ICARD MERRILL RECEIVES COMMENDATION FOR PRO BONO WORK
01/28/2010
The law firm of Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A., of Sarasota, has been selected as a co-recipient of the 2009 Law Firm Commendation, an award honoring significant contributions in the delivery of legal services to individuals or groups on a pro bono basis. The commendation will be presented at a Jan. 28 ceremony at the Florida Supreme Court by Chief Justice Peggy A. Quince.
In July 2008, the Sarasota-based Law firm Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A., adopted a comprehensive firm-wide pro bono plan "to exercise leadership to address the legal needs of the poor in our community and assist in building a local pro bono culture." The plan calls for the firm to provide at least 800 hours of pro bono service annually.
In the first year of the firm's plan, 2008-9, Icard Merrill donated 875.14 hours. In the first three months of its current fiscal year, Icard Merrill attorneys completed more than 300 hours and hope to provide in excess of 1,000 pro bono hours in 2009-2010.
The firm has received previous recognition for its pro bono service including receiving 11 pro bono pin awards from Legal Aid of Manasota, a record not only for Icard Merrill but also for any firm in Florida's Twelfth Judicial Circuit.
In June 2009, the firm was also recognized locally with the Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award by a Law Firm by Legal Aid of Manasota for such contributions as: conducting client intake at Legal Aid; representing clients in individual matters; assisting non-profits that provide services to the disadvantaged or low-income citizens; participating in community outreach programs; mentoring other pro bono attorneys; and engaging in policy advocacy on behalf of the poor.
Another example of the firm's dedication to pro bono service is in its response to the foreclosure crisis.
Icard Merrill holds monthly foreclosure clinics evenings and weekends at its offices. During these clinics, eight to 10 attorneys handle intake for clients facing foreclosure and many of support staff participate as well by taking client applications and providing clerical services.
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