Volunteer Jacksonville has created the Justice for All Award to recognize those in the legal community for their pro bono work.
Attorney Leslie Wickes of Volpe, Bajalia, Wickes & Rogerson and Lynn Weise, Volunteer Jacksonville community relations director, assembled the project.
“They were instrumental in putting it all together,” said attorney Geddus Anderson, chairman of the Recognition/Public Relations Subcommittee of the 4th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee.
“They’re trying to honor those that give back,” said Anderson. “The award is solely for someone who deserves recognition for exemplary pro bono services.”
Judge Jean Johnson is chair of the overall committee. Nominations are being accepted until Feb. 11.
Awards will also be presented in several other categories, including health care, education, military, non-profit, government, corporate, youth and student volunteers. Weise will be coordinating the selection committee.
Other legal organizations, such as the Jacksonville Bar Association, provide opportunities to be recognized for pro bono work, but Anderson says Volunteer Jacksonville’s program is a little different.
“There are other awards but this is different because the selection is not being done by another attorney. It’s done by people from the community so it’s a little more objective,” he said.
A number of local attorneys donate their time and services to the needs of the indigent in various ways. They can be spotted building homes, giving toys and school supplies to underprivileged children and distributing Christmas gifts to the elderly.
Only those individuals in the legal profession who have demonstrated outstanding legal services to those in need will be considered.
“It doesn’t have to be an attorney,” explained Anderson. “If a paralegal or another provides exemplary service on pro bono cases, they would qualify.”
Having a positive impact on the community and the person’s ability to motivate others to volunteer are the main criteria.
The winner will be announced April 11 during a ceremony at the Florida Theatre, which includes a VIP reception and entertainment.
Prior to the ceremony, a film crew will be dispatched to the individual’s residence to document the humanitarian efforts that swayed the judges’ minds. The video will be shown at the ceremony.
“Many of these types of awards are just given out at meetings in front of other attorneys; this will be before the whole community,” said Anderson. “It’s important for the bar and the community to see that there are lawyers that are giving back.”