The Atlanta Lawyer December 2011/January 2012 | Page 16

atlanta bar foundation The Atlanta Bar Foundation and Lawyer Referral and Information Service By Sally Hogsette Atlanta Bar Foundation I n response to the economic downturn and reduced funding for urgently needed pro bono legal services, the Atlanta Bar Foundation last year established an annual grant program to create a new source of funds for Atlanta-area pro bono providers. The Foundation also continued, and in some instances increased, its long-standing support to Atlanta Bar Association pro bono and community projects. At the same time, the Atlanta Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) established an LRIS grant program, funded by monies generated from the LRIS percentage fee program, to fulfill its mission to provide and promote access to the legal system. Save the date for the Emory Public Interest Committee’s 2012 EPIC Inspiration Awards Ceremony and Reception 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 7 Tull Auditorium, Emory University School of Law Honoring Norman L. Underwood Lifetime Commitment to Public Service Jan Pratt Outstanding Leadership in the Public Interest Sue Jamieson Unsung Devotion to Those Most in Need All funds raised support Emory Law students working in public sector summer jobs. To make a donation or for more information, visit www.law.emory.edu/EPIC or contact Sue McAvoy at [email protected] or 404.727.5503 16 THE ATLANTA LAWYER ABA Ad Quarter Page.indd 1 [email protected] This year, with Atlanta Bar Association support, the Foundation and LRIS streamlined their respective application processes and invited pro bono providers to apply for grants from each organization with a single application. The combined application process, while maintaining the separate funding and decision-making of each organization, facilitated the award of combined grants by the Foundation and LRIS. For 2011-12, the Foundation and LRIS boards are pleased to announce that grants in the combined amount of $76,200 have been awarded to the following recipients: Atlanta Bar Association Minority & Diversity Clerkship Program Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program Atlanta Legal Aid Society Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation Georgia Asylum & Immigration (GAIN) Georgia Justice Project Georgia Law Center for the Homeless Georgia Legal Services Program Latin American Association Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta State YMCA of Georgia, Inc. Truancy Interv ention Project The grants were given at the Atlanta Bar Association Celebrating Service Luncheon and Pro Bono Fair, which was held on October 21, 2011, at the Piedmont Driving Club. With respect to Foundation grants, current funding has been increased by the success of the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Campaign which to-date has received $188,000 in pledges from law firms and bar leaders alike. Information about the campaign and Foundation activities are located on the Foundation’s webpage at www.atlantabar.org. Taxdeductible contributions can be made by clicking “Contribute Now”. Your support is appreciated! December 2011/January 2012 The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association 9/15/11 10:59 AM