Special Recognition

MALS encourages and celebrates pro bono involvement through a number of ways and publicly acknowledges pro bono contributions at two annual recognition events.  During Law Week, a reception is co-sponsored with the Memphis Bar Association to honor and recognize volunteer attorneys and law firms for their voluntary activities.  At the Memphis Bar Association’s Annual Meeting, the J. Michael Cody Award is presented to the most outstanding Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year.

When the Tennessee Bar Association publishes its annual Pro Bono Honor Roll, MALS volunteers’ names are included in the listing as well as in the Tennessee Bar Association Access to Justice newsletter, the Volunteer Attorney.  MALS also nominates at least one volunteer attorney for the annual Tennessee Bar Association Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award presented during the Mid-Year TBA meeting. MALS currently publishes a quarterly e-newsletter that spotlights volunteer contributions and among other things lists the most recent and significant pro bono case completed.

MALS sponsors at least one CLE program quarterly that is FREE for volunteer attorneys plus in partnership with the Memphis Bar Association provides a $25.00 coupon to volunteers who complete a case.  The coupon can be used by the bearer to attend a variety of Memphis Bar Association events.

Additionally, MALS reports bi-annually to the CLE Commission the number of hours donated by volunteer attorneys.