Baker & McKenzie in Miami has been recognized by Lawyers for Children America for its pro bono contributions in child advocacy.

The firm received a 2011 John Edward Smith Child Advocacy Award, the second time the firm has been honored by LFCA.

Baker & McKenzie has been championing the rights of children in foster care and those aging out of foster care for many years.

The Baker & McKenzie team recognized for their contributions include North America director of pro bono and community service and partner Angela Vigil, partners Don Hayden and Robert Moore, and associates Heather Frazier, Effie Silva, Daniel Hudson, Jennifer Wioncek, Nicole Calabro, and Lisa Teste. Jennifer Jurney, an extern from the University of Miami School of Law, also provided assistance.

The work accomplished by the firm includes representing foster children, as well as appealing the shrinking scholarship funds being provided to children aging out of foster care who are full-time students aiming to complete higher education and get themselves on a path that will secure successful citizenship.

“With recent budget cuts, an unvoiced victim of limited resources are these 18- and 19-year-old youths who never were adopted out of foster care and must face adult life with no family or financial support except for the Road to Independence scholarships Florida has promised its former foster youth,” said the firm’s Susie Belanger.

“But those scholarships were cut with recent budget cuts in the Legislature. Baker & McKenzie and other firms working with LFCA are trying to shed light on these devastating cuts that will affect so many young people coming out of our foster care system.”

The pro bono work has consisted of administrative hearings and advocacy with the Department of Children and Families, the Attorney General’s Office, and Our Kids, the agency responsible for distributing these funds to youth.

“Baker & McKenzie is very grateful to the LFCA for honoring us with this award,” said Philip Suse, managing partner for the North American region of Baker & McKenzie. “Our pro bono team, led by Angela, is committed to helping foster children enter into adulthood with the necessary tools and support to excel in life. Until there is a better system in place, we will continue to help make a difference in the children’s lives.”