The Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland (PBRC), which has a long-standing relationship with Venable, recently presented the firm with its Justice Award.
For more than 30 years, PBRC has been encouraging volunteer lawyers to offer free legal services involving basic human needs to disadvantaged individuals, families, and communities in Maryland. At the organization's Block Party: Building Communities of Justice event in September, executive director Sharon Goldsmith highlighted the work Venable has done with the organization over the years, mentioning the firm's team of approximately 15 lawyers who staff two of PBRC's clinics each month and the Venable Foundation's numerous donations.
Venable lawyers regularly work with PBRC's Tenant Volunteer Lawyer of the Day Program, which provides day-of-court counsel to unrepresented tenants facing eviction in Baltimore County. Venable lawyers have also participated in PBRC's Courtroom Advocacy Project, which assists those facing certain debt collection actions. Additionally, Venable attorneys contribute to PBRC's Maryland Immigrant Legal Assistance Project, which places volunteers at Baltimore Immigration Court to provide free legal advice.
Several Venable lawyers have also served on the PBRC board over the years, including current secretary David S. Gray. Associate Christopher E. Conn accepted the award on the firm's behalf.