Legal Services of Greater Miami hosts annual celebration honoring pro bono volunteers
Roland Potts, left, with Legal Services of Greater Miami CEO Monica Vigues-Pitan, and Richard Davis, right, accepting the 2025 Equal Justice Pro Bono Large Firm Award on behalf of Foley & Lardner at the 2025 Pro Bono Awards Celebration held October 23 in commemoration of National Pro Bono Week.
The Legal Services of Greater Miami recently hosted its annual Pro Bono Celebration honoring the legal professionals who dedicate their time and expertise to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of financial status, have equal access to justice.
“Being an attorney is a noble profession because it involves a commitment to helping others and upholding justice,” said 11th Circuit Chief Judge Fajardo Orshan, the event’s guest speaker. “Every hour you volunteer and every client you serve reflects the very best of who we are as a legal community.”
Commissioner Ralph Rosado of the City of Miami’s District 4 announced the donation $25,000 to Legal Services in recognition of its “dedication to advancing equal access to justice and its profound impact on the community.”
Monica Vigues-Pitan, CEO of Legal Services, commended the honorees and the more than 375 volunteers for their commitment to serving the community and to Commissioner Rosado for his generosity.
“At a time when so many of those we serve face deep uncertainty, your efforts ensure not only access to justice, but also faith in our legal system’s ability to right wrongs and protect fundamental rights,” said Vigues-Pitan. “Your commitment restores stability, dignity, and hope to thousands of families across our community.”
Pro Bono Committee Chair Carlos Cardelle, corporate counsel at ADP, and Yesenia Arocha, Legal Services’ Pro Bono director, officiated the presentation of the awards.
Legal Services of Greater Miami 2025 Equal Justice Pro Bono Award Recipients:
- Equal Justice Pro Bono Large Firm Award: Foley & Lardner
- Equal Justice Pro Bono Distinguished Law Firm Partner Award: Elena Otero of McDermott Will & Schulte
- Equal Justice Pro Bono Rising Star Award: Samuel Ludington of Nelson Mullins
- Equal Justice Pro Bono Champion Awards: Gabriel Mazzitelli and Benjamin Mordes of Jimenez Mazzitelli Mordes, and Gregory Boulous of Shook, Hardy & Bacon
- Equal Justice Pro Bono Community Commitment Award: Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
The awards ceremony, which commemorated National Pro Bono Week and brought together supporters from across the legal and business communities, was held October 23 in Miami’s Design District.
For firms or individuals interested in learning more about pro bono opportunities, contact [email protected].
To view photos from the celebration, click here.
