2008 Pro Bono Initiative Award Winners

Pro bono awards honor firm, legal departments

Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation and International Paper were honored for their extraordinary commitment to providing pro bono legal services during the Second Annual TBA Corporate Counsel Pro Bono Initiative gala May 22 in Nashville. Legal staffs from the two corporations joined the law firm of Baker, Donelson Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz in being recognized for their efforts in providing legal services at no cost to those in need. In addition to honoring the firms, the event also raised funds to assist pro bono programs across the state. (At right)Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation General Counsel Jim Buda addresses the gathering.

Scenes from the 2nd Annual Corporate Counsel Pro Bono Initiative Event

Pro bono awards honor firm, legal departments

Baker, Donelson Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz was selected as the recipient of the Law Firm Pro Bono Award for its work with senior citizens in the middle Tennessee area.

International Paper was recognized for the individual commitment of its legal team, as well as its corporate commitment to pro bono work.

Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Mickey Barker inspired the gathering with his comments and presented the 2008 awards.

TBA Access to Justice Committee chair Deb House.

International Paper General Counsel Maura Smith.