Jackson Walker’s Houston Office was recently named a recipient of the 2013 Harris County Bench Bar Pro Bono Award in the mid–size firm category.

“We are deeply honored to receive this award recognizing the firm’s commitment to pro bono service,” said Kurt Nondorf, managing partner of the firm’s Houston office. “I am proud of the time, energy, and enthusiasm our attorneys devote to serving the community every day through their work with individual clients and involvement in organizations dedicated to helping those in need.”

Attorneys in Jackson Walker’s Houston office provided a total of 1,927 hours of pro bono direct legal services in 2013 and are active in a variety of nonprofit organizations, including Houston Volunteer Lawyers, Recipe for Success, the Immunization Partnership, and many others. A few examples of matters handled on a pro bono basis by the firm’s Houston attorneys include drafting bylaws for nonprofit entities, advocating for a teenager who was wrongfully removed from school activities, helping a disabled woman negotiate a settlement with the IRS, helping a single father enforce his visitation rights, and assisting a disabled veteran in negotiating more reasonable interest rates. In addition, the firm’s attorneys participate in collaborative pro bono legal programs such as the Houston Bar Association’s legal Lines program, and the Houston Volunteer Lawyers’ pro bono clinics.

Firmwide, Jackson Walker attorneys donated more than 11,000 hours to pro bono clients in 2013. Across the state, the firm’s pro bono efforts have been recognized by organizations including Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas, The Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, the Texas Civil Rights Project, and the San Antonio Bar Association Community Justice Program.

Established by the Houston Bar Association and the Harris County judiciary, the Harris County Bench Bar and Pro Bono Award recognizes firms for their outstanding contributions to pro bono legal services throughout the year. A committee made up of judges and attorneys selects award winners.