Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel named Pro Bono Firm of the Year

staff report from the Chattanooga Times Free Press, September 13, 2003

Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel law firm was the recipient of Legal Aid of East Tennessee's Pro Bono Firm of the Year Award.  Chancellor Frank W. Brown, III presented the award at Pro Bono Night 2003.

The Chattanooga Bar Association Young Lawyers Division's annual Pro Bono Night honors local attorneys who volunteer through Legal Aid's Pro Bono Program.  This is the first year a firm has been honored with a pro bono award, according to Pro Bono Program Director Nancy Pagano.

"Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel was chosen to receive this first firm award because of the tremendous contribution the firm has made to Legal Aid and the Pro Bono Program," said Ms. Pagano.

"Members of the firm have contributed through individual pro bono client representation; through pro bono intake at the Legal Aid office; through participation in Legal Aid advice clinics out in the community; as community education speakers; serving on and as chair of the Bar's Pro Bono Committee; and serving on and as chair of Legal Aid's Annual Campaign for Just Committee."

Bruce C. Bailey, an attorney with the firm, was instrumental in establishing the Pro Bono program. Members of Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel provide pro bono legal work through many other nonprofit organizations throughout the Chattanooga area.

"They exemplify the true meaning of pro bono, which is legal assistance to those who could not otherwise afford it," said Ms. Pagano.  "Many firms in Chattanooga volunteer through the Pro Bono program and are deserving of the Pro Bono Firm of the Year Award.  A small firm could be as likely to receive the award for its contribution to pro bono as a large firm."

Ms. Pagano said recognition of a firm will become an addition to the annual awards ceremony.