Legal Aid Society’s Award Luncheon Raises Nearly $250,000

October 23, 2014

U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon & Cam Findlay, General Counsel of ADM, Among Honorees

More than 300 leaders and professionals from Chicago’s legal community gathered for the 2014 Equal Access to Justice Awards luncheon, held Oct. 16 at the Palmer House in Chicago, an event that raised nearly $250,000, the highest amount to date. The luncheon was presented by the Legal Aid Society (LAS) of Metropolitan Family Services. Proceeds will help provide legal services for more than 7,500 low-income families and individuals that LAS serves annually.

Several honorees were recognized for their contributions to LAS and pro bono law. They included Zachary T. Fardon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, who was honored for Outstanding Board Service; Fardon served as LAS’ Board Chair prior to his current role as U.S. Attorney. Law firm Latham & Watkins and Jeffrey D. Colman of Jenner & Block received the Scott C. Solberg Pro Bono Award, noting their outstanding contributions to pro bono law. Grace Newgard, Director of the Legal Aid Society’s Pro Bono program, received the Frances B. Corwin Award for Employee Excellence. Corwin served as an attorney with LAS for 46 years.

Cameron (Cam) Findlay, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Archer Daniels Midland, received the William H. Avery Award. The Avery Award is presented annually in memory of the late William H. Avery, former partner at Sidley and Austin and a champion of pro bono services, to honor outstanding contributions to the legal needs of the poor.

A video highlighting William Avery’s contributions to pro bono and LAS’ work was previewed through the underwriting of Sidley Austin LLP. The event’s program ended with an engaging interview of Cam Findlay by Andrea Zopp, President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, and a former Avery Award Winner. View the video below:

About the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services
The Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services (LAS) pioneered the concept of equal access to justice more than 125 years ago. LAS provides critical legal services to low-income families in the Chicago area, protecting them in cases of domestic violence, elder abuse, housing and consumer issues, and trafficking. Today LAS serves more than 7,500 families and individuals each year.

LAS is part of Metropolitan Family Services, which has been empowering Chicago-area families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities since 1857.