celebrating service
Committee on Criminal Justice Reform, which passed
sweeping criminal justice reform legislation in 2012. Currently
Rep. Willard serves on the Juvenile Justice Reform Panel
which is focused on overhauling the juvenile justice system.
The panel, with Willard as one of its leaders, is examining
ways to reduce recidivism with a focus on rehabilitation of
juvenile offenders.
Rep. Willard was also an integral member of the Fulton
County Court Improvement Task Force formed by Fulton
County Superior Court Chief Judge Cynthia D. Wright and
State Court Chief Judge Patsy Y. Porter. The Task Force
was created in 2011 to recommend improvements to court
organization, jurisdiction and operations that can serve as a
foundation for the courts to better and more efficiently serve
the public through long-range planning and collaboration.
Representative Willard spent countless hours examining
the challenges facing the courts and gave thoughtful and
insightful suggestions on how the General Assembly can help
the Courts during the budget crisis. The Task Force, which
also included Atlanta Bar Association representatives, gave
its final report and recommendations in September 2012.
The Atlanta Bar Association thanks Rep. Willard for his efforts
to support the legal community and the justice system in the
legislature, and is honored to award him the 2011-2012 Public
Service Award. This award is given to recognize significant
contributions by an elected or appointed legislator or other
public servant who has advanced the fair administration of
justice in our community and fostered professionalism and
ethics in the political or legislative process.
Pro Bono Award
The Celebrating Service Pro Bono Award is given to an
individual or Atlanta Bar Association Section that has made a
significant contribution for providing pro bono legal services,
or otherwise furthering the provision of pro bono legal
services, to indigent individuals or non-profit organizations.
This year, the Atlanta Bar Association honors the Litigation
Section for its generous contributions to pro bono legal
services and non-profit organizations.
In recognition of the impact that the downturn on the economy
has had on many pro bono providers, the Litigation Section
increased its financial contribution to several organizations.
In total, the Litigation Section donated $33,000 to pro bono
entities. Immediate Past Chair Steve Labriola explained:
“The