NEWS & EVENTS

Saturday, March 12, 2009
Attorneys Honored for Service to Poor

Several Will County attorneys received awards March 12th at the Will County Legal Assistance Program’s 2009 Pro Bono Recognition Event. Approximately 50 members of the bench and bar attended the event at Joliet’s newest restaurant, The Department. The event was hosted by the Legal Assistance Program’s Pro Bono Project, which coordinates volunteer attorneys to provide pro bono services to low income residents of Will County. Two attorneys and one law firm honored for their outstanding pro bono service.

The first attorney honored was James M. Brady of Joliet. Mr. Brady has been an attorney since 1981 and his practice is split between real estate law and estate, probate and elder law. Mr. Brady was honored as an Outstanding Pro Bono volunteer for the advice and mentoring he provided to Will County Legal Assistance Program’s senior citizen project.

The second attorney honored was Matthew T. Clarke. Mr. Clarke has been an attorney since 2008 and volunteers at the Will County Legal Assistance Program. He volunteers his time two full days per week and assists with a variety of cases and for this reason he was honored as an Outstanding Pro Bono volunteer.

The third honoree was the firm of Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol. They were founded in 1998 and there are currently 10 attorneys. They provide advice and representation in many areas of law including but not limited to family law, estates, real estate, employment, contracts and personal injury. The firm volunteered for 11 advice clinics since March 2007. They assisted 50 clients and consequently, they were also awarded for their outstanding pro bono service for 2007 & 2008.

The awards were presented to the honorees by Executive Director, Amie Simpson, Pro Bono Coordinator, Suzanne Helwich and the Senior Program paralegal, Susan LaTour. Attendees included past honorees Anthony Andreano, Katherine Maloney, the Honorable Carla Policandriotes and Elizabeth Dow.

The Will County Legal Assistance Program, Inc., (WCLAP) is a private, non-profit organization which provides free civil legal services to low-income and senior citizen residents of Will County. They are supported in their efforts by the Will County Bar Association, which actively encourages its members to volunteer their services. WCLAP is supported by a variety of generous funders including the Will County Bar Association, the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, the United Way of Will County, the Legal Services Corporation, and the Illinois Bar Foundation. To inquire about donating or volunteering, or to learn more about WCLAP’s services, call (815) 727-5123.