S P E C I A L
F E A T U R E
2019 Florida Bar Pro Bono Service Awards
Photo on left: Tori Simmons (left), winner of
The Florida Bar YLD Pro Bono Service
Award, with Florida Bar Board of Governors
member, and HCBA Past President, Amy
Farrior (center), and George Howell III
(right), winner of The Florida Bar President’s
Pro Bono Service Award for the Thirteenth
Circuit. Photo on right: Mark J. Wolfson of
Foley Lardner’s Tampa office receiving the
2019 Law Firm Commendation award from
Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice
Charles Canady.
Continued from page 16
Foley & Lardner attorneys also regularly participate
in Project H.E.L.P., a clinic at Metropolitan Ministries
where lawyers assist people who are homeless with a
variety of legal issues.
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HCBA member George B. Howell III of the
Holland & Knight Tampa office also was recognized at
the ceremony with The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono
Service Award for the Thirteenth Circuit. This award
recognizes members who work on behalf of low-income
and disadvantaged clients in each circuit.
Howell has a long history of service to the Tampa Bay
community, especially its military community. A
signature achievement was establishing Mission United,
a program launched in January 2018 that assists veterans
and their families, with a special focus on active duty
MAR - APR 2019
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HCBA LAWYER
service members who are transitioning back to civilian
life. Services include pro bono legal assistance, as well as
navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs health
system, GI Bill assistance, housing and homelessness, and
emergency financial assistance. Working with United
Way Suncoast, Howell recruited a 21-member Advisory
Council, raised funds, hired a program director and
brought the community and veterans together to
understand veterans’ needs.
Howell also is leading an effort with Bay Area Legal
Services to seek a $500,000 recurring appropriation for
a five-county regional Veterans Legal Helpline. Howell’s
commitment to the military also involves pro bono
representation of individuals and families. Howell also
has represented the small True Faith Inspirational
Baptist Church pro bono for over a decade.
Congratulations to these HCBA members for their
dedication and support of the Tampa Bay community
through pro bono service!
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