Each year, Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas recognizes two individuals and a law firm that went above and beyond to help those in need through pro bono legal services at our Covington awards ceremony.

How can you qualify? 

Individuals (one of the following)

• 100 or more hours in prior year
• 5 or more cases in prior year
• 10 or more Clinics in prior year
• Outstanding Mentors

Firms

Selection Criteria:

• Make a firm contribution of at least $250 per Central Texas attorney in the previous year;
• Have at least 25% of the Central Texas lawyers volunteer with VLS in the previous year (min. 20 hrs); and
• Have at least 25% of the Central Texas lawyers make an individual contribution to VLS in the previous year.

Levels of Recognition:

• Pro Bono Champions – Firms meeting all three criteria during the previous year
• Pro Bono Leaders – Firms meeting two of the three criteria during the previous year
• Pro Bono Supporters – Firms meeting one of the three criteria during the previous year

The Susan P. Burton award is given annually to a volunteer attorney who has been licensed 5 years or less for exemplary pro bono service (taken the most cases). The award is named for Susan P. Burton, a private attorney and bar leader, who started helping low-income people through pro bono as a young attorney, and who has worked to create a legal community that supports lawyers in the provision of pro bono in Central Texas.

2023 Kara L. Shaughnessy

2022   Vanessa Simone

2021   Katharine Weaver
2020   Grace Matthews
2019   Dr. Heather Flanagan
2018   Tecuan Flores
2017   Liliana Leon Flores
2016   Mysha Lubke
2015   Hong Shi
2014   Kathleen Graham
2013   Brian McGivern
2012   Tyler Hickle
2011   Rick Nemer

The Joseph H. Hart Award honors firms that demonstrate the integrity and commitment to providing legal assistance for the less fortunate that Judge Joe Hart has demonstrated throughout his legal and judicial career.

2009  Clark, Thomas & Winters, PC
2008  Perlmutter & Schuelke, PLLC
2007  Locke Lord LLP
2006   Davis & Wright, P.C.
2005   Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody
2004   Barron & Newburger, P.C.
2003   Hilgers & Watkins, P.C.
2002   GoransonBain Ausley, PLLC
2001   McGinnis Lochridge
2000  George & Donaldson LLP
1999  Clark, Thomas & Winters, PC

The J. Chrys Dougherty award is given annually to a volunteer attorney for exemplary dedication and commitment to the principle of access to justice for all people regardless of income. The award is named for J. Chrys Dougherty, a private attorney and bar leader, whose efforts helped to build a strong working partnership between the Bar and legal services providers.