According to the IndyBar, “The Pro Bono Awards honor practicing lawyers, retired lawyers, in-house and corporate counsel, law firms, law students and paralegals who have made outstanding contributions toward delivering volunteer legal services to the poor and disadvantaged. Among the factors considered during selection are whether a nominee has demonstrated dedication to the delivery of legal services to the poor; has contributed significant work toward developing innovative approaches to the delivery of volunteer legal services; has participated in an activity which resulted in satisfying previously unmet needs or in extending services to underserved segments of the population; has successfully litigated a pro bono case that favorably affected the provision of services to the poor; or has successfully achieved legislation that contributed substantially to legal services to the poor.”
In reviewing the nominees for pro bono firm of the year, Katz Korin Cunningham, says the IndyBar “stood out logging over 250 pro bono hours providing direct assistance to the public via IndyBar’s Virtual Help Desk, Legal Line and Free Wills Clinics.” Katz Korin Cunningham attorneys Chuck Niblick and Stephanie Truchan were the primary contributors from the firm. Additionally, Chuck was instrumental serving as the collaborator and editor of the 2021 edition of Commonly Asked Questions on Indiana Law (the CAQ book), the free resource manual used by IndyBar volunteers at pro bono and public outreach offerings to provide answers in subject areas that aren’t common practice for volunteers.
Upon being notified of the firm’s recognition, Michael Gabovitch, Managing Partner, commented “In addition to serving our clients’ needs in accordance with the highest of professional standards, lawyers are also expected to give back to the community by sharing their unique skills with those less fortunate. This award reflects the fact that we take that responsibility seriously. To a lawyer, we all give back in some way. In this instance, the bulk of the hours invested came from the efforts of Chuck Niblick and Stephanie Truchan so a big “thank you” is due to them, together with all of the others who made this award possible.”
In 2021, Katz Korin Cunningham launched a program that encourages each attorney to contribute 100 pro bono hours annually toward assisting the underserved and marginalized in the community.
Photo: Jimmie McMillian, President, Indy Bar with Chuck Niblick and Stephanie Truchan (left to right).