Buchanan Named Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year
The "2009 Law Firm Pro Bono Award" was based on the extensive pro bono efforts made by local Buchanan lawyers. Their pro bono activities in 2009 included: staffing a legal clinic in McKees Rocks with assistance from a number of Buchanan attorneys and management oversight from Labor and Employment Shareholders Peter J. Ennis and Joseph F. Quinn; participation in the Allegheny County Protection from Abuse Program, coordinated by Litigation Associate Jordan M. Webster; the new H.E.L.P. project; Buchanan's service on the board of directors of the Pittsburgh Pro Bono Partnership and participation in its activities, with substantial contributions from Labor and Employment Associate Erin J. McLaughlin; and the contributions of many individual lawyers to non-profits in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
"This award recognizes the contributions of many individual lawyers who have taken the time from their busy practices to help the less fortunate in our community," said Ennis, co-chair of Buchanan's Pro Bono Committee. Ennis was presented with the award at the ACBF's Fellows Grand Reception, which took place Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at the August Wilson Center for African-American Culture in Pittsburgh.
A brief description of the firm's pro bono activities was printed in the reception's program. As noted, "Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney is an active member of the Pittsburgh Pro Bono Partnership, with a representative on its Administrative Board. It is one of three member organizations staffing the McKees Rocks Community Clinic and has done so since Klett Rooney joined with Alcoa to begin the Clinic in 2003. In connection with UPMC Mercy's Operation Safety Net program, attorneys provide legal services at this Clinic to assist the homeless. Buchanan attorneys also participate in the Partnership's Custody Conciliation Project representing clients in conciliation hearings in Family Court. In addition to its work as a member of the Partnership, Buchanan has long participated in NLSA's large firm PFA Referral Program, and in 2009 was among the three top firms in the number of referrals its attorneys accepted. For both the Partnership and NLSA, Buchanan has without fail made its Moses Hampton Room available for numerous CLE trainings sponsored by NLSA. In addition, attorneys at the firm participate in individual pro bono work which benefits those in need. Buchanan is a firm whose management encourages such pro bono efforts on the part of its staff and whose firm culture represents the philosophical outlook and practical approach which is necessary to ensure that the legal needs of the poor and disabled in Allegheny County are met."
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