More than 125 invited guests from the legal community attended Brevard County Legal Aid’s Annual Pro Bono Awards and Recognition Gala on Friday, February 17th at Suntree Country Club. United States District Court Judge John Antoon, II was the evening’s special guest speaker. During his remarks, Judge Antoon noted the growing need for legal services to the poor in light of difficult economic conditions. Quoting United States Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell, he said “it is fundamental that justice should be the same, in substance and availability, without regard to economic status.” As a Brevard County native, Judge Antoon’s impressive record of public service was well-known to those in attendance.
The evening’s main purpose was to recognize Brevard County attorneys who have gone above and beyond in their pro bono contributions.
Attorney John Daly was recognized as Brevard’s “Attorney of the Year.” Since the mid-1980s, Mr. Daly has donated countless of hours of pro bono service and, in recent years, has provided hundreds of pro se litigants with vital assistance in family law matters. John’s selfless dedication to the poor and disadvantaged is a shining example for the legal profession.
The Appellate Law Award was presented to The Carlyle Appellate Law Firm which has selflessly provided representation on behalf of dependent children aging out of the foster care system.
The Community Service Award recognized the efforts of attorneys and judges participating in the Space Coast Community Law School, a program providing valuable legal information to the public through free legal seminars on a wide variety of topics.