications received after this date will be considered for the next award cycle. Self-nomination is encouraged.
AWARD CRITERIA
The nominee must be a member in good standing with the SC Bar, be eligible for membership in the Senior Lawyers Division (Bar members 60 years of age and older) and have excelled in one or more of the following ways:
- Been instrumental and dedicated to the delivery of civil legal services to the poor through direct service or representation.
- Been instrumental and dedicated to the delivery of civil legal services to the poor through development of a pro bono project for a bar association or a community organization.
- Contributed significant work through the SC Bar Pro Bono Program or a similarly situated organization. This is not necessarily tied to any specific number of hours.
- Performed a most significant civil pro bono activity which resulted in satisfying unmet needs or extended services to underserved persons or resulted in smooth, effective and a more efficient delivery of services.
- Successfully litigated pro bono cases that favorably affected the provision of quality legal services to the unrepresented or poor.
Special considerations that demonstrate effective pro bono involvement:
- Creative, innovative and unique solutions to existing issues are sought.
- Substantial and quantifiable time commitment to the project, activity or service is evidence used to meet the criteria but should not be the only evidence. Length of time contributed is also a key factor.
- Impact of the pro bono service is important and lasting impact is even more important.
- The willingness of the nominee to accept cases on an emergency or short-notice basis will be considered. The nominee's efforts to mentor or train new pro bono lawyers and efforts to promote a culture of pro bono will be highly regarded. Using a point system judging will be conducted on the basis of how the applicant meets the criteria. The Selection Committee will be comprised of members of the SLD Executive Council.