Do you know that this week is a National Pro Bono Celebration?
At Montana Legal Services Association, we like to celebrate Pro Bono attorneys and legal professionals all year long. Pro Bono legal professionals make justice happen for many Montanans. MLSA appreciates Pro Bono professionals and we know their clients do, too.
Law Student Pro Bono Service Award
Law student Tobias Cook (pictured here with Judge Karen Townsend and Attorney Gary Connelley) was honored as this year’s recipient of the Montana Law Student Pro Bono Service Award. The award-including a $500 check donated by Crowley Fleck, PLLP- was given to Mr. Cook on Friday, October 17th at the Missoula County Courthouse. The Montana Law Student Pro Bono Service Award is provided annually in October by MLSA and the University of Montana School of Law to a third year law student who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to public service and pro bono legal work during their law school career.
A deserving candidate, Mr. Cook donated over 130 hours to volunteer legal work outside classroom over the last three years. His involvement in pro bono has ranged from being a regular volunteer with the Montana Innocence Project to working with social studies students at St. Joseph’s middle school, educating them about law and assisting with their mock trial. Toby’s passion when it comes to the law is public service and working with underserved populations. He is vocal in his commitment to continue providing pro bono assistance to indigent Montanans after graduating law school.
Montana Businesses Donate to Recognize Pro Bono Attorneys
Montana pro bono attorneys are being recognized this week by several businesses from across the state who donated gifts. MLSA thanks and commends the following businesses for recognizing the efforts of the pro bono attorneys who help obtain justice for all Montanans regardless of their incomes:
Casagranda’s Steakhouse, Butte
Great Burn Brewing Co., Missoula
Philipsburg Brewing Co., Philipsburg
Plonk Wine, Missoula and Bozeman
Rialto Community Theatre, Deer Lodge
Whitefish Theatre Co., Whitefish
Windbag Saloon & Grill, Helena