On September 1, 2016, Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP hosted the Florence Project’s Pro Bono Appreciation and Awards Ceremony. This special event is dedicated to recognizing the importance of the work pro bono attorneys do for our clients every day. “For me it has been an honor to serve with the Florence Project in a pro bono capacity for numerous detained individuals over the years. Collaborating with my knowledgeable colleagues at FIRRP, I have always felt supported and valued. I encourage members of the Bar and the community at large to consider sharing their talents with the Florence Project to assist those individuals detained in Florence and Eloy. Working on these cases will enrich your lives,” remarked Anthony Pelino, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award.
This Year’s Honorees are:
LAW FIRM PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Anthony Pelino, Esq., Law Office of Anthony Pelino
ROOKIE PRO BONO OF THE YEAR
Adam Kaplan, Esq., Honeywell International, Inc.
ADULT PROGRAM PRO BONO OF THE YEAR
Lilia Alvarez Esq., Alvarez Law, PLC
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM PRO BONO OF THE YEAR
Brian Kim, Esq., Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP
PRO BONO ALL-STAR
Sambo Dul, Esq., Perkins Coie, LLP
Honorable Lilia Alvarez, recipient of the Adult Program Pro Bono of the Year award stated, “the work of the Florence Project changes lives. It gives people the opportunity to reunite with their families and to experience a justice system that can work for them. It has also changed my life, making me a more fierce and compassionate advocate.”
This year we honored one of our most dedicated law firm partners, Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP. They have stood by the Florence Project and its mission since our founding in 1989, offering pro bono and financial help, as well as hosting this year’s event. We would also like to specially thank this year’s sponsors: Perkins Coie LLP; Larry and Francis Hammond; and Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP. With the support of the Florence Project’s pro bono mentors, the work of our honorees is pivotal in some of our most complex cases. Brian Kim, Esq., recipient of the Children’s Program Pro Bono of the Year Award, remarked: “I am privileged to have the opportunity to work with the Florence Project. The attorneys at the Florence Project are an invaluable resource for me, as we work together to help clients who consist of some of the most vulnerable populations here in America—immigrant juveniles. Our work is the first step in helping these clients achieve a prosperous life in America.”
We thank ALL of our volunteers for your dedication and commitment to the Florence Project. You make all the difference in our clients’ lives and we are grateful for your work!
