Pro Bono Project’s Domestic Violence Limited Scope Representation (DVLSR) Program is pleased to announce the 2010 Access to Justice Silicon Valley Awards Reception and Presentation, its 4th annual awards gala, will take place on Monday, November 15, 2010 at Santa Clara University’s Adobe Lodge. DVLSR’s annual awards reception will recognize outstanding advocates and community partners who have gone above and beyond to raise awareness about domestic violence and access to justice issues.
This year, DVLSR will present three awards to a judge, an institution, and an advocate –all who embody and share its commitment to justice for low-income individuals involved in domestic violence issues. The Honorable Erica Yew of Santa Clara County’s Juvenile Dependency Court will receive DVLSR’s Vision Award for her tireless commitment to eradicating domestic violence and providing greater awareness at all levels of the court and community systems. In addition, DVLSR will present its Foundation Award to Santa Clara University School of Law for its outstanding support of DVLSR and other community programs, and its commitment to public interest law and domestic violence education. Furthermore, Attorney Arthur Lin will receive DVLSR’s Advocate Award for his enthusiastic willingness to provide continuous pro bono legal representation to victims of domestic violence.
“This year’s honorees have helped ensure that the doors of justice are open to all, regardless of income. Each honoree has tremendously impacted families affected by domestic violence at several important levels – at the attorney level, the judicial level, and the legal education level. I am proud of the important work of DVLSR and honored to present these awards to advocates who share our mission of providing meaningful access to justice to those who need it most,” said Sharon Bashan, Director of the DVLSR Program.
James Towery, Chief Trial Counsel for the State Bar of California, will deliver the reception’s keynote address on the value of pro bono service and the ethics of access to justice in civil cases. Mr. Towery, a former Partner at San Jose’s Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel Inc., has over 30 years of civil litigation experience with a special focus on legal ethics. He has devoted substantial efforts to public protection issues throughout his career. Mr. Towery is a distinguished leader of the California Bar, having served as President of the State Bar, on the California Chief Justice’s Commission on Multi-Jurisdictional Practice, and currently as Chief Trial Counsel, a position in which he oversees the State Bar’s largest operation, the discipline office. He has been involved in the community in various ways, including as a co-founder of the Silicon Valley Campaign for Legal Services, which has raised and distributed over a million dollars in recent years to local legal service agencies.
