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The summer 2015 edition of “Pro Bono Out in Front” newsletter was published today, saluting and recognizing the attorneys who have contributed to the success of the firm’s pro bono program. It was designed to thank everyone who has devoted their time and talents to those who cannot afford legal services and dedicated to our pro bono partners, clients, and friends who understand the importance of pro bono work and helping to advance the pro bono drive throughout the communities where Adams and Reese attorneys work and live.
Adams and Reese has a long-standing commitment to community service and volunteerism. This commitment was officially organized in 1988 with the creation of the firm’s corporate philanthropic program, HUGS (Hope, Understanding, Giving and Service). Along with dedication to community, the firm has always been an advocate of pro bono legal service. In 2007, the firm enacted a policy that each attorney performs 20 hours of pro bono work annually. In the past five years, Adams and Reese attorneys have donated over 30,000 pro bono hours. This year, one of the firm’s partners, Mark Surprenant, became the firm’s first Pro Bono Paladin. His purpose and numerous years of pro bono work was driven to help those who couldn’t afford legal services, but also to set an example in elevating pro bono dedication and representation.
The first edition is dedicated to bringing additional awareness to the fact that any attorney who does pro bono work can receive up to three hours of Continuing Legal Education credit each year, under an order signed by Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson of the Louisiana Supreme Court, effective May 1, 2015. This decision followed a proposal by three Adams and Reese partners working with Louisiana Appleseed and retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Harry T. Lemmon.
Adams and Reese thanks its pro bono partners, clients, and many of the friends the firm has made through its pro bono clients.