Exceptional Volunteerism
In recognition of her outstanding pro bono legal services, the MVLP presented Kristine Jones with the 2018 Medal of the Samaritan!
She was one of seven recipients awarded this honor at the 3rd Annual MVLP Awards Luncheon.
MVLP also presented Kristine with the 2017 Pro Bono Service Certificate of Appreciation for pro bono services provided in Montgomery County, Alabama for low income residents.
Kristine is a family law attorney in Montgomery with the private legal practice of The KJ Law Firm, LLC.
October is Pro Bono Month
Each year, October is designated as Pro Bono Month by the Supreme Court of Alabama.¹
To celebrate, the Montgomery Volunteer Lawyers Program (MVLP) hosts an annual event to honor volunteer attorneys and legal firms in our state.
This year’s 3rd Annual Awards Luncheon was held on October 19, 2018 in downtown Montgomery, the capital city of Alabama.
Laurel Crawford, MVLP Executive Director², opened the event by welcoming the attendees, sharing a few thoughts, and introducing the guest speaker.
Christina Crow, President-Elect of the Alabama State Bar, was the featured guest speaker this year.
Her keynote speech was followed by the highly anticipated awards ceremony.
Gold Medallion Firms
Three law firms were awarded the Gold Medallion:
- Faulkner Law Legal Clinics
- The Anderson Law Firm
- Sasser Sefton & Brown, PC
Medal of the Samaritan
Is a Samaritan good, or redundant? Keep reading…
The Medal of the Samaritan award recipients were:
- John W. Charles
- Kelli Day
- Tim Gallagher
- Kristine Jones
- Kelly McTear
- Royce Wadsworth
- David Weston
Click the image for an enlarged view of the “Samaritan” plaque.
What is a Samaritan?
It’s the name of the award, but what does it mean? According to Merriam-Webster, a Samaritan is:
A person who is generous in helping those in distress.
Furthermore, Merriam-Webster refers to “the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:30–37“
as a likely source.³
MVLP Pro Bono Leadership Corps
Last but not least, Laurel Crawford recognized the members and accomplishments of the Pro Bono Leadership Corps (PBLC)
The purpose of the PBLC is to provide young lawyers with the support and training necessary to develop a strong habit of pro bono service in practice.
PBLC participants benefit in numerous ways. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Intensive training in various legal issues common to pro bono practice
- Ongoing mentorship
- Support from a MCBF Member
- and more…
The 2018 Pro Bono Leadership Corps members were:
- A. Brannon Booth
- Charles Calloway
- LaSheryl Dotch
- Tonya Dupree
- Preston Presley
MVLP recognized many pro bono lawyers at the October luncheon.⁴
Community Outreach. Equal Justice.
MVLP is “a non-profit whose services are available to low-income residents of Montgomery County with civil legal issues.”⁵
If you’d like to be a volunteer attorney or learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit the MVLP website ».
Event Details
Name: 3rd Annual MVLP Awards Luncheon
Date: Friday, October 19, 2018
Organizer: Montgomery County Bar Foundation
Venue: 129 Coosa (Upstairs at Central Restaurant)
Address: 129 Coosa St, Montgomery, AL 36104
Footnote(s):
- ¹ Source: Order, September 19, 2018. Supreme Court of Alabama, External link ».
- ² Note: “MVLP” logo belongs to the Montgomery County Bar Foundation.
- ³ Source: Luke 10:30–37, Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). Bible Gateway, External link ».
- ⁴ Credit: Photo courtesy of the MVLP Facebook Photo Gallery, linked here ».
- ⁵ Source: MVLP, About. Facebook Page, External link ».
The KJ Law Firm 