The Chicago legal community will gather next week to celebrate the Northern District’s of Illinois twenty-fifth annual Awards for Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service, in partnership with the Federal Bar Association at the Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse.
I am particularly proud to announce that my Holland & Knight colleagues, Melissa Gold and Timothy Ray, will be among this year’s distinguished honorees receiving the Excellence in Pro Bono Service award. Their dedication to serving those most in need is one of many reasons I am proud to work with each of them.
The ceremony will take place on May 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the James Benton Parsons Memorial Courtroom, with Federal Bar Association National President Glen R. McMurry delivering the keynote address. Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall and Chicago Chapter FBA President Erin M. Franzblau will also offer remarks.
This annual event recognizes attorneys who have gone above and beyond in providing pro bono and public interest legal services before the Northern District of Illinois. The honorees represent a diverse cross-section of Chicago’s legal community, from solo practitioners to attorneys at international law firms, all united by their commitment to ensuring access to justice.
Among this year’s honorees is Alan Mills of The Uptown People’s Law Center, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in public interest and pro bono service. The ceremony will also posthumously honor Michael G. Babbitt of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.
The program is free and open to all attorneys. I encourage everyone to attend this inspiring celebration of legal service and excellence.
Congratulations to Melissa, Tim, and all the honorees for their extraordinary contributions to our profession and our community.