Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education

Volunteer Lawyers Program Celebrate 25 Years of Service

2006 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Volunteer Lawyers Programs (VLP) in Arizona. During their 25-year history, the number of volunteer attorneys associated with the VLP programs has grown steadily, as have the services provided. In our 25th year, the VLP programs will work with more than 3,497 volunteer attorneys to provide services to an estimated 13,373 clients across the state – all of whom faced legal issues and who benefited from VLP counsel and the generosity of our volunteers.

Foundation President-elect Joe Kreamer and Vice Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch
Foundation President-elect Joe Kreamer and Vice Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch

Elliot Glicksman and Sen. John Edwards
Elliot Glicksman and Sen. John Edwards

To celebrate this milestone the VLP programs coordinated three special recognition events this fall. The first of these took place on October 25, 2006, when nearly three hundred attorneys and guests attended the VLP Awards Luncheon at the newly restored and renovated Fox Theatre in downtown Tucson to celebrate the attorneys who have contributed to Southern Arizona's VLP since its inception 25 years ago.

The silver anniversary celebration was kicked off by a surprise visit from former United States Senator John Edwards, a long-time advocate for equal justice and legal access for America's indigent population Edwards currently serves as Director of the University of North Carolina's Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity. He appeared at the VLP Awards Luncheon to extend his personal thanks to the many attorneys and law students who volunteer their time to provide legal assistance to those who otherwise could not afford it.

This year's awards were presented by Arizona Supreme Court Vice-Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch. Those attorneys who received the Attorney of the Month Award in 2006 were recognized: Shannon Giles (January), Charles Flett (February), Emily Dillof (March), Robert Ferrier (April), Lisa Schriner Lewis (May) Chris Mathis (June), Heather Strickland (July), Angela Moore (August), Jeannette Geiser (September), Alan Solot (October), Elizabeth Berenguer (November) and James Mather (December).

In addition, the VLP extended special awards of thanks to several individuals, law firms and organizations who have demonstrated long time commitment, extraordinary service and significant milestone contributions to the program over the past 25 years. Individual award winners were William Bacon, Stacy Rupprecht Butler, Hon. Frederic Dardis, Amy Glicken, Joseph Riley, Jr., and Denice Shepherd. The law firms of DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy, Fleming & Curti, and Quarles & Brady Streich Lang also received anniversary awards. The VLP recognized several organizations as well: the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, the James E. Rogers College of Law, Pima County Superior Court, and the VLP Advisory Board.

The second 25th Anniversary Celebration took place on November 13, 2006, at the Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Court House in Phoenix. Community Legal Service's VLP welcomed 300 guests to the "Thanks to You" celebration that included remarks by Keynote Speaker Professor David Hall of Northeastern University, who is a member of the national Legal Services Corporation Board.

The celebration also included the announcement of the 2006 "For Love of Justice" Awards to individuals, law firms and other organizations that provide and promote pro bono service in the 5 counties served by CLS. The highest honor, the Frank X. Gordon Jr. Traveling Award, was presented to Chief Justice Ruth McGregor for her support for pro bono recruitment and recognition. Awards were presented to attorneys and firms who assist children through VLP's Children's Law Center, provide outstanding community service, assist low-income consumers, provide family law advice and representation, and professionals who provide donated support services for cases referred by VLP. Two retired judges, Hon. Robert Pickrell and Hon. Elizabeth Stover, were recognized for their many years of pro bono service since leaving the bench. Charles Arnold, Alena Cantor, Irwin Harris, and William Haug were honored with VLP Pro Bono Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Over 100 people attended the third Anniversary event, DNA's VLP celebration on November 14th. Those in attendance at the luncheon, at Pesto Brothers Piazza in downtown Flagstaff, welcomed keynote speaker, Professor David Hall. Professor Hall of Northeastern University School of Law lectures nationally and writes on issues of social justice, diversity, affirmative action, and equal justice and educational transformation. His current research focuses on the law and spirituality. His talk at the luncheon included thoughts about the sacred nature of the legal profession. He emphasized the importance of ensuring access to justice for everyone.

Awards were presented by the Honorable Fred Newton, Presiding Judge, Coconino County Superior Court to Susan Slasor, Judy Apachee and Phillip (Jay) McCarthy, Jr. Also receiving recognition for their long-term dedication to VLP were attorneys Richard Grimsrud, Robert Miller, and David Barrow. In appreciation of their reduced-fee service of process, Hawkins/EZ-Messenger and Northern Arizona Investigations were recognized. Secretary Ruth Rowe was also recognized for her volunteer hours at the Flagstaff DNA office.

The VLP Programs would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to all of the volunteer attorneys, law students, community supporters and funders that make the programs possible. Special thanks to the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education for its extraordinary leadership and support of VLP Programs across Arizona. Here's to the next 25 years!