Susan Finegan receives 2013 IBA Pro Bono Award

7 October 2013, at the International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference, Susan M Finegan, a Partner in Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo P C, was announced as the winner of the 2013 IBA Pro Bono Award.

The Award is given in recognition of an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to pro bono as part of their legal career and whose work has made a substantial impact.

Chair of the Pro Bono Committee and of the Award panel, Tim Soutar said, “Susan’s work, both within and outside her firm, stands out by reason of its breadth and the impact it has had in driving change, particularly in combating domestic violence. This included not only obtaining significant changes in law and policy in Massachusetts and across the country, but also expanding the access to pro bono assistance for the many non-profit organisations providing support to victims of abuse.” He added,  “In current, challenging, economic times, the need for pro bono assistance is greater than ever. It is heartening to know there is such great pro bono work being done and we celebrate Susan’s contribution to the creation of a better and more just world. Her example will most certainly act as inspiration to others.”

Ms Finegan, based in Boston, United States of America, commented, “It truly is an honour to receive this award from the IBA Pro Bono Committee. It has been so gratifying to have worked with clients throughout the years who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human rights abuses. I continue to do this work because of these incredible clients who continue on, in such a courageous way, despite the many challenges they have faced in their lives.” She added, “I am humbled to accept this award on their behalf. I am also grateful to have worked at a law firm that allowed and encouraged me to do pro bono work from my first week on the job, almost 20 years ago. Growing up in this professional culture for the past two decades, I have observed what an impact a law firm can have, tipping the balance in favour of those clients who previously have had no voice, and have no power.”

The Award Panel received a substantial number of nominations from across the globe. It found selecting a winner difficult. Mr Soutar, commented, “Every year it seems to become more and more difficult to choose between the nominees. The quality, quantity and variety of pro bono work brought to our attention during this year’s award nomination process was staggering. In view of this, we believe that the achievements of some nominees should be shared publicly, acknowledged, and celebrated alongside the winner this year.”

Nominees selected for particular recognition include:

Ahmed Adetola-Kazeem for founding the Prisoners' Rights Advocacy Initiative in Lagos and obtaining the release of many prisoners being held without trial, as well as  influencing procedural change to reduce periods of detention pending trial and promoting the provision of pro bono work by private practitioners;

Luke Geary for his leadership and innovation in developing a not-for-profit practice model that facilitates the provision of free legal advice and representation to those in need in Australia;

Robert Goldspink in England, for demonstrating how skills accumulated over a successful commercial legal career can be deployed in assisting NGOs to fight poverty and a variety of human rights abuses;

Andrés Aguinaco Gómez for his work in founding a student law clinic to tackle issues of social injustice in Mexico and then developing this into a regional network of pro bono, human rights litigators championing the rights, especially, of the disabled and under-privileged children;

Maria Matui for her work on women's rights, co-ordinating the provision of legal aid in Tanzania and training government officers to identify and manage cases requiring pro bono assistance; and

Olena Sotnyk for her varied work in educating and promoting the rights, interests and prospects of orphans in the Ukraine.

Ms Finegan was presented with the Award at the IBA’s largest Annual Conference to date, during the session: Pro bono: raising the bar – the essential role of bar associations in the promotion of pro bono.

The IBA Pro Bono Committee Pro Bono Award  is sponsored by LexisNexis, and includes: free registration to attend the IBA Annual Conference; a contribution of up to US$5,000 towards accommodation and travel costs to attend the Conference; and one year's free membership of the IBA, Section on Public and Professional Interest and the Pro Bono Committee.

Ian McDougall, EVP and General Counsel, LexisNexis Legal & Professional, commented, “LexisNexis is proud to support this Award and to recognize Susan Finegan for her commitment and dedication to pro bono. Access to justice is a fundamental principle of the rule of law and we are delighted to be part of this important Award. The outstanding efforts of Ms Finegan have helped make a difference for the disadvantaged and we congratulate and commend her for her exceptional work and dedication.”