Pro Bono Work
"Working with pro bono clients and assisting them through a maze of legal complications they could not maneuver without you can be among the most challenging and rewarding work an attorney does. It leaves you with the feeling that you are giving a person or a family help they never would have otherwise received."
Charla Bizios Stevens, Director and Chair of the Pro Bono Committee.
Since its inception, McLane has expected and encouraged pro bono work by all of its attorneys. From John McLane to Jack Middleton to the firm's newest associates today, individual attorneys at the firm take their pro bono responsibilities very seriously. McLane has a proud heritage of providing legal services to the poor and underprivileged citizens of New Hampshire, and more recently Massachusetts. As a firm, we regularly look for opportunities to further enhance our efforts.
McLane was a recipient of the New Hampshire Bar Association's 2008 Pro Bono Award for distinguished pro bono service.
McLane's Pro Bono Policy encourages all our attorneys to annually perform 30 to 50 hours of pro bono service for the underprivileged citizens of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Many of our attorneys exceed that goal. Our pro bono coordinator works directly with the New Hampshire Bar's Pro Bono Referral Program to arrange for McLane attorneys to represent those underprivileged individuals in need of legal services.
Our Pro Bono Policy
The firm recognizes and affirms its continuing commitment to undertake pro bono work. The work affords attorneys an opportunity to perform an enormously needed and worthwhile service. The range of pro bono work is broad and includes opportunities for attorneys of all disciplines.
We take our pro bono commitment seriously. Pro bono work undertaken by the firm is subject to the same standards of attention and professional performance as any other work undertaken by the firm. All McLane lawyers working on pro bono matters are able to seek advice and assistance from lawyers working in the various specialty areas that may be relevant to the matter in question. The firm ensures that an experienced attorney is available to consult when appropriate on pro bono matters being handled by any lawyer in the firm.
Jack B. Middleton Pro Bono Award
McLane appreciates the substantial time devoted to pro bono work by its attorneys. In 2004, the firm established the annual Jack B. Middleton Pro Bono Award. This award is given to an individual attorney who has demonstrated commitment to providing legal services to New Hampshire's poor and underprivileged citizens. Jack Middleton has been a role model for pro bono over the years and we are proud to present this award in his name at the firm's annual Employee Recognition reception.
2011 Recipient: Joel T. Emlen
2010 Recipient: Michael Kenison
2009 Recipient: Thomas Hildreth
2008 Recipient: Charla B Stevens
2007 Recipient: Christopher M. Dube
2006 Recipient: Jeremy Walker
2005 Recipient: Margaret R. Kerouac
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