This as ProBono.Org, an NGO that works with the private legal profession to provide free legal services to the poor, hosted its annual Pro Bono Awards Ceremony. The event was to acknowledge and thank the many legal professionals who give their time and dedicate their efforts to assist those who can’t afford private legal representation.
The organisation has grown immensely since it was founded due to the professionalism and heart of the lawyers who make it their mission to bring justice to the most vulnerable members of South Africa.
“As you already know, through lifting others we lift ourselves,” said Public Protector and guest speaker at the ceremony, Thuli Madonsela.
She acknowledged the efforts being made by all those who would win awards, and those who would not.
“You already are winners because you are playing a role in a very important quest to lift those… who could be left behind when it comes to access to justice – your work is important,” she said.
Some of the coveted awards for the night were the human rights champion award, which went to Angela Mudukuti of the Southern Africa Litigation Centre; student at a law clinic at a university in South Africa who has shown exceptional dedication and commitment to his or her work, was awarded to Danielle Prinsloo; most dedicated and committed pro bono advocate went to Steven Budlender, and Moray Hathorne won the prize for the most dedicated and committed pro bono attorney.
Each category was awarded to each winner based on the hours they had spent on their pro bono cases.
Law firms, advocates, key legal stakeholders, friends and family were in attendance in support of the work done by the law community of South Africa.
Details: probono.org
