On Jan. 22, 2026, the Florida Supreme Court and The Florida Bar hosted their annual Pro Bono Service Awards recognizing lawyers, judges, law firms and voluntary Bar associations that provide critical free legal services to those in need.
The ceremony, held each January and honoring recipients from more than 20 judicial circuits, highlights the vital role pro bono work plays in advancing access to justice across the state.
This year, the D.W. Perkins Bar Association received the Voluntary Bar Association Pro Bono Service Award, bringing well-deserved recognition to the 4th Judicial Circuit. Naphtalie Azor, Jacksonville Bar Association member and current president of the D.W. Perkins Bar Association, accepted the award on behalf of its members.
During her remarks, Azor reflected on the association’s decades-long impact and its broad range of workshops, legal clinics, and community-focused pro bono initiatives.
She also recognized Three Rivers Legal Services for its ongoingcollaboration and its monthly Ask-A-Lawyer partnership with the NAACP Jacksonville Branch, organizations that share a commitment to serving and empowering the African American community.
The celebration of pro bono service continued in Jacksonville at the second annual All Bar Pro Bono Celebration, hosted by the Jacksonville Bar Association, alongside the Jacksonville University College of Law Pro Bono Fair.
The events brought together students, paraprofessionals, judges and attorneys, creating meaningful opportunities to connect them with pro bono service and community engagement.
The Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association also hosted its first interactive panel for law students and volunteer attorneys: “Give Pro Bono a Little Love – Demystifying Pro Bono and Encouraging Attorney Participation.”
During the discussion, Senior Circuit Judge Hugh A. Carithers of the state court and Senior U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis observed that persistent challenges and structural deficiencies within the judicial system continue to prevent equal access to justice for all citizens.
Aaron Irving, pro bono director at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, outlined the distinctions between local legal aid organizations and emphasized the many ways attorneys, including government lawyers, can volunteer their time and skills.
In my position as pro bono coordinator for TRLS, I highlighted the training, mentorship, and case support provided to volunteers, reassuring attendees that “we will not let you fail.”
What made the panel especially impactful was hearing directly from volunteers.
Matthew Ian Lufrano and Jordan Alexandria Harcombe shared their experiences assisting with criminal record sealing and expungement, as well as housing matters.
Andrew William Baskin described how a single Ask-A-Lawyer event led to his long-term involvement in pro bono work. With TRLS support, he became a VA-accredited attorney and recently secured a successful bankruptcy discharge for a young married couple, giving them the opportunity for a fresh financial start.
TRLS encourages attorneys and law students to take the first step: Get involved, build new skills, and stand alongside clients as they navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
As TRLS looks ahead, the organization remains committed to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and advancing justice, one person, one service hour, and one restored opportunity at a time.
To learn more or to volunteer, please contact [email protected].
We look forward to working with you.