Baltimore, MD (5/21/03) -- Earlier today, the Legal Aid Bureau’s Equal Justice Council (EJC) recognized Venable LLP and Venable associate Patricia McGowan in an awards breakfast at Camden Yards.
Venable received the Trailblazer award for the firm’s pro bono contributions to the community throughout 2002, while Patricia McGowan was recognized with this year’s Young Lawyer’s Division Award for her individual efforts. Both awards were presented as recognition of outstanding leadership and support of the Bureau and EJC’s mission to provide legal services to low-income persons in Maryland.
"Venable’s ongoing pro bono assistance has been invaluable to our work at the Legal Aid Bureau," said Wilhelm H. Joseph, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Bureau. "Venable’s Chairman Benjamin R. Civiletti and Patricia McGowan as well as countless Venable attorneys have been incredible partners and resources in our efforts to serve the community."
Mr. Civiletti has worked on behalf of the Legal Aid Bureau to promote its program and mission. He has recruited Venable attorneys who regularly advise and assist in cases led by the Legal Aid Bureau. Ms. McGowan has been a dedicated member of the Bureau’s legal team and a leader among the Young Lawyer’s Division.
"An unwavering commitment to the welfare of the communities in which we live and work has been a hallmark of the firm,"said Mr. Civiletti. "We are proud the Legal Aid Bureau has chosen to bestow these distinguished awards on the firm and Ms. McGowan."
The Legal Aid Bureau, established in 1911, is Maryland's only statewide program providing a full range of free civil legal services to low-income people. In 2001, the Bureau handled over 50,000 cases. Vulnerable populations targeted by Legal Aid include senior citizens, abused and neglected children, migrant and seasonal farm workers, and nursing home and assisted living residents. With more than 140 attorneys, the private, nonprivate Bureau provides services from 13 offices around Maryland.
One of the American Lawyer’s top 100 law firms, Venable LLP has attorneys practicing in all areas of corporate and business law, complex litigation, intellectual property and government affairs. Venable serves corporate, institutional, governmental, nonprofit and individual clients throughout the U.S. and around the world from its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and offices in California, Maryland, New York and Virginia.