PBI recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to pro bono legal work and access to justice through the following awards. Click the links below to learn more about the awards and see lists of past recipients.
Chesterfield Smith Award – This award recognizes extraordinary courage and commitment to pro bono by a legal leader. It honors the memory of the late Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Holland & Knight LLP, Chesterfield Smith, who grew his firm from a two-lawyer office to one of the largest law firms in the country.
CPBO Pro Bono Partner Award – This annual award is given each year and recognizes innovative team approaches to pro bono work involving in-house legal departments. Nominees for this award must include at least one legal department working in partnership with one or more law firms and/or public interest group partners.
John H. Pickering Award – This annual award is given each year in honor of John H. Pickering, a distinguished appellate attorney and leader of the legal profession who was well-known for his extraordinary commitment to pro bono and public interest law.
Laurie D. Zelon Pro Bono Award – This annual award is given each year to an individual or organization that has provided exemplary pro bono service. It honors the legal leadership of retired Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeal Laurie D. Zelon, one of the originators of the Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge®.
