Manchester, N.H., Woburn, Mass. (March 28, 2023) – The law firm of McLane Middleton is pleased to announce its annual award winners – Scott H. Harris (Jack B. Middleton Pro Bono Award), Joanne Bressi (John A. Graf Client Service Award), and Brittany Piet (John R. McLane Jr. Community Service Award).
The awards were presented at the firm’s recent Colleague Recognition Reception.
Scott Harris was the recipient of the 18th annual Jack B. Middleton Pro Bono Legal Services Award for his outstanding commitment to providing legal counsel to those who need but cannot afford that counsel. McLane Middleton created this award in support of its efforts to help ensure that all New Hampshire residents, regardless of resources, have access to the justice system. The award is named after Jack Middleton who has insisted over his storied more than 65 years career that lawyers have an ethical duty to provide legal services to those in need without regard to the ability to pay. Since the firm’s inception over a century ago, McLane Middleton has been a consistent leader in supporting the state’s most vulnerable. The firm’s commitment to providing pro bono legal services has continued as it has expanded its footprint into Massachusetts.
“For the past decade Scott has served almost two dozen clients in matters ranging from domestic violence to petitions for asylum. He has embraced the example set by Jack Middleton of trying to always have a pro bono case on his docket and in that way helping to provide legal access to those most needing it,” said Dennis J. Haley, Jr., a director in McLane Middleton’s Corporate Department and chair of the Pro Bono Committee.
Scott is a director in the firm’s Litigation Department. He can be reached in the firm’s Manchester office at (603) 628-1459 or scott.harris@mclane.com.
Joanne Bressi was the recipient of the firm’s annual John A. Graf Client Service Award. The award is named in honor of a former partner in the firm who was relentlessly focused on solving his clients’ problems. The award is provided annually to the McLane Middleton attorney, paralegal, or administrative colleague(s) who exemplifies the highest level of client responsiveness and excellence in service based on colleague observations, peer reviews, and client recommendations.
“Joanne has fully and consistently provided top notch client service. She is proactive, and comes up with new initiatives to make the client experience a better one. She serves as a valuable member of the firm and puts clients’ needs first,” said Adam M. Dumville, a director in the firm’s Administrative Law Department and chair of the Client Service Committee.
Joanne is the receptionist at the firm’s Woburn office.
Brittany Piet was the recipient of the firm’s John R. McLane, Jr. Community Service Award. This annual award is given to the McLane Middleton attorney, paralegal, or administrative colleague who exemplifies the highest commitment to the community based on colleague observations and peer reviews. The award is named after former partner, John R. McLane, Jr., who had a long history serving the community.
“Brittany serves as co-chair for the firm’s Community Service Committee and was instrumental in keeping all projects for the committee on task and played a key role in coordinating all efforts for each campaign, said John E. Hughes, a director in McLane Middleton’s Trusts & Estates. Department and co-chair of the firm’s Community Service Committee.”
Brittany is a paralegal in the firm’s Trusts & Estates Department and can be reached in the Manchester office at (603) 628-1484 or brittany.piet@mclane.com.