Adams and Reese Pro Bono Paladin Mark C. Surprenant has received the Louisiana State Bar Association’s 2015/2016 President’s Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions that have made a substantial impact on the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) and the legal profession. Surprenant will be presented with the award during the LSBA General Assembly Combined Annual Meeting of attorneys and judges on Thursday, June 9th at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Miramar Beach, Florida.
The LSBA President’s Award is among the highest honors given by the LSBA President. Surprenant’s honor specifically acknowledges his exemplary efforts in the implementation of the inaugural LSBA Access to Justice (ATJ) Developing Leadership Intern Program and Re-Entry Program, and as chair of the LSBA Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. Surprenant previously received an LSBA Pro Bono Century Award in 2015 and the LSBA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
Surprenant is a partner in the Adams and Reese New Orleans office and serves as the firm’s Pro Bono Paladin as well as practice team leader of the Agricultural Chemicals Team. He is the former president of the New Orleans Bar Association (2013-2014) and currently serves as president of the LSBA Louisiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. He is also a member of the Louisiana Access to Justice Commission.
Since beginning his career, Surprenant has been dedicated to community service. In 1988, he created HUGS (Hope, Understanding, Giving and Support), the Adams and Reese corporate philanthropy program. In 2000, he established CA&RE (Caring Adams and Reese Employees), the firm’s pro bono service program. Surprenant is also the co-founder of SOLACE, Inc. (Support of Lawyers/Legal Personnel All Concern Encouraged), a statewide volunteer organization that assists those in the legal community who have experienced a significant and potentially life-changing event.
Surprenant’s LSBA President’s Award is one of several recognitions he has received over the years recognizing his professional, pro bono and community service. Also in May 2016, he was honored with an LSBA Pro Bono Century Award for donating more than 100 hours of pro bono service with the LSBA in 2015.
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