Aug. 7, 2019 – A commitment to pro bono service is one way that reinforces the role of lawyers as true professionals in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission and the State Bar of Wisconsin Pro Bono Program recognize 370 lawyers as 2018 Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society members.

The Commission created the honor society to annually recognize Wisconsin lawyers who volunteer a substantial amount of their time to help improve the administration of justice and expand access to justice for low-income Wisconsin residents.

“These lawyers have helped Wisconsin uphold the promise of equal justice under law. Their service ensures fairness for all in the justice system, regardless of how much money you have. I'm so proud of them for meeting and, in many cases, far exceeding the standard for pro bono service in our profession. They are truly the best among us,” said Jeff Brown, the State Bar’s Pro Bono Program Manager.

Through SCR 20:6.1, the Wisconsin Supreme Court set a goal of 50 hours of pro bono legal services per year as a way of acknowledging that the legal profession has an important role to play in helping to close the justice gap in Wisconsin.

Melissa Soberalski of Soberalski Immigration Law LLC in West Allis is one of the 370 lawyers. She does pro bono work with Voces de la Frontera and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “I do pro bono work because vulnerable people need an advocate,” she said. “I am so grateful for every opportunity I have to help families remain together without fear.”

50 Hours or More

To qualify for the honor society, lawyers must have performed at least 50 hours of eligible pro bono legal services during the previous calendar year. Eligible pro bono legal services for this program means the direct provision of legal services without fee or expectation of fee, or at a substantially reduced fee to:

• persons of limited means;

• organizations in matters that are designed primarily to address the needs of persons of limited means; or

• charitable, religious, civic, community governmental and educational organizations to secure or protect civil rights, civil liberties, or public rights so long as a substantial majority of such services benefit persons of limited means or organizations that serve persons of limited means.

The 370 Lawyers

Congratulations to these 370 lawyers, listed here with their Wisconsin county or state of residence, recognized as 2018 Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society members: