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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAn attorney who made significant contributions in pro bono service will receive a posthumous honor on Oct. 21.
The Indiana Pro Bono Commission will present the Randall T. Shepard Award for excellence in pro bono publico to the family of John Pushor. Pushor, who was from Columbus, Ind., died in September 2010, about 11 years after retiring from private practice.
Pushor was a volunteer for Legal Aid – District 11, where he routinely worked four or five days a week and met with applicants for pro bono assistance. He helped determine client eligibility and worked to match clients with volunteer attorneys in five counties – Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson and Jennings.
One week before his death, Pushor established a $10,000 fund for Legal Aid – District 11 to be used to pay an intern each summer. Members of local bar associations have since contributed to the John Pushor fund, and Legal Aid – District 11 hopes that the fund will allow young law students to learn more about the value of pro bono involvement.
Attorney Tom Lantz of Seymour said Pushor was a dedicated volunteer. “John Pushor’s commitment to pro bono exemplifies what the Randall T. Shepard Award is all about, and you could not give this award to a more deserving person,” he said.
Along with this award, the Indiana Bar Foundation will present its pro bono and law-related education awards at the ceremony. Attorneys and organizations to be honored by the bar foundation are: Jackie M. Bennett Jr., Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Indianapolis; Thomas Bunger, Bunger & Robertson, Bloomington; Andrew Campbell, Baker & Daniels, Indianapolis; The Evansville Bar Association’s Women Attorneys Section; David E. Kenninger, Kenninger Law Office, Danville; and Robert Schuckit, Schuckit & Associates, Zionsville.
In addition, the Evansville Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section will be honored for its law-related education. The Law-Related Education Award recognizes lawyers, law firms and organizations for excellence in information that enhances public understanding of the law and the legal system.
The Randall T. Shepard Award was created in 2002 to honor the impact made by a member of the legal community ensuring that justice is available for people who could not regularly afford legal assistance and representation. The award is named after Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard to honor his vision of creating awareness about the significant volunteer services provided by Indiana attorneys each year. Shepard and Melissa May, Indiana Court of Appeals judge and chair of the Indiana Pro Bono Commission, will present the award to Pushor’s family at the 6:30 p.m. ceremony. A reception precedes the ceremony at 6 p.m.
The awards ceremony concludes the Indiana State Bar Association’s annual meeting at French Lick Springs Resort & Casino.
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